Standout Online Checking Accounts
There are a lot of checking accounts out there. So many, in fact, it can be overwhelming to weed through all the options — good and bad — and then confidently choose one. Social scientists call this “information overload”. We call it inconvenient.
To get the most from your checking account, you need low fees, good customer support and free ATMs nearby. If you earn interest on your cash, even better. Compare standout checking accounts from our partners below.
There are a lot of checking accounts out there. So many, in fact, it can be overwhelming to weed through all the options — good and bad — and then confidently choose one. Social scientists call this “information overload”. We call it inconvenient.
To get the most from your checking account, you need low fees, good customer support and free ATMs nearby. If you earn interest on your cash, even better. Compare standout checking accounts from our partners below.
| Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | APY | Bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0/5 | 0.50% With $0 min. balance for APY | $300 Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Learn moreat SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC | |
4.8/5 | 0.10% With $0 min. balance for APY | $250 Earn up to $250 with 360 Checking. Terms Apply. | Learn moreat Capital One, Member FDIC | |
4.8/5 | 0.25% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | Learn moreat Alliant Credit Union, Federally insured by NCUA | |
4.6/5 | N/A | $300 Requirements to qualify | Learn moreat Chase, Member FDIC | |
4.6/5 | N/A | N/A | Learn moreat Chime®, Deposits are FDIC Insured |
Why online checking accounts dominate the list
Some important factors for virtually every bank-shopper are monthly fees, ATM access and interest rates (since they have the biggest impact on your bottom line). And, as it happens, online banks typically offer higher interest rates.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Standout Online Checking Accounts- SoFi Checking and Savings: 0.50% APY
- Capital One 360 Checking: 0.10% APY
- Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking: 0.25% APY
- Chase Total Checking®
- Chime Checking Account