BANKING
WINNERS for 2021

One of the simplest money goals to tackle is earning more interest. We’ve got a list with better accounts for checking, savings and more to get you more bank for your buck. And while many of the winners are our partners, this did not influence our decisions or opinions. Our opinions are our own.
Best-Of Awards > Banking

Best Bank or Credit Union for Sign-Up Bonuses

Chase Total Checking®

at Chase, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$12.00

Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$12.00

Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Why this Account made the list

You can earn a Chase bonus by signing up for Total Checking and setting up direct deposit — unlike most bonuses, there's no minimum deposit to qualify.

Read our methodology

Best Checking Account for High Interest

Axos Bank® Rewards Checking

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

at Axos Bank®, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$0

APY

3.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300

Earn $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.

Monthly fee

$0

APY

3.30%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300

Earn $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.

Why this Account made the list

You can earn a generous APY with Rewards Checking for receiving direct deposits and using your debit card. There are no maintenance fees, either.

Read our methodology

Best Checking Account With No Monthly Fee

Discover® Cashback Debit

at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$0

Monthly fee

$0

Why this Account made the list

There's no monthly fee for Cashback Debit, plus it offers perks: cash back for many debit card purchases and a nationwide network of over 60,000 free ATMs.

Read our methodology

Best Free Business Checking Account

Monthly fee

$0

Monthly fee

$0

Why this Account made the list

BBVA's Business Connect Checking does limit free in-branch services, but users can perform an unlimited number of other transactions for free.

Read our methodology

Best Checking Account Overall

Discover® Cashback Debit

at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

Monthly fee

$0

Monthly fee

$0

Why this Account made the list

Cashback Debit pays cash back on many debit purchases and has over 60,000 free ATMs. It doesn't charge overdraft fees; overdraft protection transfers are free.

Read our methodology

Best Bank or Credit Union for ATM Access

Monthly fee

$0

APY

0.45%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Monthly fee

$0

APY

0.45%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Why this Bank made the list

Schwab Bank's High Yield Investor Checking refunds any ATM fees you're charged worldwide, and it doesn't charge foreign exchange fees.

Read our methodology

Best Bank or Credit Union for Branch Access

Monthly fee

$10.00

Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$10.00

Waived with direct deposit or $500 minimum balance

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Why this bank made the list

Wells Fargo operates about 5,200 branches in about 35 states. If you prefer in-person service, there's likely one nearby.

Read our methodology

Best Money Market Account

APY

4.25%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

APY

4.25%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Why this Account made the list

Unlike many banks, Ally doesn't charge a hefty minimum deposit to open its money market. That's free, and it offers a competitive APY and check-writing, too.

Read our methodology

Best Bank for CDs

APY

4.50%

Minimum Deposit

$0

APY

4.50%

Minimum Deposit

$0

Why this CD made the list

CD rates are still relatively high at Ally, and you'll get the same return regardless of your balance. There's no minimum to open, either.

Read our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

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