9 Best Online Checking Accounts of 2025
The best online checking accounts are free and offer special features and good customer service options.
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Strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the financial accounts that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating banks and credit unions.
More than 100 financial institutions surveyed by our team of experts.
More than 50 data points considered for each bank, credit union and banking technology firm (or neobank).
The best online checking accounts have low or no fees and higher interest rates than traditional banks do, in part because of the money online banks save by not operating branches.
These accounts are secure, backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. or the National Credit Union Administration. (Although they are not technically banks, nonbanks offer most of the same services that traditional institutions do.)
Here are our favorite online checking accounts.
APYs shown are current as of June 9, 2025. All other information is current as of June 6, 2025.
Best Online Checking Accounts
| Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | APY | Bonus | Monthly fee | Overdraft star rating | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0/5 | 0.50% With $0 min. balance for APY | Up to $300 Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | $0 | 5.0/5 | Learn moreon partner's site at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC | |
5.0/5 | N/A | $360 Up to $360 per year. See website for details. | $0 | 5.0/5 | Learn moreon partner's site at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC | |
5.0/5 | 1.75% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.8/5 | Learn moreon partner's site at nbkc bank, Member FDIC | |
5.0/5 | N/A | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 1.00% | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 1.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.4/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 3.50% With $0.01 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 2.00% | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 3.30% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.8/5 |
Our pick for
Online Checking Accounts
APY
0.50%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
Up to $300
Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
5.0/5
APY
N/A
Bonus
$360
Up to $360 per year. See website for details.
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
5.0/5
APY
1.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.8/5
APY
N/A
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
APY
1.00%
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.4/5
APY
3.50%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
APY
2.00%
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
APY
3.30%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.8/5
Our Nerds say:
“When choosing a checking account, be sure to look beyond the interest rate, and think about what you need most from your banking. Do you want a bank with a flexible overdraft program? Or are you more concerned with other features, like ATM access or a 24/7 phone line for customer service? Do you want an account that gives cash back on debit card spending? Do you want to pair your checking with a high-yield savings account? All of these answers can help you narrow down the best option for you.”
- Chanelle Bessette, NerdWallet banking writer
The pros of online checking accounts
Fewer fees. Online bank accounts tend to charge fewer fees than traditional banks since online providers have lower overhead.
Higher interest rates. Online banks tend to have higher interest rates on their accounts than brick-and-mortar banks – when offering any interest on checking – because they don’t have the cost of running branches.
User-friendly apps. Online providers typically have well-designed websites and mobile apps for doing your banking, including tasks such as depositing checks and paying bills.
» Looking for online banks with top overall ratings? See NerdWallet's list of Best Online Banks
The cons of online checking accounts
No in-person customer service. Online bank accounts typically don’t come with branches, which may be a deal breaker for customers who prefer face-to-face assistance.
Cash deposits can sometimes be difficult. Some online banks and nonbanks work with ATM networks to allow cash deposits, but others allow only mobile check deposits, direct deposit or electronic transfer from other banking accounts.
» More from NerdWallet: What are online banks? Learn the pros and cons
How are checking accounts affected by the Fed rate?
Like with savings accounts and certificates of deposit, the rates that banks offer on checking accounts may go up or down based on the federal funds rate. When the Fed cuts rates, for example, banks typically lower their APYs. Keep in mind that checking interest rates are generally lower than other banking products to begin with.
In the second half of 2024, the Fed decreased its rate multiple times in lockstep with decreasing inflation rates. So far in 2025, the Fed has kept its benchmark rate steady. While rates on savings accounts and CDs tend to be highly sensitive to a changing Fed rate, checking account rates are typically not as affected by rate cuts. Throughout the rest of 2025, it’s possible that the Fed will cut rates. If it does, however, it’s unlikely that checking account interest rates will be greatly affected.
Are online bank accounts safe?
Even with strong security measures, financial institutions can still be susceptible to bad actors and data breaches. Online banks have secure technology in place to protect their customers’ assets, but you should safeguard your funds and reduce the risk of having your account hacked by following some simple safety guidelines.
How do I deposit cash into an online checking account?
Options for depositing cash at an online provider usually include using a deposit-accepting ATM or putting cash into a traditional bank account and transferring that money to your online account. You could also convert the cash into a money order, which you might be able to deposit electronically using your online provider's mobile app.
How do I withdraw cash from an online checking account?
Most online banks and credit unions belong to an ATM network that customers can use for free, and/or the bank may offer a fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATMs. If you think you’ll be using an ATM for frequent withdrawals, consider banks that help you avoid ATM fees.
How much cash can I withdraw from my bank account?
Different banks have different withdrawal limits, both for cash withdrawals and for money transfers to other accounts or outside bank accounts. To find out how much you’re allowed to withdraw per day, week or month, check your bank account’s terms and conditions.
What is the best bank for online banking?
If you’re looking for the best overall online banks for other products besides just checking accounts, take a look at NerdWallet’s picks for the best online banks.
Compare the other types of best checking accounts: | ||
Last updated on June 9, 2025
Methodology
We took a close look at over 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 and/or emerging players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
Financial institutions and providers surveyed are: Affirm, All America Bank, Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amalgamated Bank, America First Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Associated Bank, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Barclays, Bask Bank, BMO, BMO Alto, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Bread Savings™, BrioDirect, Capital One, Carver Federal Savings Bank, CFG Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIBC U.S., CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Bank, City First Bank, Climate First Bank, Commerce Bank, Community First Credit Union of Florida, ConnectOne Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Current, Customers Bank, Delta Community Credit Union, Discover® Bank, E*TRADE, EverBank, Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation, First Internet Bank, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, FNBO Direct, Forbright Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Global Credit Union, GO2bank, Golden 1 Credit Union, Greenwood, Hope Credit Union, Huntington Bank, Industrial Bank, Ivy Bank, Jenius Bank, KeyBank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Laurel Road Bank, LendingClub Bank, Liberty 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, One, OneUnited 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, Suncoast Credit Union, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, TD Bank, Truist Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Upgrade, USAA Bank, Varo, Vio Bank, Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank and Zynlo Bank.
NerdWallet's Best Online Checking Accounts of 2025
- SoFi Checking and Savings: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- nbkc bank Everything Account: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- Discover® Cashback Debit: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- Upgrade - Rewards Checking Plus: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- American Express Rewards Checking: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- Bask Bank Interest Checking: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- TAB Spend: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account: Best for Online Checking Accounts
- Axos Bank® Rewards Checking: Best for Online Checking Accounts
Frequently asked questions
Online-only checking accounts offer many features of traditional checking accounts but with primarily online customer service options. Customers may have to use third-party services to deposit cash, but they will typically have access to a broad ATM network such as Allpoint and MoneyPass to withdraw cash.