Best Banks That Pay up to 2 Days Early [2025]

With early direct deposit, you may receive your money up to two days before you usually would. Early direct deposit can help you pay your bills before the deadline and also help you avoid overdraft fees, late fees, or returned checks.

Receiving your money earlier also means you can earn an extra couple of days worth of interest on your paycheck.

What is early direct deposit + how does it work?

Early direct deposit is offered at some banks and allows you to access your direct deposits up to two days earlier than usual. So, if you're paid every other Friday, you may see your paycheck available the Wednesday before your payday, which could be helpful if you need to get groceries or have a bill due.

While this feature isn't universally available, plenty of banks have started offering early direct deposit for paychecks and government benefits as a way to entice new customers. 

How to choose a bank for early direct deposit

There are many options for choosing the best checking account with early direct deposit. To help narrow your choices, consider the following before signing up with any bank.

FDIC insurance: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects the money you deposit in a bank up to $250,000 per depositor. Looking for the Member FDIC symbol on a bank's website or account materials can be an excellent way to determine if it is legitimate and know your money is protected.

Type of pay you receive: Consider what qualifies for early direct deposit. Do Social Security payments and tax refunds count for early pay, or only employer paychecks? Make sure the ways you get paid meet the qualifications for early access. Additionally, check for balance or activity requirements on your end.

Low (or no) fees: Some banks charge monthly service fees, which can eat into your available cash each month. Many banks offer low- or no-fee accounts if you meet specific requirements like setting up monthly direct deposit or maintaining a certain balance in the account at all times.

Before signing up with a bank, read the fee disclosure statement and terms and conditions to understand what you may be responsible for.

High-interest rates: While you probably won't find interest rates on checking accounts that compete with high-yield savings accounts, searching for a bank that pays interest on its checking account can help you earn as much as possible from your paycheck. You may need to decide between a low- or no-fee checking account and earning interest, but finding both features is possible, especially if you are comfortable with an online-only bank.

Cash back rewards: Some banks offer cash back on our purchases, similar to how you'd earn cash back on a credit card. While most banks we explored don't offer this feature, there are a select few that do, and their cash back rates are actually competitive with many credit cards. You won't get rich from this feature, but it's a nice way to earn a bit of extra cash for purchases you're already making.

Your preferred banking method: Online-only banks typically have lower costs than brick-and-mortar banks, so you're more likely to find healthy interest rates and lower fees. They might also have additional account perks like rewards cards, ATM fee reimbursement, overdraft protection features, and interest-earning checking accounts.

Some people prefer a more traditional bank, with physical branches you can visit. 

Consider a credit union: Credit unions often have more competitive rates and lower fees. They also usually have physical branches that customers can visit, making them a good solution for people looking for a brick-and-mortar bank with more options. Any credit union you consider should be insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), the equivalent of a bank's FDIC insurance, and provides coverage up to $250,000 per single ownership account.

Check customer service reviews: As part of your research, pay attention to customer service reviews and ratings. Reviews can give you insight into the bank's customer service approach and how it solves problems. If you use a bank's mobile app, read reviews to learn about frequent glitches or issues.

Featured checking account

Reach Your Savings Goals Faster

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits

• Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement.&nbsp;Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking &amp; Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member&nbsp;FDIC.</p>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
• Get your paycheck up to two days early
• Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Open an account with SoFi® here

Compare banks with early direct deposit

Check out the best banks with early direct deposit to learn why we chose each option in our research.

Bank	Direct deposit estimate	Best for
SoFi®	Up to 2 days early5 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>	High APY
Chime®6 <p class="">Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.&nbsp;<br></p>	Up to 2 days early7 <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p>	Overdraft on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals
Discover	Up to 2 days early	Earning cash back
Capital One	Up to 2 days early8 <p>Early paycheck is available for 360 Checking customers that set up direct deposit with their employer or other payor to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension, or government benefits). Certain non-payroll and tax payments are not eligible for early paycheck. Early direct deposits may be available to you up to 2 days earlier, however, we are dependent on the timing of your payor’s payment instructions and therefore you may not always see your direct deposits arrive early. Early paycheck eligibility may vary between pay periods and daily/transaction limits apply. </p>	Branch and ATM network
Current	Up to 2 days early9 <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p>	Building your credit
Varo	Up to 2 days early10 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds depends on timing of the payer’s submission of deposits. We generally post such deposits on the day they are received which may be up to 2 days earlier than the payer’s scheduled payment date.</p>	Cash advances

SoFi®

SoFi Checking and Savings

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

• Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement.&nbsp;Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking &amp; Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member&nbsp;FDIC.</p>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
• Get your paycheck up to two days early⁵ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
• Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

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on SoFi's secure website

SoFi is a great choice for early direct deposit if you also want to earn some interest on your money. You'll get your direct deposits two days early when you sign up⁵ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p> . And just like a savings account would, SoFi's checking account pays you a small amount of interest on your funds.

In addition to not having any monthly service fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> or minimums and offering fee-free overdraft coverage,¹² <p>Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.&nbsp; The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking &gt; Savings &gt; Current APY or (ii) Banking &gt; Checking &gt; Current APY.&nbsp; Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.</p> SoFi has some other cool perks. It offers an automatic round-up of your debit card purchases and then transfers the money into your savings Vault — out of sight, out of mind.

Visit SoFi® | Read our full SoFi Checking and Savings review.

Chime®

Chime®

Visit Chime®

4.6

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

• No minimum balance, no monthly service fees¹³ <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
• Get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit⁷ <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p>
• Eligible Members can access fee-free overdraft up to $200¹⁴ <p>SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
• 50K+ fee-free ATMs nationwide¹⁵ <p>Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.</p>
• Automatic savings helps you grow your money faster¹⁶ <p>Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits&nbsp;of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.</p>

Learn More

on Chime's secure website

The Chime® Checking account is one we often recommend to people who often count down the days to their next paycheck, not only because it lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit but also because it offers better-than-most overdraft. You can get fee-free overdraft up to $200 with SpotMe® with monthly qualifying direct deposits of at least $200 to your Chime checking account,¹⁷ <p>SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions</a>.</p> which can help you avoid fees and declined transactions if you can't wait to make a purchase until your pay hits your account. The direct deposit requirement is also pretty low to qualify for this.

While we wouldn't recommend making a habit of overdrafts, we understand that it happens — and Chime is more flexible about it than most institutions. SpotMe is also nice because it covers cash withdrawals in addition to debit card transactions, which is somewhat unusual.

Visit Chime | Read our full Chime review to learn more.

Discover

Discover® Cashback Debit

Visit Discover® Cashback Debit

4.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

• Earn up to $360 every year with 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month¹⁹ <p>See website for details.</p>
• No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
• Easily switch direct deposit via the Discover mobile app or online for Early Pay (get your paycheck up to 2 days early!)
• 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide
• FDIC Insured

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on Discover's secure website

With Discover^® Cashback Debit account, you can get your paycheck up to two days early when you set up direct deposit with no other strings attached. This checking account, which has no fees or account minimums, combines the perks of a debit card with a cash back credit card. You'll get 1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases every month.²⁰ <p>Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations and terms. Deposit Account Agreement can be found at <a href="https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf">https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf</a>.</p> That's potential earnings of $30 per month and up to $360 per year.

I personally use a credit card for the vast majority of my spending to get points or cash back. But for the odd purchase that I have to make on my debit card, it would be nice to still have the opportunity to get a bit of cash back, even if it's not much.

Discover has one of the largest ATM networks on our list, with more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. The account also offers overdraft services with no fees as long as you have a linked Discover savings or money market account.

Visit Discover | Read our full Discover review to learn more.

Capital One

CapitalOne 360 Checking

Visit CapitalOne 360 Checking

4.9

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Overall Checking Account

• Earn a $250 bonus by opening a 360 Checking account
• No fees, no minimums
• Terms Apply²¹ <p>1. Open a 360 Checking account on or after August 22, 2024, using promotional code CHECKING250. 2. Set up and receive at least 2 Qualifying Direct Deposits each of $500 or more to your 360 Checking account within 75 days of account opening. 3. Capital One will deposit the bonus into your account after the first two requirements listed above are completed. See full offer details and when the bonus will be posted at <a href="https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking250/affiliate/">https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking250/affiliate/</a>.</p>

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on Capital One's secure website

Capital One is the best option for anyone who values in-person access. It offers a respectable network of more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs, plus some physical branches you can visit in states like New York, Virginia, Louisiana, and Texas. While it doesn't have the largest branch network, Capital One offers more in-person accessibility than the other institutions we recommend.

Traditional banks don't always let you get paid early, but Capital One is an example of a big hybrid institution with some benefits of both traditional and online banking (it even claims it was the first major U.S. bank to offer early paychecks). To qualify for early direct deposit with Capital One 360 Checking, all you have to do is enroll in direct deposit. You can do this through the Capital One platform or your payroll provider. After you enroll, you could get your direct deposits up to two days early. Capital One doesn't guarantee you'll be eligible, but if you do qualify, you'll do so automatically (meaning, without having to make any special requests).

Visit Capital One 360 Checking | Read our full Capital One 360 review to learn more.

Current

Current

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• High APYs on up to $6,000 in savings
• Online-only banking service²² <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> offering individual and teen accounts
• Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit⁹ <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p>
• No monthly maintenance fees²³ <p>Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.</p>
• FDIC Insured through Choice Financial Group

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In addition to its early direct deposit, Current also offers some other unique perks, one of which is its credit-building capabilities.²² <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> ⁹ <p>Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.</p> The card you get with your account works as both a debit and credit card. You can use it for spending and ATM withdrawals, just like a debit card. But you can also earn points on it and use it to build your credit score, like a credit card.

Here's how it works: you spend money on your Build Card, which comes with your account. The money from your purchases and ATM withdrawals is set aside and then used to make payments, just like a credit card. Those payments are then reported to TransUnion.

A Current Spend account also offers seven times the points for purchases at qualifying businesses. There are currently more than 14,000 participating merchants.

Visit Current | Read our full Current review to learn more.

Varo

Varo is an online-only bank that provides checking and savings accounts. In addition to its early direct deposit, one feature that sets Varo apart is its cash advances. If you're a Varo customer, you can get a cash advance between $250 and $500 for a small fee. Then, you'll pay it back within the next 30 days.

Another perk of Varo's checking account is you can earn up to 6% on your spending. No, you won't earn that much across the board. But you can earn cash back when you spend with any of Varo's partners. The money automatically goes right back into your checking account. Participating retailers include McDonald's, Macy's, Kohl's, Popeye's, Circle K, PetSmart, and more.

Read our full Varo review to learn more.

Featured Checking Accounts

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement.&nbsp;Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking &amp; Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member&nbsp;FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

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FAQs

Banks that didn't make our list

While early direct deposit isn't exactly a universal feature yet, there are still plenty of banks that offer it. Alternatives we explored that didn't make the cut include banks that offer early direct deposit, but that didn't necessarily offer anything else to set them apart from the crowd. Examples of these include Axos Bank and Fifth Third Bank.

We also considered a few banks that have early direct deposit and maybe even a few other perks but charge fees on their accounts. These banks include Huntington Bank, Wells Fargo, and Regions Bank (though all have ways of having your fees waived). These days, there's just no reason to pay account fees when other banks offer the same perks with no fees.

Bottom line

Many banks offer early direct deposit as a standard feature on their checking accounts. When you're narrowing down the best option, make sure to pay attention to some of its other features, including monthly fees, minimum balances, interest earnings, and cash back.

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SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits

• Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement.&nbsp;Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking &amp; Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member&nbsp;FDIC.</p>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
• Get your paycheck up to two days early⁵ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
• Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

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Kate Daugherty

Kate Daugherty is a writer for FinanceBuzz with a passion for providing others the head start they deserve on their financial journeys. Largely self-taught, Kate relied on books, blogs, and trial-and-error to learn how to budget and save for the future, all while working to pay back about $15,000 in student loans.

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Erin Gobler

Erin Gobler, an editor for FinanceBuzz, is a personal finance expert and journalist based in Madison, Wisconsin. She holds a certificate in financial planning and has a decade of experience writing online. Erin has covered topics such as credit cards, mortgages, investing, personal loans, and insurance, with work published in major publications like Newsweek, CNN, Forbes, and more.