Best checking accounts of October 2025
Edited by
Reviewed by
Updated October 29, 2025
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The best checking accounts offer easy access to your money, a large ATM network and don’t charge pesky fees. Some of the best accounts also offer perks, such as cash back, interest on your balance or ATM fee reimbursements. Bankrate reviewed and rated checking accounts from over 100 banks and credit unions based on their fees, balance requirements, funds access and more to help you choose the best checking account for you.
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Deposit rates tracked
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Table of contents
- Banks with the best checking accounts
- The competition: Other checking accounts you can consider
- What to look for in a checking account
- Compare: Standard vs. best checking accounts
- How to open a checking account
- Can I open a checking account online?
- Checking accounts at credit unions vs. banks
- How much should I keep in my checking account?
- Pros and cons of checking accounts
- Alternatives to checking accounts
- Checking account FAQs
- Research methodology
Banks with the best checking accounts for October 2025
Note: APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. Bankrate only includes FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in the editorial listings below.
LendingClub
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
1.00% -
Min. deposit to open
$2,500
Why LendingClub?
LendingClub Bank's LevelUp Checking account offers a unique combination of interest earnings and rewards — but you'll need to meet certain requirements to earn them. There is no minimum balance required to open the account but you only earn interest if you maintain $2,500 in the account. You'll also earn one percent cash back on certain debit card purchases when you set up a monthly direct deposit.
First Internet Bank of Indiana
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
0.00% -
Min. deposit to open
$25
Why First Internet Bank of Indiana?
The Free Checking account from First Internet Bank is true to its name, delivering the best of the basics: a relatively low minimum deposit of $25, no monthly service fees and no extra charge fees for ATM use. It's a straightforward, fee-free account that fits well for users who want a simple checking experience without having to chase rates or meet ongoing activity requirements.
NBKC Bank
4.9
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.9/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
1.75% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why NBKC Bank?
The biggest draw to online-only NBKC's Bank's Everything Account is its competitive rate, which you earn without needing to meet any criteria. That's in contrast to many other high-yield checking accounts, which require account holders to meet a spending or deposit threshold to unlock top-tier rates. The account has no monthly service charge or overdraft fees and allows you to deposit cash. Combined with access to over 90,000 fee-free ATMs and monthly ATM fee reimbursements of up to $12 per month, the Everything Account is an accessible and flexible checking account.
Axos Bank
4.9
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.9/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
0.00% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why Axos Bank?
The Axos Bank Essential Checking comes with fee-free access to more than 90,000 ATMs across the nation, plus unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. Customers can deposit cash at any ATM in the network that accepts cash deposit, or through the nearly 100,000 retail partners through the Green Dot Network, though you might have to pay a fee to use the latter. Account holders pay no monthly service fees, overdraft fees or non-sufficient funds fees.
Capital One
5.0
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 5/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
0.10% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why Capital One?
While its 0.10 percent APY is modest compared to some competitors on this list, the Capital One 360 Checking account stands out for the ability to deposit cash for free at thousands of retail locations, including CVS and Walgreens. It's an especially good fit for customers who want the flexibility of online banking without giving up the option of in-person support if you're in select states where Capital One offers branches.
Alliant
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
0.25% -
Min. deposit to open
$25
Why Alliant?
Alliant Credit Union’s High-Rate checking account holders earn 0.25 percent APY by opting into e-statements and setting up one electronic deposit per month. The account doesn’t have monthly or overdraft fees and provides access to a large ATM network (and will reimburse you up to $20 per month for using out-of-network ATMs). Alliant Credit Union is easy to join for anyone, despite its status as a credit union. You'll be required to open an Alliant Savings Account to join, which you can do at the same time as you open a checking account.
TAB Bank
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
2.75% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why TAB Bank?
TAB's Spend account comes with a top-notch rate of 2.75 percent APY and one percent cash back on debit card purchases — and there are no activity requirements to unlock those benefits. The account requires no minimum opening deposit, and customers can make fee-free withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide, making this account a rare find that combines high yields, rewards and few fees.
Bask Bank
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
1.00% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why Bask Bank?
Bask Bank’s Interest Checking account earns the same high APY of 1 percent on all balances, and it charges no monthly maintenance fees, offering a blend of simplicity and competitive interest. There’s no minimum deposit requirement, but the bank may close your account if you don’t fund it within 15 days. Customers have access to a large fee-free ATM network and refunds on ATM surcharges.
Charles Schwab Bank
4.8
Bankrate score
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.8/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Annual percentage yields (APYs), minimum opening deposit requirements and minimum balances to avoid monthly service fees are some of the things that make up Bankrate’s score.
-
Annual percentage yield
0.05% -
Min. deposit to open
$0
Why Charles Schwab Bank?
The Schwab Investor Checking account has a unique feature: you’ll get fee-free access to ATMs all over the globe. And the built-in link to a Schwab One brokerage account streamlines money management for those who want to keep banking and investing under one roof. With this account, standard checks are free, but you will need to add funds to receive a debit card, checks or set up bill pay.
The competition: Other checking accounts you can consider
On our Best Checking Accounts list, Bankrate surfaces the highest-rated checking accounts from the banks we review that are also available to most people nationwide. But that doesn't mean that these accounts will suit everyone's needs or that there aren't other great accounts out there. Below, you'll find a few more contenders to consider.
- American Express Rewards Checking: You have to already have an American Express credit card or high-yield savings account to open this account, so it didn't make our list based on this availability barrier, but it does get a good Bankrate score as it has few fees, no minimum deposit and earns a solid APY and American Express rewards points.
- Chime Checking: Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank (which is why it doesn't make our list) but it does offer a checking account which has no monthly fees and no overdraft fees. Chime is a good option for a second-chance checking account because it does not check your previous banking history as a condition of opening the account. Note that your funds at Chime are covered by FDIC insurance through Chime’s banking partners and certain conditions must be met for pass-through insurance to apply.
- Chase Total Checking: This account doesn't score nearly as well as the ones on our list, but if you want in-person banking, Chase is likely a good option as they have branches in 48 states. The Chase Total Checking account does have a fairly high monthly maintenance fee, but it's possible to waive it. Chase is also known for having checking account bonuses for new customers.
What to look for in a checking account
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 moreCompare: Standard vs. best checking accounts
| Feature category | Traditional checking accounts | Top-tier checking accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Interest or rewards | May earn minimal interest (if any) | May earn interest (sometimes substantial); often offer perks like sign-up bonuses or cash back |
| Fees | Charges monthly fees (though with ways to waive), overdraft charges, out-of-network ATM fees | No monthly, overdraft, insufficient funds or ATM fees |
| Extra features | Bill pay, limited ATM access, early direct deposit, access to peer-to-peer platforms such as Zelle | Early direct deposit, access to peer-to-peer platforms such as Zelle, spending insights or roundup savings tools, out-of-network ATM rebates |
| User experience | Often offer in-person customer service, highly-rated mobile apps | Often online-only, with highly-rated mobile apps and extended phone customer service hours (e.g., 24/7) |
Deciding between branch access or online-only checking
Many of the best checking accounts on our list come from online-only banks because those banks tend to charge fewer fees and offer more perks. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't open an account at a brick-and-mortar bank if you prefer in-person customer service. Just be sure you can avoid service fees that would eat into your balance — and that you can make transfers easily to a high-yield savings account.
You can also consider keeping two checking accounts to enjoy the benefits of both kinds of banking.
Bankrate staff insights
Where did this quote come from?
Our focus at Bankrate is on delivering accurate content and the right context for making well-informed financial decisions.
We gather real quotes from real people through surveys, interviews, and testimonials from consumers like you who have actual experience with these products. We then hand-pick what to feature to ensure credibility and relevance.
How to open a checking account: what you need
- 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 credit card statements 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.
Can I open a checking account online?
Yes, you can open a checking account online — though it depends on the bank or credit union. In many cases, opening an account online is quicker and more convenient than visiting a branch.
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. Commonly, banks are for-profit corporations owned by shareholders, while credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit entities. Credit unions are also known for involvement in their community, including providing loans to small businesses.
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.
See also:
Best credit unions of 2025
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.
Your checking account is the equivalent of a financial airport. Money is coming and going quickly, and you shouldn't plan to turn it into a hotel stay. If you like to arrive at the airport with a few extra hours to spare, you probably like to keep extra money in your checking account. You only need enough to cover your monthly expenses, but it can pay to have a little extra as a security blanketStephen Kates, CFP®, Bankrate financial analyst
Pros and cons of checking accounts
Checking accounts are useful for paying bills, making debit card purchases and receiving direct deposits of your paycheck.
But while there are many benefits to having a checking account, there are a few things you want to watch out for. Here are some pros and cons that come with checking accounts:
Pros
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A convenient way to receive direct deposit of your paycheck, and sometimes get it two days early.
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A safe place from which you can spend your money using a debit card, pay bills and write checks without worrying about cash.
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Access to cash through ATMs.
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Ability to send and receive money (with family or friends) through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle.
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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
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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.
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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.
Money market accounts
Like savings accounts, but also commonly come with debit cards and/or check-writing privileges.
