How many checking accounts can I have?

While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.

How do I get a checking account bonus?

Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.

What is overdraft protection?

Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea. Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $27.08 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction. Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account, so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card. The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all the perks of a regular checking account.

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments. Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder. Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Best checking accounts of July 2025

Written by

Matthew Goldberg

Edited by

Marc Wojno, MBA

Reviewed by

Greg McBride, CFA

Expert verified

Updated July 1, 2025

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. Though our partners compensate us from links on this page, we maintain editorial integrity, and partners don't influence our product evaluations. Here's how we make money and here is our advertiser disclosure.

The best checking accounts offer easy access to your money, a large ATM network and serve as a convenient financial hub — without charging pesky fees. Some of the best accounts also offer perks, like cash back or interest on your balance. 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.

Bankrate Expert Take

Checking accounts have many financial benefits. They can assist you in the following ways:

Provide a safe place to keep your hard-earned cash.
You can use your account’s auto-save feature to put money away for emergencies.
Account statements can help you keep track of spending.

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Table of contents

Banks with the best checking accounts
The competition: Other checking accounts you can consider
How much should I keep in my checking account?
Can I open a checking account online?
Do checking accounts earn interest?
What do you need to open a checking acccount?
What to look for in a checking account
Checking accounts at credit unions vs. banks
Pros and cons of checking accounts
Compare: Standard vs. best checking accounts
Alternatives to checking accounts
Checking account FAQs
Research methodology

Banks with the best checking accounts for July 2025

Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown are as of May 20. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.

Ally Bank Spending account

Overview

Ally Bank offers a top-tier digital experience and accounts that generally come with few fees. Its checking account — which Ally calls its Spending account — earns interest on all balances, though you’ll need at least $15,000 to earn the top APY. It doesn’t charge monthly maintenance or overdraft fees, and account holders can access more than 75,000 ATMs nationwide to make withdrawals, while receiving up to $10 in ATM fee reimbursements each statement cycle. Early direct deposit allows you to access your paycheck up to two days early. The main drawback with this account is that you can’t make cash deposits.

Read Bankrate's Expert Ally Bank Review

0.10%-0.25% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account earns interest on all balances.
- As a member of the Allpoint and MoneyPass nationwide ATM networks, Ally provides generous fee-free ATM access. It also reimburses some ATM surcharges each month.
- Ally’s mobile app lets you deposit checks and send money to friends and family through Zelle.
- 24/7 customer service support by phone, with a handy tool on the website that shows you how long the wait time is.
- You can’t make cash deposits into the account.

Capital One 360 Checking

Overview

For those who want a mostly digital experience and the ability to deposit cash, Capital One's 360 Checking account may be a good choice.

While its 0.10 percent APY is modest compared to some competitors on this list, the account stands out for offering a strong ATM network, no monthly fees, access to early direct deposit and 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.

Read Bankrate's Expert Capital One Bank Review

0.10% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The 360 Checking account earns some interest.
- Your first order of checks is free.
- Although it’s primarily an online bank, Capital One offers more than 250 branches in eight states and Washington, D.C., as well as cafe-style locations in various states.
- Checking account customers must agree to receive electronic statements, as paper ones are not an option.

Discover Bank Cashback Debit account

Overview

If you're looking for one of the best cash back checking accounts out there, then the Discover Cashback Debit account is worth a look. It earns 1 percent cash back on up to $3,000 in debit purchases each month, or up to $360 per year. Extra perks include a fee-free overdraft protection transfer service, and the bank doesn’t charge fees for returned items or insufficient funds. There’s also no minimum deposit to open this account.

Direct deposit recipients can get paid up to two days early and customers have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs to make cash withdrawals.

Read Bankrate's Expert Discover Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account doesn’t charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance.
- It’s free to order checks and obtain official bank checks.
- Customers can send and receive money with Zelle.
- 24/7 customer service support.
- While free cash deposits are available, you can only make them at Walmart, which may or may not be convenient for you.

Axos Bank Essential Checking

4.9

Overview

If you're looking for an account that gives you easy access to your funds, the Axos Bank Essential Checking account may be a good choice.

It comes with a Direct Deposit Express feature that gets you paid up to two days early. The account also provides fee-free access to more than 90,000 ATMs across the nation, plus unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements, a helpful feature for those who frequently withdraw cash, even outside their bank's network. Plus, there is no minimum deposit required to open the account.

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.

Read Bankrate's Expert Axos Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- You won’t pay any ATM fees, thanks to a wide ATM network and unlimited reimbursement of ATM fees incurred in the U.S.
- There’s no minimum deposit amount required to open the account.
- Account holders can receive 24/7 customer support over the phone.
- Outgoing domestic wire transfers cost $35 each, which is higher than some other banks charge.
- May pay a fee for depositing cash, depending on which network you use.

NBKC Bank Everything Account

4.9

Overview

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 is also fee-conscious, with no monthly service charge or overdraft fees, which can eat away at your budget over time. 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 easily accessible and flexible checking account.

Read Bankrate's Expert NBKC Bank Review

1.75% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- There are no fees for overdrafts, returned items, stop payments, cashier's checks and other services.
- Customers can access a wide network of ATMs for free across the country.
- The bank reimburses up to $12 a month for out-of-network ATM fees.
- NBKC Bank isn’t on the Zelle peer-to-peer payment network.

SoFi Bank Online Checking

4.9

Overview

SoFi's Online Checking account makes this list for offering a well-rounded combination of interest earnings, early deposit and cash incentives. While its 0.50 percent APY isn't the highest available, it applies to all balances with no minimum deposit and no ongoing balance requirement. SoFi also provides up to two-day early access to direct deposits.

Note that when you sign up for a SoFi checking account, the bank will also automatically open a savings account in your name, which earns a decent interest rate too, if you meet certain requirements. SoFi is also currently offering a checking account bonus of up to $300 to new members who enroll and meet direct deposit requirements.

Read Bankrate's Expert SoFi Bank Review

0.50% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- Potential to earn a bonus when direct deposit requirements are met.
- Overdrafts will be covered up to $50 with no fees when your account is set up to receive direct deposit of at least $1,000 per month.
- Early direct deposit is offered.
- In order to have SoFi’s checking account, you also need to have its savings account.

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking

4.8

Overview

Alliant Credit Union earns a spot for offering a solid APY with minimal hoops — just opting into e-statements and setting up one electronic deposit per month qualifies account holders to earn 0.25 percent APY.

While Alliant's High-Rate Checking account requires $25 dollars to open it doesn't have monthly or overdraft fees and provides access to a large ATM network. To boot, Alliant reimburses other ATM providers' surcharges of up to $20 per month, giving you easy and ample access to your funds.

You can also get a direct deposit of your paycheck up to two days early.

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. The savings account also has a $25 dollar minimum opening deposit.

Read Bankrate's Expert Alliant Credit Union Review

0.25% APY

$25 minimum balance to open

- The account earns some interest if you meet certain requirements.
- Account holders receive fee-free access to more than 80,000 ATMs, as well as up to $20 a month in ATM surcharge rebates, giving customers wide, fee-free access to their cash.
- The first box of checks is free.
- Accounts closed within 90 days of opening may incur a $10 fee.
- Each High-Yield checking account must come with Alliant’s High-Rate Savings account — opening that account is how you become a credit union member. You'll have to keep that account open with at least $5 in it to stay a member.

Bask Bank Interest Checking

4.8

Overview

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, although the bank reserves the right to close the account if it remains unfunded for 15 business days, but you can avoid this by depositing any amount of money into the account. Customers have access to a large free ATM network and refunds on ATM surcharges, and they can send money to friends and family through Zelle. This account is only good for customers who are comfortable banking solely online.

Read Bankrate's Expert Bask Bank Review

1% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- Bask Bank customers can use more than 55,000 free ATMs, and they can receive refunds of ATM surcharges.
- The account earns interest and offers access to peer-to-peer payment network Zelle.
- This account doesn’t offer early direct deposit, so you won’t see your paychecks a couple of days early.

Schwab Bank Investor Checking

4.8

Overview

The Schwab Investor Checking account is a compelling choice, especially for frequent travelers and investors. Customers receive fee-free access to ATMs all over the globe, which means you'll have easy access to your money whether you're at home or abroad. 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.

Checks are free with the account, and there is no minimum required to open the Investor Checking account, but you will need to add funds to receive a debit card, checks or set up bill pay. For customers who value seamless integration with investment tools and worldwide fee-free access to cash, Schwab provides a niche but highly practical checking solution.

Read Bankrate's Expert Charles Schwab Bank Review

$0 minimum balance to open

- The account charges no monthly service fees or overdraft fees, and it’s free to order checks.
- Customers get unlimited ATM fee reimbursement worldwide, which can be useful for travelers.
- There’s no way to deposit cash into the account.

First Internet Bank of Indiana Free Checking

4.8

Overview

The Free Checking account from First Internet Bank is true to its name, delivering on the basics: a relatively low minimum deposit of $25, no monthly service fees, no balance requirements and no extra charge fees for ATM use. Aside from this, the account offers the standard features you'd want from a checking account: online and mobile bill pay, a debit card and Zelle. 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.

Read Bankrate's Expert First Internet Bank of Indiana Review

$25 minimum balance to open

- The account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee or ATM fees.
- The account can be used for Zelle peer-to-peer payments.
- Receiving paper account statements will cost you $3 per statement.

Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Spend account

4.8

Overview

TAB's Spend account is a top-tier option for customers looking for both high earnings and rewards. With a top-notch rate of 3.50 percent APY and one percent cash back on debit card purchases, it delivers uncommon value for a checking account — especially since there are no activity requirements to unlock those benefits.

Read Bankrate's Expert Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Review

3.50% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The Spend checking account earns a very attractive APY for a checking account.
- Customers can earn cash back on purchases made using the account’s Mastercard debit card, with rewards paid to the account once a month.
- Unlike some other banks, TAB doesn’t reimburse any ATM surcharges assessed by other banks or ATM owners.

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 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 good 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 because Chime is not a bank, FDIC insurance works differently here and isn't as straightforward.
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 and Washington, D.C. 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.
Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking: Bankrate does not currently review this credit union, but its Rewards Checking account offers one of the most enticing APYs out there: up to 5 percent APY. To get it, you'll have to meet a host of requirements, including spending $1,000 per month with a Consumers Credit union credit card.
Climate First Bank Impact Checking: Bankrate does not currently review this bank but if you want your deposits to drive environmentally-conscious projects, you should take a look. The account offers 4.01 percent APY and doesn't charge a monthly fee.

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.

It doesn’t pay to let money just pile up in your checking account. Instead, keep what you need to cover your monthly expenses — plus a buffer for surprises and to avoid overdrafts — and put your excess cash in a high-yield savings account.
Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst

Bankrate staff insights

"I have my checking and savings account with SoFi, which is an online-only bank. This was not the primary factor when choosing, but it has been a plus to the SoFi banking experience. I prefer the ease of online handlings and haven’t had any issues with quick customer support or depositing checks."

Bankrate Staff Member

“My main checking account is Charles Schwab Bank, which is online. I keep a small checking account at a brick and mortar bank in case I need a signature guarantee or cash in certain denominations.”

Bankrate Staff Member

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. If you can apply online, you'll need personal information including your name, address, Social Security number and valid form of identification.

Do checking accounts earn interest?

Some checking accounts do earn interest, but it's not a standard feature for most checking accounts. Traditional checking accounts — typically from large banks — often pay little to no interest. That's because checking accounts are designed primarily for everyday spending and bill payments. However, a growing number of online banks, credit unions and fintech companies are offering high-yield checking accounts.

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 keep two checking accounts to enjoy the benefits of both kinds of banking.

What do you need to open a checking acccount?

Checking accounts typically have some general requirements, and you’ll need to meet them in order to open an account.

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 insurance cards 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.

What to look for in a checking account

Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study found that 47 percent of non-interest-bearing accounts are free and don't charge monthly service fees. The majority of noninterest accounts will waive fees under certain conditions, such as direct deposit. Financial technology companies like Chime and Current also offer no-fee accounts.
On occasion, you may find yourself accidentally spending more money than what’s in your checking account. If this is the case, find an account that allows overdrafts but won’t charge you hefty overdraft fees. Many banks don’t charge a fee at all while the average overdraft fee in 2024 was $27.08, Bankrate found.
Some banks will offer cash-back rewards on purchases you make with a debit card. These rewards may be limited to a certain amount of cash back per month. Rewards checking accounts may also offer interest, though it’s often going to be less than what you’d earn a high-yield savings account.
Some banks will pay you hundreds of dollars to get you to open a checking account, but these bonuses usually come with strings attached. Bankrate can help you find the best bank account sign-up bonuses.
If you use ATMs, it pays to find a checking account at an institution that provides access to ATMs that don’t charge you fees or reimburses you for using out-of-network ATMs. You can often avoid ATM fees by choosing a brick-and-mortar bank that offers thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide, or an online bank that belongs to a wide third-party ATM network.

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 more

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.

A few outstanding credit union checking accounts that Bankrate reviews include:

Navy Federal Credit Union: The Free EveryDay Checking Account doesn't charge monthly fees, provides online budgeting tools and credit monitoring and also earns some interest.
Quorum Federal Credit Union: The QClassic Checking account is a no-fee account that gives you access to 90,000 free ATMs and three levels of overdraft protection.
Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union: The Really Free Checking account doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance, and it also earns some interest.

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

A convenient way to receive direct deposit of your paycheck, and sometimes get it two days early.
A safe place from which you can spend your money using a debit card, pay bills and write checks without worrying about cash.
Access to cash through ATMs.
Ability to send and receive money (with family of friends) through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle.
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

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.
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.

Compare: 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 wave), overdraft charges, out-of-network ATM fees	No monthly fees, no 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)

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.

High yield savings account

A savings account enables you to earn interest on your savings, helping your money grow while still giving you easy access to your funds.

Money market accounts

Like savings accounts, but also commonly come with debit cards and/or check-writing privileges.

Checking account FAQs

While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.
Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.
Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea.

Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $27.08 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2024 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction.

Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account, so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.
The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card.

The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved.

Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all the perks of a regular checking account.
- Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments.
- Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder.
- Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Meet our Bankrate experts

Written by: Matthew Goldberg, Senior Consumer Banking Reporter

Matthew is a senior consumer banking reporter with more than two decades of journalism and financial services expertise, helping readers make informed decisions about their personal finance needs. His banking career includes being a banker in New York City and a bank officer at one of the nation's largest banks. Matthew is currently a member of the Board of Governors at the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW), chairing its training member engagement committee and is co-chair of its Finance Committee.

How we choose the best checking accounts

Bankrate researches over 100 banks, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.

To find the best checking accounts, we rated these institutions on their checking account fees, minimum deposit requirements, ATM network, overdraft policies, APY offerings and more. The best checking accounts have few fees, no or low minimum deposit requirements, a large ATM network, forgiving overdraft policies and may offer some other perks, like early direct deposit, interest or cash back.

The highest-rated checking accounts from broadly-available banks and credit unions made our list. Learn more about how we choose the best banking products and our methodology for reviewing banks.

Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, America First Credit Union, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Apple Bank, Arvest Bank, Axos Bank, Banesco USA, Bank of America, Bank of Hope, Bank5 Connect, BankPurely, BankUnited Direct, Barclays Bank, Bask Bank, BMO Alto, BMO Bank, Boeing Employees’ Credit Union, Bread Savings, BrioDirect, Capital One, CFG Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase Bank, CIBC Bank USA, CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens Access, Citizens Bank, Colorado Federal Savings Bank, Comerica Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Credit One Bank, Cross River Bank, Customers Bank, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover Bank, East West Bank, Emigrant Bank, Emigrant Direct Bank, EverBank, Fifth Third Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, First National Bank of America, First Tech Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Forbright Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Frost Bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Huntington National Bank, iGOBanking.com, Jenius Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Laurel Road, LendingClub Bank, Limelight Bank, Live Oak Bank, M.Y. Safra Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Merrick Bank, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, Mountain America Credit Union, MySavingsDirect, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, North American Savings Bank, Northpointe Bank, Openbank, Patelco Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Popular Direct, Presidential Bank, Provident Bank, Quontic Bank, Quorum Federal Credit Union, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Rising Bank, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, SoFi, SouthState Bank, Star One Credit Union, State Employees' Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, Synovus Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Texas Capital Bank, The Federal Savings Bank, Third Federal Savings and Loan, Truist Bank, UFB Direct, Umpqua Bank, US Bank, USAA Bank, Valley Bank, Varo Bank, Vio Bank, VyStar Credit Union, WebBank, Webster Bank, Wells Fargo, Western State Bank, Zions Bank

Woman on computer opening a checking account, with title Best Checking Account Rates

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Research

Best checking accounts of July 2025

Bankrate Expert Take

Why choose Bankrate

Banks with the best checking accounts for July 2025

Ally Bank Spending account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Capital One 360 Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Discover Bank Cashback Debit account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Axos Bank Essential Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

NBKC Bank Everything Account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

SoFi Bank Online Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Bask Bank Interest Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Schwab Bank Investor Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

First Internet Bank of Indiana Free Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB) Spend account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

The competition: Other checking accounts you can consider

How much should I keep in my checking account?

Bankrate staff insights

Can I open a checking account online?

Do checking accounts earn interest?

What do you need to open a checking acccount?

What to look for in a checking account

No fees

Overdraft policies

Interest and rewards

Bonuses

ATM/Cash access

What to know about checking account fees

Checking accounts at credit unions vs. banks

Pros and cons of checking accounts

Pros

Cons

Compare: Standard vs. best checking accounts

Alternatives to checking accounts

Checking account FAQs

How many checking accounts can I have?

How do I get a checking account bonus?

What is overdraft protection?

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Meet our Bankrate experts

How we choose the best checking accounts

Banks we monitor

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Types of checking accounts

Steps to open a bank account

Bank ratings and reviews