Best Banking Apps [2025]: Stress-Free Mobile Banking

We recommend Chase, Chime, Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo as some of the best mobile banking apps today. Based on our research of many popular finance apps from top institutions, we determined these to be the most impressive, user-friendly, and intuitive. We analyzed apps based on consumer ratings in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, features, account availability, our own personal experience, when applicable, and more.

Learn why we feel these banks have the best mobile apps and which one might be right for you.

5 banks with the best mobile apps

• Chase
• Chime®
• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Wells Fargo

Best banking app comparison

Chase

4.2

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.

Chase Total Checking®

Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.² <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 4/16/2025.

Open Account

App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars (6.3M+ reviews)

Google Play rating: 4.4/5 stars (1.8M+ reviews)

Chase is the largest bank in the U.S. by asset size, and its mobile app is incredibly well-rated for how many total downloads and reviews it has. Especially for a big bank, Chase provides a top-notch banking experience through its mobile app. It stands out for how easy it is to use and how many valuable features are baked into the interface.

Account numbers, credit monitoring tools, cash back, net worth tracking, spending habits, and more are all right there, front and center, when you log into the app. The navigation is smoother, quicker, and more intuitive than what we’ve experienced from other banking mobile apps, and you have to do less clicking around to get from one account or service to the next. We won’t say that the app reads your mind, but it sure seems to know what people are looking for.

Perspectives

Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®

Writer

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Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®, is credit cards specialist. For over a decade, he's leveraged credit card points and miles to travel the world. His expertise extends to other areas of personal finance — including loans, insurance, investing, and real estate — and you can find his insights on The Washington Post, Debt.com, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business.

WHY I LIKE THIS APP

I’ve used the Chase mobile app and online banking for many years with little to no issues. I especially like how fast I’m able to check on my deposit and credit card accounts through the app, as well as send and receive secure messages through my online account. Mobile check deposits are always quick and easy.

Visit Chase | Read our Chase Bank review

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.

Chime®

Chime® Checking¹ <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> - No Monthly Fees³ <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 paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit⁴ <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>

Checking Account. No minimum balance. FDIC Insured through The Bank Corp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.

Open Account

App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars (960K+ reviews)

Google Play rating: 4.7/5 stars (740K+ reviews)

We included Chime on this list even though it has fewer reviews than many of the others because it’s in the top free financial apps in both Google Play and the App Store. At the time of writing this, it’s ranked 13th in free finance apps on the App Store and seventh on Google Play. Not too shabby for a newer platform. Chime is a financial technology company known for its fee-free online banking accounts³ <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> , and we understand why people love the app, too.

Chime stands out from the other banking apps on this list because it offers more helpful features, especially related to saving money, making transfers, and stretching your paycheck. You’ll see us talk about its SpotMe overdraft protection ⁵ <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> feature often because it offers one of the highest fee-free overdraft limits we’ve found. The Chime app is also a great option for getting your paycheck up to two days early and sending instant money transfers without your friends and family needing to sign up for any new accounts.⁶ <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> ⁷ <p>Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial&nbsp;harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.</p>

Visit Chime | Read our Chime review

Bank of America

4.2

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.

Bank of America Advantage Banking

Bank of America Advantage Banking

$300 bonus offer. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Click ‘Learn More' for more details.

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App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars (4.7M+ reviews)

Google Play rating: 4.6/5 stars (1.1M+ reviews)

As another one of the largest banks in the U.S., Bank of America offers a wide range of accounts — and a mobile app that does the trick no matter what services you use. We picked it for this list of banks with the best mobile apps because it has a lot going on in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.

It also has a great chatbot, Erica, that we’d recommend checking out if you’re the type of person who likes to get answers with a quick search rather than a phone call or lots of scrolling around in FAQs. Erica was one of the first mobile banking bots out there, and it’s (she’s?) still one of the most impressive. It’s not the same as live chat, but the feature helps get most common questions taken care of quickly and painlessly.

Bank of America is a Member FDIC.

Visit Bank of America

Capital One

App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars (8.8M+ reviews)

Google Play rating: 4.5/5 stars (1.5M+ reviews)

Capital One’s mobile app is especially great for managing credit card accounts, but you can also manage Capital One 360 bank accounts like 360 Checking, 360 Performance Savings, CDs, MONEY Teen Checking, and more. We’re not surprised by the app’s high ratings, especially when it’s time to check up on a credit card.

There’s no shortage of Capital One credit cards to choose from. And if you do open one, you’ll see a clean view of your card(s) from the app’s dashboard, with your current balance, available credit, scheduled payments, and a button to “Get your virtual card” right on top of a graphic for the card. It’s sleeker than other apps we’ve used, and we find it less stressful to check transaction histories and schedule payments. The tab that shows you your credit card rewards is similarly excellent, making it easier to see all of your redemption options, earning activity, and the value of your rewards than you might be used to with non-Cap cards.

Capital One is a Member FDIC.

Read our Capital One 360 review

Wells Fargo

App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars (9.5M+ reviews)

Google Play rating: 4.8/5 stars (2.5M+ reviews)

Many people compare the Wells Fargo mobile app to the Chase mobile app, and we’re inclined to agree. It’s similarly feature-packed without feeling overwhelming, and it’s highly usable whether you’re trying to check up on the accounts you already have or look into new ones. It isn’t all that innovative, in our opinion, but it does most things right – and has the highest overall rating of any app on this list.

It’s worth noting that the Wells Fargo app wasn’t always top-tier material. It’s undergone some pretty significant changes in the last few years and gone from an app we wouldn’t have wanted to use as often to one we would like to open. It used to be more buggy and bloated than it is now, and the developers seem to stay on top of issues well by rolling out frequent updates and patches (and responses to many reviews). However, some users miss how powerful the previous version was since many features have been stripped away.

Visit Wells Fargo.

How to choose the best banking apps

Consider these factors to help you choose the bank with the best mobile app:

• Customer reviews: Be picky about which banking mobile app you go with and read a few reviews from real users to help you decide. While a mobile app rating of 3.5 out of 5 is above average, the best online banks tend to have ratings of 4 out of 5 or better.
• Account benefits: Depending on what type of account you’re looking at, you might want to prioritize banks with the best APYs, apps that’ll help you build or repair your credit most, minimal checking fees, or something else.
• Customer service: Especially if you do a lot of your banking from your phone, it’s important to be able to get help when and how you need it. Many mobile banking apps offer helpful support features like live chat or automated chatbots to help you get or find answers to questions quickly, while others only offer phone, email, or secure message support.
• Product/account variety: It’s often more convenient to use multiple services from the same bank, so it’s worth checking to see if a financial institution offers all the different products you need. You’ll often be able to see and manage all of these from one mobile banking app.
• Credit and net worth tools: A good banking app will let you dig deeper than just your bank accounts and balances, with reporting on broader aspects of your finances, like your credit, net worth, debt, and more. For example, many mobile banking apps have their own credit monitoring tools now to show you changes to your credit just about as soon as they’re posted to your file.

Bottom line

Big banks and online or hybrid banks alike can offer high-quality mobile banking experiences. In fact, many banking apps today get the job done, and they seem to be only getting better. However, banks with the best mobile apps based on our analysis and customer reviews include Chase, Chime, Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo.

These banking apps stand out for being more intuitive and user-friendly than others, and they have the user ratings to back that up.

If these banking apps aren’t quite right for you, explore other options with our list of the best banks.

Banking apps that didn’t make our list

SoFi®

Even though we feel strongly that SoFi has something truly special in its combined checking and savings account, we couldn’t include SoFi in our top five banks with the best mobile app because it does get more negative reviews on Google Play. With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for Android users, its overall rating was on the lower side for this analysis.

However, it’s worth noting that some user complaints aren’t really based on the app itself despite being featured on the mobile app’s review page. For example, one (who shall remain nameless) reported direct deposit issues not related to the app. Others, though, have valid and relevant gripes, like saying that the app’s design is busy.

SoFi is a Member FDIC. It offers up to $250,000 of standard FDIC insurance for applicable accounts.⁸ <p><b>SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a></b></p>

Read our full SoFi® review.

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.

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

Earn up to 3.80% APY⁹ <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 Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) <b>OR</b> $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/banking#1">sofi.com/banking#1</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p> <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. 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>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p> and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits.¹⁰ <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. 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>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p> FDIC Insured.⁸ <p><b>SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/terms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms</a> See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks</a></b></p>

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Varo

Although Varo’s mobile app ratings speak for themselves, and the online bank no doubt offers a great mobile banking experience, we didn’t include it in the top mobile banking apps because it has far fewer ratings and downloads overall compared to the others on this list.

All that said, we’d still confidently recommend Varo to anyone looking for fee-free banking, since that’s where this digital institution shines. It’s also a particularly good choice if you’ve struggled with bad credit and/or are looking for second-chance checking since it caters to both of these crowds better than most.

Discover

Discover’s mobile banking app is impressive, but it fell slightly short of the other apps we chose in our research because its overall rating-to-total-review ratio is a bit lower. That doesn’t mean its app isn’t great, though. We’ve used it and loved it, but it isn’t quite as powerful and user-friendly as Chase, Bank of America, or Capital One’s offerings, for example.

Discover Bank is a Member FDIC.

Read our full Discover review.

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.

Discover® Cashback Checking

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.¹¹ <p>See website for details.</p> No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.

Learn More

FAQs

Learn More

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.

No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements³ <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>

Early access to direct deposits⁶ <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>

No fee overdraft up to $200 for eligible members⁴ <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>

Large network of fee-free ATMs¹² <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 features