Best Checking Accounts of December 2024

Updated Dec. 21, 2024
Fact checked

Elevate your banking experience with the best checking accounts available today from our partners. Enjoy fantastic perks like generous signup bonuses, cash back on purchases, early payday, and more.

Most Popular
bonus icon Earn a $400 bonus1 with qualifying activities
Truist One Checking
4.3
info
  • New checking clients can earn a $400 bonus1 with qualifying activities
  • No overdraft fee to worry about
  • Minimum opening deposit is just $50
  • $100 Negative Balance Buffer2 for eligible clients
  • Ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee3
  • Member FDIC

bonus icon Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY4 on your money
SoFi Checking and Savings
5.0
info
  • Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY4 on your money
  • No account, overdraft, or monthly fees5
  • Get your paycheck up to two days early6
  • Access additional FDIC insurance up to $2 million7

bonus icon Earn up to $360 every year with 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month9
Discover® Cashback Debit
4.5
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  • Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month8
  • 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

bonus icon Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities
U.S. Bank Smartly®️ Checking
4.0
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  • Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities
  • Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC
  • No ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs and no fee overdraft protection service, plus a highly-rated mobile app
  • Complimentary access to Greenlight to raise financially smart kids
  • Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint

Highly Rated Mobile App & No Monthly Maintenance Fees
bonus icon Earn $300 with Key Smart Checking® with qualifying activities10
  • Earn $300 with Key Smart Checking® with qualifying activities
  • Use EasyUp® to build up savings or pay down debt without even thinking about it
  • With Relationships Benefits, earn higher interest rates, more cashback, loan discounts and more — it all starts with a KeyBank checking account
  • You could get paid up to two days sooner with direct deposit

bonus icon Up to $300 bonus offer. Click ‘Learn More’ for more details
Bank of America Advantage Banking
4.2
info
  • $300 bonus offer. Click 'Learn More' for more details
  • Multiple ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee
  • Thousands of ATMs and financial centers
  • 24/7 security with Total Security Protection® and fraud monitoring
  • Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC


Bottom Line: Why We like the Truist One Checking Account

Experience the convenience and benefits of Truist One Checking. It's not just another checking account, it's a financial tool designed to cater to your everyday banking needs.

  • Earn a $400 Bonus: To receive the bonus, open a new Truist One Checking account online between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025 using promo code AFL2425TR1400. Receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $1,000 of more within 120 days of account opening. For new checking clients only. Terms apply.1
  • No Overdraft Fee, Low Minimum Deposit: No overdraft fee to worry about. Minimum opening deposit is just $50.
  • $100 Negative Balance Buffer: Eligible clients can overdraw their account up to $100 without any penalties, provided certain conditions are met.2
  • Avoid Monthly Maintenance Fee: There are ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee, including maintaining a certain balance, having a linked small business checking account, or being a student under the age of 25.3
  • Benefit Levels: Enjoy up to five benefit levels with automatic level adjustments based on your Truist One Portfolio balance.
  • Member FDIC: Your funds are insured up to the legal limit.

Open a Truist One Checking account here

High Bonus Available
bonus icon Earn a $400 bonus1 with qualifying activities
Truist One Checking
4.3
info
  • New checking clients can earn a $400 bonus1 with qualifying activities
  • No overdraft fee to worry about
  • Minimum opening deposit is just $50
  • $100 Negative Balance Buffer2 for eligible clients
  • Ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee3
  • Member FDIC



Frequently Asked Questions

When picking a new bank account, there are a few key things to consider, like the types of products and services they offer, the fees they charge, and the bonuses available. If you prefer visiting a branch, check if the bank has locations near you. And remember, you don’t have to stick with just one bank — opening different accounts at different banks can help you get the best rates and offers.

Why should I open a checking account?

Checking accounts are a great starting point for managing your money because they’re easy to use and secure. You can use them for everyday tasks like paying bills, shopping, and receiving your paycheck. Having a checking account can help you keep your finances organized. For example, you can set up direct deposits from your employer and automate bill payments, making things more convenient. Plus, with mobile apps, you can check your account, transfer money, and make payments from anywhere, whether you're at home or on the move.

What is required to open a new bank 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 a checking account?

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 bank 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.