Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.
SoFi Checking and Savings
5
INTRO BONUS
$50-$300
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
N/A
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
SoFi Checking and Savings boasts an impressive 4.60% APY on savings balances for customers who set up direct deposit, or who deposit at least $5,000 each month. This account also offers 0.50% APY on checking balances. There are no monthly maintenance fees, and new customers can even earn a generous signup bonus worth up to $300. If you don’t care about physical bank locations, this is a great option.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking Account (Member FDIC)
4
INTRO BONUS
Up to $700
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$25
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$6.95
Why We Like It
If you're interested in opening a checking account with U.S. Bank, the Smartly® Checking Account is likely the one you'll be most interested in. This account includes a wealth of standard banking features, such as mobile check deposits and automated bill pay. While the Smartly Checking Account features a $6.95 monthly fee, it's relatively easy to waive, and you only need $25 to open an account.
Key Smart Checking®
4
INTRO BONUS
$200
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$10
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
Key Smart Checking® is ideal for those who want a simple, entry-level checking account with some nice-to-have features, including no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft protection, and access to a wide network of fee-free ATMs.
Axos Rewards Checking Account
5
INTRO BONUS
Up to $300
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$50
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
Axos Bank Rewards Checking gives customers the chance to earn up to a 3.30% APY on their deposits with no monthly fees. These are all terrific features for a checking account, but Axos is digital-only, so if you deal with cash regularly it’s probably not the best fit for you.
Key Select Checking®
4
INTRO BONUS
$200
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$50
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$25 with options to waive
Why We Like It
The Key Select Checking® account has all the standard features of a premium checking account, plus a unique $100 cash bonus opportunity year after year with qualifying activities.
Quontic Bank High Interest Checking
5
INTRO BONUS
N/A
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$100
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
Quontic Bank's High Interest Checking Account offers one of the highest interest rates we’ve seen on a high-yield checking account. Plus, there are no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and a robust national ATM network. So long as you can fulfill the qualifying debit card point of sale transaction requirement each statement cycle to earn the maximum APY, this account is an excellent option.
Axos Essential Checking Account
4
INTRO BONUS
N/A
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
N/A
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
If you're in the market for an entry-level checking account, Axos Essential Checking is a solid option. With this account, you'll never be charged a monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fee, NSF fee or no bill pay fee. While it lacks many of the features seen in more premium accounts, Direct Deposit Express - which allows you to receive your paycheck up to two days early - is an excellent perk.
Nationwide My Checking Account
4
INTRO BONUS
N/A
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$100
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
Overall, Nationwide My Checking is an excellent account that could work well for many people. If you want unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements and no recurring fees, this account has you covered. The added benefit of getting paid up to two days early could help alleviate financial pressures that arise throughout the year. If you are new to online-only banking, this account could be the one that makes it worthwhile to explore.
Axos Basic Business Checking Account
4
INTRO BONUS
Up to $400
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
N/A
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$0
Why We Like It
Axos Basic Business Checking is a good fit for new businesses or those that don’t generate a lot of sales (yet). It offers a sign-up bonus worth up to $400, which is relatively competitive, has no monthly fees, and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. However, Axos is an online-only bank, so it’s not a good option if your business handles cash regularly.
Axos Business Interest Checking
4
INTRO BONUS
Up to $400
MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIRED
$100
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE
$10 with options to waive
Why We Like It
Axos Business Interest Checking is our favorite small business checking account for newly incorporated businesses. We’ve seen them offer up to 1.01% APY on your funds, which is great for a checking account, typically has a solid sign-up bonus, 100 free monthly transactions, and it’s relatively simple to waive the $10 monthly maintenance fee. But keep in mind Axos is an online bank, so cash-heavy businesses are not a good fit.