Elevate your banking experience with the best checking accounts available today from our partners. Even if you already have a checking account, consider switching to take advantage of fantastic perks such as generous signup bonuses, cash back on purchases, early payday, and more.
Bottom Line
This is likely one of the top savings + checking accounts we’ve seen, and offers like this can be very rare. This powerful account from SoFi® allows you to earn up to 4.60% APY1. Plus, when you set up direct deposit, you could also earn up to a $300 bonus.
- Earn Up to 4.60% APY16: With direct deposit or qualifying deposits, you can earn up to 4.60% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Without, you can earn 1.20% APY on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
- Earn Up to $300 With Direct Deposit17: Sign up and set up direct deposit, wait for your direct deposit to hit your account (typically 2-4 weeks), then collect a cash bonus of $50 to $300 depending on your direct deposit amount.
- No Account Fees: No overdraft fees. No minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.2
- Get Paid Up to Two Days Early: Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier — automatically — when you set up direct deposit3.
- Access Additional FDIC Insurance Up to $2M: Deposits are insured up to $2M through a network of participating banks18.
- No-fee Overdraft Coverage: Overspent by accident? No problem. You'll be covered up to $50 with no fees with qualifying direct deposits19.
FAQs about checking accounts
What is required to open a new checking account?
Requirements vary by bank for opening an account, but you’ll typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You’ll also need to submit photo identification and provide proof of your current address.
How much should I keep in checking?
You should keep at least the minimum balance in your checking account and ensure you have enough to cover all your monthly bills. It’s a good idea to have a cushion to protect yourself from accidental overdrafts, but you shouldn’t keep too much money in your checking account if you could earn a better APY by moving some of that money into a savings account.
How many checking accounts should I have?
There’s no magic number; it’s totally okay to have one or multiple checking accounts in your name. Sometimes, having more than one checking account can make money management and budgeting easier. For example, you might want a separate checking account for spending on your kids, or a business checking account for your business expenses.
What does FDIC mean?
You may have noticed the words "Member FDIC" or "FDIC Insured" when shopping for a bank. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides deposit insurance for consumers, specifically to protect their funds if their bank fails.
Accounts that are insured by the FDIC must be deposit accounts, which include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs (certificates of deposit). With FDIC insurance, you’ll get up to $250,000 in insurance per owner, per insured institution, per account category.
How we chose these products
FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of bank accounts offered by our partners, looking at various criteria including account fees, bonus offers, and more. We did not review all products in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the products.