Best High-Interest Checking Accounts [2025]: Earn More on Every Dollar

Checking accounts generally aren't exciting. Most people, including me, use them daily to pay bills or withdraw cash, but don't look beyond finding an account without fees and with local ATMs.

I was surprised to discover that many checking accounts offer interest and that the best high-interest checking accounts can rival high-yield savings accounts in terms of interest rates. They also often come with perks like ATM rebates or no fees. 

If you tend to carry relatively high balances in your checking account, a high-interest account could help you make the most of your money. 

How does a high-interest checking account work?

In general, a high-interest checking account functions just like a regular checking account. But it typically offers a higher APY than the national average for interest checking, which is 0.07% (as of 9/15/25) per the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

You'll usually find the highest APYs on accounts at credit unions and online banks, which typically don't have the overhead costs of a more traditional bank. While the APY offered depends on the bank, it may range from 0.10% to up to 5.00%.

Some banks require you to meet multiple conditions to earn the highest APY, like maintaining a minimum balance, making a certain number of debit card purchases each month, and setting up direct deposit. You may also find that some banks only pay the highest rate on up to a certain amount, and anything above that earns a substantially lower rate.

Since high-interest checking accounts generally come with a debit card, you could have easier access to your money compared to high-yield savings accounts, and you still receive the competitive APYs.They are also generally covered by the FDIC, or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). If the institution is a member, your money is protected in the event of a bank failure.

High-interest checking accounts compared

Account	Great for …	APYs
Wealthfront Cash Account1 <p>Wealthfront Cash account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. We convey funds to partner banks who accept and maintain deposits, provide the interest rate, and provide FDIC insurance. Rate is subject to change.</p>	FDIC coverage	3.75% APY2 <p>Rate is current as of 09/26/2025.</p>
SoFi Checking and Savings	Sign-up bonuses3 <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>	Earns a 0.50% APY on checking and up to 3.80% on savings with direct deposit4 <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members 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 Eligible 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. 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. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. 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> Automatically opens a savings account when you open a checking account
Axos Bank Rewards Checking	ATM fee reimbursement	Earns up to a 3.30% APY when you meet all criteria
Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking	High checking APY	Earns up to a 5.00% (as of 04/07/25) APY when you meet all criteria
Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking	High account balances	Earns up to a 5.00% (as of 06/17/25) APY when you meet all criteria Offers the top APY on balances of up to $25,000
Credit Union 1 High-Yield Checking	High APY on both checking and savings	Earns up to a 4.75% (as of 9/24/25) APY when you meet all criteria Offers up to a 2.00% (as of 9/24/25) APY on its high-yield savings account

Wealthfront Cash Account

Wealthfront's Cash Account isn't technically a checking account, but it functions like one, which is why we included it on this list. With a 3.75% APY on all balances with no minimum requirements, we couldn't leave it off the list. And its exceptional FDIC insurance coverage is another reason it stands out.

While standard bank accounts are insured up to $250,000, Wealthfront provides up to $8 million in FDIC insurance (or $16 million for joint accounts) by sweeping deposits across up to 32 program banks.

The Wealthfront Cash Account matches or exceeds the yields of many of the best savings accounts while offering checking features such as a debit card, bill pay, and mobile check deposits.

Visit Wealthfront Cash Account | Read our Wealthfront Cash Account review

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi is an online-only institution with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, making it very easy to open an account. When you open a checking account, SoFi will automatically open a savings account in your name, which earns an APY of up to 3.80%. SoFi also offers a bonus when new customers set up a direct deposit and receive a certain amount of deposits over a 25-day period.

The checking balance earns a relatively low 0.50% APY with direct deposit, but like Capital One, the account is easy to use and has one of the best checking accounts available. However, to get the highest APY on your savings balance, you must meet criteria such as directly depositing your paycheck into the account or making a large amount of other deposit types each month.

SoFi uses the Allpoint network of ATMs,⁶ <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p> which has over 55,000 locations worldwide. However, since SoFi doesn't have physical branches, making cash deposits can be more challenging.

Member FDIC.⁷ <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>

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings | Learn more in our SoFi Checking and Savings review

Axos Bank Rewards Checking

Axos Rewards Checking provides up to a 3.30% APY. However, to get the full amount, you'll need to meet several requirements, including making at least 10 monthly transactions with the account's debit card, receiving monthly direct deposits of at least $1,500, and having at least a $2,500 average daily balance in an Axos investment account, among others.

However, my favorite Axos feature is that it will reimburse all domestic ATM fees. If you already have an investment account or loan through Axos, using the Rewards Checking account may be a good option, especially if you frequently use ATMs.

Learn more in our Axos Bank review

Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking

The Consumer Credit Union Rewards Checking account earns up to a 5.00% (as of 04/07/25) APY. However, you have to jump through a few hoops to get the best APY:

• You'll need to make at least 12 monthly debit card purchases, have at least $500 in monthly direct deposits, sign up for eDocuments, and maintain an account balance under $10,000.
• And you must open a CCU Visa and spend $1,000 per month on the CCU Visa.

Consumers Credit Union requires a minimum account opening balance of $5, but it doesn't have an ongoing minimum balance requirement.

Although anyone can open an account, CCU has branches only in northern Illinois. You can join by making a one-time $5 donation and keeping a $5 minimum balance in your Membership Share/Savings account. It has over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and will refund other banks' ATM fees as long as you meet its Rewards Checking requirements.

Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking

Connexus Credit Union has physical branches in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. But anyone can join, and it has partnerships with other credit unions around the country. You may have to make a one-time $5 donation to join if you don't meet the other eligibility requirements.

I like the Xtraordinary Checking account because it offers up to a 5.00% (as of 06/17/25) APY on balances of up to $25,000, the highest rate on our list.

To earn the full 5.00% (as of 06/17/25) APY, you'll need to subscribe to eStatements, receive a monthly direct or ACH deposit of at least $500, and either make 15 debit card purchases or spend $500 on your debit card each month. If you can't meet these requirements in a particular month, you won't earn any interest.

There's no minimum balance to open an account or earn the 5.00% (as of 06/17/25) APY, as long as you meet the criteria. Connexus uses the MoneyPass ATM network, and it offers $15 in monthly rebates for out-of-network ATM surcharges if you meet the account requirements above.

Credit Union 1 High-Yield Checking

Credit Union 1 has branches in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin. However, anyone can sign up for an online account if they make a $5 donation or meet other criteria.

This high-yield checking account earns a 4.75% (as of 9/24/25) APY on balances as high as $10,000. You have to meet specific requirements to earn the highest APY, including enrolling in eStatements, using digital banking, making at least 15 debit card purchases or bill payments per month, and depositing at least $1,000 each month.

Credit Union 1 doesn't have a minimum balance requirement or monthly maintenance fees. It also gives you access to over 90,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint and CO-OP networks.

What I like most about Credit Union 1 is that, unlike other credit unions that offer only minimal interest on their savings accounts, Credit Union 1's savings account earns up to a 2.00% (as of 9/24/25) APY, which makes it a good partner to the high-interest checking account.

How to choose the right high-interest checking account

While there are multiple high-interest checking accounts to choose from, finding the right one can take some work. As you search for a new checking account, pay attention to these features:

• Minimum deposit requirements for opening the account and getting the best APY
• Minimum balance requirements to waive monthly fees or receive the best APY
• Account interest rates and requirements, like the number of transactions, direct deposit requirements, or the need to sign up for electronic statements
• Account fees, like overdraft, returned check, or incoming/outgoing wire charges
• ATM and branch access, especially if you prefer visiting a physical bank location
• Deposit and withdrawal options, including cash
• Deposit insurance through the FDIC for banks and the NCUA for credit unions
• Membership fees or requirements, especially if you're using a local credit union

Alternatives to high-interest checking accounts

If you're keeping a high balance in your checking account, you may want to consider keeping some of those funds in a high-yield savings account (HYSA). These accounts are also great to open if you have a specific savings goal in mind, such as an upcoming vacation. 

Featured High Yield Savings Accounts

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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

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% APY³ <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.⁹ <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 with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. 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.⁷ <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>

Learn More

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Premium Savings - 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield¹⁰ <p>As of 09/23/2025, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of the Premium Savings Account offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC is 3.75%. Your interest rate and APY may change at any time and fees may reduce earnings. Please visit <a href="http://etrade.com/ratesheet">etrade.com/ratesheet</a> for information regarding this account's current interest rate and corresponding APY.</p>

Premium Savings offers a powerful 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield.¹⁰ <p>As of 09/23/2025, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of the Premium Savings Account offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC is 3.75%. Your interest rate and APY may change at any time and fees may reduce earnings. Please visit <a href="http://etrade.com/ratesheet">etrade.com/ratesheet</a> for information regarding this account's current interest rate and corresponding APY.</p> FDIC insured up to $500,000¹¹ <p>The Premium Savings Account gives Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC the ability to send any amount held on deposit in your Premium Savings Account to other depository accounts at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") member banks with the purpose of affording you additional FDIC insurance coverage. It is designed to offer up to $500,000 in FDIC coverage to individual accounts (up to $1 million for joint accounts). Certain conditions must be met. <a href="https://us.etrade.com/l/f/agreement-library/premium-savings-bank-deposit-program">Learn more</a>.</p> once certain conditions have been satisfied. No minimum initial deposit,¹² <p class="">No minimum initial deposit is required to open an account.&nbsp; However, account must be funded within 30 days to remain open.</p> and no monthly account fees.

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FAQs

Bottom line

Finding the best high-yield checking accounts can take some work, but it's worth it in the long run. As you search for a new bank or credit union, pay attention to the requirements needed to get the highest APY, along with any other account features.

While researching checking accounts may not be fun, finding the best checking account to fit your lifestyle can help you make the most of your money.

Reach Your Savings Goals Faster

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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.

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% APY³ <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.⁹ <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 with Eligible Direct Deposit by 1/31/26. 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 fees⁵ <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 early¹³ <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 million⁷ <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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