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Feb 23, 2025
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Online Banking
Savings Accounts
Checking Accounts
Business Checking
1
SoFi® Checking & Savings
Earn 7x the national checking rate¹Checking & savings combined into one account
- Grow your money with 0.50% APY² on your checking balances
- Earn $50 or $300 with qualifying direct deposit, terms apply³
- No account fees or balance minimums⁴
- Member FDIC ; up to $3M of additional FDIC insurance on deposits
9.3
BestMoneyscore
320,197 users
chose an account with BestMoney this month
BestMoney Total Score
Our product scores consist of a combination of the following 3 components:
Popularity
BestMoney measures user engagement based on the number of clicks each listed brand received in the past 7 days. The number of clicks to each brand will be measured against other brands listed in the same query. Therefore, the higher the share of clicks a brand receives in any specific query, the higher the Click Trend Score. BestMoney accepts advertising compensation from companies, which impacts their (and/or their products’) position, and in some cases, may also affect their Click Trend Score.
Brand Reputation
Semrush is a trusted and comprehensive tool that offers insights about online visibility and performance. The BestMoney Total Score will consist of the brand's reputation from Semrush. The brand reputation is based on Semrush's analysis of clickstream data, which includes user behavior, search patterns, and engagement, to accurately measure each brand's prominence, credibility, and trustworthiness. If a brand does not have a Semrush score, the BestMoney Total Score will be based solely on the Click Trend Score and Products & Features Score (read below).
Features & Benefits
BestMoney’s editorial team researches and reviews financial products based on factors such as: range of products and services offered, ease-of-use, online accessibility, customer service, special awards, and more. Each brand is then given a score based on the offerings in each parameter. The specific parameters which we use to evaluate the score of each product can be found on its review page.
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Most Popular On BestMoney
SoFi® Checking & Savings
Earn 7x the national checking rate¹Checking & savings combined into one account
- Grow your money with 0.50% APY² on your checking balances
- Earn $50 or $300 with qualifying direct deposit, terms apply³
- No account fees or balance minimums⁴
- Member FDIC ; up to $3M of additional FDIC insurance on deposits
9.3
BestMoneyscore
Why Open an Online Checking Account?
An online checking account beats a traditional checking account for the same reason as email beats the postal system and online shopping beats brick-and-mortar stores. Online checking accounts are based on traditional checking accounts, but with more convenience, less cost, and less hassle.
Online checking accounts have been around since the early days of the internet, but at first were quite limited in terms of functionality. In recent years online checking accounts have become more sophisticated. In fact, many online checking accounts now include a free mobile app that lets people do their banking from their phone.
These days, consumers can do virtually all their banking online or on their mobile banking app, from bank-to-bank transfers, to depositing checks, to scheduling bill payments. Many of the best banks even offer add-ons like ID theft insurance, roadside assistance, and retail rewards programs.
How to Compare Online Checking Accounts
No 2 checking accounts are equal, so it’s worth doing a comparison shop before settling on an online bank. The following is a checklist of things to focus on when comparing online checking accounts.
- Monthly Fee: Some online checking accounts come with no monthly fees while others come with a flat monthly fee (typically ranging from $1 to $50). Typically, top banks agree to waive the monthly fee if the customer keeps their balance above a minimum amount (e.g. $1,000 or $10,000). Always ask what you’re getting for your fee. For a basic checking account, there shouldn’t be any fee. For an account that’s packed with features, a fee is considered acceptable.
- Additional Fees: Online banks always charge a fee for international transfers and some also charge for domestic transfers. Most online banks offer free ATM withdrawals from their own ATMs and reimbursements from third-party ATMs.
- Customer service: Some online banks have physical branches, while others operate exclusively online. Some offer personalized customer service (usually for a monthly fee) while others make you wait on the phone with everyone else. Some offer live chat straight from your online or mobile bank account, others don’t. Many of the best banks offer round-the-clock customer service.
- Savings accounts: Some banks only offer checking accounts. Others offer a selection of checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Better yet, some of the top banks offer hybrid checking-savings accounts that let the customer simultaneously have everyday access to their account and save money.
- Credit or debit cards: Like regular checking accounts, online checking accounts usually come with the option of linking a credit or debit card to the account. Online banks are increasingly offering customers a choice of credit card plans, each with a different rate and different set of features and benefits.
- Loans: Another benefit of opening an online checking account is it can give you easy access to loans. Depending on the bank, there may be personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and many other types of lending products. Online loans offer the same benefits as online checking accounts: greater convenience, lower fees, and quicker applications.
Our Top Online Checking Account as of Feb 4th 2026
Sponsored offer
| Bank | APY/Rewards Earning | 24/7 Support | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 3.50% | Yes |  Visit Site |
What Services do Online Checking Accounts Offer?
Online checking accounts offer all the same functions as traditional checking accounts—and more. Online checking accounts have revolutionized banking, allowing users to do everything they would have previously done in-branch from the comfort of their own home, or from on the go.
Here are some of the features usually offered with an online checking account:
Domestic and international wire transfers - Send and receive money between your account and another person’s account.
- Transfer money between accounts - Transfer money between your own checking and savings accounts.
Multiple account integration - Keep your accounts organized and easy to access.
Bill payment - Stay on top of your bills and set reminders so you never miss a beat.
Digital check deposit - Instantly scan and deposit a check with your smartphone and get access to the funds straight away.
Digital/downloadable account statements - Great for managing your budget, and for instantly sending records to your accountant.
Mobile banking app - Manage your accounts from your mobile device.
Mobile payments - Make purchases straight from your account with Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Sophisticated security and encryption - Keep your data safe with multi-factor authentication and extra-strong encryption.
FDIC Insurance - Deposits insured up to at least $250,000 (and sometimes as high as $1.5 million, depending on the bank).
SMS / email alerts - Notifications whenever any unusual or suspicious activity occurs in relation to your bank account.
ATMs - Withdraw money from thousands of ATMs in the US and around the world, and get reimbursements from third-party ATM withdrawals.
Credit card rewards - Get points for making purchases with your account-linked credit card.
SoFi Disclaimer:
1. Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. Terms Apply. Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/2025) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
3. Terms Apply. New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
4. We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/
5. We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Additional FDIC Insurance - SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
Chime Disclaimer:
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services for the Chime Checking Account are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the 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 3 individual rewards, up to a max of $350.00, as described at https://www.chime.com/policies/newmemberofferv3.
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.
VaroMoney Terms and Conditions:
1. We give access to direct deposits from employer & government payers on the day we receive them, typically up to 2 days earlier than your scheduled pay date.
2. The Varo Line of Credit (VLOC) is a short term loan with credit limits ranging from $600 - $2000. A flat fee of $60 to $400 is assessed with each advanced based on the amount. Once qualified your credit limit may fluctuate based on a variety of factors. You may only take on VLOC advance out at a time. Eligibility and/or credit limit information is available in the Varo App. Quals apply.
3. Varo Believe is a secured credit card designed to help you build credit; however, a variety of factors impact your credit and not all factors are equally weighted. You must add money before using, money added sets the spending limit. Funds spent are held in your Varo Believe Secured Account to pay off any balance in full monthly, when due. Quals apply. The Varo Visa® Believe Card is issued by Varo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc
OnePay Cash Disclaimer:
OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC. OnePay Debit Card is issued by banking partners Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
OnePay does not provide tax advice or tax services. Tax e-file services through OnePay are provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. (“april”).
april supports the filing of federal, state and certain local taxes. You should consult a qualified tax professional for questions about your specific circumstances.
1. 3.35% 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. 3.35% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.35% 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 10/7/2025, but may change at any time before or after account opening.
2. Only available to customers who either (i) received $500+ in direct deposits or (ii) had a total balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. See OnePay Rewards Terms.
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.
7. When you direct deposit into OnePay Cash. Tax refunds may be available up to 5 days in advance of the scheduled payment day, but access to funds depends on when payer sends refund data and timing of your refund is not guaranteed.
PNC Bank Disclaimer:
*Offer is contingent on product availability and may vary based on where you open your account and your address. For Branch origination, product availability will be based on the physical PNC location. You may earn a $400 reward if you open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select or a $100 reward if you open new Virtual Wallet and meet all qualifying conditions. If you change your Virtual Wallet product after account opening, the product that you are in on the last business day of the month in which you opened your account will determine your offer eligibility, terms and corresponding reward amount, if applicable. Changing your product type after opening an account could result in your account being reviewed and paid a different reward amount. You will only be considered for one reward amount, which is based on the product type that you have open at the time that your account is reviewed for meeting offer stipulations.
To qualify for the reward, the new Virtual Wallet product must be opened online via the application links on this page beginning 12/09/25 through 1/5/26, and a qualifying Direct Deposit(s) must be received within the first 60 days. Your Virtual Wallet product must remain open in order for you to receive the reward, which will be credited to the eligible account within 60-90 days after all conditions have been met and will be identified as "Credits Check Reward" on your monthly statement.
A qualifying Direct Deposit is defined as a recurring Direct Deposit of a paycheck, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income electronically deposited by an employer or an outside agency into the Spend account of a Virtual Wallet with Performance Select, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend or Virtual Wallet. The total amount of all qualifying Direct Deposits credited to your Spend account must be at least $5,000 for Virtual Wallet with Performance Select, $2,000 for Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend or $500 for Virtual Wallet. Credit card cash advance transfers, wire transfers, transfers from one account to another or deposits made at a branch or ATM do not qualify as qualifying Direct Deposits.
New account will not be eligible for offer if any signer has signing authority on an existing PNC Bank consumer checking account or has closed an account within the past 90 days, or has been paid a promotional premium in the past 24 months. If multiple accounts are opened with the same signers, only one account will be eligible for the premium. For this offer, signing authority will be defined by the customer name(s) and Social Security number(s) registered on the account. Offer may be extended, modified or discontinued at any time and may vary by market. The value of the reward may be reported on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099, and may be considered taxable income to you. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
Bank of America Disclaimer:
The offer is for new checking customers only. Offer expires 05/31/2026. To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Earn $100 with $2,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $300 with $5,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $500 with $10,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are NOT ELIGIBLE for this offer. Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days. Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
*Qualifying Direct Deposits are direct deposits of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account routing numbers that you provide.