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Best Online Checking Accounts November 2024

Get more from your money with the right checking accounts: a deposit account can be held at a bank or other financial institution. This type of account is also known as a current account. It can be accessed regularly and promptly by the account owner and enables a large number of transactions, including cash withdrawals, debit card usage, checks, and wire transfers.

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Overview

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services through Chime are provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank N.A. The company was founded in 2012 and has its headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Its focus is on providing personal banking services. Chime does not market to or service the business market.

Chime’s main selling point is that basic banking services for individuals should be helpful, easy, and free. They partner with regional banks to design “member-first financial products” to compete with traditional banks.

Pros

pros iconNo monthly fees or minimum balance requirement

pros iconPeople can repair their credit history

pros iconAccess to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs

pros iconUser-friendly mobile app

pros iconNo overdraft fee

Cons

cons iconNo physical branches

cons iconDaily and weekly maximum limits

  • check mark Doesn’t charge any monthly fees
  • check mark No minimum deposit requirement
  • check mark Allows people to build their credit
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Overview

Axos Bank lays claim to being one of the oldest digital banks in the world. The company was founded as Bank of Internet USA in 1999 and rebranded to Axos Bank in 2018. Nowadays, Axos Bank is based in San Diego, California, where it has grown to a workforce of over 1,000 and is the consumer-facing arm of Axos Financial.

Axos has built a solid reputation over two decades of trading as an online bank. The company is well known for its excellent APYs, ATM reimbursements, and one of the market’s most rewarding ranges of checking accounts. To this day, the company remains online-only, with the lack of branches resulting in better value financial products for its customers.

Axos Bank is a public company: stock ticker NYSE: AX

Pros

pros iconEarn up to 3.30% APY

pros iconNo monthly fees or overdraft on most accounts

pros iconVariety of accounts with unique perks

Cons

cons iconLow CD (certificate of deposit) rates

  • check mark Earn up to 3.30% APY
  • check mark Use Promo Code "Lucky" for a $100 bonus!
  • check mark FDIC Member
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Overview

Current is mobile banking app that was launched in 2015 with an initial focus on fee-free accounts for teens. Since that time, it has become one of the more competitive online banking options with excellent cash-back rewards, no fees, no balance requirements, and access to cryptocurrency. While we are reviewing Current as an online bank, it’s important to note that it is not a bank but a financial services company. Because it offers its banking services through Choice Financial Group, its deposits are eligible for FDIC insurance.

Pros

pros iconThe 4% APY available on Savings Pods is very good

pros iconDoes not require any credit check for a checking account

pros iconCharges minimal fees across the various account types

pros iconThe Current mobile app offers money management tools

Cons

cons iconOnly offers a mobile app and no desktop platform

cons iconCurrent caps the 4% APY to $6,000 in savings

  • check mark No credit checks or credit history required
  • check mark Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit
  • check mark Earn up to a 4.00% Bonus on Savings Pods
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Overview

Upgrade is an online lender that has been around since 2016. It caters to the needs of a wide range of people, including people who want to refinance credit cards, make significant purchases, and make improvements to their homes.

It also offers a no-fee checking account that provides cash-back opportunities, as well as a variety of different credit lines. This Upgrade review will look at everything that Upgrade brings to the table.

Key Facts

  • Transfer to and from checking accounts instantly
  • Open and manage your account without a minimum balance requirement
  • Offers up to 2% cashback on purchases
  • Don't get charged overdraft fees

Pros

pros iconNo account maintenance fees

pros iconHigh 5.21% APY on savings

pros iconNo overdraft fees

pros iconOffers cashback on purchases

Cons

cons iconHas no physical branches

cons iconDoesn't accept cash deposits

  • check mark Easy to navigate online checking account
  • check mark Up to 2% cashback on purchases
  • check mark No minimum account balance requirement
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Overview

Raisin is a popular marketplace that provides an overview of all the leading savings products in the space today. Formerly known as SaveBetter, Raisin only works with credit unions and banks that are federally insured.

It has been in business for many years through its Germany-based parent company, and its US subsidiary has headquarters in New York. It currently caters to over one million customers across the world.

More than $50 billion in deposits have been made through the platform and Raisin allows you to invest money in savings products across multiple institutions all through a single account.

Pros

pros iconDoes not charge customers any monthly fees

pros iconUsers can control various savings products from one Raisin account

pros iconOnly required a deposit of as little as $1

pros iconCompetetive APYs are available

pros iconOnly works with reputable financial institutions

Cons

cons iconSome products have low APYs

cons iconEach institution will have its own rules

  • check mark Very competitive APYs are available
  • check mark Open a no-fee Raisin account in minutes
  • check mark 55+ insured banks & credit unions
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Overview

Live Oak Bank’s goal is to be the bank for small businesses in America and help individuals achieve their savings goals. It offers various loans for businesses, including SBA and USDA options. Then there’s a mix of different bank accounts for businesses, a savings account and certificates of deposit (CDs) available for individuals.

Live Oak Bank is FDIC-insured and has no physical branches, preferring to focus all of its attention online. The North Carolina-based company was started in 2008 and operates in all 50 US states.

Its parent company’s shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which means that Live Oak Bank is subject to plenty of oversight from regulators. It is one of the best companies in the digital banking space today.

Pros

pros iconDesirable APYs for the savings account and CDs

pros iconQuick sign-up process & easily accessible savings account

pros iconNo monthly maintenance fees

pros iconQuality mobile banking app

Cons

cons iconLacks a checking account

cons iconNo debit cards available

  • check mark Earn and save more with 3.80% APY
  • check mark No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance
  • check mark Easy online account opening and management

Top Savings Accounts

November 2024

Editor's Choice
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Overview

Axos Bank lays claim to being one of the oldest digital banks in the world. The company was founded as Bank of Internet USA in 1999 and rebranded to Axos Bank in 2018. Nowadays, Axos Bank is based in San Diego, California, where it has grown to a workforce of over 1,000 and is the consumer-facing arm of Axos Financial.

Axos has built a solid reputation over two decades of trading as an online bank. The company is well known for its excellent APYs, ATM reimbursements, and one of the market’s most rewarding ranges of checking accounts. To this day, the company remains online-only, with the lack of branches resulting in better value financial products for its customers.

Axos Bank is a public company: stock ticker NYSE: AX

Pros

pros iconEarn up to 3.30% APY

pros iconNo monthly fees or overdraft on most accounts

pros iconVariety of accounts with unique perks

Cons

cons iconLow CD (certificate of deposit) rates

  • check mark Earn up to 0.61% APY
  • check mark Up to $200 Bonus for High-Yield Savings
  • check mark FDIC Insured Financial Institution
Rising Star
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Overview

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services through Chime are provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank N.A. The company was founded in 2012 and has its headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Its focus is on providing personal banking services. Chime does not market to or service the business market.

Chime’s main selling point is that basic banking services for individuals should be helpful, easy, and free. They partner with regional banks to design “member-first financial products” to compete with traditional banks.

Pros

pros iconNo monthly fees or minimum balance requirement

pros iconPeople can repair their credit history

pros iconAccess to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs

pros iconUser-friendly mobile app

pros iconNo overdraft fee

Cons

cons iconNo physical branches

cons iconDaily and weekly maximum limits

  • check mark Offers automatic savings account
  • check mark No maintenance fees, no foreign transaction fees
  • check mark FDIC Insured Financial Institution

Top Online Checking Account Providers

lili blue logo
Lili

Designed For Small Businesses

3,800+

ATM Network

None

Other Fees

Business Online Banking

No minimum

Min Deposit

Max 2%

Min APY Business

Pros & Cons

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  • con-icon One-stop shop for all your small business financial needs — banking, accounting and taxes
  • con-icon Unlimited fee-free transactions
  • con-icon Offers early payment feature with direct deposit
  • con-icon Out-of-network ATM fees: $2.50 for U.S. ATMs, $5 for international ATMs.
  • con-icon Mobile only right now (web interface will be live soon)

Account types

drop-down-btn
  • Business Checking
  • Business Savings
Bluevine logo
Bluevine

High-yield business checking account

No minimum

Min Deposit

MoneyPass & Green Dot Networks

ATM Network

Yes

Other Fees

Business Online Banking

No minimum

Min Deposit

2.00-4.25%

Min APY Business

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Up to 4.25% APY on account balances up to $3,000,000
  • con-icon No minimum deposit and maintenance fee waiver
  • con-icon No insufficient fund fees or ATM fees
  • con-icon Customer support only available during set business hours
  • con-icon $4.95 fee for cash deposits at Green Dot locations
  • con-icon No physical banking locations

Account types

drop-down-btn
  • Business Checking
Axos_Bank_L
Axos Bank

Save Smarter, Compound Faster

$50

Min Deposit

90,000+ fee-free ATMs

ATM Network

None

Other Fees

Online Banking Savings

Min 0.61%

Min APY Savings

Online Banking Checking

0.1-3.30%

Min APY Checking

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Earn up to 3.30% APY
  • con-icon No monthly fees or overdraft on most accounts
  • con-icon Variety of accounts with unique perks
  • con-icon Low CD (certificate of deposit) rates

Account types

drop-down-btn
  • Checking
  • Savings
  • Money Market Deposit Account (MMDA)

A checking account is useful for anyone who wants regular access to their bank account to make withdrawals or conduct transactions. Typically, opening a checking account is a relatively straightforward process.

Types of Checking Accounts

The following are a few of the common checking account types that can be opened at any local bank:

  • Traditional: Includes checks, a debit card, and internet transactions. Be cautious, however, because some may charge more than others (some do not charge any fees).
  • Premium: Offers more benefits than traditional checking accounts (safe deposit boxes, fee waivers, etc.). Usually, these accounts involve higher fees or higher minimum balances.
  • Reward: Allows you to earn points or cashback. These accounts are usually subject to strict conditions in order to receive benefits.
  • Student: Very low or no fees and generally has many advantages. However, it is reserved for students generally aged 25 years or less.

Top Checking accounts reviews

OB_D_M_logo_chime
Chime
  • Doesn’t charge any monthly fees
  • No minimum deposit requirement
View rates
Axos_Bank_L
Axos Bank
  • Earn up to 3.30% APY
  • Use Promo Code "Lucky" for a $100 bonus!
View rates
current logo
Current
  • No credit checks or credit history required
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit
View rates

Opening a Checking Account: Why Should You Do It?

There are a variety of positive outcomes that might result from opening a checking account. It enables you to get to your money more quickly, to easily execute financial transactions using your smartphone or tablet, to have peace of mind that your money is secure, and to conveniently monitor your spending so that you can make smarter decisions with your money.

Checking vs. Savings Account

  Checking account Savings account
Purpose Accessing your money for daily use Putting money aside for future use or projects
Accessibility Easy accessibility through cards, checks, and other online payment options available on all devices Little or no access options beyond simple withdrawals, which are usually subject to a monthly limit
Interest Low interest among account types Better APYs than other account types

The primary distinction between checking and savings accounts is that checking accounts are used mostly for daily access to funds, whilst savings accounts are used primarily for saving. Because checking accounts are considered transactional, you have access to your funds whenever and wherever you need them.

If your goal is to set aside money for the future, opening a savings account will certainly be the best fit. Savings accounts are designed to keep funds for an extended length of time, allowing you to save for long-term goals as opposed to daily expenses. With savings accounts, you earn interest at more advantageous rates than checking accounts.

Typically, you should create both a checking account and a savings account so that you may get the benefits of each. Most banks provide a variety of checking and savings accounts, allowing you to pick the accounts that best suit your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, you must assess what you require from your bank account. Checking and savings accounts each have advantages and disadvantages and should be used for different purposes. As previously noted, it is often advised to create both account types in order to meet all of your potential demands. You are also suggested to conduct thorough research to evaluate the better terms offered by various suppliers.