Best online checking accounts for January 2026

Ally Bank's Spending Account delivers on all fronts: no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, access to more than 75,000 fee-free ATMs, and a competitive yield that actually puts money back in your pocket. The account also offers free standard checks and early direct deposit up to two days before your traditional payday.

Unlike many online-only banks, Ally doesn't nickel-and-dime you. The bank reimburses up to $10 per statement cycle in ATM surcharges if you use an out-of-network ATM — a helpful safety net when you're traveling or in a pinch.

LendingClub Bank's LevelUp Checking stands out by offering 1% cash back on eligible debit card purchases when you meet qualification requirements — essentially turning everyday spending into rewards. The account also pays a competitive APY (for a checking account) if you maintain at least $2,500 in your balance.

The unlimited ATM fee rebates are a major perk if you frequently need cash. Unlike banks that cap reimbursements, LendingClub refunds all domestic ATM fees, no matter how many times you withdraw.

Discover's Cashback Debit account makes earning cash back simple: no hoops to jump through, no minimum direct deposit requirements. You'll automatically earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month (that's up to $360 per year).

The account also skips the fees entirely — no monthly maintenance charges, no minimum balance requirements, and access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs. You can even deposit cash for free at any Walmart location nationwide.

Capital One's 360 Checking bridges the gap between online and traditional banking. You get the perks of online banking — competitive interest rates, massive ATM network, no monthly fees — plus the option to visit a physical Capital One branch or café when needed.

With roughly 260 branches concentrated in the Northeast and South, plus Capital One Cafés in select cities, you have in-person backup for complex banking needs while still enjoying online-first features like mobile check deposit and early pay.

Axos Bank's Essential Checking offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements — meaning you can use any ATM in the U.S. without worrying about surcharges piling up. For frequent cash users or travelers, this feature alone can save $50-100+ annually.

The account also eliminates other common fees: no monthly maintenance charges, no overdraft fees, no NSF fees. It's straightforward, no-strings-attached banking.

Bask Bank offers a rare combination: competitive interest rates on both checking and savings accounts, with no monthly fees on either. The Interest Checking account pays 1% APY, while Bask's Interest Savings account pays

• 3.75% APY

This makes Bask ideal for savers who want to keep some funds accessible in checking while maximizing returns on their savings balance. With access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, you're not sacrificing convenience for higher rates.

First Internet Bank pioneered online banking in 1999, and their Free Checking account reflects that straightforward approach: low minimum opening deposit ($25), no monthly fees, no overdraft charges. It's basic banking done right.

You won't find rewards, high interest rates, or extensive perks here — but you will find reliable, fee-free checking from a bank with over two decades of online banking experience. 

Alliant Credit Union's High-Rate Checking offers credit union benefits with online-bank convenience: no monthly fees, interest on your balance, and access to 80,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide. Plus, Alliant reimburses up to $20 in ATM fees per month if you use out-of-network machines.

Joining is easy — unlike many credit unions with restrictive membership requirements, nearly anyone can join Alliant by becoming a digital inclusion advocate (free membership).