Can checking accounts earn interest?

Checking accounts haven't traditionally paid interest, but many banks and credit unions now offer high-yield checking account options. However, they often come with some caveats. For instance, you may have to maintain a minimum or maximum balance and use your debit card a certain number of times per month in order to earn the interest rate. In addition, high-yield checking accounts typically pay a lower rate than high-interest savings accounts.

How many checking accounts can I have?

While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.

How do I get a checking account bonus?

Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.

What is overdraft protection?

Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea. Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $26.61 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2023 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction. Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card. The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all of the perks of a regular checking account.

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments. Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder. Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Best checking accounts for April 2024

Written by

Edited by

Reviewed by

Edited by

Reviewed by

Updated April 11, 2024

Editorial note: While our partners compensate us from links on this page, we maintain editorial integrity, and partners don't influence our product evaluations. Here's how we make money and here is our advertiser disclosure.

Checking accounts are great for money that you need to spend. Checking accounts generally offer checks and have unlimited transactions, but there are exceptions.

Bankrate provides you with timely news and rate information on the top checking yields from some of the most popular and largest FDIC banks and NCUA credit unions. This way you don’t have to spend time searching many bank and credit union websites. Since 1976, Bankrate has been a trusted source of banking information to help you make well-informed decisions on your finances.

Page preview:

Show me:

Savings & MMAsCheckingCDs

Zip code

Deposit amount

On This Page

Banks with the best checking accounts for April 2024

Note: Annual percentage yields (APYs) shown are as of April 16, 2024. All other information is current as of April 11, 2024. Bankrate's editorial team validates this information regularly, typically biweekly. APYs may have changed since they were last updated and may vary by region for some products. Bankrate includes only FDIC banks or NCUA credit unions in its listings.

Heritage Bank eCentive checking account

3.8

Overview

Heritage Bank is based in Spicer, Minnesota, and is known for its eCentive Checking Account. The eCentive checking account offers a competitive yield on balances up to $100,000. But you’ll need to earn that competitive APY by receiving electronic statements, having an automated payment or direct deposit each month and making at least $500 worth of monthly debit card purchases.

Read Bankrate's Expert Heritage Bank Review

0.05%-2.02% APY

$100 minimum balance to open

- The competitive yield on the eCentive checking account applies to qualifying balances up to $100,000. You’ll need to work to earn the APY by spending at least $500 a month in debit card purchases (excluding ATM transactions), have at least one direct deposit or automatic payment per month and receive monthly electronic statements.
- The bank refunds up to $25 a month in ATM fees.
- You’ll only earn 0.05 percent APY during a statement cycle if you don’t make at least $500 worth of debit card purchases, if you don’t have a qualifying direct deposit and if you don’t have electronic statements. You need to make sure you do all three of those things to earn the top APY on balances of $100,000 or less.
- You'll also be charged $4 per month to have paper statements mailed to you. But you can avoid this by signing up for eStatements.
- Overdrafts and nonsufficient funds cost $33 per paid item.
- Accounts closed within six months of opening them are charged a $30 closeout fee.

NBKC Bank Everything Account

3.9

Overview

NBKC Bank is known for offering a competitive checking yield on all balances. It also doesn’t require a minimum opening deposit on its Everything Account. The account has ATM access and is a part of the MoneyPass network. That means customers have access to more than 37,000 fee-free ATMs.

Read Bankrate's Expert NBKC Bank Review

1.75% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- There are no fees for overdrafts, returned items, stop payments, cashier's checks and other services.
- Customers can access more than 37,000 ATMs for free across the country.
- The bank reimburses up to $12 a month for ATM fees that other banks may charge.
- Outgoing domestic wires only cost $5. The industry average is $26.
- International wires, whether sending or receiving them, cost $45.
- NBKC’s money market account earns a little higher APY and also offers the $12 worth of ATM fee reimbursements available with the NBKC Everything account.

EverBank Yield Pledge Checking

4.8

Overview

EverBank, formerly TIAA Bank, is known for its Yield Pledge accounts which, it says, guarantees high-yielding APYs. TIAA Bank’s Yield Pledge Checking account is one account that offers a competitive yield. You don’t need a minimum opening deposit for this account. It also rewards you for depositing more with tiered yields based on your balance.

Its Yield Pledge Checking account offers the same APY on every balance. The Yield Pledge Checking account doesn’t have a monthly fee, and it reimburses up to $15 worth of ATM fees per month for everyone and provides unlimited fee reimbursement for those with at least $5,000 in the account. You only need $100 to open this account.

Read Bankrate's Expert EverBank Review

0.45% APY

$100 minimum balance to open

- EverBank guarantees that its yields will be in the top 5 percent among its competitors. There is no monthly fee, regardless of balance.
- The bank’s digital services let you track and manage your accounts, pay bills, transfer money and send money to people you know through Zelle.
- Its nationwide network has almost 100,000 fee-free ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you'll be fully reimbursed for ATM fees if you maintain an average daily balance of $5,000. Otherwise, the bank reimburses up to $15 a month.
- There are fees for stop payments ($25), expedited overnight bill payments ($14.95) and others.

Navy Federal Credit Union Flagship Checking

4.1

Overview

Serving millions of military members and their families, Navy Federal Credit Union is the world’s largest credit union. It’s a good fit for anyone looking for a credit union who qualifies to be a member. It has around 350 branches worldwide, and Navy Federal’s Active Duty Checking account holders can have as much as $20 per statement cycle of ATM fees reimbursed.

Read Bankrate's Expert Navy Federal Credit Union Review

0.35%-0.45% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- Flagship Checking: Earns up to 0.45 percent APY. Even its lowest APY tier at 0.35 percent APY, for balances from $1,500 to $9,999, is competitive.
- Out-of-network ATM fees up to $10 per statement cycle are reimbursed with direct deposit.
- Free Active Duty Checking: Active duty and retired military members or reservists are eligible for this account. Opening this account will get you up to $20 per statement cycle of out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed. Customers will earn 0.05 percent APY with this account and get free traditional checks. You’ll also be able to receive your direct deposit one business day earlier than usual with this account.
- Flagship Checking: You’ll need to maintain at least $1,500 in order to earn interest. To get the top APY, you’ll need at least $25,000 in this account. A direct deposit is needed to receive ATM surcharge rebates. A $10 monthly service fee applies when the average daily balance falls below $1,500.
- Free Active Duty Checking: You’ll need to have a qualifying direct deposit from the military going into this account. Otherwise, the account will convert to a Free EveryDay Checking account if the military direct deposit is discontinued for more than 90 days. Customers with this account are eligible for free checks personalized only with their name.

Ally Bank Interest Checking account

4.8

Overview

Ally Bank launched in 2009 as a one-stop shop for online-only banking customers from coast to coast. It is known as an online bank that has nearly every type of account and offers a competitive yield. Ally Bank’s interest checking offers interest on all balances. You’ll need at least a $15,000 balance to earn the bank’s top checking yield.

Read Bankrate's Expert Ally Bank Review

0.10%-0.25% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- There are no monthly maintenance fees on the Interest Checking account. The rate is tiered based on your account balance. Ally's mobile app lets you deposit checks and send money through Zelle.
- Ally provides generous ATM access. Thanks to its partnership with the Allpoint ATM network, you can use 43,000-plus ATMs nationwide for free. Ally also reimburses up to $10 per statement cycle for out-of-network ATM fees charged by other banks.
- You must maintain at least a $15,000 balance to earn the highest APY.
- Customers must fund the account within 30 days or it will be closed.

LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking

4.6

Overview

LendingClub Bank is an FDIC-insured online bank known for its Rewards Checking account that earns cash back and interest and also offers ATM fee reimbursement. On the savings side, LendingClub has competitive yields on its savings account and CDs. The bank acquired Radius Bank in February 2021.

It's a solid option for consumers looking for an online bank that offers competitive yields, low fees and ample ATM access.

Read Bankrate's Expert LendingClub Bank Review

0.10%-0.15% APY

$25 minimum balance to open

- Rewards Checking customers earn 1 percent cash back on signature-based purchases each month. The Rewards Checking account only requires a $25 opening deposit and there are no monthly maintenance fees. Rewards Checking customers are eligible for unlimited ATM fee rebates.
- The LendingClub mobile app enables users to manage their accounts and make payments and transfers, plus it offers tools to create budgets, view spending and track trends.
- You must maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 to earn interest on Rewards Checking and get the 1 percent cash back on signature-based purchases. Customers can sidestep the balance requirement with a direct deposit of at least $2,500 each month.

Capital One 360 Checking

4.7

Overview

Capital One Bank is ideal for consumers looking for a full-service bank with a wide network of no-fee ATMs and access to branches in select states. It offers most of the accounts that people need. The 360 Checking Account has early direct deposit available, the ability to deposit cash at any CVS store, it earns a little interest and it doesn’t have a monthly service fee.

Read Bankrate's Expert Capital One Bank Review

0.10% APY

$0 minimum balance to open

- The 360 Checking is free of monthly maintenance fees.
- You get a free order of checks.
- The 360 Checking account earns some interest.
- Capital One's mobile app lets you manage accounts, make deposits using your smartphone and receive account alerts. The online bank also supports branches and cafe-style locations.
- Outgoing domestic wire transfers have a $30 fee, which is above the industry average.
- In 2019, Capital One had a major data breach in which accounts and applications, mostly credit card applications, were compromised. Around 106 million customers in the U.S. and Canada were affected. The bank said it fixed the breach and offered free credit monitoring and identity protection to affected customers.
- Checking account customers must agree to go paperless and accept all communications via electronic delivery.
- Your account will be closed if you have a zero balance after your first 60 days with the account.

Chase Bank Total Checking and College Checking (pay no interest); Premier Plus Checking and Sapphire Checking

3.4

Overview

With a massive branch network and breadth of product offerings, Chase is often viewed as the country's signature banking institution. Chase is an option to consider if you live near its branches and ATMs. Its checking and savings yields are generally very low. Chase is known for having checking account bonuses for new customers, and electronic deposits of at least $500 per month can waive the monthly service fee on the Total Checking account.

Read Bankrate's Expert Chase Bank Review

0%-0.01% APY

Minimum balance varies by location

- Chase offers several sign-up bonuses. A $200 cash promotion is available for new Chase checking customers who sign up for Chase Total Checking with direct deposit from an employer or the government. Direct deposit must be set up within 90 days of opening the account to receive the bonus.
- New customers who are college students ages 17-24 can also get $100 by opening a Chase College Checking account through Jan. 24, 2024. The bonus isn’t available to existing Chase checking customers or to people who had an account within 90 days or closed an account with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You’ll need to make at least 10 qualifying transactions within the first 60 days of opening the Chase College Checking account.
- In addition, existing Chase customers can earn a $50 bonus for each friend they refer who opens a qualifying checking account. There is a $500 cap on the referral offer. Chase customers have access to more than 4,700 branches nationwide, more than 16,000 ATMs, and highly rated digital banking tools.
- Customers earn a paltry 0.01 percent APY on most accounts. The only exception pertains to "relationship rates" for Chase Premier Savings customers who link that account to a Premier Plus or Sapphire checking account and meet certain transaction requirements. The relationship rates are low — 0.02 percent APY for all balance tiers.
- The more elite checking accounts require high minimum balances to avoid a $25 monthly fee. For instance, Chase Premier Plus Checking requires an average daily balance of $15,000 among linked Chase accounts or a Chase first mortgage enrolled in automatic payments. For the Total Checking account, you need a balance of $1,500 at the beginning of the day, a monthly direct deposit of at least $500 or a daily balance of $5,000 among other Chase accounts. Total Checking customers pay fees for out-of-network ATM transactions and are penalized $34 for overdrafts.

Bankrate's expertise

Bankrate’s trusted industry knowledge

Read our full methodology

Our banking editorial team regularly evaluates data from more than a hundred of the top financial institutions across a range of categories (brick-and-mortar banks, online banks, credit unions and more) to help you find the options that work best for you.

48 years

of industry experience

3 k

deposits rates tracked

120

banks reviewed

In the news

Savers are still benefiting from the Federal Reserve’s 11 rate increases since 2022. The Fed left rates unchanged for the fifth straight meeting March 20.

Generally, you’re going to find the most competitive yields at FDIC-insured online banks in savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs.

The current rate environment is great for savers because top savings yields are outpacing inflation, but it also means credit card rates are typically high. According to Bankrate’s April 3 survey, the average credit card rate is at a record high of 20.75 percent.

Why should you open a checking account?

Like savings and money market accounts, federally insured checking accounts are insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, depending on whether your account is at a bank or credit union.

Because of their accessibility and safety, checking accounts make for a good financial hub. These versatile accounts can be used to pay bills, make purchases and receive deposits. Checking accounts can simplify your financial life. For example, you can set up your checking account to receive automatic deposits from your employer and make automatic withdrawals to pay your bills. Mobile apps enable you to make payments, transfer money and review your transaction history whether you’re at home or on the go.

Requirements to open a checking account

Checking accounts typically have some general requirements, and you’ll need to meet them in order to open an account.

Identification: Most banks and credit unions require two forms of identification to open an account. A Social Security card, passport, state ID or driver's license are the most commonly required documents.
Minimum deposit: The minimum deposit to open a checking account is typically around $25 or more, although there are some accounts that allow for less.
Address: You'll need to provide proof of address when opening an account. Utility bills, lease agreements and insurance cards can work well.
Age: It may be difficult to get a checking account under age 18. That said, opening a teen account, a joint account or a custodial account can be an option for minors.

What to look for in a checking account

Checking accounts come in several varieties, including versions geared to specific populations, such as seniors, teens, business owners or those who have checkered banking histories. Some offer perks, such as interest paid on your balance or cash back for using debit cards. Regardless of your financial situation or needs, Bankrate can help you find the best type of checking account for you.
Some banks will pay you hundreds of dollars to get you to open a checking account, but these bonuses usually come with strings attached. For instance, Chase will pay $300 to new customers who open a Chase Total Checking account by April 17, 2024, but they must set up direct deposit of a paycheck, pension or Social Security benefit and keep the account open for at least six months. Bankrate can help you find the best bank account sign-up bonuses.
Some banks will offer cash-back rewards. These rewards may be limited to a certain amount of cash back per month. Interest on a rewards checking account may only apply to certain balances. After that, yields may decrease significantly.
Bankrate's 2023 checking account and ATM fee study found that 45 percent of non-interest-bearing accounts are free and don't charge monthly service fees. The majority of noninterest accounts will waive fees under certain conditions, such as direct deposit. Challenger banks, a term used to denote upstart banks like Chime and Current, also offer no-fee accounts.

What to know about checking account fees

Using a checking account can be expensive. The good news is you can find checking accounts that don't charge monthly maintenance fees as well as make it easy to avoid other common tolls. Here's what you need to know.

Learn more

Pros and cons of checking accounts

Checking accounts can be a good place for your money. But in some cases, there are better alternatives.

Here are some pros and cons that comes with having a checking account:

Pros

It’s an easy way to pay bills and make everyday purchases.
Many employers and service providers offer direct deposit that goes directly into your checking account.
Your money is protected in an FDIC-insured bank as long as your balances are within FDIC limits and guidelines.
You can generally write checks or access your money from an ATM.
A checking account will allow you to send and receive money through Venmo or Zelle.

Cons

Some checking accounts charge fees for things such as not meeting minimum
Though some checking accounts earn a competitive yield, many earn little or no interest.

Alternatives to checking accounts

Savings account

A deposit account that enables you to earn interest on your savings, helping your money grow in a liquid account.

Money market accounts

Nearly identical to savings accounts, but typically have the added feature of check-writing privileges.

Checking account FAQs

Checking accounts haven't traditionally paid interest, but many banks and credit unions now offer high-yield checking account options. However, they often come with some caveats. For instance, you may have to maintain a minimum or maximum balance and use your debit card a certain number of times per month in order to earn the interest rate. In addition, high-yield checking accounts typically pay a lower rate than high-interest savings accounts.
While there’s no limit to the number of checking accounts you can have, it's generally practical to have one per person, or perhaps as many as three in a household if a couple prefers a joint account plus individual accounts. In addition, a separate account for business helps to track business income and expenses separately from everyday household expenditures.
Tempted to sign up for a new checking account to score a bonus? It might be a good idea for you. Read the fine print, however. The exact requirements to earn a bonus will vary based on the bank, and you may need to meet a minimum balance or number of transactions to qualify for the bonus. You can explore your best options for checking account bonuses with Bankrate.
Banks provide this service to cover purchases that you can’t pay for due to a too-low account balance. But signing up for overdraft protection may not be a great idea.

Sure, you won't have to pay an NSF fee and the bank will cover the funds if you have them, sparing you the embarrassment of watching your debit card be declined. But if your bank charges a fee, the average overdraft fee is $26.61 per item overdrawn, according to Bankrate's 2023 checking account and ATM fee study. Some banks may refund the fee for infrequent offenders, and others might simply decline the transaction.

Instead of paying an overdraft fee, see if you can link another account, such as a savings account, to your checking account so funds can be automatically transferred as needed. Or inquire about an overdraft line of credit with a low interest rate, if one is available.
The short answer is that a checking account won't hurt your credit, with a couple of exceptions. Banks might check your credit report when you open a checking account, but this is considered a "soft inquiry," which will not affect your credit score. If you sign up for overdraft protection, however, this results in a "hard inquiry," which might dock your score. That's because overdraft protection is considered a line of credit, much like a credit card.

The credit bureaus may ignore your banking behavior, but it is being closely monitored by such companies as ChexSystems, a national consumer reporting agency that provides banks with reports about any blemishes on an account applicant's banking history. A record of bounced checks, unpaid fees and other slip-ups can make it difficult to get approved.

Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for those who need a fresh start. These accounts can help you rebuild your banking history, but often don't come with all of the perks of a regular checking account.
- Routing number: Along the bottom of your checks are three sets of numbers. The first nine digits, between symbols resembling colons, are the routing numbers. They identify the financial institution associated with an account and are often prominently displayed on the institution's web page. You need these numbers to set up direct deposits or automatic payments.
- Account number: To the right of the routing numbers is the account number, which is unique for each account holder.
- Check number: The last set of numbers reflects the check number, which you'll also find on the top right-hand corner of a check.

Research methodology

Bankrate’s editorial team is made up of five banking experts. These experts have researched numerous banks and at least twice a month review bank websites to make sure readers stay up to date on the latest rates and bank products.

We select banks that have high annual percentage yields, or APYs, and that are popular and broadly available, including some of the largest banks.

These financial institutions are featured in our checking account rate research: Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, America First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Axos Bank, Bank5 Connect, Bank of America, Barclays, Bask Bank, BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union), Bethpage Federal Credit Union, BMO, Bread Financial (formerly Comenity Direct), BrioDirect, Capital One Bank, Chase Bank, CIBC USA, CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Bank (Rhode Island), Credit One Bank, Comerica Bank, Customers Bank, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover Bank, EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank), Emigrant Direct, Fifth Third Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Internet Bank, First Technology Federal Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Golden 1 Credit Union, Heritage Bank NA, Huntington National Bank, KeyBank, LegacyTexas Bank, Limelight Bank, Live Oak Bank, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, MySavingsDirect, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC Bank, PenFed Credit Union, PNC Bank, Popular Direct, Quontic Bank, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, State Employees' Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TD Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, U.S. Bank, USAA Bank, Vio Bank, VyStar Credit Union, Wells Fargo and Zions Bank.

Learn more

Research

Best checking accounts for April 2024

Banks with the best checking accounts for April 2024

Heritage Bank eCentive checking account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

NBKC Bank Everything Account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

EverBank Yield Pledge Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Navy Federal Credit Union Flagship Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Ally Bank Interest Checking account

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Capital One 360 Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Chase Bank Total Checking and College Checking (pay no interest); Premier Plus Checking and Sapphire Checking

Overview

Why we like it

What to watch for

Bankrate's expertise

Bankrate’s trusted industry knowledge

In the news

Why should you open a checking account?

Requirements to open a checking account

What to look for in a checking account

Types of checking accounts

Bonuses

Rewards

No fees

What to know about checking account fees

Pros and cons of checking accounts

Pros

Cons

Alternatives to checking accounts

Checking account FAQs

Can checking accounts earn interest?

How many checking accounts can I have?

How do I get a checking account bonus?

What is overdraft protection?

Will a checking account build or hurt credit?

What do all the checking account numbers mean?

Research methodology

Banks we monitor

Learn more

Types of checking accounts

Steps to open a bank account

Bank ratings and reviews