NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026

Your shortcut to the best bank accounts for you

Our Nerds researched more than 250 banking products, narrowing down to just one winner per category.

NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026
NerdWallet Best-Of Awards 2026

Your shortcut to the best bank accounts for you

Our Nerds researched more than 250 banking products, narrowing down to just one winner per category.

Banking Nerd
Banking Nerd

Find a top bank account — fast

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BEST BANK 2026

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi Checking and Savings
Learn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

SoFi Checking and Savings

4.8

NerdWallet rating 

APY

Up to 4.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300 + 0.70% APY

Earn up to $300 and +0.70% Boost on Savings APY. Terms apply.

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

SoFi® has competitive rates and no monthly fees on its checking and savings accounts. The online bank goes beyond basics with multiple savings tools, fast money transfers and a strong overdraft program.

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BEST CREDIT UNION 2026

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Savings

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Savings
Learn more
at Alliant Credit Union, Federally insured by NCUA

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Savings

4.4

NerdWallet rating 

APY

3.10%

With $100 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Alliant Credit Union has no monthly or overdraft fees, a large, free ATM network, and competitive rates on share certificates. Anyone can become a member by making a one-time $5 donation to a non-profit. Alliant will even pay the donation for you.

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BEST CHECKING ACCOUNT OVERALL 2026

Chime® Checking Account

Chime® Checking Account
Learn more
at Chime®

Chime® Checking Account

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

N/A

Bonus

Up to $350

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Chime’s checking account has no monthly fees and gives customers access to tens of thousands of ATMs. It has a robust overdraft buffer program that allows customers to overdraft up to $200 as long as they meet a minimal direct deposit requirement.

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BEST SAVINGS ACCOUNT 2026

Newtek Bank Personal High-Yield Savings

Newtek Bank Personal High-Yield Savings

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

4.35%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Newtek Bank’s high-yield savings account has an attractive rate, no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.

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BEST MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT 2026

Zynlo Money Market Account

Zynlo Money Market Account

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

3.90%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

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ZYNLO’s money market account earns a strong APY and has no minimum requirement to open. It does not charge monthly fees.

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BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION FOR CDS 2026

Marcus by Goldman Sachs 13 Month No-Penalty CD

Marcus by Goldman Sachs 13 Month No-Penalty CD

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

3.95%

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Minimum deposit

$500

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers a stellar line-up of high-yield CDs across a wide range of terms and with a relatively low minimum deposit of $500. The bank even provides uncommon and useful options, including no-penalty CDs.

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BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION FOR BRANCH ACCESS 2026

Chase Total Checking®

Chase Total Checking®

3.6

NerdWallet rating 

APY

N/A

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$15.00

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Chase banks are available in most states and Washington, D.C. The bank offers over 5,000 locations, the most branches of any financial institution in the country.

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BEST ONLINE BANKING EXPERIENCE 2026

Chime® Checking Account

Chime® Checking Account
Learn more
at Chime®

Chime® Checking Account

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

N/A

Bonus

Up to $350

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

The Chime digital banking experience tops that of other financial institutions. Its website makes it easy to find and understand information, and its mobile apps feature 24/7 live customer support and are well-rated by users.

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BEST ONLINE BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT 2026

Bluevine Business Checking

Bluevine Business Checking
Learn more
at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured

Bluevine Business Checking

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

APY

1.30%

Bonus

$500

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$0

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Bluevine's online account is a great choice for businesses of all sizes. Beyond a high APY and few fees, it offers lots of useful digital features — like invoicing, accounts payable and sub-accounts — that can save entrepreneurs time and money.

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BEST BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT 2026

Chase Business Complete Banking®

Chase Business Complete Banking®
Learn more
at Chase, Member FDIC

Chase Business Complete Banking®

4.5

NerdWallet rating 

APY

N/A

Bonus

$500

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$15.00

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WHY OUR NERDS LOVE IT

Sparkle icon

Chase offers the largest branch network in the U.S. Beyond that, its small-business accounts include built-in credit card processing, unlimited electronic deposits and a nice sign-up bonus.

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