Updated May 27, 2026
Many Americans are leaving money on the table with their checking accounts. Online checking accounts typically offer no monthly fees, large ATM networks, and some interest on your balance. The best online checking accounts pay up to 1.1% APY with rewards or cash back features, compared to the near-zero rates and pesky fees at traditional banks.
See checking accounts from different banks and credit unions in one place, so you can quickly compare your options.
Check the rate, terms and requirements, then pick the account with features that appeal to you.
Click through to the bank or credit union to open your account.
Disclaimer: Please note that the details of these bank accounts may vary by region and may change. All details are accurate as of May 21, 2026.
Ally Bank's Spending Account delivers on all nearly all fronts: no monthly fees, no overdraft fees and access to more than 75,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. The interest rate is minimal, however. 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.
Axos Bank's Essential Checking offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements — meaning you can use any ATM in the U.S. for free. The account also eliminates other common fees: no monthly maintenance charges, no overdraft fees, no NSF fees. It's straightforward, no-strings-attached banking. But you won't earn interest.
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 and the Bask's Interest Savings account pays a competitive yield.
This makes Bask appealing 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.
Capital One’s 360 Checking account bridges the gap between online and traditional banking. It boasts 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, a massive ATM network and early pay.
CIT Bank's eChecking account is strong on the fundamentals with no fees and several peer-to-peer payment options. It offers $30 a month in ATM fee reimbursements, which stands out among competitors. CIT is owned by First Citizens Bank, so customers have access to more than 500 branches in about half of U.S. states for complex banking needs. However, there aren't as many extra perks as you'll find at some other banks. To open an account, you'll have to deposit at least $100.
The E*TRADE checking account charges no fees and offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursement. There's no minimum deposit. If you're an international traveler and tend to keep significant money in checking, check out the Max-Rate Checking account. It offers 2% APY and worldwide ATM fee reimbursements, and the $15 monthly fee is waived if you meet deposit requirements.
FourLeaf's Free Checking account takes just $5 to open and earns a competitive (for a checking account) interest rate — if you meet requirements. In addition to enrolling in e-statements, each month you must receive a direct deposit and make at least 10 debit purchases. Since FourLeaf is a CO-OP member, you can make fee-free deposits and withdrawals at 30,000-plus ATMs nationwide, plus at other credit unions in the Shared Branch network.
While anyone can open an account with FourLeaf, you will have to start a savings account and deposit $5 to establish membership.
LendingClub Bank's LevelUp Checking stands out by offering 1% cash back on eligible purchases when you meet qualification requirements — 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 domestic ATM fee rebates are a major perk if you frequently need cash.
The Quontic Bank High-Interest Checking account earns the highest APY on this list at 1.1% for all account balances. You need to make at least 10 debit card purchases of $10 or more per statement cycle to receive it. If you're a frequent debit card user, check out Cash Rewards Checking, which earns 1% cash back (up to $50 per statement cycle) instead of interest.
Neither account charges a monthly fee, although both require a minimum opening deposit of $100.
Most checking accounts don't earn significant interest. The national average is just 0.17%, according to Bankrate data. With inflation currently at an eye-popping 3.8%, even a 1% yield, like you'll find on some online checking accounts, doesn't look great. To maintain your money's buying power, keep the bulk of your savings in higher-earning deposits accounts.
Traditional banks charge an average of $15.65 monthly for interest-bearing checking accounts, according to Bankrate's recent Checking Account and ATM Fee Study. That's almost $188 annually you'd save by switching to a fee-free online account.
Confirm your chosen bank is federally insured (FDIC for banks, NCUA for credit unions) to protect deposits up to $250,000 per account holder. All accounts featured here are fully insured.
Check mobile app ratings (iOS and Android) and test the bank's website. You'll be using these tools for all banking activities, so functionality matters. These banks all earn high marks for their apps.
Having a savings account at the same institution means easier management and transfers. Check high-yield savings account rates and see if you get any perks for opening both accounts.
Because most banks offer terrible yields on their checking accounts, they compete on the perks instead. Look for features that fit your habits and life.Pippin Wilbers, Bankrate editor
Typically, higher yields than traditional banks
Typically, no monthly or overdraft fees
Large fee-free ATM networks
Well-developed mobile banking features
Generally, you can't walk into a branch for in-person service
Cash deposits may be inconvenient or impossible
Earn more
High-yield checking account rates can compete with savings accounts.
Explore account features
Get the most out of your account.
Open a money-market account instead
Earn much higher rates and keep the easy access.
Learn about debit cards
When should you reach for a debit instead of a credit card?
Bankrate researches over 100 banks, including some of the largest financial institutions, online-only banks, regional banks and credit unions with both open and restrictive membership policies.
To find the best online checking accounts, we rated these institutions on their checking account fees, minimum deposit requirements, ATM network, overdraft policies, APY offerings and more.
The online checking accounts on this page are selected based on their Bankrate score and mobile app ratings. Only banks and credit unions with broadly available checking accounts made the list. Learn more about how we choose the best banking products and our methodology for reviewing banks.
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