Best Banks and Credit Unions of 2026

A checking account can be a good entry point to a credit union, and Alliant's is especially appealing because it pays interest. Its savings account features a competitive APY of 3.01%. The credit union offers more than 80,000 free ATMs.

Read more in our Alliant Credit Union review.

SoFi offers online banking including a checking account that pays 0.50% APY with no requirements or fees. The savings account pays up to 3.10% APY when you meet one of the following requirements:

- Enroll in SoFi Plus and set up direct deposit in any amount. - Deposit a total of at least $5,000 every 31 days using qualifying methods. - Pay a $10 SoFi Plus subscription fee every 30 days.

Without meeting the direct deposit requirement, savings balances still earn a rate that’s many times the national average APY. Account holders have fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs.

Read more in our SoFi review.

SoFi says: “Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.” SoFi says: "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 Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/." SoFi says: "We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time."

Chase has more than 5,000 locations across 48 states. The bank also offers a cash bonus for new checking accounts (with $500 minimum direct deposit requirement; learn about it in our bank bonuses roundup).

Read more in our Chase review.

Chime’s checking account has no minimum opening deposit requirement and no monthly or overdraft fees. Account holders with direct deposit can receive their money up to two days early.

The Chime mobile apps receive high ratings from users. Information is easy to find on the site, and live customer support is available 24/7.

Read more in our Chime review.

Chime says: "Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC." “Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date."

“Optional services and products may have fees or charges, such as outbound instant transfers, out-of-network transactions, and credit products. Learn more here: chime.com/feesinfo.”

Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers competitive APYs on CD terms ranging from six months to five years. The bank also offers no-penalty and bump-up CDs.

Read more in our Marcus by Goldman Sachs bank review.

Newtek Bank’s savings account pays a high interest rate of 4.20% APY. There’s a $100 minimum deposit required to open an account, and no monthly fees.

According to an April 2026 NerdWallet study, 66% of employed Americans use a bank account to save some of their income each month, and 44% save 20% or more of their pay (after taxes and retirement contributions are taken out). Stowing cash regularly in a high-yield account like Newtek’s can make those savings grow more quickly.

Read more in our Newtek Bank review.

Zynlo Bank’s money market account pays 4.10% APY on all balances. There are no monthly fees and no limit on the number of transactions that can be made each month.

Read more in our Zynlo Bank review.