My Banking Direct Review: Checking and Savings
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- Savings
Overall institution rating
4.5
My Banking Direct’s online High Yield Savings Account offers a stellar rate and does not charge monthly fees. The bank also has an online checking account with no monthly fees. If you don’t need to visit bank branches and prefer to do your banking online, this institution provides a solid option for checking and savings, all under one (virtual) roof.
My Banking Direct is an online-only brand of New York-based Flagstar Bank. While the brand is separate, your funds are federally insured through the same parent institution.
Best for: Customers who want high rates on savings, are looking for checking and savings with no monthly fees and who want to do their banking online.
» Want to compare other high savings rates? Check out NerdWallet's best high yield savings accounts
Pros
- No monthly fees on savings and checking accounts.
- Competitive rate on savings accounts.
- Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
Cons
- No overdraft protection program.
- No branch access.
Full review
Savings
Savings
Member FDIC
4.9
/5 NerdWallet ratingMy Banking Direct’s savings account earns a stellar rate. In fact, it has one of the best yields around for savings. But you will need to deposit at least $500 to open an account. (There are other online banks that have competitive savings rates and no minimum deposit requirement.)
The minimum is not as strict after you open the account, however. Your daily balance can dip to as low as $1 and you’ll still earn the high rate. But it’s important to keep in mind that yields are variable and can change at any time. If you’re able to grow your account above the initial $500, you’ll give yourself the best chance to take advantage of the best rates for this account.
You can fund your savings account by initiating an electronic funds transfer or by mailing a check to the bank. After your account is established, you can set up direct deposit and submit mobile check deposits online. For withdrawals, you can access your money via funds transfer, and you can send money to friends and family with Zelle. Also, checking accounts at My Banking Direct come with debit cards. So if you open a checking account, you can link your checking and savings and then withdraw cash using your debit card.
How does My Banking Direct compare?
 Member FDIC |  Member FDIC |
|---|---|
NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating 4.5 /5 |
APY 4.20% With $0 min. balance for APY | APY 4.55% With $5,000 min. balance for APY |
Bonus $300 Earn up to $300 with direct deposit. Terms apply. | Bonus N/A |
Learn more at SoFi Bank, N.A. | Learn more at CIT Bank |
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
