Can checking accounts earn interest?

Checking accounts haven't traditionally paid interest, but many banks and credit unions now offer high-yield checking account options. However, they often come with some caveats. For instance, you may have to maintain a minimum or maximum balance and use your debit card a certain number of times per month in order to earn the interest rate. In addition, high-yield checking accounts typically pay a lower rate than high-interest savings accounts.

How many checking accounts can I have?

While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.

How do I get a checking account bonus?

Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.

What is overdraft protection?

Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea. Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $27.08 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction. Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card. The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all of the perks of a regular checking account.

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments. Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder. Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Best Checking Accounts Of March 2025

Banks with the best checking accounts for March 2025

Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown are as of March 26. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.

Ally Bank Spending account

5

Overview

Ally Bank’s Spending account earns interest on all balances, though you’ll need at least $15,000 to earn the top APY. It doesn’t charge monthly maintenance or overdraft fees, and account holders can access more than 75,000 ATMs nationwide to make withdrawals, while receiving up to $10 in ATM fee reimbursements each statement cycle. Early direct deposit allows you to access your paycheck up to two days early. The main drawback with this account is that you can’t make cash deposits.

Read Bankrate's Expert Ally Bank Review

0.10%-0.25% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account earns interest on all balances.
- As a member of the Allpoint and MoneyPass nationwide ATM networks, Ally provides generous fee-free ATM access. It also reimburses some ATM surcharges each month.
- Ally’s mobile app lets you deposit checks and send money to friends and family through Zelle.
- 24/7 customer service support by phone, with a handy tool on the website that shows you how long the wait time is.
- You can’t make cash deposits into the account.

Capital One 360 Checking

5

Overview

Capital One Bank’s 360 checking account earns a little interest (though not as much as other accounts on this list) and can be a good choice for customers looking for a wide network of no-fee ATMs as well as branches in select states. Customers can deposit cash at CVS and Walgreens stores, and the account also offers early direct deposit and no monthly service fees.

Read Bankrate's Expert Capital One Bank Review

0.10% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The 360 Checking account earns some interest.
- Your first order of checks is free.
- Although it’s primarily an online bank, Capital One offers more than 250 branches in eight states and Washington, D.C., as well as cafe-style locations in various states.
- Checking account customers must agree to receive electronic statements, as paper ones are not an option.

Discover Bank Cashback Debit account

5

Overview

Discover’s Cashback Debit account earns 1 percent cash back on up to $3,000 in debit purchases each month, or up to $360 per year. A fee-free overdraft protection transfer service is offered, and the bank doesn’t charge fees for returned items or insufficient funds.

Direct deposit recipients can get paid up to two days early. Customers have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs to make cash withdrawals.

Read Bankrate's Expert Discover Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account doesn’t charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance.
- It’s free to order checks and obtain official bank checks.
- Customers can send and receive money with Zelle.
- 24/7 customer service support.
- While free cash deposits are available, you can only make them at Walmart, which may or may not be convenient for you.

Axos Bank Essential Checking

4.9

Overview

There is no minimum deposit required to open Axos Bank’s Essential Checking account and it comes with a Direct Deposit Express feature that gets you paid up to two days early. The account also provides fee-free access to more than 90,000 ATMs across the nation, plus unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. Customers can also deposit cash at nearly 100,000 retail partners through the Green Dot Network, though you might have to pay a fee to do so. Account holders pay no monthly service fees, overdraft fees or non-sufficient funds fees.

Read Bankrate's Expert Axos Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- You won’t pay any ATM fees, thanks to a wide ATM network and unlimited reimbursement of ATM fees incurred in the U.S.
- There’s no minimum deposit amount required to open the account.
- Account holders can receive 24/7 customer support over the phone.
- Outgoing domestic wire transfers cost $35 each, which is higher than some other banks charge.

NBKC Bank Everything Account

4.9

Overview

NBKC Bank’s Everything Account earns a highly competitive yield on all balances and charges no monthly service fees. Many accounts that offer this kind of APY on their checking require hoops to jump through, but not NBKC. It also doesn’t charge a fee for overdrafts, among other things. The account is part of the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks, providing access to more than 90,000 fee-free ATMs. Plus, NBKC reimburses up to $12 a month in out-of-network ATM fees.

Read Bankrate's Expert NBKC Bank Review

1.75% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- There are no fees for overdrafts, returned items, stop payments, cashier's checks and other services.
- Customers can access a wide network of ATMs for free across the country.
- The bank reimburses up to $12 a month for out-of-network ATM fees.
- NBKC Bank isn’t on the Zelle peer-to-peer payment network.

SoFi Bank Online Checking

4.9

Overview

SoFi’s Online Checking account earns 0.50 percent APY on all balances, which is more than decent for a checking account. It also requires no minimum deposit to open. If you elect to receive direct deposit into this account, you’ll receive it up to two days early.

Note that when you sign up for a SoFi checking account, the bank will also automatically open a savings account in your name, which earns a decent interest rate too. SoFi is also currently offering a checking account bonus of up to $300 to new members who enroll and meet direct deposit requirements.

Read Bankrate's Expert SoFi Bank Review

0.50% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- Potential to earn a bonus when direct deposit requirements are met.
- Overdrafts will be covered up to $50 with no fees when your account is set up to receive direct deposit of at least $1,000 per month.
- Early direct deposit is offered.
- In order to have SoFi’s checking account, you also need to have its savings account.

Alliant Credit Union High-Yield Checking

4.8

Overview

Alliant Credit Union is easy to join for anyone, despite its status as a credit union. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open Alliant’s High-Yield Checking account. You’ll earn 0.25 percent APY in interest with this account when you elect to get electronic account statements and receive at least one monthly electronic deposit.

The account charges no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees, while offering a wide network of fee-free ATMs, ATM fee reimbursement and the ability to receive direct deposit of your paycheck up to two days early.

Read Bankrate's Expert Alliant Credit Union Review

0.25% APY

$25 minimum balance to open

- The account currently earns some interest when set requirements are met.
- Account holders receive fee-free access to more than 80,000 ATMs, as well as up to $20 a month in ATM surcharge rebates.
- The first box of checks is free.
- Accounts closed within 90 days of opening may incur a $10 fee.
- Each High-Yield checking account must come with Alliant’s High-Rate Savings account — opening that account is how you become a credit union member. Alliant will pay the minimum $5 deposit on your behalf but you have to keep that account open with at least $5 in it to stay a member.

Bask Bank Interest Checking

4.8

Overview

Bask Bank’s Interest Checking account earns the same high APY of 1 percent on all balances, and it charges no monthly maintenance fees. There’s no minimum deposit requirement, although the bank reserves the right to close the account if it remains unfunded for 15 business days. Customers have access to a large free ATM network and refunds of ATM surcharges, and they can send money to friends and family through Zelle.

Read Bankrate's Expert Bask Bank Review

1% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- Bask Bank customers can use more than 55,000 free ATMs, and they can receive refunds of ATM surcharges.
- The account earns interest and offers access to peer-to-peer payment network Zelle.
- This account doesn’t offer early direct deposit, so you won’t see your paychecks a couple days early.

Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking

4.8

Overview

Charles Schwab Bank checking customers receive fee-free access to ATMs all over the globe, which can be handy if you’re a traveler. The bank can also be a good choice for those who prefer to keep their checking account in the same place as their investment accounts, with a single login as this account is automatically linked to a Schwab One brokerage account. Standard wallet and duplicate check styles are free with the account.

There is no minimum required to open the Investor Checking account but you will need to add funds to receive a debit card, checks or set up bill pay.

Read Bankrate's Expert Charles Schwab Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account charges no monthly service fees or overdraft fees, and it’s free to order checks.
- Customers get unlimited ATM fee reimbursement worldwide, which can be useful for travelers.
- There’s no way to deposit cash into the account.

First Internet Bank of Indiana Free Checking

4.8

Overview

The Free Checking account from First Internet Bank of Indiana requires a $25 minimum opening deposit, although it doesn’t require any monthly minimum balance or charge any service fees. It doesn’t charge fees for ATM use — but unlike many other banks, it doesn’t reimburse any ATM surcharges assessed by ATM owners. Customers have access to Zelle as a means of paying friends and family.

Read Bankrate's Expert First Internet Bank of Indiana Review

$25 minimum balance to open

- The account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee or ATM fees.
- The account can be used for Zelle peer-to-peer payments.
- Receiving paper account statements will cost you $3 per statement.

LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking

4.8

Overview

LendingClub is an online-only bank that offers a Rewards Checking account that earns 1 percent cash back and interest, as well as ATM fee reimbursement. It can be a good option for consumers looking for an account with ample ATM access and no monthly maintenance fees.

Read Bankrate's Expert LendingClub Bank Review

0.10%-0.15% APY

$25 minimum balance to open

- Rewards Checking customers earn 1 percent cash back on signature-based debit card purchases.
- You must maintain an average daily balance of at least $2,500 or receive at least $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits to earn the 1 percent cash back reward.
- Interest isn’t earned on balances below $2,500.

Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Spend account

4.8

Overview

The Spend account from Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) earns both a highly competitive APY of 3.50 percent and 1 percent cash back on debit card purchases. The account requires no minimum opening deposit, and customers can make fee-free withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide.

Read Bankrate's Expert Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Review

3.50% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The Spend checking account earns a very attractive APY for a checking account.
- Customers can earn cash back on purchases made using the account’s Mastercard debit card, with rewards paid to the account once a month.
- Unlike some other banks, TAB doesn’t reimburse any ATM surcharges assessed by other banks or ATM owners.

Bankrate's expertise

Bankrate’s trusted industry knowledge

Read our full methodology

Our banking editorial team regularly evaluates data from more than a hundred of the top financial institutions across a range of categories (brick-and-mortar banks, online banks, credit unions and more) to help you find the options that work best for you.

48 years

of industry experience

3 k

deposits rates tracked

115

banks reviewed

How much should I keep in my checking account?

Since your checking account is likely the account from which you pay your bills and make debit card purchases, it’s important to keep enough money in there to cover these expenses. In addition, it often helps to keep some extra money in the account in the event your expenses are slightly higher than anticipated in a given month. This can help you avoid accidentally spending more than what’s in the account.

Beyond your living expenses and a cushion, it’s often best to keep additional funds in a savings account that earns a competitive APY. This is because many checking accounts don’t earn interest, and those that do bear interest often earn less than you can get from top-yielding savings accounts.

It doesn’t pay to let money just pile up in your checking account. Instead, keep what you need to cover your monthly expenses — plus a buffer for surprises and to avoid overdrafts — and put your excess cash in a high-yield savings account.
Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst

Deciding between branch access or online-only checking

When choosing a checking account, a significant factor may be whether you prefer a brick-and-mortar bank or one that operates entirely online. Some people prefer having access to branches for face-to-face transactions, whereas others prefer the convenience of online transactions. Whatever type of bank you decide to house your checking account, it’s important you can avoid service fees that would eat into your balance — and that you can make transfers easily to a high-yield savings account.

If you need to deposit cash often, for example, you might be better off with a brick-and-mortar bank that has a location or ATMs near you as many online banks have limitations on how you can deposit cash.

Bankrate staff insights

I have my checking and savings account with SoFi, which is an online-only bank,” says a Bankrate staff member. “This was not the primary factor when choosing, but it has been a plus to the SoFi banking experience. I prefer the ease of online handlings and haven’t had any issues with quick customer support or deporting checks.

Bankrate Staff Member

Requirements to open a checking account

Checking accounts typically have some general requirements, and you’ll need to meet them in order to open an account.

Identification: Most banks and credit unions require two forms of identification to open an account. A Social Security card, passport, state ID or driver's license are the most commonly required documents.
Minimum deposit: The minimum deposit to open a checking account is typically around $25 or more, although there are some accounts that allow for less.
Address: You'll need to provide proof of address when opening an account. Utility bills, lease agreements and insurance cards can work well.
Age: It may be difficult to get a checking account under age 18. That said, opening a teen account, a joint account or a custodial account can be an option for minors.

What to look for in a checking account

Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study found that 47 percent of non-interest-bearing accounts are free and don't charge monthly service fees. The majority of noninterest accounts will waive fees under certain conditions, such as direct deposit. Financial technology companies like Chime and Current also offer no-fee accounts.
On occasion, you may find yourself accidentally spending more money than what’s in your checking account. If this is the case, find an account that allows overdrafts but won’t charge you hefty overdraft fees. Many banks don’t charge a fee at all while the average overdraft fee in 2024 was $27.08, Bankrate found.
Some banks will offer cash-back rewards on purchases you make with a debit card. These rewards may be limited to a certain amount of cash back per month. Rewards checking accounts may also offer interest, though it’s often going to be less than what you’d earn a high-yield savings account.
Some banks will pay you hundreds of dollars to get you to open a checking account, but these bonuses usually come with strings attached. For instance, Chase will pay $300 to new customers who open a Chase Total Checking account by April 16, 2025. You’ll be required to make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of enrollment. Bankrate can help you find the best bank account sign-up bonuses.
If you use ATMs, it pays to find a checking account at an institution that provides access to ATMs that don’t charge you fees or reimburses you for using out-of-network ATMs. You can often avoid ATM fees by choosing a brick-and-mortar bank that offers thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide, or an online bank that belongs to a wide third-party ATM network.

Learn more: Checking account survey

What to know about checking account fees

Using a checking account can be expensive. The good news is you can find checking accounts that don't charge monthly maintenance fees as well as make it easy to avoid other common tolls. Here's what you need to know.

Learn more

Checking accounts at credit unions vs. banks

When it comes to checking accounts, the offerings from credit unions and banks are often similar enough, but the institutions themselves differ. One of the main differences between the two is their ownership structure: Commonly, banks are for-profit corporations owned by shareholders, while credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit entities that can share profits with members via reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates.

Credit unions are also known for involvement in their community, including providing loans to small businesses, as well as financial education and outreach to local consumers.

And while a bank doesn’t often have many restrictions over who can open accounts, membership in a credit union may be limited to certain people based on where they live, work or worship.

If you want to open a checking account at a credit union (maybe because you want to support its community causes), look for an account that charges no (or few) fees, gives you convenient access to your cash and maybe has some perks, like early direct deposit or interest.

A few outstanding credit union checking accounts that Bankrate reviews include:

Navy Federal Credit Union: The Free EveryDay Checking Account doesn’t require a set minimum balance or charge monthly fees, and it provides online budgeting tools and credit monitoring — while also earning some interest.
Quorum Federal Credit Union: The QClassic Checking account is a no-fee account that enables you to receive your paycheck up to two days early. Account holders have access to more than 90,000 free ATMs and three levels of overdraft protection.
Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union: The Really Free Checking account provides fee-free access to the wide network of more than 30,000 CO-OP ATMs. It doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance, and it also earns some interest.

Pros and cons of checking accounts

Checking accounts are a hub from which you can pay bills, make debit card purchases and receive direct deposit of your paycheck. Some checking accounts provide additional benefits, such as the means for peer-to-peer payments or mobile apps that can help you budget and manage your money.

While there are many benefits to having a checking account, there are a few things you want to watch for to make sure you aren’t giving any of your money away back to the bank. Here are some pros and cons that come with checking accounts:

Pros

A convenient way to receive direct deposit of your paycheck, and sometimes get it two days early.
A safe place from which you can spend your money using a debit card, pay bills and write checks without worrying about cash.
Access to cash through ATMs.
Ability to send and receive money (with family of friends) through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle.
A safe place for your money as long as it’s with an FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union and your balance is within the insurance limits.

Cons

Some checking accounts may charge fees for things such as not meeting a minimum balance or overdrafting your account. Make sure you know what fees your account charges so that you can avoid them or find an account that doesn’t charge many fees.
Many checking accounts pay little to no interest, so make sure you’re putting any excess cash you have into a high-yield savings account.

Alternatives to checking accounts

While a checking account provides a wide range of unique money management benefits, you’ll likely also want an account for your savings, preferably one that earns a high-yield.

High yield savings account

A savings account enables you to earn interest on your savings, helping your money grow while still giving you easy access to your funds.

Money market accounts

Like savings accounts, but also commonly come with debit cards and/or check-writing privileges.

Checking account FAQs

Checking accounts haven't traditionally paid interest, but many banks and credit unions now offer high-yield checking account options. However, they often come with some caveats. For instance, you may have to maintain a minimum or maximum balance and use your debit card a certain number of times per month in order to earn the interest rate. In addition, high-yield checking accounts typically pay a lower rate than high-interest savings accounts.
While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.
Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.
Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea.

Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $27.08 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction.

Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.
The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card.

The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved.

Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all of the perks of a regular checking account.
- Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments.
- Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder.
- Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Meet our Bankrate experts

Written by: Matthew Goldberg, Senior Consumer Banking Reporter

Matthew is a senior consumer banking reporter with more than two decades of journalism and financial services expertise, helping readers make informed decisions about their personal finance needs. His banking career includes being a banker in New York City and a bank officer at one of the nation's largest banks. Matthew is currently a member of the Board of Governors at the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW), chairing its training member engagement committee and is co-chair of its Finance Committee.

How we choose the best checking accounts

Bankrate researches over 100 banks, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.

To find the best checking accounts, we rated these institutions on their checking account fees, minimum deposit requirements, ATM network, overdraft policies, APY offerings and more. The best checking accounts have few fees, no or low minimum deposit requirements, a large ATM network, forgiving overdraft policies and may offer some other perks, like early direct deposit, interest or cash back.

The highest-rated checking accounts from broadly-available banks and credit unions made our list. Learn more about our methodology for reviewing banks.

Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, America First Credit Union, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Apple Bank, Arvest Bank, Axos Bank, Banesco USA, Bank of America, Bank of Hope, Bank5 Connect, BankPurely, BankUnited Direct, Barclays Bank, Bask Bank, BMO Alto, BMO Bank, Boeing Employees’ Credit Union, Bread Savings, BrioDirect, Capital One, CFG Community Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase Bank, CIBC Bank USA, CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens Access, Citizens Bank, Colorado Federal Savings Bank, Comerica Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Credit One Bank, Cross River Bank, Customers Bank, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover Bank, East West Bank, Emigrant Bank, EverBank, Fifth Third Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, First National Bank of America, First Tech Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Forbright Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Frost Bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Huntington National Bank, iGOBanking.com, Jenius Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Laurel Road, LendingClub Bank, Limelight Bank, Live Oak Bank, M.Y. Safra Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Merrick Bank, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, Mountain America Credit Union, MySavingsDirect, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, North American Savings Bank, Northpointe Bank, Openbank, Patelco Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Popular Direct, Presidential Bank, Provident Bank, Quontic Bank, Quorum Federal Credit Union, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Rising Bank, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, SoFi, SouthState Bank, Star One Credit Union, State Employees' Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, Synovus Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Texas Capital Bank, The Federal Savings Bank, Third Federal Savings and Loan, Truist Bank, UFB Direct, Umpqua Bank, US Bank, USAA Bank, Valley Bank, Varo Bank, Vio Bank, VyStar Credit Union, WebBank, Webster Bank, Wells Fargo, Western State Bank, Zions Bank

Best checking accounts of March 2025

Bankrate Expert Take

Banks with the best checking accounts for March 2025

Ally Bank Spending account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Capital One 360 Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Discover Bank Cashback Debit account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Axos Bank Essential Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

NBKC Bank Everything Account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

SoFi Bank Online Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Alliant Credit Union High-Yield Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Bask Bank Interest Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

First Internet Bank of Indiana Free Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Spend account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Bankrate's expertise

Bankrate’s trusted industry knowledge

How much should I keep in my checking account?

Deciding between branch access or online-only checking

Bankrate staff insights

Requirements to open a checking account

What to look for in a checking account

No fees

Overdraft policies

Interest and rewards

Bonuses

ATM/Cash access

What to know about checking account fees

Checking accounts at credit unions vs. banks

Pros and cons of checking accounts

Pros

Cons

Alternatives to checking accounts

Checking account FAQs

Can checking accounts earn interest?

How many checking accounts can I have?

How do I get a checking account bonus?

What is overdraft protection?

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Meet our Bankrate experts

How we choose the best checking accounts

Banks we monitor

Learn more