Morgan Stanley Private Bank Max-Rate Checking Account 2024 Review

The Max-Rate Checking account is one of two checking options offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, after having acquired E*TRADE. The account offers an extremely attractive APY for a checking account in addition to unlimited ATM fee refunds. The account has a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived when certain requirements are met.

Interest Rates

The Max-Rate Checking account comes with many attractive features. Its most notable feature is the ability to earn interest on your deposits.

Some people only associate interest with opening a savings account. But this isn’t the only way to earn cash.

Interest checking is another option, particularly if you maintain a large balance in checking. In this situation, it only makes sense to get some type of return on your money.

Of course, interest checking isn’t uncommon, and you’ll find that many banks offer these types of accounts.

But as you compare the Max-Rate Checking with other accounts, you’ll also find that Morgan Stanley Private Bank's rate is higher than what you’ll find elsewhere.

A higher rate maximizes your return. So the more cash you deposit into your checking, the more you’ll earn in interest.

Unlimited ATM Fee Refunds

One benefit of opening a checking account is being able to visit an ATM anytime and withdraw cash from your account.

But unfortunately, ATM withdrawals are often accompanied by fees. More so if you use an ATM outside of your bank’s network.

Depending on how often you go to the ATM, fees can add up considerably over the years.

For this reason, the Max-Rate Checking account is worth considering if you’re looking to get away from these fees.

Open this account and you will never incur a fee for ATM withdrawals, meaning you can go to any ATM nationwide.

In such a scenario, however, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee.

No worries, though.

Any ATM fees you’re charged by another bank are automatically credited to your checking account. This takes the stress and hassles out of accessing your money.

Rather than drive around town and waste gas finding an in-network ATM, you can stop at the closest ATM, get your cash, and move on with your day.

Monthly Fee

Monthly checking account fees are typical. Many people anticipate paying a service or maintenance fee when opening a checking account.

Financial institutions charge these fees to cover the cost of maintaining accounts.

But while service fees are commonplace, these fees are annoying nonetheless.

The Max-Rate Checking offers several ways to avoid its $15 monthly fee.

One option is to maintain an average balance of $5,000 in your account.

Likewise, you’ll avoid this fee if you sign up for direct deposit and have at least one direct deposit of $200 into your checking account per month.

If your employer offers this pay alternative, contact your HR or payroll manager for enrollment information.

Direct deposit is a win-win for you. Not only will you avoid the monthly service fee once you are set up, you might be able to access your earnings sooner.

Plus, you avoid weekly or bi-weekly trips to the bank — a major timesaver.

You’ll also avoid the monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a combined balance of $50,000 or more across all your Morgan Stanley accounts, or if you execute at least 30 stock or options trades per calendar month.

Get Started With a $100 Deposit

Be mindful that there’s a minimum opening deposit requirement for the Max-Rate Checking account.

You’ll need a minimum opening deposit of $100.

This is slightly higher than what some checking accounts require.

But considering how this account rewards you with interest, the minimum opening deposit is on par with the requirement for other interest-bearing accounts.

Some money market accounts and certificates of deposits have similar requirements.

Other Account Fees to Watch For

The monthly service fee isn’t the only fee to watch for.

Fees can eat away at interest earnings, so it’s important to know what you’re paying.

For the most part, this account keeps fees low. Even so, keep in mind that you’ll pay a $10 fee each time you make a loan payment by check.

You’ll also pay a $25 return check fee for insufficient funds in your account.

And if you link your Max-Rate Checking account with a savings account and enroll in overdraft protection, there’s a $5 fee per transfer.

Morgan Stanley Private Bank Max-Rate Checking Account Fees

Manage Your Account Effortlessly

Finding a checking account that can accommodate your lifestyle is also a priority.

You’re undoubtedly busy.

So you need an account that’ll make your life easier and provide a positive banking experience. This is what you get with the Max-Rate checking account.

Open this account and you’ll be able to manage your account online or through your mobile device.

Check your account balance, transfer money, set up alerts, and deposit checks from anywhere.

You can also utilize free online bill pay.

This makes it simple and quick to pay creditors. Whether you’re paying your mortgage, car payment, credit card bills, utilities, or other expenses, determine how much you want to pay, and then choose a date to send the payment.

Putting your expenses on autopilot saves time, and you don’t have to worry about accidentally forgetting to send off a bill.

This results in no late payments and no late fees.

Along with these convenient features, the Max-Rate checking account also allows you to see images of deposited and cleared checks.

It's yet another way to manage your personal finances effortlessly.

What to Consider When Comparing Checking Accounts?

Some people fail to compare options before opening a checking account. They assume all accounts are created equal. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

They might visit the bank closest to their home and open an account without asking questions. This, however, can be a costly move.

Comparison shopping is the only way to make an informed decision.

Plus, when you shop around, you’re more likely to get an account that’s tailored to your needs.

Rather than an account that offers services and features that you don’t need.

With any checking account, you must compare interest rates, monthly service fees, and opening deposit requirements. If you can earn more and save in certain areas, you’ll be off to a good start and it’ll be easier to grow your account.

But comparison shopping shouldn’t stop here. What else can the bank offer you?

Does the bank give ATM fee refunds? Does it provide new customers with a free box of checks? Is there a fee for using online bill pay?

The good thing about the Max-Rate checking account is that it gives accountholders plenty of freebies. But of course, this checking account isn’t right for everyone.

Maybe you’re not interested in earning interest on your deposits. Or perhaps you prefer a basic checking account instead.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look outside the bank.

Morgan Stanley Private Bank Checking

If you feel that the Max Rate checking isn’t right for you, the Morgan Stanley Private Bank Checking Account might be a better match.

This checking account provides many of the same features as the Max-Rate account.

These include free online bill pay, a $100 minimum opening deposit requirement, and you’ll receive an ATM/debit card so you can access your money from anywhere.

But this account doesn’t earn interest, nor does it offer ATM fee refunds. On the upside, there’s no monthly service fee.

This is a savings of about $180 per year.

As a bonus, you’ll also receive a free initial checkbook order upon opening your account.

Final Verdict: Is This Account for You?

The Max-Rate checking is a strong contender if you already have a regular checking and savings, but you’re looking to add an interest checking account to the mix.

The bottom line is that this checking account will mostly benefit individuals who maintain a
larger balance in their checking account, at least $5,000.

It’s also a great fit for those who are in a position to get started with a larger opening deposit.

Likewise, this account might be ideal if you frequent ATMs. The ability to get back ATM fees can save you a considerable amount of money.

But while this account earns more than some brick-and-mortar interest checking accounts, it never hurts to see what a high-yield online checking account can offer.

With a little digging, you might find a higher return elsewhere.