9 Best Checking Accounts for May 2025
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Checking accounts have come a long way from just paper checks and ATM cards. Today, the best options offer interest on your balance, no hidden fees, early direct deposit, and full access from your phone — all without sacrificing convenience.
We reviewed dozens of banks, credit unions, and fintech platforms to find the top checking accounts available now. From fee structures and APYs to mobile features and customer perks, here are the accounts we’d trust with our own money. [See our full methodology.]
Best Overall
The accounts below strike the right balance of low fees, broad ATM access, and standout perks — including interest-earning potential. They’re ideal for everyday use, whether you’re paying bills, making purchases, or simply keeping your money accessible while it earns a little extra.
1. Axos Bank® Rewards Checking – Up to 3.30% APY
Axos Rewards Checking offers one of the highest APYs you’ll find on a checking account — up to 3.30% — with no monthly fees, no overdraft penalties, and no minimum balance requirements. To unlock the full rate, you’ll need at least $1,500 in direct deposits each month, plus a combination of debit card usage and optional Axos Invest or loan activity. Account holders also enjoy unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements and a clean, mobile-first banking experience.
With a $50 minimum to get started and no recurring fees, Axos Bank Rewards Checking combines high interest potential with everyday usability. Whether you're looking to earn more on idle checking balances or streamline your financial tools under one platform, this account delivers flexibility, rewards, and real value.
Show Hide more2. Chime® Checking Account
The Chime® Checking Account delivers a mobile-first, fee-free way to manage everyday money. You’ll get a Chime Visa® Debit Card, round-the-clock app controls, and perks like early paycheck access and fee-free overdraft coverage (SpotMe®) for eligible members.
Why we like it: Chime’s checking product strips away the fees you find at many traditional institutions while layering on handy digital extras. If you want a straightforward, always-on checking experience (and a path to a high-yield savings add-on), its combination of early pay, SpotMe®, and an expansive ATM network makes it hard to beat.
Show Hide moreDisclosures:
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
¹ Early access to direct-deposit funds depends on the timing of the payer’s payment-file submission. Funds are usually available the day the file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
² SpotMe® eligibility requirements and limits apply. Overdraft only covers debit-card purchases and cash withdrawals; limits range from $20 to $200. Chime® Checking Account required.
³ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter cash-advance fees may apply, except at MoneyPass® ATMs in 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM.
3. Consumers Credit Union High-Interest Checking – Up to 5.00% APY
With up to 5.00% APY on balances up to $10,000, Consumers Credit Union offers one of the best checking yields on the market — and it’s paired with strong everyday features like unlimited ATM reimbursements and no maintenance fees. To qualify for the highest rate, you’ll need to enroll in eStatements, make 12 monthly debit purchases, deposit at least $500 monthly, and spend $1,000+ per month with a CCU Visa credit card.
For high-balance users who don’t mind meeting a few requirements, this account delivers premium earning power without the usual fees. Bonus: access to a massive ATM and shared branch network makes this a surprisingly flexible option, too.
Show Hide moreHonorable Mentions
These accounts didn’t make our top cut but still offer strong features, competitive rates, and low or no fees — making them solid alternatives worth considering.
4. Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking
Earn 0.25% APY on any balance with no monthly service fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirement. To qualify, just opt into eStatements and receive at least one electronic deposit each month. Includes access to 80,000+ fee-free ATMs and up to $20/month in ATM fee reimbursements. (Learn More)
5. CIT Bank eChecking
CIT Bank’s eChecking account offers a tiered interest structure, providing 0.10% APY on balances below $25,000 and 0.25% APY on balances of $25,000 or more. With no monthly service fees and up to $30 in monthly ATM fee reimbursements, it’s a solid option for those seeking an online-only checking account with interest-earning potential. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open the account. (Learn More)
6. Capital One 360 Checking
A fee-free online checking account with no minimums and strong mobile tools. Earn 0.10% APY on all balances and enjoy 24/7 mobile banking, early paycheck access with direct deposit, and access to 70,000+ fee-free ATMs. Includes overdraft coverage options and in-app card lock for added security. (Learn More)
7. nbkc bank Everything Account
This all-in-one account combines checking and savings features with no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and a competitive 1.75% APY on balances. Enjoy access to 37,000+ fee-free ATMs, mobile check deposit, customizable savings goals, and automatic bill pay. No minimum balance required to earn interest. (Learn More)
8. GreenFi™ Checking + Savings
GreenFi (formerly Aspiration) offers a climate-conscious, fee-optional account with 1.00% to 3.00% APY on savings (via GreenFi Plus) and rewards for planet-friendly spending. There are no mandatory monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and access to 55,000+ Allpoint® ATMs. Users can earn up to 6% cash back at 100+ sustainable brands, plant trees with every purchase, and even offset their car’s emissions. Backed by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC. (Learn More)
9. Schwab Bank Investor Checking™
An ideal account for travelers and investors alike, this checking account has no monthly fees or account minimums, and offers unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide. It’s linked to a Schwab One® brokerage account, includes a Schwab Visa® Platinum debit card, and offers mobile check deposit and bill pay. The APY is 0.45% on all balances. (Learn More)
How DollarSprout Rates Checking Accounts
We evaluate checking accounts across several key criteria to help readers compare options fairly and clearly. Our rating scale considers:
- Annual percentage yield (APY), when offered
- Fees and how likely users are to incur them
- Minimum balance requirements
- Customer service and support availability
- Mobile app ratings and functionality
- Cost and accessibility of checks
For checking accounts specifically, APY and fees carry the most weight in our scoring, as they have the biggest day-to-day impact on your finances.
Benefits of a Checking Account
While everyone’s financial situation is different, nearly everyone can benefit from having a checking account. It’s the foundation for managing everyday money — where your paycheck lands, bills get paid, and spending happens.
A checking account is a type of deposit account that’s designed for frequent use. Unlike savings accounts, which are meant for longer-term goals, checking accounts are built for day-to-day spending — think of them as your financial refrigerator, not your wine cellar.
With a checking account, you can:
- Pay using a debit card, checks, or electronic transfers (EFT)
- Access your money at any time
- Set up direct deposit for paychecks or benefits
- Use mobile tools for budgeting, bill pay, and transfers
- Most checking accounts are insured by the FDIC (or NCUA for credit unions) up to $250,000, so your money is protected.
You don’t need a savings account to open a checking account, but many people choose to open both to keep spending and saving organized.
Fees to Watch Out For
Even with low-fee or no-fee checking accounts, it’s important to understand where hidden costs might appear. Here are the most common fees to look out for:
Maintenance Fees
Some banks charge a monthly fee — usually between $3 and $12 — if your balance falls below a set minimum. These fees are often waived if you maintain a specific balance, receive qualifying direct deposits, or meet other criteria. If you’re consistently being charged, it may be time to switch to a fee-free option.
Overdraft Fees
If your account goes negative, banks may charge an overdraft fee — typically around $34 — each time a transaction is processed without sufficient funds. These can add up quickly if multiple transactions occur in a short time. Some banks offer free overdraft protection or limit the number of fees per day.
Stop Payment Fees
Need to cancel a check? Banks typically charge $15 to $35 for a stop payment request. While it’s a useful protection tool if you suspect fraud or an error, it’s not free — so only use it when necessary.