MyCBB Free Checking Account 2024 Review
MyCBB iPhone App
MyCBB is an online division of California Business Bank that happens to offers a very attractive online checking account.
It’s a free checking account that offers interest -- with no strings attached.
It can be tough to find such a free checking account -- let alone one that also paid a competitive interest rate without any requirements to complete (e.g., direct deposits, bill payments, debit card purchases, etc.).
But, how does it compare to some of the most popular online checking accounts that are already available?
In thos review, find out whether the MyCBB Free Checking account has the benefits and consumer-friendly fees to make you interested in opening one:
Compared to the Top Online Checking Accounts
Checking accounts from Ally Bank and Capital One 360 are online banks that should be used as the standard for online checking accounts because they truly are great alternatives for people who cannot stand the big banks such as Bank of America and Chase
MyCBB Free Checking already fares on equal ground with Ally Bank and Capital One 360 when it comes to monthly fees, mobile banking, and mobile check deposit.
Nothing less is expected because online banks don’t have to pay the costs of operating branches and online banks are more likely to offer better mobile banking features to serve customers who rely on online and mobile banking to manage their accounts.
One mobile banking feature that many people have come to demand from online banks is mobile check deposit because of its convenience. Luckily, MyCBB offers it. (The MyCBB mobile banking apps may not be as flashy as the apps from Ally or Capital One 360, but it has all the essentials: balance info, fund transfer capabilities, bill payments and mobile check deposit.)
Here is an analysis based on their monthly fees, interest rates, ATM fee policies and mobile technology:
MyCBB vs. Ally vs. CapOne360
| Checking account feature | MyCBB Free Checking | Ally Bank Interest Checking | Capital One 360 Checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ATM fee policy | Free ATM access to 24,000+ MoneyPass ATMs; MyCBB does not charge for out-of-network ATM fees, but ATM operator surcharges may apply | Free unlimited ATM fee reimbursements | Free ATM access to 38,000+ Allpoint ATMs and 2,000 Capital One ATMs; Capital One 360 does not charge for out-of-network ATM fees, but ATM operator surcharges may apply |
| Mobile banking apps | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Mobile check deposit | Yes | Yes | Yes |
That leaves the interest rates and ATMs as the major differentiating factors between the three accounts -- let’s break them down now:
Earn Interest Without the Hassle
Of the three checking accounts, the interest rate from MyCBB sits in the middle of the pack. Compared to Ally and Capital One 360, MyCBB’s interest rate is not bound by a tiered rate system. The other checking accounts offer the potential for a higher APY, but it'll also require a larger balance.
MyCBB and Capital One 360 provided free ATM access only on ATM networks that are operated by other companies. Neither bank will charge an out-of-network ATM fee, but remember that the operators of these ATMs may still charge a fee, which is usually around $3. If you were to use out-of-network ATMs often enough, you'd pay the ATM surcharge of $3 on a regular basis. For example, if you use an out-of-network ATM for an average of three times per month, you’d pay $108 in ATM fees per year with MyCBB. With Ally, those fees would be refunded to you.
Is MyCBB Free Checking Better for You?
Emphasis was placed on the interest rates and ATM access of these online checking accounts because they tend to be the deciding factors when picking the account that is better for you.
As mentioned above, it is hard to not choose Ally when you're always using the ATM to withdraw cash -- you’re going to save plenty of money on fees.
When it comes to rates and ATM access, Capital One 360 Checking doesn’t stand out. But, it does offer a overdraft credit line and person-to-person payments -- worth mentioning if you’re someone who would use these features.
