To help you find banking options that fit your needs, we at the MarketWatch Guides team researched over 65 of the best free checking accountsto determine our top five picks. Read more about our methodology.
These financial institutions are great if you’re looking for a checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, a large ATM network and perks such as sign-on bonuses. While our top choicesdon’t have monthly account fees, they may have other costs, so read the fine print. Below, we’ll tell you about our picks and share tips on picking a checking account and using it to maximize your money.
Why You Can Trust the MarketWatch Guides Team
Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated top banks and credit unions
154
Institutions MonitoredOur team reviewed more than 100 of the country’s largest and most prominent financial institutions, from big banks like Chase and Bank of America to credit unions like Navy Federal Credit Union and PenFed Credit Union.
688
Products StudiedTotal number of checking, saving, CDs, and money-market accounts that inform our review ratings.
719
Rates TrackedThe accounts with an annual percentage yield (APY) several times the national average rate receive the highest scores. Accounts with the lowest APY offering (under 1%) earn the least points.
10
Professionals ConsultedBefore we began our research process, we consulted with financial advisors and industry experts to ensure our evaluations covered the banking product aspects that matter most to potential customers.
Top Offers of June 16, 2024
We may earn a commission from partners featured in the table below. However, the article on this page was written independently and not influenced by our affiliate partnerships.For more information, visit our editorial guidelines.
Top Free Checking Accounts
In our recent MarketWatch Guides consumer banking survey, 24% of bank customers said they pay a monthly maintenance fee for their checking account. These fees can add up quickly, costing account owners hundreds of dollars per year.
To bring you the best fee-free checking options, we compared offerings from 65 of the most popular banks and credit unions. We reviewed over a dozen features for each account, including these:
- Rewards and cash-back programs
- The ability to earn interest
- Access to Zelle
- Access to a free ATM network
- Early direct deposit
Our five picks for the best free checking accounts are all from online banks. While many traditional financial institutions offer checking accounts with low monthly maintenance fees (or the chance to have those charges waived if you meet certain requirements) the accounts on our list simply don’t have monthly fees.
Below, we’ll go into detail about any other fees these accounts do charge and highlight why you might consider each option.
Discover Best for Large ATM Network
4.8
APYNot OfferedBonusNo current sign-up bonus**Minimum Deposit$0
Why we like Discover’s free checking account: We opened an account with Discover to get firsthand information on the application process and customer service. We were pleased with the bank’s security features, including two-step authentication. It took a few minutes and 15 clicks to open our account. Once we were approved, we liked that the site had great FAQs and let you speak to a customer service agent in less than a minute.
We found that one area Discover could improve on is the speed of transferring money. It held our first deposit for 96 hours, so we had to wait four business days to access our money.
We like Discover for its wide range of financial products. It offers checking, savings and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts, as well aspersonal loans, student loans and mortgages. While its checking account doesn’t pay interest, itshigh-yield savings account(HYSA) offers a competitive rate.
Discover Free Checking Account
Discover Bank offers the Discover Cashback Debit account without monthly maintenance, insufficient funds, overdraft fees or returned item fees. You can requestofficial checks, reorder personal checks and get a replacement debit card expedited at no cost. Also, you can use more than 60,000 free Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs to withdraw your money.
Discover doesn’t reimburse account holders for out-of-network ATM surcharges, so check for nearby ATMs to avoid these costs. And if you need to send a wire transfer, you’ll pay a $30 fee.
The features of the Discover Cashback Debit account include:
- No minimum opening deposit or minimum balance requirements
- Debit card with 1% cash back (on up to $3,000 in monthly purchases)**
- Optional overdraft protection
- No-costZelle digital payments
- Early Pay service of up to two days for qualifying direct deposits
- Cash deposits at Walmart stores
One drawback is that the money in your Discover checking account won’t earn interest, but you can link the account to a Discover high-yield Online Savings Account that offers a rate of4.25%**. The bank also doesn’t currently offer a sign-up bonus.
Pros and Cons
Pros 1% cash back on debit card purchases (on up to $3,000 per month) No minimum balance requirements Over 60,000 in-network ATMs, the second-most of any bank on our list Optional no-cost overdraft protection Cons No reimbursem*nt for out-of-network ATM fees, a perk several banks on our list provide No interest paid on online checking account, an incentive offered by many online banks
Varo Bank
Best for Mobile App Experience
APYNot offeredBonus$25 referral bonusMinimum Deposit$0
Why we liked Varo Bank’s free checking account: Varo is a newer bank that’s targeted to younger consumers. We like that besides not having monthly fees, it offers customers perks such as free tax filing. It’s a solid choice for checking, and it offers an HYSA that pays around 5% APY and a secured credit card that can help you improve your credit score. While Varo doesn’t offer personal loans or mortgages, qualified customers can get cash advances.
Varo’s mobile app gets got high scores, with Google Play reviewers giving it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars and the Apple App Store reviewers rating it an average of 4.9. Features include:
- Digital payments sent to anyone via Zelle
- In-app customer support chat
- Account alerts
- Early delivery of qualifying direct deposits by up to two days
- Mobile check deposits
Varo Bank Free Checking Account
The online bank account from Varo Bank doesn’t have common checking account fees, including charges for foreign transactions, overdrafts and monthly maintenance. It doesn’t charge any overdraft fees and offers free cash withdrawals via more than 40,000 Allpoint ATMs.
However, the account does have limitations: There’s a $3.50 fee for using out-of-network ATMs, checkbooks aren’t offered and your balance doesn’t earn interest.
Referral Bonus
Earn a $25 bonus with the Varo Bank Referral Bonus Program. Invite friends to sign up for a Varo account via a unique customer link in the bank’s mobile app. You’ll earn a bonus once your friend spends $20 within 30 days of opening an account.
Pros and Cons
Pros User-friendly mobile app is highly rated in Google Play and the App Store and has features including chat support The only bank on our list to offer cash advances No cost for money transfers through Zelle or Varo’s app Cons $3.50 fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, the only bank on our list that charges for this $2.50 fee for cash withdrawals at other banks Fee up to $5.95 for cash deposits (charged by the merchant) No checkbook when you open an account
SoFi
Best for Cash-Back Incentives
4.7
APY0.50%Bonus$50 to $300 through June 30, 2024**Minimum Deposit$0
Why we like SoFi’s free checking account: SoFi is one of our top picks because its checking account pays interest at more than six times the national average rate and its connected HYSA earns a generous rate over 4% APY with direct deposit. The bank also offers a sign-on bonus of up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.
We opened a combined checking-and-savings account with SoFi to give you an insider’s look into the application process and what it’s like to be a customer. The application started with a CAPTCHA verification and then took 17 clicks to complete.
Once our application was approved, we found the account dashboard a little overwhelming. The homepage links to other SoFi products, including personal loans and insurance. It also has a lot of features, including a financial-management tool that shows your credit score and credit report and tracks your net worth.
One place for improvement we discovered with SoFi is that the bank shortens longer first names on debit cards to the first initial. So if multiple members of your family have the same first initial, that could get confusing.
SoFi Free Checking Account
Rather than offering a standalone checking product, SoFi has a combined high-yield checking–and–savings account. It comes with free paper checks and doesn’t charge typicalaccount fees, including overdraft or returned-item fees, stop–payment fees andrush-delivery fees for replacement debit cards.
Account features include:
- Up to 15% cash back from local businesses with debit card transactions
- No-fee overdraft coverage of up to $50 on debit card purchases
- Over 4% APY on your high-yield savings account (which SoFi opens in conjunction with your checking account) with direct deposit
SoFi covers a 0.9% convenience fee for foreign transactions, but it doesn’t pay the 0.2% foreign exchange fee Mastercard charges.Depositing cash at a local retailer may cost you up to $4.95, and you’ll pay for any out-of-network ATM withdrawals since there’s no reimbursem*nt.
New account holders with direct deposit can get a $50 cash bonus for direct deposits between $1,000 and $4,999.99 and $300 for deposits of $5,000 or more.
Referral Bonus
SoFi is currently offering a referral bonus of $75 for each person you refer who signs up for an account and deposits at least $50 using your referral link. The person you refer will receive a $25 bonus. You must be an existing SoFi customer to receive this bonus, and referral terms can change at any time. See your SoFi account dashboard for details.
Pros and Cons
Pros Cash bonus of up to $300 when you receive direct deposits in your account Pays 0.50% APY on your checking balance More than 55,000 no-fee Allpoint ATMs Cons No Zelle payments directly in the SoFi app (but you can link your SoFi debit card in the Zelle app) Checking account must be opened in conjunction with SoFi’s HYSA
Ally
Best for Customer Experience
4.7
APY0.10% or 0.25%BonusNot currently offered for checking**Minimum Deposit$0
Why we like Ally’s free checking account: We opened an Ally account to share the application process with you. It took us 13 steps to open an account, and we could choose to make it an individual, joint trust or custodial account. Ally clearly displays its phone number and a link to chat at the top of the application screen, along with your wait time. FAQ articles are listed at the bottom of the page if you have questions during the process. Unfortunately, we were on hold with a question for over four minutes with Ally.
We like Ally because it’s an online bank that pays consistently high interest rates for its HYSA and its checking account. We like the 24/7 customer service and being able to see our wait time for help on our account dashboard. Plus, the bank reimburses up to $10 for out-of-network ATMs during each statement cycle.
Ally’s spending buckets feature can help you budget within your checking account. The online bank’s other financial products include CDs, IRAs, robo investment portfolios and mortgages.
Ally Free Checking Account
Ally Bank’s Spending Account doesn’t charge a monthly account fee or fees for overdrafts, official checks or most bank transfers. It’s also an interest-bearing checking account, payingmore than the national average on balances under $15,000 and roughly three times that averageon balances of $15,000 or more**.
The company offers 24/7 phone support,and account holders get access to live chat. You can use a network of over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs at no charge. If you use out-of-network ATMs, Ally will reimburse up to $10 in fees during each statement cycle.
Ally does charge for some services, including $20 for outgoing domestic wire transfers and $15 for expedited check delivery. And if you need Ally to do a good deal of research on your account, it may charge you $25 per hour.
Features of an Ally Spending Account include:
- No minimum opening deposit or minimum daily balance
- Early direct deposit arriving up to two days sooner
- Zelle digital payments
- Standard overdraft protection with a linked Ally account
- Extra overdraft coverage through CoverDraft (requires $100 in deposits in a 30-day period)
- Spending buckets for easier budgeting
One drawback of an Ally checking account is that there’s no way to make cash deposits. You won’t earn rewards for using your debit card, either.
Pros and Cons
Pros 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat $10 in reimbursem*nts each statement cycle for using out-of-network ATMs Offers spending buckets for easier budgeting, the only bank on the list with this feature Check writing available Cons No way to deposit cash into your checking account, the only bank on our list that doesn’t have this option No debit card rewards, our only recommended bank with no rewards $15,000 minimum balance required for the best interest rate
Axos Bank
Best Sign-Up Bonus
4.6
APYUp to 3.30%Bonus$300 through June 30, 2024**Minimum Deposit$50
Why we like Axos Bank’s free checking account: We opened an Axos Bank checking account to give you an insider’s look at the customer experience. This was the longest application process out of any bank we recommend — more than 15 minutes and 16 clicks. We had to provide a driver’s license and take a selfie to ensure we matched the photo on our license. We also couldn’t edit any personal information for 30 days after opening the account.
Once we finally set our account up, we thought the dashboard had a lot of cool features. These include the ability to connect all of your accounts to see your net worth, along with the bill-pay and money-transfer options that were easy to set up. You can access all of your Axos products right in the bank’s mobile app. There’s also a welcome bonus of up to $300.
We like that Axos Bank offers almost any financial product you might need, including money market accounts and CDs, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages and investment accounts. However, we didn’t like the fact that getting the highest checking interest rate the bank offers would require us to have four types of Axos accounts and meet spending and direct deposit minimums.
Axos Free Checking Account
Axoslets you use any ATM in the U.S., and it gives unlimited reimbursem*nts for fees ATM operators charge. Some ATMs support cash deposits, and you can purchase paper checks if needed. There are five personal checking account options — Essential, Rewards, Cashback, First and Golden Checking —that have different perks, but none of them charge monthly fees. Our favorite, Rewards Checking, is highlighted below:
Rewards Checking
While this account can pay interest, you’ll needat least $1,500 in direct deposits each month to get the lowest rate Axos offers for it. And you’ll need to take extra steps, such as meeting spending requirements or keeping a minimum investment balance with Axos, to increase your rate,which tops out at over 3% APY. Rewards Checking doesn’t charge overdraft fees, but there’s a $50 minimumdeposit to open the account.
Welcome Bonus
There’s currently a $300 welcome bonus if you can maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 in your new Axos checking account and receive at least $5,000 in monthly direct deposits for seven months. To take part in the welcome bonus promotion, you must open an account by June 30, 2024.
Pros and Cons
Pros Generous sign-up bonus of up to $300 for new customers with qualifying direct deposits Over 90,000 in-network ATMs, the most of any bank on our list, plus unlimited reimbursem*nts for out-of-network ATMs Multiple checking options, all maintenance-fee free Cons $50 minimum opening deposit requirement for Cashback Checking account, the only bank on our list with a minimum requirement Complex structure for earning the maximum interest rate offered in the Rewards Checking account
Common Checking Account Fees
Monthly service fees for normal checking accounts can range from $10 for basic accounts to $25 for premium accounts. Along with not having this fee, a free checking account shouldn’t restrict everyday transactions or charge money for them. However, your account may not be completely free due to these potential charges:
- Dormant-account fees: Some banks charge between $5 and $20 if you don’t use your account within a certain amount of time.
- Stop-payment fees: These charges are typically around $30.
- Overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees: While new federal regulations about overdraft fees have been proposed, some banks typically charge between $30 and $35.
- Check-printing fees: Checks have a cost to print, so many banks charge you for them. Costs vary depending on what type of checks you order.
- Foreign-transaction fees: If you’re outside of the country, some banks charge up to 3% of the transaction if you use your debit card.
- Out-of-network ATM fees: Many banks charge around $2 if you use an out-of-network ATM, in addition to what the ATM owner charges.
- Outgoing wire transfer fees: These can be as high as $50, depending on where you’re wiring money.
- Expedited delivery: If you lose your debit card or need checks fast, banks may charge between $5 and $25 for rush delivery.
- Paper-statement fees: Some banks charge you if you receive a paper statement each month instead of an online one. These fees can range from $1 to $5.
>> Related: What is an overdraft fee?
Best Free Checking Accounts at Big Banks
If you prefer a bank with a physical location over an online-only option, you may want to consider some of the following banks with large physical presences. While their checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees, those fees can be waived if you meet certain requirements.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the country by assets and has 2,000 branches in 26 states. Open a new U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account with a minimum deposit of $25 by June 27, 2024, and earn a sign-on bonus of up to $500 depending on your direct deposit amounts.
While the account does come with a monthly maintenance fee of $6.95, you can get the fee waived by meeting one or more of these requirements:
- Maintaining an average balance of $1,500 or more
- Having a qualifying U.S. Bank consumer credit card
- Receiving $1,000 or more in direct deposits in the account each month
U.S. Bank charges an $36 overdraft fee but has several overdraft protection options.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has an impressive 4,500 branches and is the third-largest bank in the U.S. by assets. It’s currently offering a $325 welcome bonus if you open a new consumer checking account by May 21, 2024, and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. (You can get up to $850 total if you open both new checking and savings accounts and meet deposit requirements).
All Wells Fargo checking accounts have a minimum opening deposit of $25. It charges a $10 monthly service fee for its Everyday Checking account, but you can have the fee waived if one of these requirements is met during each fee period:
- The primary account owner is 17 to 24 years old.
- The account maintains a $500 minimum daily balance.
- The account receives $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits.
- The account is linked to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or debit card.
- The account receives a qualifying non-civilian military direct deposit.
The bank charges a $35 overdraft fee but gives you until the end of the next business day to bring your account balance up to positive before it charges you.
Chase
Chase is the largest bank in the country by assets. It currently has a very high bank bonus — up to $900 — when you open new checking and savings accounts and meet certain requirements (if you just open a checking account, you’ll earn $300).
The bank charges a $12 monthly service fee for its Total Checking account, but it waives the fee if one of these requirements is made during each statement period:
- Monthly electronic deposits of $500 or more
- A balance of $1,500 or more at the beginning of each day
- An average balance of $5,000 or more across all of your qualifying Chase accounts at the beginning of each day
Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee but does offer free overdraft protection.
>> Related: Learn more about the largest banks in the U.S..
How To Choose the Best Free Checking Account
In our recent banking survey, consumers indicated which features were the most important to them when they choose a checking account. The most common answer by far — with roughly 74% of consumers selecting it — was low or no monthly fees. Only about 16% of our survey respondents said they pay $5 or more per month for their checking accounts.
To find the best free checking account option for you, assess your financial situation.
Anand Talwar
Head of Deposits and President of Ally Invest Group at Ally Financial
“If you’re in need of a checking account, don’t be too quick to open the first one you find. Think about what’s most important to you, like how you deposit and spend money, ATM access and no fees.”
Talwar also recommended looking for accounts with no minimum opening deposits and no monthly maintenance fees, as well as FDIC insurance protection from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC).
Also consider costs, requirements and banking accessibility, features and security.
Transaction Costs
Look for free checking accounts that charge the fewest fees possible for the types of transactions you expect to do. For example, if you travel internationally, look for an account that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. And if you expect to use out-of-network ATMs, try to find a checking account that provides reimbursem*nt for ATM operators’ fees.
Another thing to keep in mind is that with online checking accounts from an online bank, you’ll likely have limited options for depositing cash for free. The cost for this service can vary depending on which third-party company (such as a retailer) is providing it.
Account Requirements
Make sure you’re eligible for the free checking account you want. This includes meeting any age, residency and identification requirements. And if you have limited funds to initially deposit, find an account without a minimum opening deposit.
You should also check for minimum balance or direct deposit requirements. Not meeting these can affect whether the bank keeps the account open or whether you can access certain account features, including higher interest rates and higher rates for cash back on your debit card. Some banks even restrict mobile check deposits if you don’t meet thresholds for monthly direct deposits.
Banking Accessibility
Both the type of checking account and financial institution matter for accessibility. With a brick-and-mortar bank, you’ll have ATMs plus the flexibility for in-branch transactions during operating hours. If you choose an online bank, convenient ATM access is even more crucial, along with nearby options for making cash deposits.
>> Related: Learn more about the best online checking accounts.
Checking Account Features
Since there are many free checking options, think about whether you need certain services or rewards options to narrow your choices down. For example, you might prefer a solid mobile banking experience with budgeting tools, Zelle and mobile check deposits.
If you prefer incentives, look for a checking account with a competitive interest rate, a sign-up bonus and a cash-back debit card. Also consider basic features such as overdraft protection, online bill pay and a physical checkbook.
You can also look to bundle your checking and savings accounts. If you're interested, read our picks for the best savings accounts.
Safety and Online Security
Finding accounts through insured financial institutions is important for safeguarding your money in case your institution fails. Check for FDIC coverage for banks and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) coverage for credit unions.
Find out if the financial institutions you’re considering take steps to protect accounts online. This means they encrypt your information, require multiple steps to log in and alert you to any suspicious transactions or login attempts.
Benefits of a Free Checking Account
The main benefit of a free checking account is saving money on common account fees. You shouldn’t pay anything to simply have an account or perform everyday transactions, and you often won’t have to pay for overdrafts or in-network ATM withdrawals. You can also usually avoid charges for things such as sending wire transfers and using out-of-network ATMs.
Expert Review
Brandon Renfro
Ph.D., CFP, RICP, EA
The best checking account for you depends in part on how you intend to use it. Make sure that the features and convenience associated with a given account align with your expected use.
Affordability
Free checking accounts can be highly accessible even if you don’t have a lot of cash. Many options don’t require a deposit to open the account or a minimum balance to keep it open. There may be a minimum balance requirement for certain benefits, such as earning interest.
Rewards and Bonuses
While you might think of a free checking account as something basic, you can often benefit from perks that increase your balance. You might earn interest or be eligible for programs that reward you for debit card purchases. Sign-up bonuses may also be available. Note that traditional banks often offer fewer perks than online banks.
Convenient Access to Your Money
Both traditional and online banks typically let you deposit checks, transfer funds between accounts and receive direct deposits. Paper checks and money transfers through Zelle are also common. While an online-only bank doesn’t provide branch access, you can still use ATMs and often make cash deposits locally, sometimes for a fee.
Pros
No monthly fees
No minimum balance or high minimum deposit requirements
Potential interest and rewards
Convenient ways to access your money
Cons
No in-person support for online accounts
No paper checks or cash deposits for certain accounts
Other possible fees
Eligibility restrictions on some perks
Managing Your Free Checking Account
After you open your free account, set up direct deposit to conveniently get your pay and access any features that require you to be enrolled in direct deposit. You can usually get a form from your employer or bank or set it up online. And if you’ve switched deposit accounts, give your updated banking details to those who pay you or receive money from you.
Avoid Overdrafts and Transaction Fees
To prevent overdrafts, stay within your budget and use budgeting and savings tools your bank may offer. You should also limit possible fee-based transactions, including cash deposits (for online banks), out-of-network ATM withdrawals and wire transfers.
Monitor Your Account
Check your transactions online and view your monthly statements for any fees you’re charged or purchases that could be fraudulent. It also helps to set up mobile alerts. That way, you can call or message your bank right when you’re notified that something could be wrong.
Protect Your Debit Card and Account Details
If you lose your card, get the bank to freeze or cancel it so you can get a replacement. Avoid sharing your debit card PIN and online banking details, and only give your checking account number for legitimate transactions. Choose the most secure option for logging into your account online, and be careful where and how you log in.
| Free Money Market Accounts (MMAs) | Free High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) | Checking Accounts with Monthly Fees | |
| Type of Bank | Mostly online banks | Mostly online banks | Traditional banks with physical branches |
| Monthly Fees | There are normally none. MMAs from traditional banks usually have fees, but they can be waived if the account meets minimum balance or direct deposit requirements. | There are normally none. HYSAs at traditional banks usually have fees, but they can be waived if the account meets minimum balance requirements. | Monthly fees can often be waived if the account meets minimum balance or direct deposit requirements. |
| APY* | Variable, generally offering higher rates than checking accounts (typically 4% to 5.3%) | Variable, generally offering higher rates than checking accounts (typically 4.5% to 5.3%) | Variable, usually 0% or a very low rate (typically 0% to 0.25%) |
| Transaction Limits | May limit the number of transactions per month or statement cycle | Usually no check-writing capabilities and may limit the number of transactions per month or statement cycle | Few to none |
| Common Perks | Free debit card, checks and cash deposits, Zelle | Budgeting tools, automatic savings options, Zelle | Cash sign-on bonuses for new account holders, overdraft protection, relationship rates on other financial products, Zelle |
Recap of Our Top Free Checking Accounts
- Discover Bank Review: Best for Large ATM Network
- Varo Bank Review: Best for Mobile App Experience
- SoFi Bank Review: Best for Cash-Back Incentives
- Ally Bank Review: Best for Customer Experience
- Axos Bank: Best Sign-Up Bonus
FAQ: Free Checking Accounts
Discover, Varo, Ally, Axos and SoFi are some of the many banks that have totally free checking accounts, meaning they don’t charge a monthly fee or require a minimum balance.
Despite not having monthly service charges, free checking accounts often aren’t entirely free, so check the terms carefully. For example, you might have to pay for overdrafts and wire transfers, or you could get charged for using out-of-network ATMs or depositing cash through a third party, such as a convenience store.
Most banks let you apply to open a free checking account online. You can also visit a local bank or credit union branch (if available) and apply in person. You’ll give your personal information, such as your Social Security number and photo ID, and make any required opening deposit.
Our Methodology
Our team researched more than 100 of the country’s largest and most prominent financial institutions, collecting information on each provider’s account options, fees, rates, terms and customer experience. We then scored each firm based on the data points and metrics that matter most to potential customers. Read our full methodology.
For our list of the best free checking accounts, we chose financial institutions that not only earned our highest scores in the Checking category but also don’t charge monthly fees. The banks that received top ratings for checking accounts tend to have no minimum opening deposit and no or low overdraft fees, making them accessible to more customers. They often provide perks such as ATM fee reimbursem*nts and cash back on debit card purchases.
*Data accurate at time of publication
**Rates and promotions accurate as of June 12, 2024
Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someoneyou trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.
Ashley DonohoeContributor
Ashley Donohoe is a personal finance writer based in Cincinnati. She has written for several personal finance websites such as GoBanking Rates, The Balance and PocketSense.
Rashawn MitchnerManaging Editor
Rashawn Mitchner is a MarketWatch Guides team editor with over 10 years of experience covering personal finance and insurance topics.
Brandon RenfroReviewer
Brandon Renfro, Ph.D., CFP, is a financial planner with Belonging Wealth Management in Longview, Tex., and formerly served as a finance professor. He specializes in retirement income planning.
