Standout Online Checking Accounts
When choosing a new checking account, take a close look at fees, branch and ATM accessibility, and interest rate. People who do online banking should select an institution that offers a good website along with a mobile app that lets them deposit checks remotely.
To get the most from your checking account, you need low fees, good customer support and free ATMs nearby. If you earn interest on your cash, even better. Compare standout checking accounts from our partners below.
When choosing a new checking account, take a close look at fees, branch and ATM accessibility, and interest rate. People who do online banking should select an institution that offers a good website along with a mobile app that lets them deposit checks remotely.
To get the most from your checking account, you need low fees, good customer support and free ATMs nearby. If you earn interest on your cash, even better. Compare standout checking accounts from our partners below.
| Bank/institution | NerdWallet rating | Monthly fee | APY | Bonus | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0/5 | $0 | 0.50% With $0 min. balance for APY | Up to $300 Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Learn moreat SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC | |
4.8/5 | $0 | 0.10% With $0 min. balance for APY | $250 Earn up to $250 with 360 Checking. Terms Apply. | Learn moreat Capital One, Member FDIC | |
 E*TRADE Max-Rate Checking Learn moreat Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC | 4.0/5 | $15.00 Waived with direct deposit or $5,000 minimum balance | 3.00% With $0 min. balance for APY | N/A | Learn moreat Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC |
4.6/5 | $12.00 Waived with direct deposit or $1,500 minimum balance | N/A | $300 Requirements to qualify | Learn moreat Chase, Member FDIC | |
3.0/5 | $35.00 $0 with qualifying activities | 0.01% With $0 min. balance for APY | $3,000 Requirements to qualify | Learn moreat Chase, Member FDIC | |
5.0/5 | $0 | N/A | $360 Up to $360 per year. See website for details. | Learn moreat Discover® Bank, Member FDIC |
Why online checking accounts dominate the list
Some important factors for virtually every bank-shopper are monthly fees, ATM access and interest rates (since they have the biggest impact on your bottom line). And, as it happens, online banks typically offer higher interest rates.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Standout Online Checking Accounts- SoFi Checking and Savings: 0.50% APY
- Capital One 360 Checking: 0.10% APY
- E*TRADE Max-Rate Checking: 3.00% APY
- Chase Total Checking®
- Chase Private Client Checking℠: 0.01% APY
- Discover® Cashback Debit