Our Best Checking Accounts for 2025

It lets you deposit money, make payments, and track your spending. Through features like debit cards, direct deposit, and online banking, these accounts serve as the primary hub for managing your everyday finances.

In this guide, we evaluate our best online banks and their checking accounts based on key factors, including fees, ATM access, digital features, and rewards programs to help you find the most suitable option for your needs. 

What to Look for in a Checking Account

• Account types: Choose the account type that suits your needs: basic for simple banking, premium for perks, or specialized for students or seniors.
• Fees: Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees or easy ways to waive them, and watch out for charges like overdraft, ATM, and foreign transaction fees.
• Rewards and bonuses: Compare sign-up bonuses (typically requiring direct deposit) and ongoing rewards like cash back on debit purchases or high-yield interest rates.
• ATM network: Consider network size and out-of-network fee reimbursement policies, especially if you travel or use ATMs frequently.
• Digital features: Evaluate mobile app quality and availability of features like mobile check deposit, free online bill pay, and integration with payment services.
• Overdraft options: Consider accounts with flexible overdraft programs, such as low fees or overdraft protection through linked accounts.
• Interest rates and high-yield options: Standard checking accounts offer minimal interest (around 0.10%), but some online banks provide high-yield accounts with 2% to 4.5% APY for qualifying direct deposits, ideal for large balances.

Our Best Checking Accounts for 2025

1. Discover® Cashback Debit Checking

Discover® Cashback Debit Checking Visit Site

Discover offers a fee-free checking account that combines debit rewards with traditional banking features. While acceptance is more limited than Visa or Mastercard in the US, the account creates extra value by integrating with Discover's broader credit card rewards ecosystem.

Why we like it: The account earns 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in monthly debit purchases while charging no fees. Free cash deposits at Walmart and instant Zelle transfers provide convenient options for managing your money. 

Potential drawbacks: Limited international acceptance can make traveling abroad challenging, and some U.S. merchants don't accept Discover cards. Plus, the monthly cash back rewards are capped at $30.

2. Chime

Chime® Visit Site

Chime** is a mobile banking app that offers checking accounts backed by FDIC-insured partner banks. Unlike traditional banks, Chime operates entirely through your smartphone. It focuses on helping you manage your money better with features like early access to your paycheck and tools to avoid overdraft fees.

Why we like it: Chime excels at removing common banking barriers with features like SpotMe®, which covers overdrafts up to $200 without fees and early paycheck access up to $500. The ability to send instant money transfers and make free cash deposits at Walmart makes it particularly convenient for mobile-first banking.

Potential drawbacks: Since Chime is completely digital, there are no physical branches for in-person banking services. Mobile check deposits may take longer than traditional banks and cash deposits can only be made at specific partner locations.

3. OnePay Cash

OnePay Cash Visit SIte

OnePay Cash partners with Coastal Community Bank to provide an online checking account that comes with a debit Mastercard. The platform focuses on earning rewards through your debit card purchases while offering standard digital banking features.

Why we like it: The rotating 5% cash back categories set OnePay Cash apart, covering everyday expenses like groceries, restaurants, and rideshares. Plus, you get 3% back at Walmart and access to seamless mobile banking tools. 

Potential drawbacks: Overdraft protection and expanded ATM access require monthly direct deposits. The rotating rewards categories can be complex to track, and cash back at Walmart is capped at $50 annually.

Methodology: How We Rate Our Best Checking Accounts

When selecting our top checking account recommendations, we take a thoughtful, multi-faceted approach to identify options that will work well for a diverse range of customers. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive and trustworthy guide to online banking. To achieve this, we've conducted thorough research analyzing user reviews and feedback, focusing on the key factors and concerns of online banking customers. 

Key Factors in Assessing Checking Accounts

When evaluating our best checking accounts, we focus on several essential criteria:

• Service quality: We assess overall service quality, including account fees, rewards, security measures (like Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) backing), customer support, and the digital banking experience.

• Customer support: We prioritize accounts from banks that offer responsive and accessible customer support across multiple channels.

• Fee transparency: Our evaluation emphasizes checking accounts with clear fee structures that minimize common charges such as monthly maintenance and overdraft fees.

• Competitive interest rates: We analyze the APY offered on checking balances to ensure competitive interest rates.

• Security measures: Robust online security is vital; we review banks' protocols for two-factor authentication, data encryption, and fraud prevention.

• Digital experience: We evaluate the design, functionality, and user-friendliness of banks' digital platforms, including mobile apps.

• Flexible fund access: We value accounts that allow quick transfers between personal accounts and external destinations.

• Cost-effective features: Our recommendations highlight accounts with free services, such as no-fee checking and ATM fee reimbursements.

Additional Considerations

While not always critical, we also consider:

• Physical branch availability: Some users prefer access to physical branches alongside online banking.

• Direct deposit incentives: Bonuses for setting up direct deposits can be appealing.

• International services: Features like global ATM fee reimbursement and easy wire transfers are important for travelers.

• Personalization options: Tools for savings management and goal-setting can enhance financial organization.

6 Different Types of Checking Accounts

1. Traditional checking accounts: The most common type of checking account is a traditional account, which can be opened at most banks and credit unions. They typically offer checks and a debit or ATM card for easy access to your funds.

2. Premium checking accounts: These accounts provide additional perks compared to traditional accounts, often at a higher cost. It’s important to note that premium checking accounts tend to charge fewer fees, but require a higher minimum deposit and monthly balance. Benefits may include waived ATM fees, free personal checks, and lower mortgage interest rates.

3. Student checking accounts: Specifically designed for students, these accounts usually waive monthly fees but offer limited features. They serve as a straightforward banking option for young adults managing their finances.

4. Senior checking accounts: Tailored for older adults, senior checking accounts often come with a minimum age requirement. In exchange, they typically waive monthly maintenance fees and provide enhanced overdraft protection.

5. Interest-earning checking accounts: Unlike traditional checking accounts these accounts allow you to earn interest on your balance. They are ideal for those who need frequent access to funds while still wanting to grow their savings.

6. Rewards-earning checking accounts: Less common than other types, rewards-earning accounts offer points or cash back instead of interest on your balance. They allow you to earn rewards for everyday spending, which can be particularly appealing for frequent travelers who can redeem points with airline and hotel partners.

Understanding Checking Account Interest Rates

Most checking accounts offer low interest (around 0.08%) because they're built for frequent transactions rather than saving. Unlike savings accounts that limit withdrawals to encourage saving, checking accounts prioritize easy access through debit cards, checks, and unlimited transactions.

However, some online banks now offer high-yield checking accounts with rates up to 5% APY. These typically require:

• Direct deposit setup

• Minimum monthly deposits

• Minimum debit card transactions

• Maintaining minimum balances

Checking Account Fees to Look Out For

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), checking account holders pay an average of $9.87 per month in fees, including transfer and overdraft fees. 

Here are some common fees to look out for:

• Monthly maintenance fees

• Overdraft fees

• Foreign transaction fees

• ATM fees

• Insufficient funds fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is a checking account?

A checking account is a deposit account at a bank or credit union that grants you access to your funds. You can deposit, withdraw, make transfers, or use a debit card to move your money. 

How are prepaid debit cards different from checking accounts?

A prepaid debit card is entirely different from a checking account. While a checking account allows you to write checks, use a standard debit card, and make transfers, a prepaid debit card isn’t typically linked to an account. Instead, you load funds to the prepaid debit card and use it for purchases until you run out of money. 

Are checking accounts safe?

Yes, checking accounts are safe. Legitimate accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), which will reimburse you if an institution faces insolvency. 

How can I close a checking account?

Closing a checking account can be done in a couple of different ways. Generally speaking, you should be able to do so online. Otherwise, you can call your bank or credit union and ask a customer service representative to close it. 

Disclaimer

**Chime 

Chime® is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply.

The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

**Chime is recommended by more of its users in the 2024 Qualtrics NPS study when compared to top national banks and select fintechs. THE #1 MOST LOVED BANKING APP is a Registered Trademark of Chime Financial, Inc.

*Terms apply. Limited time only, must open the new account and complete qualifying activities to earn the rewards, up to a maximum of $350.00, as described at https://www.chime.com/policies/newmemberofferv2.

Chime is not FDIC-insured. The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. are the FDIC-insured members. Deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply.

+SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's or its banking partners' discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won't cover non-card transactions. Spot Me on Chime Card Terms and Conditions.

^Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

-Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

1. Bank ranking and number of ATMs according to U.S. News & World Report® 2023.

2. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian in January 2024, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

3. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

4. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.

***OnePay Cash

1. 3.75% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.75% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.75% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 12/20/2024, but may change at any time before or after account opening. 

2. Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable as a deposit into a OnePay Cash account pursuant to the OnePay Rewards Terms. Only applies to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ as of the last day of the previous month. This reward applies to purchases at U.S. Walmart locations and on Walmart.com only and may not be combined with other OnePay Cash promotions for cash back at Walmart.

3. Only applies to deposits and withdrawals with a OnePay Cash debit card made at Walmart Money Centers, cashiers, or Customer Service desks.

4. Available to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ as of the last day of the previous month. You must be 18 or older to receive Overdraft Protection. When on, Savings Backup will be used before Overdraft Protection. Overdraft balance is due right away. Transactions eligible for Overdraft Protection are at the discretion of OnePay and may exclude certain transactions (e.g., bill pay, global transfers). See details. 

5. Only applies to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. For all other ATM transactions the OnePay ATM Fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.

6. Direct Deposit is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data.