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Best Checking Accounts: Compare Online, Bank and Credit Union Options

Six widely available checking accounts compared on fees, ATM access, deposits and the features you use every day.

By Fountain Finances Editorial Team Updated 6 options compared

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Rates and fees on deposit accounts, cards and loans change frequently. We show a number only after our editors have confirmed it on the provider’s own disclosure page, together with the date it was checked. Where no figure is shown, follow the link for the provider’s current terms.

At a glance

Summary of best checking accounts: compare online, bank and credit union options
ProviderProductTypeWorth a look forInsurance
Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking Credit union checking People who want a digital-first credit union checking account NCUA
Ally Bank Spending Account Online checking People comfortable banking online who want fee-light everyday checking FDIC
Capital One 360 Checking Online checking with branch access People who want an online-first checking account with some in-person options FDIC
Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking Online checking linked to brokerage Frequent travelers and people who use ATMs outside a single network FDIC
Chase Total Checking Traditional bank checking People who want an extensive branch and ATM network nationwide FDIC
SoFi Bank Checking and Savings Online checking and savings People who want checking and savings together in one app FDIC

The options in detail

High-Rate Checking

Alliant Credit Union · Credit union checking

NCUA insured

Worth a look for: People who want a digital-first credit union checking account

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
Credit union membership required

Key features

  • Member-owned credit union with nationwide membership options
  • Access to a large surcharge-free ATM network
  • Interest may be earned when account requirements are met

Pros

  • Credit union ownership structure
  • Digital banking with nationwide access

Cons

  • Membership eligibility requirements apply
  • Earning interest depends on meeting monthly requirements

Things to consider

Read the monthly requirements for earning interest and confirm how you qualify for membership.

Listed #1 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at Alliant Credit Union (opens in a new tab) ↗ On alliantcreditunion.org

Spending Account

Ally Bank · Online checking

FDIC insured

Worth a look for: People comfortable banking online who want fee-light everyday checking

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
See Ally’s current account terms

Key features

  • Large in-network ATM access through a national ATM network
  • Early direct deposit, per Ally’s terms
  • Spending buckets and overdraft tools

Pros

  • Strong digital tools
  • Pairs with Ally savings for easy transfers

Cons

  • No branches
  • Cash deposits are not accepted

Things to consider

If you handle cash regularly, confirm how you will deposit it before switching.

Listed #2 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at Ally Bank (opens in a new tab) ↗ On ally.com

360 Checking

Capital One · Online checking with branch access

FDIC insured

Worth a look for: People who want an online-first checking account with some in-person options

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
See Capital One’s current disclosures

Key features

  • Access to a large fee-free ATM network
  • Branches and Capital One Cafés in select markets
  • Overdraft options you can choose in your settings

Pros

  • Strong mobile app
  • Pairs with Capital One savings for instant transfers

Cons

  • Branch access limited to certain regions
  • Cash deposit options vary by location

Things to consider

Review the overdraft options and choose the one that fits you when you open the account.

Listed #3 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at Capital One (opens in a new tab) ↗ On capitalone.com

Investor Checking

Charles Schwab Bank · Online checking linked to brokerage

FDIC insured

Worth a look for: Frequent travelers and people who use ATMs outside a single network

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
Linked Schwab One brokerage account required

Key features

  • ATM fee rebates, per Schwab’s terms
  • Opened together with a linked Schwab One brokerage account
  • Online and mobile banking

Pros

  • ATM flexibility at home and abroad
  • Convenient for existing Schwab investors

Cons

  • Requires opening a linked brokerage account
  • No branches designed for everyday banking

Things to consider

You don’t have to fund the linked brokerage account, but you do have to open it.

Listed #4 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at Charles Schwab Bank (opens in a new tab) ↗ On schwab.com

Total Checking

Chase · Traditional bank checking

FDIC insured

Worth a look for: People who want an extensive branch and ATM network nationwide

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
Monthly fee waiver requirements apply

Key features

  • Large national branch and ATM network
  • Monthly service fee that can be waived by meeting requirements, per Chase’s terms
  • Zelle and full online and mobile banking

Pros

  • In-person service in many parts of the country
  • Full range of other banking and lending products

Cons

  • Monthly service fee applies unless you meet waiver requirements
  • Typically pays no interest

Things to consider

Check which waiver requirement you can meet each month — such as direct deposit or a minimum balance — so the monthly fee doesn’t apply.

Listed #5 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at Chase (opens in a new tab) ↗ On chase.com

Checking and Savings

SoFi Bank · Online checking and savings

FDIC insured

Worth a look for: People who want checking and savings together in one app

APY
Variable — check today’s rate
Fees
See provider’s fee schedule
Minimums
See SoFi’s current terms

Key features

  • Combined checking and savings account
  • Early paycheck access with direct deposit, per SoFi’s terms
  • Savings vaults and budgeting tools

Pros

  • Everything in one app
  • Strong digital experience

Cons

  • Some features and rates require direct deposit
  • Cash deposits may involve third-party retail locations and fees

Things to consider

If you deposit cash, check SoFi’s current cash deposit options and any fees.

Listed #6 alphabetically, not ranked. Confirm current rates, fees and eligibility on the provider’s site before applying.

See provider at SoFi Bank (opens in a new tab) ↗ On sofi.com

How we chose and compared these options

We list providers in alphabetical order rather than ranking them, because the right choice depends on your situation. To be included, each product must be widely available to U.S. consumers and publish its terms online. We compared them on the following criteria:

  • Monthly fees. Whether a monthly fee applies and how easy it is to waive.
  • Overdraft policies. Overdraft and nonsufficient-funds practices and the options you control.
  • ATM access and cash. Size of the fee-free network, ATM fee rebates and how you can deposit cash.
  • Digital tools. Mobile app, alerts, early direct deposit and transfers.
  • Insurance. FDIC coverage for banks or NCUA coverage for credit unions.

Compensation from providers never affects which products appear or how we describe them. Read our full editorial methodology and affiliate disclosure.

Matching an account to how you bank

  • Handle cash often? A bank with branches or partner cash-deposit locations will be easier than an online-only bank that doesn’t accept cash.
  • Travel or use many ATMs? ATM fee rebates can matter more than any other feature.
  • Mostly digital? Online banks usually have fewer fees and strong apps.
  • Prefer member ownership? Credit unions offer checking with NCUA insurance; membership requirements apply.

Switching checklist

  1. Open the new account and order a debit card.
  2. Update direct deposit with your employer.
  3. Move automatic bill payments and subscriptions.
  4. Keep the old account open with a small buffer for one or two statement cycles.
  5. Close the old account once everything has moved.

Learn more in checking vs. savings accounts and on our banking fees page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free checking account?

Look for no monthly fee (or an easy waiver), a large fee-free ATM network and overdraft options you control. The best fit depends on whether you need branches or handle cash.

Can I have checking accounts at more than one bank?

Yes. Many people keep a local account for cash and branch needs and an online account for its features or pairing with high-yield savings.

Is it hard to switch checking accounts?

It takes some planning: open the new account, move direct deposits and automatic payments, leave a buffer in the old account for a month or two, then close it.

Sources

  1. Bank accounts and services — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  2. Deposit Insurance — Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Read before you choose