Best Free Checking Accounts for April 2024

Checking accounts are crucial to managing your personal finances, allowing you to make deposits, spend money, pay bills, and make transfers.

The best checking accounts come with additional features like cashback rewards and interest, and they don’t charge monthly maintenance fees.

We’ve reviewed dozens of banks to provide you with a round-up of the best free checking accounts, based on their features, additional fees, and customer experience.

7 Best Free Checking Accounts

Here are the top free checking accounts in April 2024:

1. Discover® Bank: Discover® Cashback Debit Checking
2. Capital One: 360 Checking Account
3. Ally Bank: Spending Account 
4. Varo: Bank Account
5. Axos: Rewards Checking
6. Chime: Spending Account
7. Upgrade: Rewards Checking Plus

1. Discover® Bank: Discover® Cashback Debit Checking

The Discover® Cashback Debit Checking account is special.

The account is truly fee-free, with no monthly fee, overdraft fee, or insufficient funds fee. It doesn’t charge for official bank checks, expedited delivery of replacement debit cards, or check orders.

On top of that, Discover® Cashback Debit Checking comes with 1% cash back on the first $3,000 of monthly purchases on your debit card. This means you can potentially earn up to $30 each month. (see website for details)

You also get fee-free withdrawals from over 60,000 ATMs, but there are no reimbursements when using out-of-network ATMs.

You can use the accompanying mobile app to transfer funds using Zelle, make check deposits, freeze your debit card, and find the nearest fee-free ATM.

2. Capital One: 360 Checking Account

Capital One’s 360 Checking Account does not have any monthly service charges, and there are no balance requirements to keep the account open. There are no minimum opening deposit amounts, making this checking account very accessible.

There are some charges for extra services such as cashier’s checks, outgoing domestic wire transfers, and check orders. Having said that, with a bit of planning, most of these charges can be avoided.

Their ATM network includes over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, and you can get in-person help from any of their branches or cafes. Their highly-rated mobile app includes convenient features such as bill payment, access to Zelle, mobile check deposit, and many others.

The account earns a respectable APY of 0.10% but has no reimbursements for using out-of-network ATMs. Overdrafts can be quite expensive, so caution is highly recommended.

3. Ally Bank: Spending Account

Ally Bank’s Spending Account does not charge maintenance fees, and there is no minimum opening deposit. You’ll earn interest on your deposits, but you’ll need $15,000 to earn their highest rate.

You get access to over 43,000 fee-free ATMs, and you can also expect reimbursements of up to $10 per statement cycle for any charges incurred from using out of network ATMs.

The account is FDIC-insured and is compatible with Zelle and Amazon Alexa. If you’re looking to save money, you can make use of Round-Ups and have your transactions rounded and transferred to a savings account.

4. Varo: Bank Account

Varo’s Bank Account has no minimum opening deposit and no monthly account fees. There are also no fees for transfers or foreign transactions. As Varo is an online bank, there are no physical branches to visit, but their ATM network includes over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs.

Transfers from one Varo account to another are free and instant. You can also receive your pay up to 2 days early.

While Varo has no physical branches, you can still deposit checks and cash. Checks can be easily deposited through the app, and cash can be deposited at any 90,000+ Green Dot location.

5. Axos: Rewards Checking

Axos Rewards Checking has no maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements either. You can earn interest on your balance up to $50k, but that rate is tiered based on meeting certain requirements:

• 0.40% APY: Receive direct deposits totaling $1,500
• +0.30% APY: Make 10 debit card purchases
• +1.00% APY: Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account.
• +1.00% APY: Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 in an Axos Self-Directed Trading Invest Account
• +0.60% APY: Use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos consumer loan payment

Keep in mind that to be eligible for interest at all, you’ll need to meet that first direct deposit requirement.

The bank does not charge NSF or overdraft fees and offers unlimited reimbursements on any domestic ATM fees incurred. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $50.00 to open the account.

Axos takes security very seriously and offers several security-related features and tools to help you keep your account secure. These features include 2-step authentication, SSL encryption, biometric authentication, and regular updates to their systems.

6. Chime: Spending Account

Chime’s Spending Account comes with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. Withdrawals are free from over 60,000 ATMs, and debit card replacements are also free.

One other notable feature of Chime Spending Accounts is SpotMe. While there are some eligibility and limit requirements, Chime can ‘spot’ you up to $200 if you make purchases that go over your account balance. There are no fees for using this feature – your account will simply go into a negative balance by the spotted amount.

Direct deposits can be paid up to 2 days earlier, and there is also a round-up feature to help you grow your savings automatically.

The Chime app gets high marks with over a million Apple and Android users, though it has a poor BBB rating. Accounts are FDIC insured through either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank.

7. Upgrade: Rewards Checking Plus

Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is a great option if you’re looking for a simple account that rewards you for everyday purchases.

You can earn 2% when you shop at convenience stores, drug stores, and gas stations, dine at restaurants, and pay for monthly subscriptions and utilities, earning unlimited 1% cashback on other purchases.

The account has no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no transfer fees. While it doesn’t have an ATM network, Upgrade will reimburse five ATM charges per month for active account holders.

In addition to competitive cashback and fee-free banking, the account lets you get paid by direct deposit two days early. And when you link your account to an Upgrade Performance Savings Account, you can enjoy up to 4.81% APY on your savings balance.

Other Free Checking Accounts to Consider

While these did not make our top list of the best free checking accounts, they are still quality accounts to review to see if one may fit your financial needs best.

Alliant Credit Union: High-Rate Checking

Alliant’s High-Rate Checking account has no service fees and no balance requirements. The account also earns interest but, to qualify, you need to go paperless and make monthly deposits into the account.

You also get a free contactless Visa debit card with access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs. If you find yourself having to withdraw from an out-of-network ATM, Alliant also offers $20 per month in ATM fee rebates for surcharges.

Alliant doesn’t charge overdraft or insufficient fund fees, either.

The account comes with an award-winning mobile banking app that includes mobile check deposits and card management, among other features.

Huntington Bank: Asterisk-Free Checking

The Asterisk-Free Checking account is a free checking account option with no minimum initial deposit or minimum balance requirements. This straightforward account comes with a debit card, online banking, and all of the digital tools within The Hub. It’s the only Huntington checking account that doesn’t come with an annual percentage yield (APY) but should serve most basic banking needs.

Charles Schwab Bank: Investor Checking

If you’re an investor with a Schwab One brokerage account, the Schwab Investor Checking account is worth checking out. You will need to link this checking account to your Schwab One account to take advantage of what it offers.

There are no service fees or account minimums. Plus, you’ll earn some interest on your balance.

The account doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, has unlimited ATM fee rebates, and includes a mobile app that allows you to take care of all of your banking needs right from your phone.

You can apply for this account online or by calling the bank. Or downloading paper applications right from the bank’s website.

Bank5 Connect: High-Interest Checking

Bank5 Connect is an online-only bank offering a high-interest checking account that will pay you for any balance over $100. There is no monthly fee.

To open a Bank5 Connect High-interest Checking account, you will need to deposit at least $10. If you opt for electronic statements, you will not be charged, but there is a $1 per statement charge to receive it through the mail.

External transfers are also free, and you can get reimbursements of up to $15.00 per statement cycle when using out-of-network ATMs.

Lili

If you’re a freelancer looking for a free checking account for your business, then a Lili Account might be exactly what you need. Lili does not charge any account fees, and there isn’t a minimum balance to maintain either.

There is no minimum initial deposit, no overdraft fees, and ACH bank transfers are free as well. You also get access to expense management functionality free of charge, which allows you to flag personal versus business expenses to streamline your taxes, and an automatic tax-saving “bucket”.

Direct deposits can show up in your account up to two days earlier, and you also get a Lili Visa business debit card with fee-free withdrawals from over 38,000 ATMs.

Despite a low BBB rating, the Lili app is highly rated by Apple and Android users alike.

Aspiration: Spend & Save

If you’re eco-conscious, you may want to consider Aspiration’s Spend & Save accounts.

You’ll be able to sleep better, knowing that your deposits will not be used to fund the oil industry.

Aspiration has two tiers: a Plus account that costs $7.99 each month and a basic account that has a “pay what you think is fair” model, even if it’s $0.

With Aspiration’s basic spend account, you’ll earn between 3% and 5% cash back when making Conscience Coalition purchases. You also get a personal impact score that can help you understand the social and environmental impact of the businesses you’re shopping with to help you choose brands that uphold your values.

Their ATM network includes 55,000 locations from which you can withdraw without incurring any fees. You also have the option to round up purchases and plant trees.

What’s more, you can earn a welcome bonus for opening a new account.

Wealthfront: Cash Account

Wealthfront’s Cash Account does not charge any of the typical bank fees associated with checking accounts, including monthly service fees and overdraft fees. Wealthfront also doesn’t charge any fees for excess activity, stop payments, or account minimum.

Instead, you get a high APY and compatibility with PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. There is a $1 minimum opening deposit amount, and the account is FDIC-insured up to $5 million.

The account also includes unlimited free transfers, and you can get your pay up to 2 days earlier.

The ATM network includes 19,000 fee-free ATMs, and you can make purchases using Apple Pay or Google Pay.

What Makes a Checking Account Free?

Checking accounts that don’t have a monthly maintenance fee are considered to be free. Some of these will require a minimum initial deposit amount (usually less than $100), but most checking accounts at this tier don’t.

Some banks offer checking accounts with monthly fees but include a way to waive the fee. For example, with a minimum daily balance or setting up direct deposit.

While these types of checking accounts can be free, they are not free out of the box, so we didn’t include them in our review of the best free checking accounts.

One important thing to keep in mind, however, is that even free checking accounts can have charges. “Free” only refers to the monthly maintenance fee.

Essentially, it means there is no charge for basic access to the account. But looking out for other charges can help you make sure the account remains free.

How to Keep Your Checking Account Free

Here are some ways to minimize checking account fees and things to look out for when evaluating checking accounts:

• ATM Transactions. Banks with large ATM networks can help you avoid ATM fees when you need to withdraw cash. Similarly, look for accounts that provide ATM reimbursement when you do need to use an out-of-network ATM.
• APY Rates. Interest-bearing accounts with high APY (annual percentage yield) rates can earn money on the balances you keep in the account, helping you offset any charges you might incur.
• Rewards Checking. Similar to interest-earning accounts, a checking account that offers cash back on your debit card purchase can offset charges or just put extra cash in your pocket.
• Transfer Fees. Free wire transfers or compatibility with services such as Zelle can help you make payments without paying anything extra. This is important, especially if you’re looking to transfer money from one account to another often.
• Online Banking. A good banking app can help you avoid lengthy trips to the bank with features such as mobile check deposit, the power to automatically pay bills, and the ability to freeze your debit or credit card – adding convenience and peace of mind.
• Overdraft Protection. Look for accounts that offer free overdraft protection to avoid insufficient funds fees. Still, even if your bank doesn’t charge an overdraft fee, you should still practice good financial habits to avoid running into these fees at all.
• Monthly Statements. Some banks charge a fee (usually around $3/month) for paper statements, so opt instead for eStatements.
• Other Fees. Things like replacing a lost debit card and ordering checks can incur extra charges. Be sure to understand which account activities will cost you by reading through the fee structure (this is readily available from every bank).

What Makes a Checking Account The Best?

Since we all have different financial needs and requirements, what might be the best account for one person, might not necessarily be the best for the next person. Even so, there are a few things that everyone can benefit from.

These are what makes an account the best:

• Interest Rates. High APY (Annual Percentage Yield) interest rates can benefit everyone as they allow you to earn money on your account balance.
• Low or No Fees. While free accounts do not charge a monthly service fee, they might charge other fees for extras such as overdraft fees and ATM fees.
• Reimbursements. Reimbursements for things like using an out-of-network ATM can be beneficial, especially if you get caught in a pinch and have to use the nearest ATM.
• Low Opening Deposits. Low opening deposits lower the entry barrier, with most accounts reviewed here having either very low opening deposit requirements or none at all.
• FDIC or NCUA Insurance. Insurance by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) can help you keep your money safe if something happens to the bank or credit union you hold the account with.
• Offers and Perks. Many banks also offer tons of perks, offers, and new bank account bonuses where you can earn some extra money for opening an account. It’s always important to be clear on the qualifying criteria of checking account bonuses so you can be 100% sure you’ll meet them.

How Do You Open a New Checking Account?

When you’re ready, it’s super easy to open a checking account online.

• While the exact process will vary, simply look for a button that reads “Apply Now” or “Open An Account“, which will take you to an online application.
• There, you’ll need to provide personal information like your name, address, and SSN. You’ll also sometimes be asked to upload photos of your ID or passport to verify your identity.
• Next, you’ll be asked to fund your account, which will be an easy transfer from your current account. Some bank systems will use a product like Plaid to securely connect to your current account to make the transfer; others will ask for the traditional routing and account number combination.
• When you’re all done, you can expect a welcome packet in the mail.

Alternatively, you can open an account at your local branch if the online process intimidates you. The process will be similar, so take forms of identification and a blank check!

Pros and Cons of Free Checking Accounts

A free checking account sounds like a no-brainer, but you should know that there are give and takes when it comes to these products.

The Pros of a Free Checking Account:

• Most free accounts include all of the basic checking features you’ll need, like online and mobile banking, person-to-person transfers, mobile check deposit, bill pay, and a debit card.
• Most checking accounts in this tier have a low minimum balance requirement, which is one less financial thing to have to stay on top of.
• More money in your pocket to pay bills or build an emergency fund.
• Many banks still offer welcome bonuses for free checking accounts, and the best free checking accounts still have some interest or cashback rewards.

The Cons of a Free Checking Account:

• At many banks, the free checking option is their entry-level product, forgoing some premium features. Sometimes this is in the form of lower or no interest on your balance, fewer ATM reimbursements or free checks, or a loss of discounts and account perks like loan discounts or a free safe deposit box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What banks offer free checking?

There are several traditional banks, online banks, and great credit unions that offer free checking accounts.

Many banks offer truly free checking accounts, while others offer a way to avoid fees – as long as you consistently meet their waiving requirements.

Who has totally free checking?

Many banks have totally free checking accounts where you don’t have to meet any requirements to benefit from no fees. These include:

• Alliant
• Ally
• Aspiration
• Axos
• Capital One
• Charles Schwab
• Chime
• Discover
• Varo
• Wealthfront

…among others. Do keep in mind that free checking accounts may still have other fees.

Where can I open a free checking account?

Most banks that offer free checking accounts allow you to open a bank account online. This is certainly true for online banks that have no physical branches to visit.

Traditional banks and credit unions generally offer the facility to open an account online or visit one of their branches. You should also be able to get assistance by calling the bank’s phone number.

What banks don’t charge a monthly fee?

Banks that offer free checking accounts don’t charge a monthly fee. Some banks will also charge a monthly fee with a waiver, as long as you meet some requirements.

These requirements will generally include maintaining a daily or monthly balance and/or setting up a direct deposit with monthly funds going directly into the checking account.

What are common free checking account benefits?

The most common features of free checking accounts are no monthly fees and no balance requirements. Most, if not all, come with intuitive mobile apps, debit cards, and access to fee-free ATM withdrawals with some limitations.

Do any banks offer a bonus for opening a free checking account?

Yes! Many banks offer new account bonuses even for opening their free checking account option. Sometimes this offer is lower than the bonus the bank gives for opening a premium account, but sometimes not – this is especially true at smaller regional banks or credit unions, which typically issue a blanket “personal checking” welcome bonus, applying to any of their personal checking accounts.

How are prepaid debit cards different from checking accounts?

Checking accounts tend to come with more features compared to prepaid debit cards, such as the ability to pay bills online, write checks, or manage your account through the bank’s app.

Also, opening a checking account with a bank begins a relationship that can make it easier to later apply for credit cards, car loans or mortgages.

A prepaid debit card, on the other hand, isn’t linked to any account. It offers the same convenience as a typical debit card, in that you can swipe for purchases or withdraw from an ATM. But, you’ll need to go into a store to reload money onto the card (which can sometimes cost a couple of bucks).

Our Methodology

The BankBonus team has analyzed dozens of banks to provide our readers with thoroughly informed and accurate reviews.

We evaluated digital financial platforms, online banks, regional banks, and national banks to determine the best free checking accounts.

Our assessment of each bank factors in these considerations:

• Fees and pricing: We primarily consider each institution’s fees, including monthly maintenance fees and other service charges.
• Account features: To compare checking accounts, we take a close look at the features, cashback, and interest.
• Branch and ATM access: To gauge convenience, we also look at each bank’s branch and ATM availability.
• Brand reputation: The bank accounts we recommend have been carefully vetted to ensure they are legitimate, secure, and backed by FDIC insurance.
• User experience: Additionally, we consider the ease of use and availability of resources on each bank’s website and factor in reviews of the mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Customer service: In our review process, we also explore their customer service channels, hours of availability, and third-party reviews from the BBB and J.D. Power.