Best Student Checking Accounts of 2025

As a student, managing money can be overwhelming. Fortunately, student checking accounts typically come with some unique perks that may make it easier to stay on top of your finances. Here are nine of the best student checking accounts available today.

Best free student checking accounts

Having a checking account is a great way for students to learn financial responsibility, but fees can be attached to many accounts. Thankfully, many free checking accounts are designed specifically for students. These accounts skip the bank fees and put money back in your pocket.

Here are the best free student checking accounts available now.

U.S. Bank – Smartly® Checking

Open to students ages 13 to 24, the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account is a solid option because it comes with no monthly maintenance fee. In addition, the account has relaxed overdraft fee policies plus no fees on in-network ATMs and no fees on your first four out-of-network ATM transactions per statement period.

The bank also provides some unique perks geared toward students and their families, including a campus banking program and complimentary access to the Greenlight app, which helps parents and kids work together to build smart financial habits. Students under 18 must apply for this account jointly with an adult.

SoFi® Bank, N.A. – Student Checking and Savings

SoFi® Bank, N.A.’s combined Student Checking and Savings account is light on fees, boasting no overdraft fees, no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance fees. Students will also have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network.

Other account features include an attached savings account with a 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) and an option to enroll in up to $3 million in FDIC insurance coverage (with eligible balance). As of the time of writing, a $30 account bonus offer was available by signing up for and funding a student bank account. Students must be at least 18 to open this account.

TD Bank – Complete Checking

Best suited for users ages 17 to 23, the TD Bank Complete Checking account has no minimum opening deposit, no monthly maintenance fee, no fees at in-network ATMs and waived out-of-network ATM fees for young adults. A grace period for overdrafts is included as is TD Early Pay, which allows working students to get paid up to two business days early on qualifying direct deposits.

Account holders also receive a free linked savings account of their choice.

Best student checking accounts for studying abroad

Students planning on studying abroad will want to look for an account with no foreign transaction fees, a robust ATM network and limited out-of-network ATM fees. Here are a few smart options:

Charles Schwab Bank – Investor Checking™

Those looking for a truly international checking account should consider the Schwab Bank Investor Checking account. This account charges no foreign transaction fees and offers unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.

Keep in mind that you will need to link your new checking account to a Schwab One® brokerage account to access these benefits. However, that brokerage account has no minimum balance requirement when opened with a linked Investor Checking account, so it’s fine if you can’t fund it.

Capital One – 360 Checking

The Capital One 360 Checking account is advertised as a no-fee checking account — and that includes no foreign transaction fees. The account will also give you access to a network of more than 70,000 MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs. If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, Capital One won’t charge you anything, but the ATM operator might.

Additionally, Capital One waives its monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements and overdraft fees for its 360 Checking account holders.

Citi – Access Checking

Citi’s Access Checking account grants you fee-free access to a network of more than 60,000 ATMs across the U.S. Citi ATMs are also available in more than 20 countries, providing an easy way to grab the cash you need if you’re planning to study abroad in an area where Citi is located.

This account is likely a best fit for students who don’t mind having a joint account with their parents or guardians because of the high balance requirements to access many of the perks. Foreign transaction fees are waived and out-of-network ATM fees are reimbursed for Citi’s relationship banking members, but you’ll need to maintain at least a $30,000 balance to qualify.

If you can’t meet the balance requirements, you’ll be subject to a 3% fee on all international debit card transactions and a $2.50 fee when using a non-Citi ATM.

Best student checking accounts at nationwide banks

Whether you’re on campus or home for the summer, opening a checking account at a national bank will help ensure your banking needs are covered wherever you are. These picks are a particularly good fit for those who want access to in-person assistance and plenty of options for brick-and-mortar locations.

Bank of America – Advantage SafeBalance Banking®

Bank of America’s Advantage SafeBalance Banking account features no monthly maintenance fees for those under age 25 and no overdraft fees. Debit card users can also temporarily stop debit purchases within the banking app if a card is lost or stolen. In total, Bank of America has 3,700 financial centers – physical branch locations – and 15,000 ATMs across the country.

PNC Bank – Virtual Wallet Student

PNC Bank’s Virtual Wallet Student allows students to take advantage of no monthly fee for up to six years from the date of account opening as well as overdraft protection. PNC Bank’s Low Cash Mode gives you the option to pay or return certain eligible checks and payments when your balance is negative.

PNC Bank has about 2,200 branches and 60,000 ATMs in its network.

Chase Bank – College Checking^SM

Available to students ages 17 to 24, Chase Bank’s College Checking account features no monthly maintenance fees until the student’s graduation date, with a five-year maximum. Account holders can also enjoy no monthly fee on a Chase savings account linked to this checking account for overdraft protection.

Chase has more than 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs.

What is a student checking account?

As the name suggests, student checking accounts are checking accounts that are geared toward young adults or those who are enrolled in higher-education programs. Many of these accounts offer special features, such as reduced fees or options for parental oversight, in an effort to set up students for success as they build financial independence.

By the same token, the benefits that come with these accounts are often short-lived. An account may have an age or time limit, after which it may convert to a traditional checking account.

Features to consider when choosing a student checking account

When thinking about opening a student checking account, consider these factors:

• Deposit insurance: Check that your funds are protected in the event of bank failure. 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 for each ownership category at each institution.
• Fees: Most student checking accounts don’t impose common charges, such as monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees. However, fees may still be associated with some account transactions, including check orders or wire transfers. Read the disclosures for any account you’re considering to understand its fee structure.
• Limits: A unique feature of student checking accounts is that many of them impose age restrictions or time limits. Make sure you qualify before you apply for the account.
• Branch and ATM access: Look for a financial institution that has locations in all the places you intend to be, including near campus.

How to open a student checking account

1. Choose a financial institution. Depending on your needs, one bank or credit union may be a better fit for you than another. Do your research and choose a financial institution that suits your needs.
2. Confirm eligibility requirements. Some institutions set different eligibility criteria for opening an account. For example, students under the age of 18 may need to have an adult open the account as a joint account holder.
3. Apply for the account. Most institutions allow you to apply for an account online. In some cases, you may need to visit a branch in person.
4. Make your initial deposit. Some accounts may have initial deposit requirements, meaning you’ll have to fund your account within a certain amount of time after opening it. Be sure to read the disclosure for your chosen student checking account to know whether you’ll be subject to one.

How we chose the best student checking accounts

We reviewed a wide variety of checking accounts from financial institutions across the country to come up with a list of the top nine contenders. Here is the criteria we used to make our selections:

• Student-specific accounts: We prioritized accounts that are geared toward students and young adults.
• Fewer fees: We looked for accounts that offered waived or reduced fees, even if only for a set period of time.
• Branch and ATM access: We highlighted accounts that have widespread branch and ATM access.