Best Free Checking Accounts of 2025

Typical checking accounts can come with some hefty fees. However, free checking accounts exist. With that in mind, we looked at the best options that today’s banking landscape has to offer.

Why you can trust DepositAccounts
Why you can trust DepositAccounts

DepositAccounts strives to produce high-quality content that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Content is fact-checked to ensure accuracy and objectivity. DepositAccounts monitors hundreds of checking account rates from banks and credit unions across the country to identify the best daily rates.

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Free checking account finder

Many checking accounts carry big fees. Luckily, you can find low- and no-cost checking accounts. Our free checking account finder will provide personalized recommendations based on your needs.

We have also looked at the leading options from different types of financial institutions and rounded up our top picks for the best free checking accounts to help you save on unnecessary fees. Read on for our recommendations.

OR
YOUR AVERAGE MONTHLY BANKING BEHAVIOR
My Balance
Lowest:
Highest:
How often do you...
Use your debit card: /mo
Use ATMs from other banks: /mo
Overdraw your account: /yr
I will use...

955 Results Rates updated Daily

INCLUDE:
* Fee savings vs. national average.
 
Primis BankOnline Only
$231.00
$178.24
$409.24
$336.45
$51.68
$388.13
nbkc bankOnline Only
$96.25
$274.12
$370.37
TDECUOnline Only
$220.00
$146.12
$366.12
$13.75
$331.36
$345.11
Ally BankOnline Only
$5.50
$331.36
$336.86
CIT BankOnline Only
$5.50
$331.36
$336.86
$277.75
$54.44
$332.19
Notre Dame FCUOnline Only
$74.79
$255.36
$330.15
Forbright BankOnline Only
$165.00
$153.12
$318.12
$165.00
$151.36
$316.36
$275.00
$35.68
$310.68
MAX Credit UnionOnline Only
$8.25
$295.36
$303.61
$128.15
$170.44
$298.59
Patriot FCUOnline Only
$137.50
$160.92
$298.42
$220.00
$75.68
$295.68
Orrstown BankOnline Only
$13.75
$274.12
$287.87
$2.75
$281.92
$284.67
$281.60
$0.00
$281.60
$6.18
$274.12
$280.30
$5.50
$274.12
$279.62
$5.50
$274.12
$279.62
First NRV FCUOnline Only
$275.00
$0.00
$275.00
Tri Boro FCUOnline Only
$275.00
$0.00
$275.00
United Bank (MI)Online Only
$275.00
$0.00
$275.00
NexBankOnline Only
$55.00
$210.36
$265.36
American BankOnline Only
$55.00
$191.36
$246.36
Rockland FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$239.36
$244.86
TAB BankOnline Only
$192.50
$49.44
$241.94
$68.15
$170.44
$238.59
Ascend FCUOnline Only
$195.80
$42.24
$238.04
$220.00
$17.68
$237.68
Bodcaw BankOnline Only
$233.75
$1.00
$234.75
$0.00
$227.68
$227.68
Northpointe BankOnline Only
$2.75
$224.68
$227.43
$0.00
$224.68
$224.68
EverBankOnline Only
$13.75
$210.36
$224.11
Amoco FCUOnline Only
$223.85
$0.00
$223.85
$222.75
$0.00
$222.75
Bell BankOnline Only
$11.22
$210.36
$221.58
$220.00
$0.00
$220.00
Family Trust FCUOnline Only
$220.00
$0.00
$220.00
Bankwell BankOnline Only
$8.25
$210.36
$218.61
Northrim BankOnline Only
$2.75
$215.36
$218.11
ORNL FCUOnline Only
$156.87
$61.00
$217.87
Neches FCUOnline Only
$216.15
$0.00
$216.15
EagleBankOnline Only
$49.50
$165.12
$214.62
$13.75
$200.68
$214.43
$0.98
$210.36
$211.34
$55.00
$154.12
$209.12
Colonial SavingsOnline Only
$55.00
$153.12
$208.12
Ellafi FCUOnline Only
$165.00
$35.68
$200.68
Alabama ONEOnline Only
$151.08
$49.44
$200.52
$3.85
$191.68
$195.53
$2.20
$191.68
$193.88
BankFiveOnline Only
$55.00
$137.36
$192.36
AdvancialOnline Only
$1.65
$187.68
$189.33
Credit Union 1Online Only
$2.75
$186.12
$188.87
$13.75
$174.12
$187.87
$2.75
$182.12
$184.87
F&M Bank (TN)Online Only
$13.75
$169.36
$183.11
$13.75
$167.68
$181.43
$110.00
$69.68
$179.68
$179.27
$0.00
$179.27
$27.50
$151.68
$179.18
$178.75
$0.00
$178.75
bankESBOnline Only
$2.75
$175.68
$178.43
Capital OneOnline Only
$5.50
$170.44
$175.94
$5.50
$170.44
$175.94
$5.50
$170.44
$175.94
North State BankOnline Only
$22.00
$153.12
$175.12
ACCESSbankOnline Only
$13.75
$160.92
$174.67
$2.75
$170.44
$173.19
$2.75
$170.44
$173.19
Savers BankOnline Only
$0.00
$167.36
$167.36
$167.20
$0.00
$167.20
MutualOne BankOnline Only
$8.61
$158.12
$166.73
$8.25
$158.12
$166.37
$0.00
$165.12
$165.12
$11.00
$154.12
$165.12
First Bank (MO)Online Only
$165.00
$0.00
$165.00
Incommons BankOnline Only
$11.00
$153.12
$164.12
Mid Penn BankOnline Only
$11.00
$153.12
$164.12
West Gate BankOnline Only
$55.00
$106.68
$161.68
AllSouth FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$155.68
$161.18
Chesapeake BankOnline Only
$7.48
$153.12
$160.60
$8.25
$151.68
$159.93
$110.00
$49.44
$159.44
ZYNLO BankOnline Only
$110.00
$49.44
$159.44
$158.95
$0.00
$158.95
$5.50
$153.36
$158.86
$2.75
$154.12
$156.87
$2.75
$153.12
$155.87
CIBC Bank USAOnline Only
$2.75
$153.12
$155.87
Banner BankOnline Only
$1.10
$153.12
$154.22
iTHINK FinancialOnline Only
$209.80
($56.32)
$153.48
$61.05
$90.44
$151.49
$1.10
$147.68
$148.78
$147.91
$0.00
$147.91
$5.50
$142.24
$147.74
$5.50
$140.68
$146.18
$13.75
$131.68
$145.43
$22.00
$119.68
$141.68
$2.75
$138.12
$140.87
$140.25
$0.00
$140.25
TTCU FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$131.68
$139.93
Peninsula FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$130.44
$138.69
Zions BankOnline Only
$0.06
$137.68
$137.74
Hibernia BankOnline Only
$137.50
$0.00
$137.50
$5.50
$131.68
$137.18
Credit HumanOnline Only
$5.50
$131.68
$137.18
$5.50
$131.68
$137.18
$5.50
$130.44
$135.94
$27.50
$106.68
$134.18
Taylor BankOnline Only
$19.25
$114.36
$133.61
$13.75
$119.68
$133.43
$2.75
$130.44
$133.19
$2.75
$129.12
$131.87
$2.75
$127.68
$130.43
CACL FCUOnline Only
$55.00
$71.68
$126.68
$2.75
$122.44
$125.19
$0.00
$124.24
$124.24
$2.75
$121.44
$124.19
PCSB Bank (NY)Online Only
$5.50
$118.68
$124.18
$2.75
$121.36
$124.11
$123.75
$0.00
$123.75
Pantex FCUOnline Only
$24.75
$98.44
$123.19
Hills BankOnline Only
$2.75
$119.68
$122.43
$11.00
$111.36
$122.36
Pittsford FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$115.68
$121.18
$27.50
$91.68
$119.18
Oregonians FCUOnline Only
$7.15
$111.68
$118.83
$69.30
$49.44
$118.74
$27.50
$90.36
$117.86
Gate City BankOnline Only
$11.00
$106.68
$117.68
Tinker FCUOnline Only
$11.00
$106.68
$117.68
$7.15
$110.44
$117.59
$5.50
$111.68
$117.18
SpiritBankOnline Only
$41.25
$75.68
$116.93
PathFinder BankOnline Only
$13.75
$102.44
$116.19
Bank of UticaOnline Only
$5.50
$110.44
$115.94
$5.50
$110.44
$115.94
$5.50
$110.44
$115.94
$24.75
$90.44
$115.19
$24.75
$90.44
$115.19
Hanscom FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$107.68
$113.18
$82.50
$30.44
$112.94
$82.50
$30.44
$112.94
$112.19
$0.00
$112.19
Ion BankOnline Only
$5.50
$106.68
$112.18
$5.50
$106.68
$112.18
$5.50
$106.68
$112.18
$55.00
$55.68
$110.68
$2.75
$107.68
$110.43
Bay FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$107.68
$110.43
Ent Credit UnionOnline Only
$2.75
$107.68
$110.43
Kish Bank (PA)Online Only
$110.00
$0.00
$110.00
$55.00
$54.44
$109.44
$25.63
$83.68
$109.31
Think BankOnline Only
$5.50
$103.68
$109.18
Johnson BankOnline Only
$1.10
$106.68
$107.78
The Summit FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$99.36
$107.61
Utah First FCUOnline Only
$8.97
$98.64
$107.61
Meridian BankOnline Only
$22.00
$85.44
$107.44
$2.75
$104.68
$107.43
$33.00
$73.68
$106.68
Barksdale FCUOnline Only
$11.00
$95.68
$106.68
$13.75
$91.68
$105.43
$55.00
$49.44
$104.44
Bask BankOnline Only
$55.00
$49.44
$104.44
Popular (BPPR)Online Only
$8.25
$95.68
$103.93
$165.00
($61.32)
$103.68
$1.65
$99.68
$101.33
$6.60
$93.68
$100.28
Tower FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$91.68
$99.93
$88.00
$10.68
$98.68
$88.00
$10.68
$98.68
A+ FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$95.68
$98.43
$27.50
$70.44
$97.94
Citywide BanksOnline Only
$0.00
$97.36
$97.36
$5.50
$91.68
$97.18
$2.75
$93.68
$96.43
$5.50
$90.44
$95.94
$13.20
$82.12
$95.32
Northwest FCUOnline Only
$3.85
$91.36
$95.21
First Source FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$91.68
$94.43
$38.50
$54.44
$92.94
Horicon BankOnline Only
$30.25
$62.44
$92.69
Philadelphia FCUOnline Only
$12.35
$79.68
$92.03
$41.25
$49.44
$90.69
Ives BankOnline Only
$2.75
$87.68
$90.43
$35.75
$54.44
$90.19
$13.75
$75.68
$89.43
$8.25
$79.68
$87.93
Rising BankOnline Only
$16.50
$70.44
$86.94
$41.25
$45.68
$86.93
$2.75
$83.68
$86.43
$5.50
$80.68
$86.18
$85.80
$0.00
$85.80
$5.50
$79.68
$85.18
$5.50
$79.68
$85.18
OneUnited BankOnline Only
$5.50
$79.68
$85.18
Pima FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$70.44
$84.19
Coast360 FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$70.44
$84.19
$5.50
$78.68
$84.18
($0.41)
$83.68
$83.27
$83.05
$0.00
$83.05
$11.00
$71.68
$82.68
$11.00
$71.68
$82.68
SouthState BankOnline Only
$3.30
$79.36
$82.66
$82.50
$0.00
$82.50
$82.50
$0.00
$82.50
Black Hills FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$73.68
$81.93
$11.00
$70.44
$81.44
$5.50
$75.36
$80.86
$5.50
$75.24
$80.74
Texas Bank (TX)Online Only
$27.50
$52.44
$79.94
$27.50
$51.68
$79.18
$5.50
$73.68
$79.18
$8.61
$70.44
$79.05
$8.25
$70.68
$78.93
Honolulu FCUOnline Only
$4.40
$74.44
$78.84
$8.25
$70.44
$78.69
ANB BankOnline Only
$2.75
$75.68
$78.43
Allegacy FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$75.68
$78.43
$5.50
$72.44
$77.94
$77.55
$0.00
$77.55
C-Plant FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$71.68
$77.18
$5.50
$71.68
$77.18
$5.50
$71.68
$77.18
$27.50
$49.44
$76.94
Crescent BankOnline Only
$27.50
$49.44
$76.94
$27.50
$49.44
$76.94
$2.75
$73.68
$76.43
$26.95
$49.44
$76.39
United Bank (AR)Online Only
$19.25
$57.12
$76.37
Chevron FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$70.68
$76.18
$5.50
$70.68
$76.18
$5.50
$70.44
$75.94
Cheney FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$70.44
$75.94
$5.50
$70.44
$75.94
$5.50
$70.44
$75.94
$0.00
$75.36
$75.36
Southern BankOnline Only
$55.55
$19.68
$75.23
CUSB BankOnline Only
$74.80
$0.00
$74.80
$2.75
$71.68
$74.43
$2.75
$71.68
$74.43
$2.75
$71.68
$74.43
$2.75
$71.36
$74.11
$3.30
$69.92
$73.22
$2.75
$70.44
$73.19
First BankOnline Only
$2.75
$70.44
$73.19
$2.75
$70.44
$73.19
Energy CU (MA)Online Only
$2.75
$70.44
$73.19
$2.75
$69.68
$72.43
$6.18
$66.24
$72.42
FirstBankOnline Only
$22.55
$49.44
$71.99
$8.25
$63.68
$71.93
$13.49
$58.44
$71.93
Harvest BankOnline Only
$22.00
$49.44
$71.44
$22.00
$49.44
$71.44
$22.00
$49.44
$71.44
3Rivers FCUOnline Only
$11.00
$59.68
$70.68
$19.50
$50.44
$69.94
GNO FCUOnline Only
$69.74
$0.00
$69.74
$13.75
$55.68
$69.43
$2.75
$66.44
$69.19
$68.75
$0.00
$68.75
Union Bank (WV)Online Only
$68.75
$0.00
$68.75
$11.05
$57.68
$68.73
$19.25
$49.44
$68.69
$19.25
$49.44
$68.69
Peach State FCUOnline Only
$16.50
$51.68
$68.18
$5.50
$61.68
$67.18
$16.50
$50.44
$66.94
$16.50
$50.44
$66.94
$5.50
$61.44
$66.94
$66.55
$0.00
$66.55
First PiedmontOnline Only
$66.55
$0.00
$66.55
$5.50
$61.00
$66.50
$16.50
$49.44
$65.94
FCB BanksOnline Only
$16.50
$49.44
$65.94
$15.95
$49.44
$65.39
Dakotaland FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$61.68
$64.43
Dacotah BankOnline Only
$14.96
$49.44
$64.40
$13.75
$50.44
$64.19
$13.75
$50.44
$64.19
$13.75
$50.44
$64.19
Centris FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$61.44
$64.19
$2.75
$60.68
$63.43
$55.00
$8.24
$63.24
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
$13.75
$49.44
$63.19
Austin Telco FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$60.44
$63.19
$62.70
$0.00
$62.70
$8.25
$54.44
$62.69
$27.50
$34.44
$61.94
Langley FCUOnline Only
$0.00
$61.44
$61.44
$11.00
$50.44
$61.44
$11.93
$49.44
$61.37
First Utah BankOnline Only
$11.55
$49.44
$60.99
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
$11.00
$49.44
$60.44
Bank of ColoradoOnline Only
$5.50
$54.44
$59.94
Lake City BankOnline Only
$41.14
$18.44
$59.58
$9.90
$49.44
$59.34
$8.42
$50.44
$58.86
$8.25
$50.44
$58.69
$8.25
$50.44
$58.69
$2.75
$55.72
$58.47
$2.75
$55.68
$58.43
$58.30
$0.00
$58.30
$5.50
$52.44
$57.94
$6.18
$51.68
$57.86
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
Bank FirstOnline Only
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
Highland BankOnline Only
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
Hilltop BankOnline Only
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
$8.25
$49.44
$57.69
$22.00
$35.68
$57.68
$2.75
$54.44
$57.19
$5.50
$51.68
$57.18
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
WaFd BankOnline Only
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
AltabankOnline Only
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
Manasquan BankOnline Only
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
River BankOnline Only
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
$5.50
$50.44
$55.94
$55.55
$0.00
$55.55
PrimeWay FCUOnline Only
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
AAA BankingOnline Only
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
Waialua FCUOnline Only
$55.00
$0.00
$55.00
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
Champion CU (NC)Online Only
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
Connection BankOnline Only
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
GECUOnline Only
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
PFCUOnline Only
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
$5.50
$49.44
$54.94
Dow Credit UnionOnline Only
$13.75
$41.00
$54.75
Ponce BankOnline Only
$4.40
$49.44
$53.84
$3.30
$50.44
$53.74
$4.21
$49.44
$53.65
$2.75
$50.44
$53.19
$5.50
$47.68
$53.18
$52.25
$0.00
$52.25
$52.25
$0.00
$52.25
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
T-BankOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
CTBC BankOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
HomeStreet BankOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
Bank of HollandOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
BankPlusOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
eCO Credit UnionOnline Only
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
$2.75
$49.44
$52.19
CEFCUOnline Only
$16.50
$35.68
$52.18
$1.65
$50.44
$52.09
Giantbank.comOnline Only
$13.75
$38.24
$51.99
$0.00
$51.68
$51.68
Vacationland FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$37.68
$51.43
$1.68
$49.44
$51.12
$1.58
$49.44
$51.02
$1.10
$49.44
$50.54
$2.75
$47.68
$50.43
$2.75
$47.68
$50.43
$0.75
$49.44
$50.19
$0.49
$49.44
$49.93
$49.50
$0.00
$49.50
$49.50
$0.00
$49.50
$0.00
$49.44
$49.44
Firelands FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$35.68
$49.43
VeraBankOnline Only
$3.74
$45.68
$49.42
CFG BankOnline Only
$27.55
$21.00
$48.55
$13.75
$34.44
$48.19
$5.50
$42.44
$47.94
$5.50
$42.44
$47.94
$5.50
$42.44
$47.94
$13.75
$33.68
$47.43
Sunstate BankOnline Only
($2.04)
$49.44
$47.40
$5.50
$41.68
$47.18
Arize FCUOnline Only
$16.50
$30.44
$46.94
$46.75
$0.00
$46.75
$11.00
$35.68
$46.68
Greenville FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$32.68
$46.43
$24.75
$21.00
$45.75
$10.83
$34.44
$45.27
Union Bank (VT)Online Only
$2.75
$42.44
$45.19
$5.50
$39.68
$45.18
$44.00
$0.00
$44.00
Bank MidwestOnline Only
$5.50
$38.44
$43.94
$5.50
$38.44
$43.94
$8.25
$35.68
$43.93
$2.75
$41.00
$43.75
$63.80
($20.32)
$43.48
$1.10
$42.24
$43.34
$8.25
$34.68
$42.93
First Bank (NJ)Online Only
$12.10
$30.44
$42.54
$11.05
$30.44
$41.49
$11.00
$30.44
$41.44
Henrico FCUOnline Only
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
Interstate BankOnline Only
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$41.25
$0.00
$41.25
$2.75
$38.44
$41.19
$5.50
$35.68
$41.18
$5.50
$35.68
$41.18
$0.00
$39.68
$39.68
$11.00
$27.68
$38.68
$38.50
$0.00
$38.50
$2.75
$35.68
$38.43
$2.75
$35.68
$38.43
$2.75
$35.68
$38.43
$37.40
$0.00
$37.40
$2.75
$34.44
$37.19
$2.75
$34.44
$37.19
$6.05
$30.44
$36.49
Erie FCUOnline Only
$6.60
$29.68
$36.28
Centier BankOnline Only
$5.50
$30.44
$35.94
MCS BankOnline Only
$5.50
$30.44
$35.94
Forward BankOnline Only
$2.75
$33.12
$35.87
$35.75
$0.00
$35.75
$35.75
$0.00
$35.75
$35.05
$0.00
$35.05
$34.65
$0.00
$34.65
$2.75
$31.36
$34.11
Dade County FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$30.56
$33.31
$2.75
$30.44
$33.19
$2.75
$30.44
$33.19
$33.00
$0.00
$33.00
Red River FCUOnline Only
$33.00
$0.00
$33.00
$33.00
$0.00
$33.00
$2.75
$30.24
$32.99
ABNB FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$29.96
$32.71
1st Bank YumaOnline Only
$4.40
$27.68
$32.08
$4.40
$26.44
$30.84
First Bank (VA)Online Only
$0.00
$30.36
$30.36
Texas Gulf BankOnline Only
$30.25
$0.00
$30.25
$30.25
$0.00
$30.25
$2.75
$27.04
$29.79
$5.50
$24.24
$29.74
Dollar BankOnline Only
$5.50
$23.68
$29.18
$19.25
$9.68
$28.93
$2.75
$25.68
$28.43
$11.00
$17.00
$28.00
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
Adams State BankOnline Only
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
ECU Credit UnionOnline Only
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
Jones BankOnline Only
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
TriCentury BankOnline Only
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
$27.50
$0.00
$27.50
Foresight BankOnline Only
$16.50
$10.44
$26.94
Bath State BankOnline Only
$5.50
$21.00
$26.50
$2.75
$23.68
$26.43
$18.36
$7.68
$26.04
$11.00
$14.24
$25.24
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
$24.75
$0.00
$24.75
ESB Bank (MN)Online Only
$24.54
$0.00
$24.54
$11.00
$13.44
$24.44
$24.20
$0.00
$24.20
($25.74)
$49.44
$23.70
$13.75
$9.68
$23.43
Drake BankOnline Only
$23.41
$0.00
$23.41
$22.44
$0.00
$22.44
Mid Oregon FCUOnline Only
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
Panhandle FCUOnline Only
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
Audubon FCUOnline Only
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
RiverBank (AR)Online Only
$22.00
$0.00
$22.00
$21.75
$0.00
$21.75
County Bank (DE)Online Only
$5.50
$16.04
$21.54
$5.50
$15.68
$21.18
ESL FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$17.68
$20.43
$6.60
$13.00
$19.60
Amalgamated BankOnline Only
$35.75
($16.32)
$19.43
5Star BankOnline Only
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
North Star BankOnline Only
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
Longview BankOnline Only
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
The Dime BankOnline Only
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
River City FCUOnline Only
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
$19.25
$0.00
$19.25
Hughes FCUOnline Only
$27.50
($8.96)
$18.54
Berkshire BankOnline Only
$46.75
($28.32)
$18.43
$2.75
$15.68
$18.43
$17.23
$0.00
$17.23
$17.05
$0.00
$17.05
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
FinWise BankOnline Only
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
Hastings FCUOnline Only
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
Texan Sky FCUOnline Only
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
$16.50
$0.00
$16.50
Self-Help FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$10.44
$15.94
$5.50
$10.44
$15.94
$0.00
$15.68
$15.68
$11.00
$4.24
$15.24
$5.50
$9.00
$14.50
$2.75
$11.68
$14.43
($35.21)
$49.44
$14.23
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
Ambraw FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
BridgewayOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
Campbell FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
FlatIrons BankOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
Legacy Bank (KS)Online Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
Newrizons FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
VISIONBankOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
Wee FCUOnline Only
$13.75
$0.00
$13.75
$13.49
$0.00
$13.49
$11.82
$0.00
$11.82
$11.55
$0.00
$11.55
$11.22
$0.00
$11.22
$11.22
$0.00
$11.22
$11.05
$0.00
$11.05
The Murray BankOnline Only
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
Midwest BankOnline Only
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
Minster BankOnline Only
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$11.00
$0.00
$11.00
$9.96
$0.00
$9.96
$9.90
$0.00
$9.90
$2.75
$6.68
$9.43
Clinton BankOnline Only
$9.35
$0.00
$9.35
Les FCUOnline Only
$9.35
$0.00
$9.35
Liberty FCUOnline Only
$11.00
($1.76)
$9.24
$2.75
$6.24
$8.99
OneLocal BankOnline Only
$2.75
$6.12
$8.87
$8.80
$0.00
$8.80
$8.61
$0.00
$8.61
Siouxland FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Baycel FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Border FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Byron BankOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Cal-Com FCU (TX)Online Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Shuford FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
Sterling BankOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
TruStar FCUOnline Only
$8.25
$0.00
$8.25
$16.50
($8.32)
$8.18
$8.25
($0.32)
$7.93
ProGrowth BankOnline Only
$7.70
$0.00
$7.70
$44.00
($36.32)
$7.68
($10.21)
$17.68
$7.47
$7.15
$0.00
$7.15
$7.15
$0.00
$7.15
$6.99
$0.00
$6.99
$8.25
($1.56)
$6.69
$41.25
($34.56)
$6.69
$6.18
$0.00
$6.18
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Bank ForwardOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Ixonia BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
ACT 1st FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Billings FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Bossier FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Elevate BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
First Flight FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Four Seasons FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
FreedomBankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Ft. Randall FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
KC Fairfax FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Kraftman FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Marblehead BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Odin State BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
One Source FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Pee Dee FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
River Town FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Sarco FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Southwest FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Spero FinancialOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
TCP Credit UnionOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
TransPecos BanksOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
UNO FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Valwood Park FCUOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
Waldo State BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
West Pointe BankOnline Only
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.50
$0.00
$5.50
$5.40
$0.00
$5.40
Dieterich BankOnline Only
$4.40
$1.00
$5.40
City CU (TX)Online Only
$5.50
($0.32)
$5.18
$1.10
$3.68
$4.78
Ewa FCUOnline Only
$4.40
$0.00
$4.40
$4.40
$0.00
$4.40
$4.40
$0.00
$4.40
STCUOnline Only
$9.47
($5.56)
$3.91
$3.85
$0.00
$3.85
$3.85
$0.00
$3.85
$3.85
$0.00
$3.85
CitadelOnline Only
$3.74
$0.00
$3.74
$3.74
$0.00
$3.74
$3.45
$0.00
$3.45
1st Summit BankOnline Only
$3.30
$0.00
$3.30
$5.50
($2.32)
$3.18
AVB BankOnline Only
$3.05
$0.00
$3.05
WestStar BankOnline Only
$2.99
$0.00
$2.99
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Wahoo State BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Applied BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Magyar BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
FirsTier BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
bankHometownOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Transtar FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Gateway BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
LAFCUOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Bank of PontiacOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Bank PlusOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
BayVanguard BankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Brewster FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Carolina FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
cfsbankOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
Evansville FCUOnline Only
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.75
$0.00
$2.75
$2.20
$0.00
$2.20
$1.65
$0.00
$1.65
$1.65
$0.00
$1.65
$1.65
$0.00
$1.65
$1.65
$0.00
$1.65
Spring BankOnline Only
$8.25
($7.00)
$1.25
Bank OZKOnline Only
$11.00
($9.88)
$1.12
$1.10
$0.00
$1.10
$1.10
$0.00
$1.10
$0.81
$0.00
$0.81
$0.75
$0.00
$0.75
Chartway FCUOnline Only
$0.98
($0.32)
$0.66
$0.55
$0.00
$0.55
$0.55
$0.00
$0.55
$0.07
$0.00
$0.07
 
 

What are some of the best free checking accounts available?

Here are our picks for the best free checking accounts, ranked according to annual percentage yield (APY):


5 best free checking accounts
Bank Account APY Minimum opening deposit Minimum balance Monthly maintenance fee



SoFi® Bank, N.A.
SoFi Checking and Savings 0.50% $0 $0 $0



Axos Bank
Rewards Checking 0.40% - 3.30% $0 $0 $0




Alliant Credit Union
High-Yield Checking Account 0.25% $25 $0 $0



Ally Bank
Spending Account 0.10% - 0.25% $0 $0 $0




Capital One
360 Checking 0.10% $0 $0 $0

Summary of the 5 best free checking accounts

Here’s a quick look at some of the best free checking accounts you can open. They all have fewer fees than you might expect from a traditional bank.

SoFi Checking and Savings



SoFi Checking and Savings is a combination account that can be opened online or through the bank’s mobile app.


APY: 0.50%


Account features: SoFi Checking and Savings comes with a companion savings account that earns up to 3.80% APY.* You can also receive up to $300 when you sign up for and set up direct deposit.** Account holders also get up to $50 worth of overdraft coverage when they receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits each month. ***

PROS

  • Earns up to a $300 sign-up bonus when you sign up for and set up direct deposit
  • Comes with no-fee overdraft coverage
  • Provides access to paychecks up to two days early when you set up direct deposit

CONS

  • Requires direct deposits to qualify for many perks
  • Does not allow you to open a stand-alone checking account
  • Lacks branches because SoFi® Bank, N.A. is an online-only bank


Axos Bank Rewards Checking



Axos Bank offers access to online and mobile banking. An account takes just a few minutes to open.


APY: 0.40% to 3.30%


Account features: This rewards checking account earns up to 3.30% APY, and it skips the monthly maintenance, overdraft and minimum balance fees. You’ll be reimbursed for all domestic ATM fees.

PROS

  • Earns a much higher maximum APY, at up to 3.30%, than most other banks
  • Offers unlimited reimbursement for domestic ATM fees
  • Does not have monthly maintenance, overdraft or minimum balance charges

CONS

  • Needs a monthly direct deposit of $1,500 or more to start earning interest
  • Expects you to meet a lot of requirements to receive the highest rate
  • Lacks physical branches because Axos Bank is an online-only bank


Alliant Credit Union High-Yield Checking Account



Membership at Alliant Credit Union is open to several groups, including people in the Chicago area and those in rural and digitally challenged locations. The credit union’s High-Yield Checking Account can be opened online or by phone.


APY: 0.25%


Account features: Alliant Credit Union’s High-Yield Checking Account offers up to $20 per month in ATM fee rebates. You also receive your first box of checks free if you order them within the first 12 months of opening the account.

PROS

  • Allows members up to $20 per month in ATM fee rebates
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Provides account holders a Visa debit card

CONS

  • Requires a $25 minimum deposit to open the account online or by phone
  • Includes a high-rate savings account with a $5 monthly minimum balance requirement
  • Provides only the first box of checks for free


Ally Bank Spending Account



Ally Bank offers an interest-bearing checking account that can be opened in five minutes or less.


APY: 0.10% to 0.25%


Account features: Ally Bank’s Spending Account comes with plenty of features, including access to your paycheck up to two days early with qualifying direct deposits, reimbursement for up to $10 in ATM fees monthly, and overdraft protection.

PROS

  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Allows access to your money up to two days early when you set up direct deposit
  • Reimburses up to $10 in ATM fees each month

CONS

  • Requires a $15,000 minimum balance to earn the highest rate
  • Does not accept cash deposits
  • Lacks physical branches


Capital One 360 Checking



You can sign up for Capital One’s 360 Checking in about five minutes. Acceptance gives you access to online and mobile banking, plus any of the bank’s brick-and-mortar branches or cafes.


APY: 0.10%


Account features: Capital One’s 360 Checking offers three different overdraft protection options and the ability to get paid early when you sign up for direct deposit. You can also add cash to your account at participating stores, such as CVS and Walgreens.

PROS

  • Maintains physical branches
  • Provides overdraft protection
  • Gives direct deposit customers access to paychecks up to two days early

CONS

  • Offers a lower APY than some competitors, regardless of your balance
  • Applies some transaction limits
  • Does not reimburse for out-of-network ATM owner fees


How to choose a free checking account

Now that you’re familiar with some of the best free checking accounts on the market, it’s important to understand how to compare them. Here are three metrics to consider as you decide which option is right for you:

  1. Make sure your money is insured. Check that your funds are protected if your bank were to fail. The standard coverage limit for institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is $250,000 per depositor.
  2. Consider the fees. Most free checking accounts don’t impose common charges, such as monthly maintenance, overdraft or minimum balance fees. However, fees may still be associated with some account transactions, including check orders or wire transfers. Read disclosures for any account you’re considering so you’re aware of its fee structure.
  3. Look at the rate. Lastly, consider the APY and what it takes to unlock that rate. Some checking accounts offer higher rates than others, but you may have to jump through several hoops to access the full earning potential.

Frequently asked questions

What does a checking account do?

A checking account is a bank account designed to hold money for regular spending. Instead of paying cash for items you want to buy, you can use a paper check or a debit card to transfer the funds from your bank account to the recipient.

What fees are commonly charged with checking accounts?

Common checking account fees include monthly maintenance, minimum balance, ATM usage and overdraft fees. Your bank may also charge fees for less common transactions, such as ordering checks or sending or receiving wire transfers. Be sure to read the disclosures for any account you’re thinking about opening so you know what — and when — you’ll be charged.

What types of benefits can come from opening a checking account?

The biggest benefit of a checking account is having your funds insured, which means that your money will stay safe in the event of bank failure. Having a checking account also means you can keep the money that you’re planning on using for everyday spending separate from the funds you’re saving.

Methodology

To compile our list of the best free checking accounts, we considered annual percentage yields (APYs) and fees. We analyzed nearly 28 bank accounts at different banks, credit unions and financial technology companies.

Accounts that made the list needed to have these features:

  • Offer a competitive APY
  • Require a small minimum deposit, if any, and no minimum balance
  • Charge no monthly service fees
  • Offer many free ways to make deposits and withdrawals
  • Function as a primary checking account
  • Come with federal insurance

*SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% 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 stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.

**New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.

***Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.

 

* The APY (Annual Percentage Yield) shown is based on the deposit amount selected. Expand the listing to see APYs for other deposit amounts.
† The rates for some products vary by region. In these cases we have listed the rates for the region closest to the bank's headquarters.

The financial institution, product, and APY (Annual Percentage Yield) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your region. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The content displayed is for general information purposes only; always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account. Contact [email protected] to report inaccurate info or to request offers be included in this website. We are not affiliated with the financial institutions included in this website.