10 Best Free Checking Accounts

Chime’s broad ATM network, early direct deposit and free overdraft program make it a convenient and useful choice for free checking.

Interest rate: None.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Chime is part of a network of more than 47,000 free nationwide ATMs, and as a Chime customer, you can get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.

What you should know: Depending on which of Chime’s retail store partners you choose, you may be charged a fee to deposit cash. Also, higher checking account interest rates are available elsewhere.

Chime says:

"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."

"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM."

"SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Visa® Credit Card.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions: https://www.chime.com/policies."

In addition to solid overdraft coverage options, Capital One 360 Checking Account gives customers access to more than 70,000 free nationwide ATMs.

Interest rate: The account offers 0.10% APY on all balance tiers with no requirements.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Capital One's overdraft coverage options include free overdraft protection transfers and no-fee overdrafts on Capital One-approved transactions.

What you should know: You can find higher checking account interest rates elsewhere.

NBKC’s free checking account has a solid interest rate and is part of a large ATM network in addition to offering out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements.

Interest rate: The NBKC Everything Account has an interest rate of 1.75% APY.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: NBKC Bank has notably strong ATM access: customers can use more than 90,000 fee-free ATMs globally, and the bank reimburses up to $12 per month in out-of-network ATM fees per customer.

What you should know: NBKC declines any transaction you make that would result in an overdraft, which means the bank doesn’t have an overdraft fee but it also doesn’t offer an overdraft protection program.

With Discover Cashback Debit, you can get 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases monthly.

Interest rate: None.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Customers have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs.

What you should know: Discover only has one branch in Delaware.

Cashback Debit details from Discover: "Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations and terms. Deposit Account Agreement can be found at https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf."

Discover says: "All information about Discover® Cashback Debit has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Discover® Cashback Debit is no longer available through NerdWallet."

With a broad ATM network, 24/7 customer service and a solid interest rate, American Express Rewards Checking is a free checking account that comes with appealing features.

Interest rate: This account has a 1.00% APY on checking balances with no requirements to earn.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Customers have 24/7 access to phone and online chat with American Express representatives as well as fee-free use of 70,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs.

What you should know: To open this account, you need to have a consumer credit card, high-yield savings account, certificate of deposit or individual retirement account from the bank that has been open for at least five days.

Zynlo’s free More Spending checking account has a strong interest rate along with a broad ATM network and additional savings perks.

Interest rate: Zynlo More Spending customers earn a 2.00% APY with no requirements.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Customers have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, and they can also take advantage of Zynlo’s savings roundup and matching program. Zynlo also offers a high-yield savings account called Tomorrow Savings.

What you should know: The account doesn’t have any overdraft fees or protection options, though Zynlo may decide to cover an overdraft at the bank’s own discretion.

Though it isn’t an interest-bearing account, Upgrade’s free Rewards Checking Preferred account has a solid cash-back program and a large ATM network.

Interest rate: None.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Upgrade customers earn 2% cash back — up to a maximum of $500 per year — on qualified purchases made at everyday places like drug stores, gas stations and restaurants, as long as they make direct deposits into their account of at least $1,000 per month. Purchases at grocery stores, at retailers online and in person, as well as travel costs are not eligible. Upgrade is also part of the Allpoint ATM network, which gives customers fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs.

What you should know: You won’t earn cash back if you fail to meet the direct deposit requirement.

In addition to no monthly fee, Connexus Credit Union offers a strong interest rate on its Xtraordinary Checking account, good free ATM access and rebates on domestic out-of-network ATM fees.

Interest rate: Connexus Credit Union’s Xtraordinary Checking account gives customers up to 5.00% APY on balances up to $25,000 as long as they opt in to e-statements and either spend at least $500 per month or make a minimum of 15 debit card purchases. Balances over $25,000 will earn 0.25% APY.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Connexus Credit Union gives up to $15 in ATM fee reimbursements for customers who use a domestic out-of-network ATM and meet the monthly account requirements.

What you should know: Customers who don’t meet the monthly requirements for their Xtraordinary Checking account don’t earn interest and they don’t get ATM fee reimbursements. Also, there is an inactivity fee that kicks in after three months without account activity and with a month-end account balance of less than $100.

Momentum Checking customers get some solid perks including early direct deposit and Zelle access.

Interest rate: None.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Customers can access their paycheck direct deposits up to two days early and Fifth Third Bank is part of the Zelle network. Fifth Third also gives customers fee-free access to a nationwide network of ATMs.

What you should know: You can find higher checking account interest rates elsewhere.