5 Best Free Checking Accounts of 2025

Chime’s customers have access to a broad no-fee ATM network as well as a strong overdraft program. They can also receive their paychecks up to two days early with direct deposit.

Interest rate: None.

Minimum deposit to open: None.

Other pros: Chime’s SpotMe® overdraft program allows customers to overdraft up to $200 with no fees, as long as they have activated their debit card and have received at least $200 in direct deposit in the previous 34 days. Customers must continue to receive $200 in direct deposits every 34 days to use the SpotMe® program.

What you should know: If you wish to deposit cash into your Chime checking account, you can deposit for free at any Walgreens location. You can also go to other third-party retailers such as Walmart, CVS or 7-Eleven, but these retailers charge their own fees.

Another thing to consider is that in May 2024, the CFPB ordered Chime to pay millions of dollars for failing to refund consumers in a timely manner when their Chime accounts were closed.

Chime says: Chime says: "SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions: https://www.chime.com/policies."

Chime also says: "Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade."

Ally offers interest on its free checking account as well as nationwide ATM fee reimbursements of up to $10 a month.

Interest rate: 0.10% or 0.25% APY, depending on balance.

Minimum deposit to open: $0.

Other pros: Ally customers have free access to more than 75,000 Allpoint ATMs nationally.

Customers at Navy Federal Credit Union have access to more than 30,000 shared Co-op Network ATMs and 350 branches worldwide. They also have multiple options when it comes to overdraft coverage.

Interest rate: 0.01% APY.

Minimum deposit to open: $0.

Other pros: Navy Federal charges a $20 overdraft fee, but it can only charge that fee once per day. Customers are charged no overdraft fee on transactions of $5 or less, or if your total overdrawn balance is less than $15. Customers can also make free overdraft protection transfers from a linked savings account or open an overdraft line of credit.

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: $0.

Other pros: Customers have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs.

What you should know: Discover only has one branch in Delaware.