10 Best Free Checking Accounts of 2025
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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 free checking accounts have no monthly fees and earn high ratings from NerdWallet for their features, which may include earning interest, broad fee-free ATM access, overdraft policies and convenient customer service options. Here’s a list of our favorites based on research into dozens of institutions.
Best Free 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 | 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 | N/A | N/A | $0 | 3.8/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 5.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.2/5 | ||
5.0/5 | 0.51% With $1,500 min. balance for APY | N/A | $0 | 4.8/5 |
Our pick for
Free Checking Account
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
Our Take
SoFi®’s online Checking and Savings account offers competitive interest rates on both checking and savings, and customers have access to a large, free ATM network.
Interest rate: Checking balances earn 0.50% APY (variable and subject to change).
Savings balances earn up to 3.80% APY, as long as certain requirements are met. If they aren't, that goes down to 1.00% APY.
Minimum deposit to open: None.
Other pros: SoFi customers can receive their paychecks up to two days early, and SoFi is part of the Allpoint network, which means customers have access to more than 55,000 no-fee ATMs.
What you should know: While there’s no minimum direct deposit to earn interest, customers need to receive at least $1,000 per month in direct deposits to qualify for overdraft coverage and protection.
SoFi says: “SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.”
APY
N/A
Bonus
$360
Up to $360 per year. See website for details.
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
5.0/5
Our Take
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."
APY
1.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.8/5
Our Take
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.
APY
1.00%
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
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 have to have been an American Express credit card customer for at least 35 days.
APY
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.4/5
Our Take
Bask Bank’s Interest Checking is a free account that comes with a solid interest rate and a large free ATM network.
Interest rate: Customers earn 1.00% APY on their checking balance with no requirements.
Minimum deposit to open: None.
Other pros: Bask Bank gives customers fee-free access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs. The bank also occasionally offers account sign-up promotions.
What you should know: Bask Bank also offers a free savings account that comes with a high interest rate.
APY
3.50%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
TAB Spend is a free checking account that comes with a notably high interest rate and cash back on spending.
Interest rate: TAB Spend comes with a 3.50% APY on balances of $0.01 and above with no requirements to earn.
Minimum deposit to open: None.
Other pros: Customers earn a flat 1.00% cash back on all of their TAB Spend debit card spending.
What you should know: The account gives fee-free access to the large MoneyPass ATM network.
APY
2.00%
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
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.
APY
N/A
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
3.8/5
Our Take
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.
APY
5.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.2/5
Our Take
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.
APY
0.51%
With $1,500 min. balance for APY
Bonus
N/A
Monthly fee
$0
Overdraft star rating
4.8/5
Our Take
Axos Bank’s Rewards Checking has a decent rate if you fulfill the bank’s requirements, plus up to $10 per month in domestic ATM fee reimbursements.
Interest rate: 0.51% APY.
Minimum deposit to open: None.
Other pros: The account has no overdraft fees.
What you should know: To earn the APY, customers need to receive at least $1,500 in qualifying direct deposits by the 25th of each month and maintain an average daily balance of more than $1,500. Alternatively, you can receive at least $5,000 in qualifying deposits like online transfers or checks by the 25th of the month and maintain a daily average balance of more than $5,000. Meeting one set of these requirements will also qualify you for a high rate on an Axos ONE Savings account.
ON THIS PAGE
Our Nerds say:
“When shopping for a checking account, it’s great to find one that has no monthly fees, but you should also think about the other features you might want and need. For example, you might want to earn interest or cash back, or you might need a bank that’s part of a large, free ATM network or that offers ATM fee reimbursements. "Also, you might want to look for a bank that has a generous overdraft policy. Some banks will even spot you up to a certain amount of money if you overdraft.”
- Chanelle Bessette, NerdWallet banking writer
What is a free checking account?
A free checking account can help you manage your regular deposits and transactions without charging a monthly fee. You can use your checking account to pay bills, receive your paycheck and deposit or withdraw cash. The account usually comes with a debit card and the ability to write checks.
Why does it matter if a checking account is free?
Any regular fee on your checking account can add up quickly over time. Free checking accounts give customers access to all the perks of a checking account without the burden of paying a monthly maintenance fee.
What should I look for in a checking account?
The best checking accounts have no fees and ideally earn interest, give cash back or offer a bonus. You should also make sure that the bank offers good customer service and is convenient for your lifestyle. Some accounts also offer early access to direct deposits and same-day transfers via Zelle.
What do Fed rate changes mean for checking accounts?
Generally speaking, when the Fed raises or lowers its rate, banks and credit unions will raise or lower the interest rates on their deposit accounts in tandem. Since checking accounts often have lower rates than savings accounts or certificates of deposit, however, interest rates for checking tend to remain fairly consistent even when the Fed changes its rate.
Compare the other types of best checking accounts: | ||
Last updated on July 21, 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 Free Checking Accounts of 2025
- SoFi Checking and Savings: Best for Free Checking Account
- Discover® Cashback Debit: Best for Free Checking Account
- American Express Rewards Checking: Best for Free Checking Account
- Bask Bank Interest Checking: Best for Free Checking Account
- TAB Spend: Best for Free Checking Account
- ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account: Best for Free Checking Account
- nbkc bank Everything Account: Best for Free Checking Account
- Upgrade - Rewards Checking Preferred: Best for Free Checking Account
- Connexus Credit Union Xtraordinary Checking: Best for Free Checking Account
- Axos ONE® Checking: Best for Free Checking Account
Frequently asked questions
What does a checking account do?
Checking accounts help you manage the transactions you need to make on a regular basis, such as paying bills, receiving your paycheck and depositing or withdrawing cash. They usually come with a debit card and the ability to write checks.
Why does it matter if a checking account is free?
The fee on your checking account can add up quickly over time. Free checking accounts give customers access to all the perks of a checking account without the burden of paying a monthly maintenance fee.
What should I look for in a checking account?
The best checking accounts have no fees and ideally earn interest, give cash back or offer a bonus. You should also make sure that the bank offers good customer service and is convenient for your lifestyle. Some accounts also offer early access to direct deposits.