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9 Best Online Checking Accounts of 2024

The best online checking accounts offer special features and good remote customer service.

Nov 18, 2024
Chanelle Bessette
Written by 
Chanelle Bessette
Lead Writer
Tony Armstrong
Edited by 
Tony Armstrong
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Chanelle Bessette
Written by 
Chanelle Bessette
Lead Writer
Tony Armstrong
Edited by 
Tony Armstrong
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

To open an online checking account, you'll want to look at what's offered by online banks, credit unions and nonbank financial institutions. 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.)

Why trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow 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.

Here are our favorite online checking accounts.

APYs shown are current as of Nov. 21, 2024. All other information is current as of Nov. 18, 2024.

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Best Online Checking Accounts

Bank/institution
NerdWallet rating
APY
Bonus
Monthly fee
Overdraft star rating
Learn more
SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi Checking and Savings

Learn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
0.50%
With $0 min. balance for APY
$300
Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.
$0
5.0/5
Learn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
Discover® Cashback Debit

Discover® Cashback Debit

Learn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
N/A
$360
Up to $360 per year. See website for details.
$0
5.0/5
Learn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
nbkc bank Everything Account

nbkc bank Everything Account

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
1.75%
With $0 min. balance for APY
N/A
$0
4.8/5
Read review
American Express Rewards Checking

American Express Rewards Checking

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
1.00%
N/A
$0
3.8/5
Read review
Bask Bank Interest Checking

Bask Bank Interest Checking

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
1.00%
With $0 min. balance for APY
N/A
$0
4.4/5
Read review
Laurel Road Loyalty Checking

Laurel Road Loyalty Checking

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
0.01%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
$300
Requirements to qualify
$0
4.3/5
Read review
TAB Spend

TAB Spend

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
3.50%
With $0.01 min. balance for APY
N/A
$0
3.8/5
Read review
Upgrade - Rewards Checking Plus

Upgrade - Rewards Checking Plus

Learn more
at Upgrade, Deposits are FDIC Insured
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
N/A
N/A
$0
3.8/5
Learn more
at Upgrade, Deposits are FDIC Insured
ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account

ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account

Read review
5.0/5
Best for Online Checking Accounts
2.00%
N/A
$0
3.8/5
Read review

Our pick for

Online Checking Accounts

SoFi Checking and Savings
SoFi Checking and Savings
Learn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Learn more
at SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC

APY

0.50%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300

Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply.

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

5.0/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

SoFi offers a solid interest rate in addition to cash-back opportunities and a bonus.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: A strong 0.50% APY on all balances and an opportunity to earn a bonus between $50 and $300 depending on your direct deposit total in your first 30 days.

Other pros: Customers can use more than 55,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs.* SoFi customers can insure their deposits on up to $2 million by enrolling in the SoFi Insured Deposit Program, which is a much higher limit than the typical $250,000 of FDIC insurance offered by banks.

What you should know: SoFi’s account is a combination of checking and savings features, so you can’t open an individual checking account or individual savings account with SoFi. However, the checking and savings balances can be separated, and customers can create subaccounts called Vaults.

*SoFi says: "All ATM Fees Reimbursed worldwide. There is a foreign exchange fee of 1% charged by Visa that is not waived. Account fees, APY rates and ATM fees are variable and subject to change."

Discover® Cashback Debit
Discover® Cashback Debit
Learn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Learn more
at Discover® Bank, Member FDIC

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
Why We Like It

Discover® Bank offers a strong cash-back benefit and large ATM network.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: Discover® Cashback Debit customers can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.

Other pros: Customers also have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs and direct deposit up to two days early. Discover also offers a free overdraft protection service.

What you should know: If you haven’t set up overdraft protection, Discover will decline any transaction that would overdraft your account.

nbkc bank Everything Account
nbkc bank Everything Account
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

1.75%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

4.8/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

NBKC has a strong APY, a large ATM network and a solid ATM fee reimbursement program.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: Customers earn 1.75% APY on all balances.

Other pros: Customers have access to more than 90,000 fee-free MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs as well as $12 a month in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements.

What you should know: NBKC doesn’t have an overdraft program, which means you aren’t able to make any transactions that would result in an overdraft.

American Express Rewards Checking
American Express Rewards Checking
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

1.00%

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

3.8/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

American Express checking customers can earn a strong interest rate, and they have access to a large free ATM network.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: American Express Rewards Checking customers can earn 1.00% APY.

Other pros: American Express is part of the MoneyPass and Allpoint ATM networks, so customers have access to more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs. Customers can reach AmEx customer service 24/7.

What you should know: This account is only available to credit card customers who have had an American Express U.S. Basic Consumer credit card for at least 35 days. Also, American Express does not offer overdraft protection; if you try to make a transaction without enough funds in your checking account, American Express will decline it.

Bask Bank Interest Checking
Bask Bank Interest Checking
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

1.00%

With $0 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

4.4/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

Bask Bank has a no-fee checking account with a notable rate.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: The account comes with a 1.00% APY, which is considerably higher than the national average interest checking rate of 0.08% APY.

Other pros: Customers have access to more than 55,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs.

What you should know: Bask Bank does not charge overdraft fees, but it’s hit or miss whether the bank approves transactions that would overdraft. Many other banks offer services like overdraft protection transfers, which allow customers to link a backup account, like a savings account, to cover an overdraft.

Laurel Road Loyalty Checking
Laurel Road Loyalty Checking
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

0.01%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Bonus

$300

Requirements to qualify

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

4.3/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

Laurel Road Loyalty Checking is a free online account that allows customers to earn a monthly bonus from making qualifying direct deposits.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: This account comes with a low 0.01% APY, but customers can earn a monthly bonus by making qualifying direct deposits. Customers can earn $20 per month for the first year of being an account owner as long as they make direct deposits of at least $2,500 per month. After the first year, they can earn $10 per month for the same $2,500 in direct deposits per month.

Other pros: Customers can use more than 40,000 fee-free KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs.

What you should know: Laurel Road charges a $20 fee when you overdraft, but you can overdraft up to $20 with no fee. You can also set up a free overdraft protection transfer to pull money from a linked account instead of overdrafting your checking account.

TAB Spend
TAB Spend
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

3.50%

With $0.01 min. balance for APY

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

3.8/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

TAB Spend is a rewards checking account with a strong interest rate and no monthly fees.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: TAB Spend comes with a high 3.50% APY interest rate and 1% cash back on purchases made with your debit card.

Other pros: TAB Bank is part of the MoneyPass ATM network, which gives customers access to more than 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

What you should know: TAB Bank has no overdraft program, so transactions that would result in an overdraft are declined.

Upgrade - Rewards Checking Plus
Upgrade - Rewards Checking Plus
Learn more
at Upgrade, Deposits are FDIC Insured
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Learn more
at Upgrade, Deposits are FDIC Insured

APY

N/A

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

3.8/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

Customers can earn cash back on everyday spending categories with this free checking account from Upgrade.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: Upgrade’s Rewards Checking Plus doesn’t come with any interest, but customers can earn up to 2% cash back on common purchases as long as you receive a monthly direct deposit of $1,000 or more. These purchases can include monthly subscriptions and purchases at various businesses, such as drug stores, gas stations and restaurants. You can earn a maximum of $500 in cash-back rewards per year at the 2% cash back rate. You can earn 1% cash back after the $500 maximum as well as on other purchases made with your debit card that don’t fall into the categories above.

If you don’t meet the required direct deposit amount, you’ll earn 1% cash back on common purchases and 0.50% cash back on all other eligible spending.

Other pros: Upgrade is part of the Allpoint network, so customers have access to more than 55,000 free ATMs.

What you should know: Upgrade doesn’t have an overdraft program, so transactions that result in an overdraft are declined. Also, keep in mind that you can’t make cash deposits with Upgrade; you’ll need to make a mobile check deposit or a direct deposit or transfer funds electronically.

ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account
ZYNLO Bank More Spending Account
Read review
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Read review

APY

2.00%

Bonus

N/A

Monthly fee

$0

Overdraft star rating

3.8/5

Our Take
Why We Like It

Zynlo’s More Spending Account comes with a solid interest rate and the opportunity to round up your purchases into your savings account with a match from Zynlo.

Monthly fee: None.

Special features: This account comes with a solid 2.00% APY. If you open a Zynlo Tomorrow Savings account, you can also use Zynlo’s “round up and match” program. This program rounds up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar, transfers the difference to your savings account, and matches the amount. For the first 100 days that you have your account, Zynlo will match 100%. After that, you have to maintain a balance of $5,000 in your More Spending Account to get a 100% match; if you don’t, then Zynlo will only match 25%.

Other pros: Zynlo works with the Allpoint network to provide access to more than 55,000 free ATMs.

What you should know: There’s a $10 minimum opening deposit for this account. Also, Zynlo doesn’t have an overdraft program and therefore doesn’t charge overdraft fees.

The pros of online checking accounts

  • Fewer fees. Online checking 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 institutions typically don’t have 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 do I deposit cash with 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.

Last updated on November 18, 2024

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, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, 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 (formerly TIAA Bank), Fifth Third Bank, First Foundation, First Internet Bank, First National Bank, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, FNBO Direct, Flagstar Bank, Forbright BankGlobal 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, 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.

How we rate banks and credit unions

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Online Checking Accounts of 2024

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.

  • 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.