Best Bank Accounts of April 2025

By FinanceBuzz Editors

Updated April 25, 2025

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.

SoFi Checking and Savings

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings

Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% APY¹ on your money

5.0

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% APY¹ 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) OR $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. 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>. on your money
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² 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>
Get your paycheck up to two days early³ 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.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁴ 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. 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 <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>.

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Truist One Checking

Visit Truist One Checking

Earn a $400 bonus with qualifying activities⁵ Terms and Conditions for the $400 Truist One Checking Affiliate Offer 1: AFL2425TR1400 Offer Information: Open a new Truist One Checking account online from 10/31/24 through 4/30/25, receive at least 2 qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days of account opening and earn $400. Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code AFL2425TR1400. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions. *A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $0.00) of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited into your new checking account by your employer or outside agency. Transfers made from one account to another, or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits. Offer Eligibility: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 10/31/23 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts only. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer available only to US residents with a valid US taxpayer identification number. The qualifying checking account must be opened online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC. Reward Processing: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. The new checking account must be open and in good standing with a balance of at least $0.01 at the time of Truist verification and until the reward is deposited to receive the reward. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met. Promotion is only applicable once per checking account and per client. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward Forfeiture: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer, (2) the checking account is closed prior to the reward being deposited, or (3) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met. Other Terms: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right in our sole discretion to prohibit a reward payout to non-eligible individuals for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist. All promotional payouts will be processed no later than 1/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter AFL2425TR1400 into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700. Version 3 10022024 AFL2425TR1400

4.3

2025 award winner Best for Overdraft Protection

New checking clients can earn a $400 bonus with qualifying activities⁵ Terms and Conditions for the $400 Truist One Checking Affiliate Offer 1: AFL2425TR1400 Offer Information: Open a new Truist One Checking account online from 10/31/24 through 4/30/25, receive at least 2 qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days of account opening and earn $400. Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code AFL2425TR1400. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions. *A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $0.00) of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited into your new checking account by your employer or outside agency. Transfers made from one account to another, or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits. Offer Eligibility: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 10/31/23 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts only. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer available only to US residents with a valid US taxpayer identification number. The qualifying checking account must be opened online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC. Reward Processing: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. The new checking account must be open and in good standing with a balance of at least $0.01 at the time of Truist verification and until the reward is deposited to receive the reward. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met. Promotion is only applicable once per checking account and per client. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward Forfeiture: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer, (2) the checking account is closed prior to the reward being deposited, or (3) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met. Other Terms: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right in our sole discretion to prohibit a reward payout to non-eligible individuals for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist. All promotional payouts will be processed no later than 1/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter AFL2425TR1400 into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700. Version 3 10022024 AFL2425TR1400
No overdraft fee to worry about
Minimum opening deposit is just $50
$100 Negative Balance Buffer⁶ The $100 Negative Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows eligible clients to overdraw their account up to $100. All eligibility requirements below must be met to initially qualify for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer: <ul> <li>Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days</li> <li>Account must be funded and have a positive balance</li> <li>A single direct deposit of at least $100 per month must be made for 2 consecutive months</li> </ul> To remain qualified for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met: <ul> <li>A recurring direct deposit of at least $100 per month</li> </ul> For accounts that qualify for the $100 Negative Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the $100 Negative Balance Buffer first. If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned. for eligible clients
Ways to waive the monthly maintenance fee⁷ The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by: Option 1: Making $500 or more in total qualifying Direct Deposits per statement cycle. A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit via ACH deposited to your account during the current statement cycle. Pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit card/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible to meet this requirement. Option 2: Maintaining a total combined ledger balance of $500 or more in any Truist related accounts across personal deposits and all investments as reflected on the business day before your statement cycle end date. A Ledger Balance is actual balance in your account on a specific day and does not reflect any holds or pending transactions. Your Total Combined Balance is the sum of all balances within the Truist personal deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market or CDs), IRAs or brokerage accounts introduced through Truist Investment Services, Inc. Related Accounts automatically includes all applicable accounts associated with primary and secondary account holders. Option 3: Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, excluding LightStream®. Option 4: Having a linked Small Business Checking Account. Eligible Small Business account types include: Truist Dynamic Checking, Business Interest Checking, Simple Business Checking and Business Value 200. Option 5: Primary client is a student. The waiver for a student requires they are listed as the primary account owner and they provide their anticipated graduation date. The waiver expires on the provided graduation date. On this date, the account is subject to the Monthly Maintenance Fee unless at least one waiver criterion is satisfied. Option 6: Primary client is under the age of 25 or age 62 and older. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2024, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.
Member FDIC

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U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Visit U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities

4.3

2025 award winner Best for Bonuses

Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities
Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through May 6, 2025. Member FDIC
No ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs and no surcharge fees at MoneyPass® Network ATMs
Complimentary access to Greenlight to raise financially smart kids
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm

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Discover® Cashback Debit

Visit Discover® Cashback Debit

Earn up to $360 every year with 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month⁹

4.5

2025 award winner Best Online Checking Account

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month⁸ See website for details.
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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Highly Rated Mobile App & No Monthly Maintenance Fees

KeyBank

Visit KeyBank

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

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Chime®

Visit Chime®

4.6

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

No minimum balance, no monthly service fees
Get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit
Eligible Members can access fee-free overdraft up to $200
60K+ fee-free ATMs nationwide¹¹ 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.
Automatic savings helps you grow your money faster

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Bottom Line: Why We Like the SoFi Checking and Savings Account

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 3.80% APY.¹ 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) OR $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. 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>. Plus, when you set up direct deposit, you could also earn up to a $300 bonus.

Earn Up to 3.80% APY: With direct deposit or qualifying deposits, you can earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Without, you can earn 1.00% APY on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Earn Up to $300 With Direct Deposit: 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 minimum balance fees. No monthly fees. No overdraft fees.¹² Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  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 > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. Plus, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.² 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>
Get Paid Up to Two Days Early: Feel the magic of payday up to two days earlier — automatically — when you set up direct deposit.³ 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.
Access Additional FDIC Insurance Up to $3M: Deposits are insured up to $3M through a network of participating banks. SoFi is a Member, FDIC. ⁴ 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. 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 <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>.

>> Open an account with SoFi® here

Up To $300 Bonus + Up To 3.80% APY¹

SoFi Checking and Savings

Visit SoFi Checking and Savings

Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% APY¹ on your money

5.0

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 3.80% APY¹ 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) OR $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. 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>. on your money
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees² 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>
Get your paycheck up to two days early³ 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.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million

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Are You Earning Enough From Your Current Savings Account?

Looking for a safe place to grow your savings? These high-yield savings accounts from our partners are offering up to 10x higher APY (annual percentage yield) than traditional savings accounts.¹³ The product and annual percentage yield (APY) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your area. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account.

Earn up to 4.40% APY¹⁴ LevelUp Rate of 4.40% Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) is applied to the full balance of LevelUp Savings accounts that receive a total of at least $250 in deposits during the Evaluation Period. Otherwise, accounts will earn the Standard Rate of 3.75% APY. Interest payments, account bonuses, account credits and reversals or refunds from the bank are not considered deposits for rate evaluation purposes. All LevelUp Savings accounts earn the LevelUp Rate at account opening and continue to earn the LevelUp Rate until the First Evaluation Period, to provide an opportunity to set up deposits. An Evaluation Period is a statement cycle. The First Evaluation Period will be the third statement cycle after you open your account, with any rate change becoming effective the next statement cycle. For example, if you open in August, the first Evaluation Period would be October with any rate change effective in November. Any rate changes will take place on the second business day and will be based on deposits in the previous statement cycle. APY accurate as of 3/28/2025. Rates are variable and subject to change at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of the bank. Fees may reduce earnings. $0 minimum opening deposit. with LendingClub’s LevelUp Savings when you deposit $250+ per month. Member FDIC.
$0 monthly maintenance fee; $0 minimum balance and no minimum to open required.
Download the LendingClub app to seamlessly manage your account.
You can choose to get an ATM card for fast access to your money.

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Earn 4.00% APY on your savings¹⁵ Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is subject to change at any time without notice. Rate accurate as of 2/4/2025. Offer applies to personal accounts only. Fees may reduce earnings. For High Yield Savings accounts, the rate may change after the account is opened. Visit synchrony.com/banking for current rates, terms and account requirements. Member FDIC.
Let your money work for you with great rates: count on it. Open a High Yield Savings account with Synchrony today. Member FDIC.
Savings products with competitive rates, no required minimum balances, and no monthly fees.
Save easy with Synchrony Bank. Our app makes it a snap to bank anywhere; manage accounts from your smartphone or tablet.

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Earn 4.10% APY¹⁶ Barclays Tiered Savings Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) are accurate as of 04/15/2025 and may change at any time without prior notice, before or after the account is opened. The APYs are determined by the Balance Tiers (Tiers) and the amount deposited. The same rate may apply to multiple Tiers and Tiers may change without notice. APY is calculated based on the Tier into which the end of day account balance falls. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. No minimum balance to open, but for interest to post to your account you must maintain a minimum balance that would earn you at least $0.01. Please see the Compare Account Page for current Tier and APY information. . The more you save, the more you'll earn. See offer page for more details.
Online transfers to and from other banks and direct deposit to make saving simple and easy
Secure, 24/7 online access to your funds
No monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balances to open
FDIC insured

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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.

SoFi Checking and Savings

Truist One Checking

U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Discover® Cashback Debit

KeyBank

Chime®

Bottom Line: Why We Like the SoFi Checking and Savings Account

SoFi Checking and Savings

Are You Earning Enough From Your Current Savings Account?

Frequently Asked Questions

How we chose these products

Advertiser Disclosure

Editorial Policy