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Best Checking Accounts 2024

Discover the top checking accounts with our comprehensive review, highlighting the best options available for convenient banking, attractive features, and competitive fees.
Written by
Grace Lemire
Last Update on Jan 10, 2024

A reliable and feature-rich checking account is a fundamental component of managing personal finances effectively. In this article, we dive into the world of checking accounts, exploring the top providers that offer a combination of convenience, enticing features, and competitive fees. 

Whether you prioritize easy access to your funds, robust online and mobile banking capabilities, or a wide ATM network, we present a comprehensive review of the best checking accounts available. Join us as we navigate through the banking landscape, empowering you to make an informed choice and find the perfect checking account to suit your financial needs and preferences.

Checking AccountRatingBest For…FeesMinimum Balance RequirementsAPYATM Access
Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking4.2Digital bankingNoneNone0.25%80,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Axos Bank Rewards Checking4.8People with other Axos bank productsNoneNoneUp to 3.30%91,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Citibank Access Account Package3.7People that prefer big banks$10 monthly maintenance fee, if requirements aren’t metNoneNone65,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking4.3Simple experience earning interest$4 overdraft feeNoneUp to 1.75%67,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Discover Cashback Debit Checking3.8Cash backNoneNoneNone; Offers 1% cash back on up to $3,000 per month in spending60,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
nbkc bank Everything Account4.5Combined checking and savingsNoneNone1.50%37,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking4.7Credit unions$10 monthly maintenance fee, unless requirements are met; $30 overdraft feeNone0.15% to 0.35%85,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Quontic Bank High Interest Checking4.4Simple APYNoneNoneUp to 1.10%90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking4.5Purchase protectionNoneNone0.25%80,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
Varo Bank Account4.3Early direct depositNoneNoneN/A55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs

Best Checking Accounts 2024

Best for Digital Banking

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking

4.3
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email
Unique Features
Highly-rated mobile app
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
80,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
0.25%
Show More Details

ATM options, and a decent APY.

Alliant offers a highly-rated mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The app is complete with budgeting tools, mobile check deposit, an ATM finder, and the ability to view your credit score.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs

Pros:

  • Over 80,000 surcharge-free ATMs
  • Reimbursement of up to $20 per month for out-of-network ATM fees
  • Highly-rated mobile app
  • No monthly maintenance fee

Cons:

  • Low APY
  • Requires membership
Additional Details

To become an Alliant Credit Union member, you’ll need to become a member of Foster Care to Success (FC2S) first. Alliant will, however, reimburse you the $5 membership fee after signing up.

Best for People with other Axos Bank products, such as an Axos Invest account or an Axos loan

Axos Bank Rewards Checking

4.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, automated chat
Unique Features
High APY
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
91,000+ surcharge-free ATMs; unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursement
APY
Up to 3.30%
Show More Details

Axos Bank offers a solid checking account with a high APY, user-friendly mobile app, and a wide network of surcharge-free ATMs.

Their online and mobile banking allows customers to manage their debit card, enroll in autopay, pay friends and family. It also allows customers to set financial goals and track their progress, view breakdowns of their spending, and deposit checks on the go.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0

Pros:

  • Competitive APY for a checking account
  • 91,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursement
  • No fees
  • Mobile app with helpful money management features

Cons:

  • Balances over $50,000 do not earn interest
  • $50 minimum deposit
  • Confusing tier-based APY system
Additional Details

The Axos Bank Rewards Checking account has an interesting tier-based APY, requiring customers to do a variety of things to earn the full 3.30% APY:

  • 0.40% APY: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more.
  • 0.30% APY: Sign up for Personal Finance Manager Account Aggregation in Online Banking or use your Axos debit card for at least 10 transactions per month (with a minimum of $3 per transaction).
  • 1.00% APY: Keep an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account.
  • 1.00% APY: Keep an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self-Directed Trading Account.
  • 0.60% APY: Use your Rewards Checking account to make a full Axos consumer loan payment, such as a mortgage, personal, or auto loan.
Best for People that prefer big banks

Citibank Access Account Package

3.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone
Unique Features
Zelle access
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
65,000+ surcharge-free ATMs; Does not reimburse ATM fees at third-party ATMs
APY
None
Show More Details

The Citibank Access Account Package offers a large network of ATMs and no overdraft fee, but it doesn’t pay interest. As a result, it’s best for people who’d prefer working with a larger bank like Citibank and don’t mind not earning interest.

The account does, however, come with both digital and mobile banking. The mobile app is highly rated in both the App Store and Google Play Store.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $10; $0 if there is one qualifying direct deposit or bill payment per statement or by keeping an average monthly balance of $1,500 in eligible linked accounts
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 at one of the 65,000+ surcharge-free ATMs in network; $2.50 for out-of-network ATMs

Pros:

  • No overdraft fee
  • Expansive ATM network
  • Zelle access

Cons:

  • No paper checks
  • No APY
  • You’ll need to pay a monthly maintenance fee if you don’t meet the minimum requirements to waive it.
Additional Details

Citibank connects to Zelle, which allows you to send money to friends and family directly from your checking account.

Best for Simple experience earning interest

Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking

4.3
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email, live chat
Unique Features
Privilege Pay program that covers some overdrafts
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
67,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
Up to 1.75%
Show More Details

The Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking account comes with a simple APY tier structure, no minimum deposit, and a relatively large ATM network. Customers get access to a highly-rated mobile app, complete with mobile check deposit.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $4; Connexus covers some overdrafts through their unique Privilege Pay program
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs

Pros:

  • No minimum deposit
  • Surcharge-free ATMs; $25 reimbursed per month for ATM provider surcharges

Cons:

  • You must open a Connexus savings account to open a checking account.
  • You’ll need to make a $5 donation to the Connexus Association to become a member.
Additional Details

Connexus members earn 1.75% APY on balances up to $25,000. Any amount over $25,000 will earn 0.25% APY.

To receive any APY, though, you’ll need to opt into e-statements and have at least 15 debit transactions per month or spend at least $400 per month on your debit card. If you don’t meet these requirements, you won’t earn dividends or have access to ATM fee reimbursements that month.

Best for Cash back

Discover Cashback Debit Checking

3.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, live chat
Unique Features
Cash back instead of APY
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
60,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
N/A
Show More Details

Discover offers a simple, straightforward checking account option with 1% cash back on up to $3,000 of spending per month. Their highly-rated mobile app gives customers a spending analysis, mobile check deposit, and on-the-go access to their balance.
Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0

Pros:

  • No monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fee, or ATM fee
  • Highly-rated mobile app

Cons:

  • Low cash back
Additional Details

While Discover’s Cashback Checking account doesn’t offer the traditional APY structure, they offer 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases per month. This equals just $30 per month at the highest spending rate, which isn’t as compelling of an offer as some competitors.

Best for Combined checking and savings

nbkc bank Everything Account

4.5
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email, live chat
Unique Features
Combined checking and savings
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
37,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
1.50%
Show More Details

with access to over 37,000 ATMs, the ability to set and track savings goals, and a financial snapshot tool that makes data from other bank accounts visible.

Their mobile app allows customers to deposit checks on the go, pay bills from their phone, and move funds between accounts.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs

Pros:

  • Simple APY structure
  • Ability to set and track financial goals within the account
  • No monthly maintenance fees

Cons:

  • $45 fee for wire transfers
  • Low APY in comparison to some competitors
  • Smaller ATM network than some competitors
Additional Details

There are no requirements to receive the full 1.50% APY.

Best for Credit unions

PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking

4.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email, online message
Unique Features
Large ATM network
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
85,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
0.15% to 0.35%
Show More Details

PenFed Credit Union’s Access America Checking account offers a simple APY structure, large ATM network, and easy-to-use mobile app. The app is complete with bill pay, mobile check deposit, and a branch locator.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $10; waived if monthly direct deposits of $500 or more or daily balance of $500 or more
  • Overdraft Fee: $30
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs

Pros:

  • Large ATM network
  • Monthly fee is waivable
  • Easy-to-use mobile app

Cons:

  • Monthly maintenance fee
  • To join PenFed Credit Union, you’ll need to make a $5 deposit into a savings account.
  • APY is lower than some competitors
Additional Details

Eligible accounts will receive the following APY:

  • 0.15% APY: Balances up to $19,999.99
  • 0.35% APY: Balances between $20,000 and $50,000

Balances over $50,000 do not earn dividends.

Best for Simple APY

Quontic Bank High Interest Checking

4.4
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email, live chat
Unique Features
Straightforward APY
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
Up to 1.10%
Show More Details

Quontic Bank’s High-Interest Checking account comes with a massive network of ATMs, an easy-to-use mobile app, and a straightforward APY structure. All balances can receive the full APY after minimum requirements are met. The one downside of the account is the $100 minimum deposit.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs

Pros:

  • Massive network of surcharge-free ATMs
  • Competitive APY

Cons:

  • Requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account
  • You’ll need to meet the minimum requirements to receive the full APY
Additional Details

To get the full APY, you must make at least 10 qualifying debit transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle. If you don’t, you’ll earn just 0.01% APY for that cycle.

Best for Purchase protection

TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking

4.5
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email, online message
Unique Features
Android smartwatch compatibility
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
80,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
0.25%
Show More Details

The TIAA Bank Yield Pledge Checking has three major benefits competitors might not have: extended warranty protection, price protection, and return protection. The major downside of the account is the $100 minimum deposit requirement.

Their mobile app allows customers to deposit checks, set and track financial goals, and view transaction information. For Android users, the app also connects to smartwatches.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0; Reimburses up to $15 per month for third-party ATM fees

Pros:

  • Large ATM network
  • Simple, flat APY for all balances
  • Highly-rated mobile app

Cons:

  • Branch locations are only in Florida
  • $100 minimum deposit
Additional Details

Customers that maintain an average daily balance of over $5,000 will receive unlimited ATM reimbursements.

The account also comes with the Yield Pledge promise, which ensures that customers always receive an APY within the top five percent of competing accounts.

Best for Early direct deposit

Varo Bank Account

4.3
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Customer Support Options
Phone, email
Unique Features
In-person cash deposit; early direct deposit
Minimum Balance Requirement
None
ATM Access
55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
APY
N/A
Show More Details

Varo Bank Account stands out from competitors with its option to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. While it doesn’t pay interest, all customers get a Varo Visa debit card, which allows you to earn up to 6% cash back on select brands.

Customers can deposit checks through the Varo mobile app. If they need to deposit cash, they can visit one of the 90,000 retail locations for Green Dot Reload.

Fees:

  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0
  • Overdraft Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 at in-network ATMs; $2.50 at out-of-network ATMs

Pros:

  • Early direct deposit
  • Visa debit card with up to 6% cash back
  • Zelle access
  • Access to in-person cash deposit

Cons:

  • Smaller ATM network than some competitors
  • Doesn’t pay interest
  • Doesn’t refund out-of-network ATM fees
Additional Details

Varo is compatible with Zelle, which allows you to make seamless transfers to friends and family right from your checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can I Avoid Fees On My Checking Account?

Look for a checking account with no or low fees. Some banks waive fees if you maintain a certain balance, make a set number of transactions per month, or set up direct deposit.

Are Checking Accounts Insured?

Yes, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) typically insures checking accounts up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.

What Is The Difference Between A Checking And Savings Account?

Checking accounts are designed for daily transactions and often come with a debit card and checks. Savings accounts are meant for storing money and earning interest over time but have limits on certain types of withdrawals and transfers.

Can I Open A Checking Account Online?

Yes, many banks offer the ability to open checking accounts online. You’ll need to provide some personal information and may need to deposit a minimum amount.

Can I Have More Than One Checking Account?

Yes, you can have multiple checking accounts, either with the same or different banks. This might be useful for managing different types of expenses.

Grace Lemire is a full-time content writer and part-time social media creator with a passion for helping people navigate life's toughest financial decisions – from moving out of your parents' house to buying a home.