Updated: December 20, 2024

Your Guide to the Best Online Checking Accounts of December 2024

Bank smarter – open a Checking Account with no minimum balance requirements.

Compare checking accounts that offer a high APY, rewards, and sign up bonuses.
Choosing the right bank largely depends on choosing the right checking account. This is the most basic relationship you have with your bank since it is the most frequently accessed account. But beware: checking accounts are rife with fees, as they can cost banks about $300 annually to maintain.

Our Featured Pick

selected an account with MyBankTracker this week.
MyBankTracker Rating
Our editors analyze the factors below to determine ratings and give you the best guidance:

Fees

Factors in common account fees, including monthly service charges, ATM fees, and overdraft fees.

Accessibility

Factors in the size of branch and ATM networks (for traditional banks) or ease of ATM access for (online banks).

Technology

Factors in the availability of online and mobile banking, in addition to the scope of their features.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can checking accounts earn interest like a savings account?

Yes, some checking accounts pay interest on account balances. Some checking accounts may have requirements to earn the advertised interest rate, such as maintaining a certain balance or performing certain transactions per month.

How do I pick a checking account?

Since a checking account often acts as your financial hub, you’ll want a balance of convenience and cost. Factor in the ease of conducting the banking transactions that matter to you most, such as branch/ATM access or check-writing, and the associated fees, especially monthly service charges and ATM surcharges.

How is a debit card different from a credit card?

When you make a purchase with your debit card, your account funds are used to pay for it. With a credit card, you are borrowing money to pay for a purchase. Also, debit card activity is usually not reported to U.S. credit bureaus, which means it won’t affect your credit scores.
Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all account options available. *APY (Annual Percentage Yield).

Rates / Annual Percentage Yield terms are current as of the date indicated. Rates are subject to change without notice and may not be the same at all branches. These quotes are from banks, credit unions, and thrifts, some of which have paid for a link to their website. Bank, thrift, and credit unions are member FDIC or NCUA. Contact the financial institution for the terms and conditions that may apply to you.

Editorial Disclosure: This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.