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6 Best Checking Accounts of 2025
July 1, 2025
What to Look for in a Great Checking Account
Not all checking accounts are created equal. The best checking accounts share some key traits that help you manage money effortlessly. When choosing a checking account, pay attention to:
- Fees (or lack thereof): Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees, or easy ways to waive them. Avoid hefty overdraft fees if possible. Low or no fees mean more of your money stays in your pocket.
- Interest or Rewards: Some checking accounts pay interest on your balance (even if modest) or offer cashback rewards on spending. For example, a 0.10% APY with no fees is generous for a checking account, and some accounts even earn cashback instead of interest.
- Accessibility: Consider the bank’s ATM network size and branch availability. A large free ATM network (sometimes 40,000+ ATMs) or ATM fee reimbursements are important if you frequently withdraw cash. If you prefer in-person service, ensure there are branches nearby.
- Digital Tools and Features: A good checking account should have a user-friendly mobile app and online banking. Extras like early direct deposit (getting your paycheck early), bill pay, mobile check deposit, or budgeting tools can make your life easier.
- Bonuses and Perks: Many banks offer sign-up bonuses for new checking customers (e.g. $200–$300 with qualifying direct deposits). Some accounts also bundle perks like ATM fee refunds, free checks, or reward points.
Taking these factors into account will help you find a checking account that fits your needs and maximizes value.
The 6 Best Checking Accounts for 2025
Below are six of the top checking accounts available in 2025, each carefully selected for excelling in different areas crucial for modern consumers. Whether you're seeking a checking account with absolutely no fees, impressive high-yield interest rates, generous cashback rewards, excellent customer service, or unique bonus offerings, there's a tailored option here for you. Our picks include standout choices from well-established banks as well as innovative online providers, ensuring you'll find the perfect fit based on your individual financial goals and lifestyle.
Each account featured in this guide is FDIC-insured, providing security and peace of mind, while also delivering superior features designed to simplify your banking experience. These options help you manage money efficiently, earn rewards effortlessly, and minimize or completely eliminate unnecessary costs—making your everyday financial management significantly more rewarding.
Pairing the right checking account with the right credit card can amplify your benefits. Kudos is a free tool that helps you discover hidden perks and maximize credit card rewards on everyday purchases – making sure you get the most back while your checking account handles the rest.
1. Capital One 360 Checking – Best All-Around Account
Why it stands out: Capital One 360 Checking is a well-rounded account that combines flexibility with low costs. It has no monthly fees or overdraft fees, no minimum balance requirement, and even earns a bit of interest (around 0.10% APY) on your balance. It’s rare to find a fee-free checking account that pays interest, which already makes this account shine.
Key features: Capital One’s online and mobile experience is top-notch, but you also get access to physical support through Capital One Cafés and branches if you need in-person help. There’s early direct deposit so you can get paid up to 2 days sooner. The account currently offers a sign-up bonus (around $250 for new customers who meet direct deposit requirements), adding extra value for switching. As an FDIC-insured bank, your money is protected up to $250,000 like with any major bank.
Why it’s best overall: The combination of no fees, convenient access, and a little interest on your money makes Capital One 360 Checking an excellent all-around choice for many people. It covers all the bases without costing you anything to maintain.
2. Discover Cashback Debit – Best for Debit Rewards
Why it stands out: Discover’s checking account takes a unique approach by offering cashback instead of interest. You earn 1% cash back on debit card purchases, up to $3,000 in spending per month – that’s up to $360 back per year if you max it out. This makes everyday spending more rewarding than a typical checking account that earns negligible interest.
Key features: Discover Cashback Debit has no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirements at all. It truly “kicks fees to the curb,” letting you enjoy your rewards without worrying about charges. Account holders get a free debit card (with free expedited shipping) and access to a massive ATM network – over 60,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs nationwide for fee-free withdrawals. While it doesn’t pay interest (cashback is the main perk), the lack of fees and ability to earn rewards on spending make it a top choice for reward-seekers.
Why it’s great for rewards: If you prefer using a debit card but still want rewards, Discover delivers. Earning 1% back on purchases essentially puts money in your pocket for using your checking account, and with no fees eating into those rewards, it’s a win-win.
3. KeyBank Checking – Best Customer Service Experience
Why it stands out: KeyBank’s checking options (such as Key Smart Checking) might not be flashy, but they come with something many big banks lack: truly excellent customer service. KeyBank operates in 15 states with a network of branches, and it offers 24/7 live customer support by phone, plus help via Twitter and online chat. If having reliable support and the option of speaking to a real person whenever you have an issue is important to you, KeyBank is a top pick.
Key features: Depending on the specific KeyBank checking account you choose, the requirements and perks vary, but generally there are low minimum deposits to open (around $50–$1,000) and ways to avoid monthly fees. Some KeyBank accounts even earn a bit of interest (one option offers about 2.26% APY on balances), which is quite high for checking. New customers can often snag a welcome bonus (currently up to $300 for qualifying new accounts with direct deposit). KeyBank also provides access to over 40,000 ATMs through its network and partnerships, so you can withdraw cash easily without fees.
Why it’s best for service: KeyBank doesn’t necessarily offer the absolute highest rates or rewards, but it excels in treating customers well. The combination of widespread ATM access and no additional monthly service fees on basic accounts means you get a solid, hassle-free banking experience. For those in Key’s service area who value human support and a smooth banking experience, KeyBank checking is a great choice.
4. SoFi Checking & Savings – Best for High Interest & No Fees
Why it stands out: SoFi’s Checking & Savings account is a hybrid account that gives you the benefits of both a checking and a savings account in one. It offers a high-yield APY up to 3.80% (with eligible direct deposit) on your money – a rate that rivals many savings accounts and far exceeds typical checking rates. All this comes with no account fees and no minimum balance, making it extremely attractive for tech-savvy savers.
Key features: SoFi Checking & Savings has a ton of modern features. You get early paycheck access, so your direct deposit hits your account up to two days early. The account comes with a debit card and provides free ATM withdrawals via the Allpoint network – over 55,000 fee-free ATMs available. The mobile app is highly rated, offering handy tools like automated savings “vaults,” budgeting insights, and person-to-person payments. New customers who set up direct deposit can earn a welcome bonus up to $300 as well, adding a nice incentive. SoFi Bank is online-only (no branches), but it is FDIC-insured and known for excellent customer service via phone or chat.
Why it’s best for high yield: If your goal is to earn interest on checking without sacrificing flexibility, SoFi is hard to beat. You can park your money in this account and earn up to 3.80% APY (with direct deposits), all while enjoying seamless online banking and zero fees. It’s an ideal choice for those comfortable with online banking who want their money working harder for them.
5. American Express Rewards Checking – Best for Earning Points
Why it stands out: American Express Rewards Checking is a unique offering targeted at existing Amex card members. It’s one of the only checking accounts that lets you earn Membership Rewards points on purchases. You get 1 Membership Rewards point per $2 spent with the account’s debit card. While that rate is lower than most credit card rewards, it’s a novel way to earn transferable reward points on debit spending – perfect for Amex enthusiasts who want to boost their points balance. Plus, the account still pays interest: currently 1.00% APY on balances, which is quite generous for checking.
Key features: Amex Rewards Checking has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. It also comes with the famously great 24/7 customer service that American Express is known for. The mobile experience is integrated with Amex’s app, so you can manage your checking alongside your credit cards. One important note is eligibility: you must have an Amex credit card for at least 35 days before you can open this checking account (it’s a perk for existing customers). While Amex is an online bank for checking (no branches or ATMs of its own), you’ll get a large ATM network via Allpoint similar to other online banks, and fees are reimbursed in many cases.
Why it’s great for points: This account is tailor-made for those who love Amex Membership Rewards. It effectively lets your debit card spending earn travel or cashback points that can be pooled with points from Amex credit cards. If you’re already an Amex card user, adding this checking account can round out your banking while keeping everything under one rewards ecosystem.
6. Axos Bank Rewards Checking – Best High-Yield Rate (If You Qualify)
Why it stands out: Axos Bank Rewards Checking offers one of the highest APYs in the nation for checking – up to 3.30% APY on balances up to $50,000. However, it comes with a caveat: that top rate requires meeting several requirements. To unlock the maximum APY, you need to do things like receive a qualifying direct deposit and use your debit card frequently (e.g. 10+ transactions a month). It’s a bit of work, but if you’re willing to jump through those hoops, the reward is a very high interest rate on a checking account.
Key features: Axos Rewards Checking has no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance to open. Essentially, it’s a free account to have. It doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus (unlike some others), but the ongoing benefit is the interest. Axos is an online bank, so you’ll manage everything digitally and use a network of ATMs (Axos reimburses some ATM fees since they don’t have their own ATMs). This account is ideal for someone who uses their account actively – the more you use it as your primary account (swiping the debit card, direct depositing paychecks, etc.), the more you’re rewarded with interest. If you don’t meet all the criteria in a month, you still earn a lower APY on your balance, which is better than nothing.
Why it’s best for high achievers: For disciplined account holders, Axos can yield up to $1,650 in interest per year on $50k (at the 3.30% APY tier), which is outstanding for checking. It basically turns your checking account into a high-yield asset. If you’re confident you’ll meet the activity requirements, Axos Rewards Checking can pay off significantly. If not, you might be better off with a more straightforward high-interest account like SoFi, but the potential here is unmatched for interest chasers.
FAQs
Do checking accounts pay interest?
Yes, some checking accounts pay interest, though often at lower rates than savings accounts. The average checking APY is very low (around 0.05–0.10%), but high-yield checking accounts like those from Axos or SoFi can pay far above the norm. If earning interest is a priority, look for accounts labeled “high-yield” or those that require direct deposit to unlock higher rates.
Can I get a free checking account with no fees?
Yes – many of the best checking accounts charge no monthly fees at all. For example, Capital One 360, Discover Cashback Debit, and SoFi Checking have no maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Always check the account’s fee schedule, but plenty of banks offer truly free checking, especially online banks and credit unions. Even some big banks will waive fees if you meet conditions like direct deposit or minimum balance.
Are online-only checking accounts safe to use?
Yes, online checking accounts are safe as long as they’re with an FDIC-insured bank (or NCUA-insured credit union). Online banks have the same $250,000 federal insurance protection per depositor as traditional banks. They also use encryption and security measures to protect your data. While there are no physical branches, you can access your money through ATM networks and mobile apps. Just ensure any online bank you choose is FDIC-insured and has a good security reputation.
Can I have more than one checking account?
Yes, you can open multiple checking accounts at the same or different banks. In fact, having more than one can be useful for budgeting or separating finances (for example, one for bills and one for spending). There’s no legal limit to the number of checking accounts you can hold. Just keep track of any minimum balance requirements or fees. Each account you open will also be separately insured by the FDIC up to $250,000, since insurance is per bank per depositor.
Do I need to switch banks to get a better checking account?
Not necessarily. You can keep your existing bank account and open a new one elsewhere – there’s no penalty for having accounts at different banks. However, if your current bank’s checking account has high fees or no perks, it’s worth considering a switch. Many people switch to take advantage of sign-up bonuses or better features (like no fees or higher interest). Just be sure to update any automatic payments or direct deposits if you decide to transition to a new primary checking account.
Conclusion
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Choosing the right checking account can make your financial life simpler and more rewarding. The 6 best checking accounts highlighted here offer a mix of low (or no) fees, solid interest or rewards, and customer-friendly features to help you get more from your everyday money. Remember, the best account for you depends on your personal needs – whether you value earning cash back on debit purchases, getting a high interest rate, or having dependable customer service at your fingertips.
By upgrading to a better checking account, you’re setting yourself up for fewer fees and maybe even some extra cash in your pocket each month. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your finances over time. And while you’re optimizing your banking, don’t forget other tools that can boost your financial game – for instance, Kudos can help you maximize your credit card rewards alongside a great checking account, ensuring every dollar you spend works harder for you.
Here’s to smarter banking and a financially savvy 2025!
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