11 Best Rewards Checking Accounts for 2026


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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Rewards are usually associated with credit cards, but some checking accounts have them, too. Perks include high interest rates and cash back.
Here’s a list of our favorite rewards checking accounts.
APYs shown are current as of June 8, 2026. All other information is current as of May 18, 2026.
| Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | APY | Bonus | Monthly fee | Overdraft star rating | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0/5 | 0.50% With $0 min. balance for APY | $50 or $400 Earn $50 or $400 with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply. | $0 | 5.0/5 | Learn moreon partner's site at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC | |
5.0/5 | 1.75% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.4/5 | Learn moreon partner's site at nbkc bank, Member FDIC | |
4.9/5 | N/A | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
4.9/5 | 2.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.9/5 | ||
4.7/5 | 1.10% With $0.01 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
4.9/5 | 1.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 1.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
4.7/5 | 2.75% With $0.01 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
4.7/5 | 4.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 2.5/5 | ||
4.7/5 | 2.02% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.1/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 1.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.8/5 |
- Learn moreon partner's siteat SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDICNerdWallet rating5.0/5Learn moreon partner's siteat SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
APY
0.50%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
$50 or $400
Earn $50 or $400 with eligible direct deposit. Terms apply.
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
5.0/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItSoFi® Checking and Savings gives customers 0.50% APY (variable and subject to change) on balances in the checking portion of their account.
In addition, the savings portion earns 3.10% APY as long as customers enroll in direct deposit, or pay a $10 SoFi Plus subscription fee every 30 days or deposit at least $5,000 every 31 days into their account. If those qualifications are not met, savings balances earn 0.80% APY. New customers can also boost their savings interest rate for six months by setting up a new account with eligible direct deposit.
The account doesn't have monthly or overdraft fees. Customers can also receive their paychecks up to two days early. New customers can earn a bonus of $50 or $400 depending on how much they direct deposit within 25 days of their first qualifying direct deposit.
SoFi says: "Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary."
- Learn moreon partner's siteat nbkc bank, Member FDICNerdWallet rating5.0/5Learn moreon partner's siteat nbkc bank, Member FDIC
APY
1.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.4/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItNBKC’s Everything Account gives its customers 1.75% APY on all balances. There’s no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement, and customers have access to more than 90,000 fee-free ATMs. NBKC also offers up to $12 in monthly fee reimbursements for out-of-network ATMs.
- NerdWallet rating4.9/5
APY
N/A
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItUpgrade offers its Rewards Checking Plus customers 2% cash back on certain everyday debit purchases — such as those made at restaurants, bars, convenience stores, drugstores, gas stations, utility companies and streaming services — up to $500 in rewards per year, as long as they receive $1,000 in direct deposits each month. Keep in mind that purchases made at grocery stores, online merchants and travel providers are not eligible for cash back, nor are medical bills payments, rent, mortgages or other monthly bills or subscriptions. Customers who don’t fulfill the direct deposit requirement won’t earn any cash back.
Upgrade charges no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Customers also have fee-free access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs.
- NerdWallet rating4.9/5
APY
2.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.9/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItZynlo’s More Spending account gives customers a 2.00% APY with no minimum to open an account. Customers have access to more than 55,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs, and there’s no monthly fee on the account. Customers can also get paid up to two days early when they set up direct deposit with their employer.
- NerdWallet rating4.7/5
APY
1.10%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItQuontic’s High Interest Checking account offers up to 1.10% APY if you make at least 10 monthly qualifying debit card transactions of at least $10 each. If you don’t meet the transaction requirements, you’ll earn 0.01% APY. Customers have access to more than 90,000 fee-free ATMs, and there’s no monthly fee. The account has a minimum opening balance requirement of $100.
- NerdWallet rating4.9/5
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItCustomers with an American Express Rewards Checking account earn 1.00% APY on all balances and don’t have to worry about any monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. They also have access to over 70,000 fee-free MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs nationwide and 24/7 customer service. The account is available to American Express customers who have had a consumer credit card, high-yield savings account or certificate of deposit for at least five days.
- NerdWallet rating5.0/5
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItBask Bank’s Interest Checking account has a competitive interest rate of 1.00% APY and has no monthly fees. There’s no minimum required to open an account, but you must fund your account within 15 days or Bask Bank may close it.
Bask Bank is part of the nationwide Allpoint ATM network, which means customers can use more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs.
- NerdWallet rating4.7/5
APY
2.75%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItTAB Spend is a rewards checking account that has an high interest rate of 2.75% APY and gives customers 1% cash back on debit card spending. Customers also get access to the nationwide MoneyPass ATM network, which includes about 40,000 fee-free ATMs. The account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
- NerdWallet rating4.7/5
APY
4.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
2.5/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItLake Michigan Credit Union offers a highly competitive 4.00% APY interest rate on its Max Checking account for balances up to $15,000 as long as customers meet certain requirements. To qualify, customers need to make at least one direct deposit (or other online deposit) per month, make at least 10 debit (or credit) card purchases per month, log in to their online account at least four times per month and receive e-statements. The account requires no minimum balance and has no monthly maintenance fees. The account also offers up to $10 per month in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement for non-LMCU and non-Allpoint ATMs, and there are more than 55,000 in-network ATMs worldwide.
- NerdWallet rating4.7/5
APY
2.02%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.1/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItThe Zolve Checking account has a notably high baseline interest rate of 2.02% APY and higher rate tiers with certain requirements. The rate can also increase in the following ways:
- A customer has a Zolve credit card that’s active and in good standing, which increases the rate to 3.05% APY.
- A customer has one or more direct deposits of at least $250 per month, which increases the rate to 4.08% APY.
- A customer meets both of the preceding requirements, and the rate increases to 5.13% APY.
Zolve customers have access to more than 60,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs for withdrawals, but keep in mind that you can only add money to your account through online transfers or wire transfer. Also, there is no mobile check deposit for this account.
Zolve is an online-only financial technology company, not a bank. FDIC insurance is provided through a third-party partner bank.
- NerdWallet rating5.0/5
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.8/5
Our Take
Why We Like ItAxos Bank gives a solid 1.00% APY on this account to customers who receive at least $1 per month in qualifying direct deposits (like a paycheck or government benefits), otherwise no interest is earned. Customers can also get their paychecks up to two days early.
The account also comes with stellar ATM access: customers have free access to more than 95,000 in-network ATMs, but Axos also provides unlimited ATM fee reimbursements for out-of-network domestic ATMs.
What is a rewards checking account?
A rewards checking account gives interest or cash back to customers. Sometimes a bank or credit union that offers these accounts will set requirements to earn the rewards, such as receiving a certain amount of money in direct deposits each month or meeting a certain spending amount or number of transactions monthly with a debit card.
Chasing the best rewards can’t make up for having a checking account that lacks features you need or that charges you high fees to access your money. But it’s worth looking for a financial institution that offers you a little extra incentive to bank with it.
If you’re looking for bank accounts that offer bonuses, check out the best bank bonuses and promotions.
Are rewards checking accounts worth it?
Rewards checking accounts might be worth it as long as you can meet the requirements to earn the rewards. Keep in mind that you might get better interest rates with a certificate of deposit or high-yield savings account, and you might get better cash back or points from a credit card.
Our Nerds say:
“Rewards checking accounts can be great if you’re trying to get perks from your spending or earn interest on the money you use for everyday purchases. Keep in mind that you can get these benefits through other financial products as well. For example, you might be able to earn points or a higher cash back rate through a credit card, or you might earn higher interest on your cash if you park it in a high-yield savings account.”
- Chanelle Bessette, NerdWallet banking writer
Last updated on June 8, 2026
Methodology: How we rate banks and credit unions
Banking writers and editors use an objective methodology to rate banks, credit unions, and other providers, and to recommend the best products.
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
We took a close look at around 100 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
30+
Categories assessed
30+
Categories assessed
Each provider is evaluated across five weighted categories and 30 subcategories, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, customer experience, and overdraft services. For banks or credit unions without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
60+
Data points analyzed
60+
Data points analyzed
We considered more than 60 data points for each provider. Depending on the category, these included account fees and rates (such as annual percentage yields), ATM and branch access, account features, account bonuses, customer service access and user-facing technology, such as innovative tools and mobile apps. We gathered this information for each financial institution from its website, a media representative or both.
Checking account star rating categories
The best checking accounts generally have no monthly fees, free access to a network of more than 10,000 ATMs, no or low minimum opening deposits, low-cost overdraft programs, fast money transfer options, and some additional benefit such as the ability to earn interest or cash back. Checking accounts with a sign-up bonus may get extra marks.
Financial institutions and providers surveyed are: Affirm, All America Bank, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Alto, Amalgamated Bank, American Express National Bank, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Associated Bank, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Barclays, Bask Bank, BMO, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Bread Savings®, BrioDirect, Capital One, Cash App, CFG Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIBC U.S., CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens Access, Citizens Bank, Climate First Bank, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Current, Customers Bank, Discover® Bank, E*TRADE, EverBank, Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation, First Internet Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Forbright Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, GO2bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Hope Credit Union, HSBC Bank, Huntington Bank, Ivy Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, LendingClub Bank, Live Oak Bank, M&T Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, My Banking Direct, NASA Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC, Newtek Bank, OMB Bank, OnePay, Openbank, PayPal, Peak Bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC, Poppy Bank, Popular Direct, Quontic Bank, Regions Bank, Revolut, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Santander Bank, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, Service Credit Union, SoFi, State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Upgrade, USAA Bank, Valley Bank, Varo, Venmo, Vio Bank, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank, Zolve and Zynlo Bank.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for banks and credit unions and our editorial guidelines.










