The 10 Best Checking Accounts for April 2024
Discover Checking
Best Cash-Back Debit Card
- Earn cash back rewards
- Get paid early
1% cash back
Cash back
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Best for Simple, Fee-Free Bank
- Smart rewards
- Overdraft protection
Winning app
Mobile banking
SoFi Checking
Best High Interest Checking
- 0.50% APY on checking
- No fees
$300
Welcome bonus
PSECU (Digital-First Credit Union)
Best Credit Union
- Member-owned
- No minimum balance
$300
New customer bonus
Do you remember why you chose your current checking account?
If you got started early, your parents might have helped you open a kids’ checking or savings account at their bank’s branch. Or maybe you went with the credit union down the street from your work after getting your first W2 job.
Whatever the reason, location likely played a big part. Thankfully, you’re no longer confined to a financial institution for a checking account because of its proximity to you — or a brick-and-mortar site altogether, for that matter.
From higher interest rates to better benefits, it pays to expand your search beyond your local bank or credit union these days. Here’s how to choose the right checking account for you.
10 Best Checking Accounts for April 2024
Is it Time to Change Checking Accounts?
| Account | APY | ATM Access | Fees | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Discover Checking |
None |
60K+ fee-free ATMs |
No monthly fees |
GET DETAILS | |
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking |
None |
4K+ Fee-Free ATMs |
None |
GET DETAILS | |
SoFi Checking |
0.50% |
55,000+ Allpoint ATMs |
None |
GET DETAILS | |
PSECU Credit Union |
0.20% |
70,000 surcharge-free ATMs |
None |
GET DETAILS | |
Axos Bank Essential Checking |
None |
Fee reimbursements |
None |
GET DETAILS | |
Chase Total Checking |
None |
15,000 ATMs |
Yes, but may be waived |
GET DETAILS | |
Chime Checking Account |
None |
60K+ fee-free ATMs |
No monthly fees |
GET DETAILS | |
Ally Interest Checking |
Up to 0.25% |
55,000+ Allpoint ATMs |
None |
GET DETAILS | |
Varo Bank Account |
None |
55,000+ Allpoint ATMs |
Out-of-network ATM |
GET DETAILS | |
Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards |
3% |
Over 30,000 ATMs |
Overdraft fees |
GET DETAILS |
Discover Checking
- Virtually no fees
- No min. balance
- Access to 60,000+ no-fee ATMs
The Discover Cashback Debit’s claim to fame is that you can earn cash back without having to meet any complicated requirements. It’s simple. There is no minimum opening deposit, no balance or activities requirements, and no monthly maintenance fee–making it easy to get started.
You also won’t get pinged with any additional fees. There are no fees for online bill pay and no overdraft charges.
To opt for overdraft protection, simply link your account to another account, and Discover Bank will pull money from that account to cover the overdraft with no transaction fee. If you don’t opt for the protection, the bank will decline any transaction that will put your account into the red. We really like that this protection is offered for free.
Like most online banks, you won't be able to deposit cash through the ATMs, but Discover does offer access to Zelle, a mobile application that allows for bank-to-bank transfers of money, so it’s easy to get your money where it needs to go.
Finally, while you won’t earn interest on the money in your account, you’ll get 1% cash back on all of your debit transactions — up to $3,000 per month. That’s potentially an extra $30 coming your way each month.
For a full run down of fees and services, check out our complete Discover Bank review.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
- Online and mobile banking
- Overdraft protection
- Smart Rewards®
Get started with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account with an initial deposit of $25. Experience the safety FDIC-insured banking and enjoy the award-winning mobile app, Smart Assistant®.
SoFi Checking Account
- 0.50% APY on checking balances
- No fees
- Access to 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs
SoFi Checking and Savings has one of the most competitive annual percentage yields (APY) we’ve found for a checking account. You can earn a hefty 4.60% APY on savings balances if you set up direct deposit and 0.50% APY on checking balances — that’s 7 times more than the national average.*
You can easily deposit checks via your phone’s camera, transfer funds and get customer service via chat or call. And there are no account fees, no monthly fees and no overdraft fees.* And your money is FDIC insured (up to $2M through the SoFi Insured Deposit Program).
Ready to grow your money faster? It’s quick and easy to open an account with SoFi Checking and Savings. Right now, you can even earn up to a $300 welcome bonus with qualifying direct deposits (terms apply).*
*See full terms and disclosures at sofi.com/banking. 7x faster based on FDIC monthly savings account rate as of 06/20/2023. Account fee policy is subject to change at any time.
Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/07/2023 and will be available through 6/30/2024. SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
PSECU
- No minimum balance
- Access to 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- No fees
PSECU will give you $300 after just a few months of keeping your money there.
They’ll pay you $200 when you sign up and complete certain requirements within the first 60 days and another $100 when you meet other criteria within 120 days after setting up Stage 1 requirements.*
It’s free to open a checking account, and there’s no minimum deposit or fees. Plus they have more than 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs and rebates for non-network ATMs. You’ll also get no-fee overdraft protection if you have a backup source of funds.
Credit unions sometimes have waitlists, but PSECU doesn’t right now. Apply to join PSECU here and start earning your $300 in free cash.
*Offer valid until 12/31/24
Axos Bank Essential Checking
- Requires balance of only $1
- Unlimited ATM-fee reimbursement in the U.S.
Axos offers a lot if you’re in the market for an online-only checking account. (Plus a $300 welcome bonus for rewards checking customers.) On top of no fees, Axos will also reimburse you by the end of the next business day for unlimited ATM fees within the U.S.
Regarding spending abroad — per a rep via live chat, you’ll pay a 1% service transaction charge on purchases made in other countries. So, even though this online bank account is flexible, it isn’t ideal for international travelers.
For a full run down of fees and services, check out our complete review.
Chase Total Checking Account
- A hefty sign-on bonus for new customers
- Offers online, mobile and text banking
- Lots of branch locations in the U.S.
This Chase account has other fees. For example, you can use a Chase ATM for free, but you’ll pay a $3 fee for non-Chase ATMs in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and $5 outside of those locations — so, this account isn’t the best for frequent international travelers. Thankfully, the bank has branches and 15,000 fee-free ATMs* in 33 states around the U.S., so you can avoid the fees if you’ve got one nearby (see Terms).
Bonus (literally): You can get $300 when you open a new checking account. Compared with similar offers, getting it is pretty simple: Open a new Chase Total Checking account* with $0 and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of opening. This offer expires on July 24, 2024. Keep your account open for at least six months, or you’ll lose the bonus at closing.
For a full rundown of fees and services, check out our complete Chase Bank review.
Chime® Checking Account
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Free access to in-network ATMs
- A “Pay Friends” feature to give money to friends
Chime doesn’t charge overdraft fees or for overdraft protection, a monthly maintenance fee, foreign transaction fees or minimum balance fees. You can also open an easy-to-access connected savings account — it allows you to automate your savings with features like the round-up tool, which will round up your transactions to the nearest dollar and dump the change into savings. Bonus: Chime has a “Pay Friends” feature, so you don’t have to mess with cash, math or other apps to split the bill.
For a full run down of fees and services, check out our complete Chime Bank review.
Ally Interest Checking Account
- Use any Allpoint ATM in the U.S. free of charge
- No overdraft fees
- Up to 0.25% APY
With a daily balance of $15,000 or more, this checking account yields 0.25% interest. Below $15,000, it’s 0.10%. That tops a lot of bank accounts, but it’s not as impressive as we’d expect for an account with “interest” in the name — and that balance requirement is a beast. We expect more when checking accounts earn interest.
You can access Ally Interest Checking online or through the Ally app, so it’s an accessible choice for anyone within the U.S.
For a full run down of fees and services, check out our complete Ally Bank review.
Varo Bank Account
- No hidden fees
- Early access to your paycheck
- Tool to project your cash flow
With Varo, you’ll pay no monthly service fees, no extra fees for minimum balance requirements, no foreign transaction fees and no cash replacement fees. For money transfers, Varo Bank works with Zelle® so you can send money to folks who user other banks for free. You’ll just pay out-of-network ATM fees and cash deposit fees if you deposit cash in-store through Green Dot®. Varo keeps tabs on how much you spend across all your accounts, too, so you can better analyze and project your cash flow. It also allows you to set spending caps so you have a better handle on your money.
For a full run down of fees and services, check out our complete Varo Bank review.
Consumers Credit Free Rewards
- Earn 2.09% interest
- All ATM fees in the U.S. are reimbursed
- Branches in IL; anyone in U.S. can bank online
With this Consumers Credit Union plant, account holders will earn 2.09% interest on your balance up to $10,000. You’ll also have all ATM fees reimbursed, as long as you:
- Make 12 debit card purchases each month without using the PIN (as a credit transaction).
- Have at least one direct deposit or ACH credit of $500 or more each month.
- Enroll in e-documents.
In addition to that, you can earn 3.09% or 4.09% APY (annual percentage yield) on balances up to $10,000 if you meet CCU Visa credit card spending requirements: $500 and $1,000, respectively.
All CCU branches are in Illinois, but anyone can open and manage an account online and through the mobile app.
Check out our current list of bank promotions for a chance to gain a monetary bonus when signing up for a new bank account.
What Is a Checking Account?
A checking account is a place to store money at a bank, credit union or other financial institution. The money in a checking account is typically reserved for regular, everyday expenses, as opposed to a savings account. Checking accounts usually distribute paper checks and a debit card to members as well.
How to Choose a Checking Account
You probably already know that you need a checking account and if it comes with a free debit card, that’s even better. A checking plan serves as the primary hub for your money. It’s where your paychecks and direct deposits land, and, from there, you use the money to pay bills, buy the stuff you need and hopefully slide some of it into a savings account. Maintaining a savings account is a smart personal finance decision.
Picking a bank account is a personal choice. What makes checking accounts “good” depends largely on your financial situation and goals. Checking accounts come in a lot of varieties these days, each with different features and benefits. You can pick from online-only banks to those with physical branches, and from those that pay interest to those that offer free checking accounts and no fees for out-of-network ATM use. It’s up to you to do the research and find the one that will benefit you and your lifestyle the most.
But we can tell you a few things that make certain checking accounts worth opening. Here are a few important features to keep in mind when looking for the best checking accounts:
- Fees: How much will it cost you to manage your money with this account? Make sure you know the monthly fee — or fees — to maintain the account. Also, understand the account’s overdraft fee protection.
- Safety: If something happens to the institution where you hold your account, will your money be protected? Make sure your checking account is NCUA- or FDIC-insured.
- Interest rates and APY: Does a particular checking account offer interest on your money to keep it in an account? (These types of accounts tend to offer no or low-interest rates and APY, but there are high-interest checking accounts out there.)
- Rewards: What do you earn in return for using the account? Are you rewarded for making regular direct deposits or keeping a high balance, for example?
- Minimum balance: Is there a minimum or average daily balance needed to maintain the account? Or to open the account? Minimum balance requirements can range from $1 to thousands of dollars (to earn a particular rate), and you’ll want to know this before you open an account, be it at a branch or through online banking.
- Accessibility: What are the requirements to open this account (again, minimum balance requirements, and earn the rewards?
- Mobility: Can this account travel and move with you? How are the online banking features? Do direct deposits make your banking life easier? How good is the financial institution’s app in making mobile check deposits easier? Are you considering online banks or only those with physical branches?
Types of Checking Accounts
There are a few varieties of checking accounts out there that offer different benefits. You just need to figure out which kind will work best for you. Some of your options for traditional and online checking accounts are:
- Student Checking: These accounts usually feature minimal fees and no minimum balance. They also don’t offer a lot of perks. They’re bare-bones accounts designed for cash-strapped students who just need the basics.
- Express Checking: This is the checking account for today’s digital person. If you don’t like going to the bank, this could be for you. These accounts are designed for use on computers, phone apps, ATMs or by telephone. You may actually get a fee for going to a live teller. The upside is fees are minimal as long as you keep banking digitally.
- Joint Checking: Need to share a checking account with a spouse or another person? A joint account lets you both put money in and take money out as needed.
- Fresh Start or Second Chance Checking: If you’ve run into financial trouble and have had your accounts closed, it can be tough to get a new account. These accounts are designed to minimize the bank’s risk, but they allow you to open a new account. If you maintain it well for an extended period of time, it may open opportunities for you to upgrade.
- Rewards Checking: Rewards checking offers the highest perks, such as annual percentage yield (APY) interest on the account balance. Debit card purchases could also receive cashback bonuses or earn points for things like airline travel or gift cards. Some, however, will come with an annual fee.
Check out our current list of bank promotions for a chance to gain a monetary bonus when signing up for a new bank account.
Checking Account vs. Savings Account
financial setup. You want to have one location for more regular, everyday expenses (checking) and one for longer-term savings and goals (savings).
Checking Account Pros and Cons
There are advantages and disadvantages to checking accounts and below are the most common.
Pros
- Relatively easy and quick to open
- Low- or no-fee account options
- Typically offer a free checkbook and debit card
Cons
- Usually don’t earn interest
- Certain accounts have fees (like overdraft and minimum balance requirements) that can add up quickly if you’re not vigilant
Savings Account Pros and Cons
The following pros and cons of savings accounts can help you decide how to use them.
Pros
- Relatively easy and quick to open
- Offers interest
- Easy to access your money in times of need (versus a CD, for example)
Cons
- Interest rates can vary over time
- Certain accounts have fees or requirements (like a particular monthly balance to earn a higher interest rate)
When it comes to checking and savings accounts, don’t think of it as an either-or situation — it’s a good idea to have both. You can also mix and match. For instance, you might go for an online checking account and a local credit union for a savings account.
You can have multiple checking accounts, too; perhaps one offers a new member bonus for an influx of free cash, while another offers free overdraft protection for regular spending. Alternatively, when it comes to savings accounts, one might offer a higher annual percentage yield, while another offers other saving products like a money market account.
Regardless of the checking account or savings account you choose, it’s a good move to keep your money in a secure place
Choosing a Bank vs. a Credit Union vs. a FinTech Company for Your Checking Account
Similarly, opening a checking account, period, is generally a good move, regardless of where you do it.
Keep your own habits and preferences in mind, especially when it comes to choosing between a brick-and-mortar (bank or credit union) and an online-only setup. Consider fees, from initial to ongoing, as well to make sure the account doesn’t end up costing you.
Ultimately, though, don’t get hung up on too many details: When it comes to personal finance, it ultimately comes down to what works for you and your situation.
Methodology
We graded 11 of our favorite bank and credit union accounts on the factors that we like to see in any checking account — no fees, free ATMs, good rewards, easy setup and accessibility.
If an account has a monthly fee or out-of-network ATM charges, we highlighted some more positive qualities (think: a low minimum balance requirement, interest checking account offering, or a free debit card). That said, we prioritized checking accounts that nixed monthly maintenance fees, featured savings accounts, and had no charge or reimbursed out-of-network ATM fees.
Here are the best checking accounts we found across (online) banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.
Recapping the 10 Best Checking Accounts of April 2024
- Discover Checking Account: Best Cash Back Debit Card
- U.S. Bank: Best for Simple, Fee-Free Banking
- SoFi Checking Account: Best High-Interest Checking
- PSECU Checking Account: Best Credit Union
- Axos Bank Essential Checking Account: Best for Online Customers
- Chase Total Checking Account: Best for Promotional Offers
- Chime Checking Account: Best for Digital Features
- Ally Interest Checking Account: Best for No Fee Perks
- Varo Bank Account: Best for Digital Wallet
- Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking: Best for High Balance Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Checking Accounts
When it comes to choosing the best checking accounts, there’s a lot of information out there. Here, we’re answering some of the most popular questions about checking accounts.
A checking account is where you hold money at a bank, credit union or other financial institution. You typically use this account to pay for everyday expenses or bills. Depending on where you have you bank, you can access your cash in person, or via an ATM or debit card. Unlike a savings account — which you use for an emergency fund or other financial goal — checking accounts should be fairly accessible for regular spending usually with a debit card. They don't normally accrue interest.
Every checking account — whether it’s through a physical or online bank, credit union or other fintech setup — will have its own requirements. Generally, to open a checking account, you need to be at least 18 years old (though guardians can sometimes co-sign an account for a minor) and have a government ID (such as a passport or driver’s license). You’ll likely also need to supply contact information and possibly an opening deposit.
The best bank to open an account will depend on your needs. If you prioritize banking at a physical institution with plenty of locations where you can interact with staff in person, you might choose to go with a big-name chain. If you prefer a bank where you might qualify for higher interest rates in lieu of having access to brick-and-mortar locations, an online setup might work best for you. No matter your choice, it’s a good idea to evaluate it over time; if a bank ends up not being over time.
The best free checking account will vary based on your wants and needs in a banking account. You’ll want to look for an account that has no or a low monthly fee, a free debit card and easy access to your money — whether that is an ATM, a physical branch, an app or all of the above. Bonus: look for a free checking account that also offers a new-user bonus. Right now, Chime, Varo and Axos are overall solid free options for checking. Shop around and look for a checking account that’s best for you.
Wells Fargo and Chase each offer online checking accounts, among other banking products. But they also have monthly fees, too. Each have online and in-person banking; so, one could be a better fit depending on branch locations in your area. Chase often offers significant new-user sign-on bonuses as well.
What makes a bank good for a checking account weighs largely on what you prioritize in both a bank and an account. As a whole, you want to consider fees (how much does it cost you to keep your money there?), rewards (do you earn anything for banking with them?), accessibility (what are the requirements to open and keep your account open?) and mobility (does the bank charge foreign transaction fees?). Bonus points if they give out a… bonus, too, for being a new account holder.
The interest earned on checking accounts is considered taxable income. So, your bank, credit union or financial institution will send you a 1099-INT form each year your account earns interest over $10. You file this paperwork along with your yearly taxes. And don’t let this income being taxed deter you from saving money; a traditional or high-yield savings account is still a worthwhile tool for your money.
Contributor Kathleen Garvin (@itskgarvin) is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and former editor and marketer at The Penny Hoarder. She owns a content-writing business and her work has appeared in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.
Chime disclosure:
*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
*Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or
any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
*Chime 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.
Chase fine print:
*Checking offer is not available to existing Chase checking customers, those with fiduciary accounts, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance. To receive the $200 checking bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval AND 2) Have your direct deposit made to this account within 60 days of account opening. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. After you have completed all the above requirements, we’ll deposit the bonus in your new account within 10 business days. You can only receive one new checking account-related bonus per calendar year. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.
*Account Closing: If your checking account is closed within six months after opening, we will deduct the bonus amount at closing.
*Chase Overdraft Assist℠: Chase won’t charge an overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day — you have until 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT) to make a deposit or transfer. Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
*Non-Chase ATMs: $3 fee per withdrawal at a non-Chase ATM in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Surcharge Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply. $5 fee per withdrawal at a non-Chase ATM outside of the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Surcharge Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply.
Editorial Disclosure:
This content is not provided by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.
