When choosing a checking account, whether online or traditional, it’s crucial to look for one with minimal fees and, ideally, one that offers the opportunity to earn interest on your balance. Some online banks provide unique perks and better rates than what you might find at your local brick-and-mortar branch. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the best checking accounts for 2025 to help you find one that works for you.
1) Quontic High Interest Checking Account
Quontic Bank offers an excellent High Interest Checking account that stands out with its 1.10% APY. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Earn up to 1.10% APY on balances
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Free access to over 90,000 ATMs nationwide
- Simple requirements to earn top rates: fund your account with $100 and make 10 purchases a month of $10 or more
This account provides a great way to earn interest on your checking balance without complicated requirements.
2) Axos Rewards Checking
Axos Bank’s Rewards Checking account is another top contender. It offers up to 3.30% APY when certain conditions are met, including:
- Direct deposits of at least $1,500 per month
- 10 debit card purchases or account management activities
- Maintaining a $2,500 balance in linked investment accounts
Other benefits include no overdraft fees, unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements, and no monthly service fees. With no minimum balance required, this account is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their interest earnings.
3) CIT Bank eChecking
CIT Bank’s eChecking account earns 0.10% APY for balances under $25,000, with 0.25% APY for balances over $25,000. This account is attractive because:
- There are no monthly maintenance fees
- It offers up to $30 in monthly ATM fee reimbursements
- Mobile banking and online tools for managing your finances
While it doesn’t have check-writing privileges, the account is a solid option for those who don’t require checks and are happy with electronic transactions.
4) Chime Spending Account
Chime is a great option for those who prefer an easy-to-use, fee-free account. Features of the Chime Spending Account include:
- No service fees or minimum balance requirements
- Early paycheck access with direct deposit (up to two days early)
- Access to 60,000+ ATMs with no fees
- No overdraft or foreign transaction fees
Chime doesn’t offer paper checks, but it compensates with its “Checkbook” feature, allowing you to send checks via mail, making it a great choice for digital-first users.
5) Aspiration Spend & Save Account
Aspiration combines checking and savings features with its Spend & Save Account. Highlights include:
- Earn 1.00% APY on savings deposits
- Cash back on purchases with the Aspiration debit card
- ATM fee reimbursements nationwide
- FDIC-insured deposits
This hybrid account allows you to earn interest while also accessing checking account perks like no fees at ATMs and the opportunity to give back to socially conscious causes.
6) M1 Finance Spend Account
M1 Finance is typically known for its investment services, but it also offers a checking account called M1 Spend. It provides two options:
- A free basic checking account with a debit card and one waived ATM fee per month
- M1 Plus, which offers 1.00% APY, unlimited 1% cash back on purchases, and waived ATM fees up to four times per month for a $125 annual fee
M1 Spend integrates seamlessly with M1’s investment platform, making it ideal for users who want to manage both spending and investing in one place.
7) Chase Checking Account
Chase is a longstanding player in the banking world and offers a reliable checking account with:
- Access to 16,000+ ATMs and 5,000 branches nationwide
- Mobile check deposit and Zelle integration for easy money transfers
- A monthly fee of $12, which can be waived by meeting certain requirements (e.g., $500 in direct deposits)
Chase also provides a $200 bonus for opening a new checking account and setting up direct deposit, making it an attractive choice for those seeking convenience and rewards.
8) Betterment Checking
Betterment, known for its investment services, also offers a fee-free checking account that includes:
- No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
- ATM fee reimbursements worldwide
- A complementary Cash Reserve account (a high-yield savings account) for your funds
Betterment’s checking account integrates well with its investment platform, making it ideal for users who want everything in one place.
9) Ally Interest Checking Account
Ally is a well-known name in online banking and offers competitive rates with its Interest Checking account. Features include:
- 0.10% APY for balances under $15,000, and 0.25% APY for balances above that threshold
- No monthly fees
- Access to 43,000+ ATMs
Ally’s customer service is available 24/7, making it a reliable and convenient option for managing your checking account.
10) Discover Cashback Debit Account
Discover’s Cashback Debit Account offers 1% cash back on debit card purchases, up to $3,000 in purchases each month. Additional features include:
- No monthly fees
- Access to 60,000+ ATMs nationwide
- Mobile bill pay and money transfer options
This account is great for those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending while avoiding fees.
11) PenFed Access America Checking
PenFed Credit Union offers the Access America Checking account, which features:
- Early paycheck access with direct deposit
- Fee-free access to over 85,000 ATMs
- The ability to deposit checks via mobile
While this account does have a monthly fee, it can be waived by setting up direct deposit of $500 or maintaining a minimum balance of $500.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best checking account, it’s important to look at the fees, interest rates, and features that align with your financial goals. Whether you’re looking for cash back, high interest, or fee-free banking, there are plenty of options available in both online and traditional formats. Each of these accounts offers unique benefits, so consider what works best for your needs.
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