The best checking accounts are those that provide you with everything a person needs. They have low or no fees, good accessibility, and reliable customer service - all without taking too much from your paycheck in the process!
We researched hundreds of banks to find out what is considered "the very finest" when it comes down to a checking account selection for savvy consumers like yourself who want both quality products as well as value pricing on their services.
Our analysis led us through reviewing dozens upon dozen options before finding top choices. Here are the top checking accounts that we believe are most worthy of your consideration:
Based on how you've been conducting your everyday banking transactions, your preferences in a checking account may vary. From big banks to online banks to credit unions, you'll be able to find the right checking account for your financial lifestyle.
Here are our choices for the best checking accounts that you can choose from:
Chase has one of the best offers for new customers who are looking for a new checking account (and/or savings account). In addition to an attractive welcome bonus, the Chase Total Checking account is the bank's basic checking offering that is capable of serving many consumers well.
You have access to a large number of branches and ATMs across the country while also having access to comprehensive banking services that aren't typically available through online banks.
For a full-service, traditional checking account with widespread branch access, Chase Total Checking is the best option for the average consumer.
Chase Total Checking Account Pros & Cons
Pros
Large branch and ATM network
Excellent digital financial tools for creating budgets and setting goals
CIT Bank eChecking Account: Best for Online Checking
The CIT Bank eChecking account stands out as the top choice for an all-around online checking option that has no monthly fees and up to $30 per month in ATM fee reimbursements.
That is, you'll be able to use any ATM of your choice -- at your convenience -- knowing that you're not losing money to ATM fees.
Combined with a robust mobile banking app (which comes with mobile check deposits), you'll have everything you need to manage your account without ever having to go to a physical branch.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking: Best for High Interest Rates
The best checking accounts can earn much more interest than the typical savings account. Even better, these accounts tend to have friendly fee policies.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking deserves an award for its extremely-high checking rate on all deposit balances when a few simple requirements are met.
Additionally, its overall fee policy includes unlimited ATM fee refunds and no overdraft fees (plus, no monthly fees).
Axos Bank Rewards Checking Account Pros & Cons
Pros
No monthly fee or overdraft fees
Earn a high interest rate (based on fulfilled criteria)
Ally Bank Spending Account: Best for Money Management Tools
The Ally Bank Spending Account offers multiple ways for customers to access and manage their accounts–making it easier to conduct their banking and handle their finances.
With no monthly maintenance fee, the account provides early direct deposit, overdraft leniency, $10 per month in ATM fee reimbursements, and an automatic round-up savings program.
Other attractive perks include interest earnings, high mobile checking deposit limits, high Zelle limits, and free checkbooks.
LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking: Best for Debit Card Rewards
It's not very common for a bank to offer debit card rewards nowadays.
The LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking account provides unlimited 1% cash back on debit card purchases.
To sweeten the deal, customers don't have to pay any monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees. And, it doesn't stop there.
The account will refund all ATM fees incurred, which means you can use any ATM you want (LendingClub Bank does not charge a fee to use another bank or operator's ATMs).
Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking: Best Credit Union Checking
Not everyone wants to conduct their finances with a bank. That's where credit unions come in. Luckily, credit union checking accounts tend to be very consumer-friendly.
Alliant Credit Union takes top honors for its High-Rate Checking Account.
On top of having no monthly fee, this account will refund up to $20 per month in ATM fees, which should be more than enough. It doesn't stop there: deposits also earn a solid interest rate for a checking account.
For a credit union, the eligibility to become a new member isn't too restrictive. You make a small one-time donation to a partnered charity to become eligible for joining Alliant CU.
How did we decide what makes a great checking account? For this guide, we analyzed more than 50 popular checking accounts from top banks and financial institutions.
The Best Checking Account awards are given based on widespread ATM access, branch locations, interest earned, perks, bonuses, fees, and the ease of waiving them.
On the surface, checking accounts seem simple, but there are a number of things you need to pay attention to when picking a checking account.
Americans give high priority to low fees when selecting checking accounts and downplay customer service, rewards programs, and even the financial health of the bank offering services, according to our survey.
Monthly Maintenance Fees
A monthly maintenance fee is common for checking accounts, especially those from banks that operate physical branches and ATM networks. Most of the time, you can avoid this fee if you meet one of these criteria:
Maintain a minimum balance requirement
Receive direct deposits each month (e.g., paycheck, government benefits, etc.)
Use your account in a certain way (e.g., perform 10 debit card transactions)
Not all banks charge this fee -- we track how to avoid these bank fees.
If you take out more money than you have in your checking account, either through a withdrawal, check, or debit purchase, the bank will charge an overdraft fee. This can be as much as $30 or more per transaction.
Banks let you take money out of their ATM network at no charge but if you use another company’s ATM, you’ll need to pay a fee of a few dollars.
The other company might charge you an ATM fee as well. So you could find yourself paying $5 or more just to make one withdrawal. To avoid ATM fees, use a bank that has many machines in your area and plan ahead to only use in-network ATMs.
fee waived for: Portfolio Checking accounts, the first transaction for Preferred Checking accounts, & the first 4 transactions when enrolled in Military Banking program
3%
$5
Chase
$2.50
fee waived for: Chase Premier Platinum Checking, Chase Premier Savings, & the first 4 transactions for Chase Premier Plus Checking
3%
$5 (balance inquiry fee is $2.50)
Citibank
$2.50
fee waived for: Citigold and Citi Priority members, if monthly balance requirements are met for all members, & if first listed account owner is 62+ for Basic Banking members
3%
$5
U.S. Bank
$2.50
fee waived for: Platinum Checking accounts & the first 2 transactions for Gold Checking
2% for U.S. dollars and 3% for international currency
$2.50
PNC Bank
$3
fee waived for: Performance Select Checking accounts & first 2 transactions for Performance Checking
fee waived for: the first 4 transactions for all accounts
2.8% or 3%, depending on whether transaction is made in U.S. dollars or a foreign currency
$3
Fifth Third Bank
$2.75
fee waived for: the first 10 transactions Military Checking accounts & the first 5 for Student Checking accounts
3.2% (3% for transaction + .2% for currency conversion)
$5
KeyBank
$2.50
fee waived for: Key Privilege Select Checking accounts & reimbursement up to $6/month for Key Advantage Checking accounts, Key Privilege Checking accounts, & Key Student Checking accounts
2%
$5
Regions Bank
$2.50
fee waived for: the first 2 transactions for Preferred Checking accounts & the first 2 transactions if you provide your Military ID for any Regions Checking accounts
3%
$5
M&T Bank
$3
fee waived for: no accounts
$0.50 or 3% of the U.S.
dollar amount, whichever is greater, of any Visa transaction
$5 or 3% of the
U.S. dollar amount, whichever is greater, of the transaction
Comerica Bank
$2.50
fee waived for: no accounts
3%
$5
HSBC Bank
$2.50
fee waived for: no accounts
3%
$2.50
Santander
$3 (student value checking is $2)
fee waived for: Santander Premier Plus Checking accounts & Santander Select Checking accounts
3% when you use your ATM card and 4% when you use your debit card
$6
BMO Harris Bank
$2.50
fee waived for: accounts with a college student member & Premier accounts, plus will rebate up to $25 in fees charged by other banks ATM's
3%
$3
Other Account Fees
If you want the bank to mail paper account statements to you each month, they might charge a paper statement fee.
If you bounce a check, meaning you give someone a check and don’t have enough money, you could pay a returned check fee.
If your checking account limits monthly withdrawals, you would pay a fee for every withdrawal made over the monthly limit.
Other Important Features & Services
Online banking
Online banking is virtually found with every bank in the U.S. With online banking, you can usually review your account details, view balances and transactions, pay online bills, perform fund transfers, and much more.
There are great opportunities to save and get great rates through virtual online banks.
These banks can offer customers some advantages in lower fees or better rates, however, it’s important to evaluate how convenient or cost-effective these are if you need to conduct physical transactions.
Mobile banking lets you manage your accounts directly through a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet device.
Many banks offer their own mobile applications on these devices.
Mobile banking features will be very similar to the bank's online banking features.
However, you could gain access to additional features such as mobile check deposit, which allow you to deposit a check without going to a bank branch or ATM.
Check printing & free Checks
While online banking gives you more options to pay bills and transfer money, it’s still nice to have some regular checks. Some companies and government agencies won’t accept online transfers and only accept paper checks.
Make sure your bank at least gives you the option to buy checks for your account. If they offer free checks, that’s a nice bonus, but it’s inexpensive enough to buy checks yourself.
Customer service
It's important that the checking account you choose offers a comfortable level of customer service.
If you prefer dealing with everything in person, you most likely need to work with a traditional bank that has branches in your area.
If you want a phone service, make sure your bank has convenient hours to call for help; many offer at least some kind of 24-hour service.
Online customer service is also becoming popular. This is a way to chat with a representative online as you go over your online banking account.
Types of Checking Accounts We Track
Checking accounts are the most common type of bank accounts. They let you make withdrawals and deposits out of ATMs, write checks to other people, transfer money with online banking, or make purchases at stores with a debit card.
Banks also let you make many transactions per month with a checking account. Other bank accounts, like savings accounts, usually have a strict limit on the number of times you can take money out of your account each month.
Basic
Basic checking accounts are designed for core financial activities. With these accounts, you usually get access to a debit card and online banking.
They usually won’t pay interest on your savings, and if you want anything else like writing checks or using a safety deposit box, you’ll need to buy them separately.
You're likely to face a low monthly account fee with simple fee-waiver requirements --some checking accounts will not charge any monthly fees at all.
Premium
Premium checking accounts come with more perks. They can offer free checks, access to a safety deposit box, waived fees when you use out-of-network ATMs, and higher interest rates than basic checking accounts.
In exchange, the monthly service fees and minimum balance requirement to waive those fees are likely to be much higher.
Some brokerage firms let their clients open checking accounts that earn more interest, though there might be more restrictions on how often you can take out your money.
Second-chance checking
If you've mismanaged a checking account in the past, banks could refuse to give you a regular checking account. A second chance checking account can help you repair your reputation with banks.
These accounts tend to carry a monthly fee and could have a higher minimum balance requirement. However, after using one of these accounts responsibly for a few months, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to a regular checking account.
Student checking accounts are basic accounts targeted to students in high school or college. They usually waive the minimum balance requirements and service fees until the student graduates or reaches a certain age.
How to Pick A Checking Account
A checking account is one of the safest places to keep your money. Your deposits are insured by the government, so you can’t lose the money you put in your checking account.
Checking accounts also make it easier to manage your finances.
You can pay bills with checks or online banking, have your employer automatically deposit your paycheck into your account, and take out money around the world with your debit card.
When you manage everything with cash, there’s always the chance you could misplace money, and some companies don’t accept cash payments. With a checking account, you’ll have a more convenient way to handle your finances.
Check your banking needs
How much money do you plan on keeping in your checking account? For most people, this is the biggest factor when they compare checking accounts.
A premier account with free checks and other features are nice, but unless you really need to keep thousands of dollars in your checking account, it makes more sense to use a basic account and buy these extras separately.
Your lifestyle
How often do you plan on making withdrawals? If you like to make multiple small withdrawals every week, make sure your checking account doesn’t have a low limit for transactions.
When it comes to the best checking accounts, it's important to pick an account with a high-interest rate and low fees.
You should choose a checking account that reimburses you for ATM fees incurred so you don’t get stuck paying $5 or more every time you take money out.
If your financial activity is likely to lead to many fees, consider checking accounts with friendly fee policies. Incorporating your lifestyle into your decision is the best way to ensure you get the best checking account.
Online vs. traditional banks
Traditional bank accounts can be more convenient, especially if you like being able to talk to a bank teller in person. You usually have access to more branches and ATMs and you can get money out of a traditional checking account more quickly.
Online bank accounts usually pay a higher interest rate on your savings and checking and have lower account minimums and fees. It can take a little more planning to move money in and out of your online account, but this approach can be more cost-effective.
Another solution is to open a checking account at your bank for daily transactions while having most of your money in an online account.
When searching for the best online checking account for you, banking convenience is one of the most important features to keep in mind.
Methodology
We took a deep look at more than 30 checking accounts offered by the largest and most popular U.S. financial institutions (including traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions) and financial services providers. The criteria for the selection process included account fees, interest rates, accessibility, digital banking experiences, and other features that allow consumers to better manage their accounts.
Simon Zhen is the chief research analyst for MyBankTracker and an expert on consumer banking products, bank innovations, and financial technology.
Simon has contributed and/or been quoted in major publications and outlets including Consumer Reports, American Banker, Yahoo Finance, U.S. News - World Report, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Lifehacker, and AOL.com. Education: Education: B.S. in Health Sciences from Stony Brook University.
We believe by providing tools and education we can help people optimize their finances to regain control of their future. While our articles may include or feature select companies, vendors, and products, our approach to compiling such is equitable and unbiased. The content that we create is free and independently-sourced, devoid of any paid-for promotion.
This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are 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.
MyBankTracker generates revenue through our relationships with our partners and affiliates. We may mention or include reviews of their products, at times, but it does not affect our recommendations, which are completely based on the research and work of our editorial team. We are not contractually obligated in any way to offer positive or recommendatory reviews of their services. View our list of partners.
MyBankTracker has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. MyBankTracker and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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We believe by providing tools and education we can help people optimize their finances to regain control of their future. While our articles may include or feature select companies, vendors, and products, our approach to compiling such is equitable and unbiased. The content that we create is free and independently-sourced, devoid of any paid-for promotion.
This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are 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.
MyBankTracker generates revenue through our relationships with our partners and affiliates. We may mention or include reviews of their products, at times, but it does not affect our recommendations, which are completely based on the research and work of our editorial team. We are not contractually obligated in any way to offer positive or recommendatory reviews of their services. View our list of partners.
MyBankTracker has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. MyBankTracker and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
