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Overview
There are so many facets to a good financial strategy. From savings accounts and credit cards to loans and investments. But it’s a strong checking account that takes pride of place at the front of any financial goals.
They might not have the sex appeal of a high-value investment or even the steady surety of a high-yield savings account. But a well-built checking account operates as the nerve center, helping you budget, save, and build habits that set you up for financial success.
What makes a good checking account?
At their core, checking accounts are just bank accounts capable of supporting deposits and payments. They generally operate as our day-to-day accounts, pushing our cash in the many directions we require of it. But the best checking account is different for everyone.
When looking for the best checking account for you, consider some of the following:
- Recurring and one-off fees
- Interest-earning opportunities
- Accessibility
- Budgeting features
- Direct debit and automation
- Online only or in-branch.
Taking some of these things on board will help you build an idea of the type of checking account you need.
The Bottom Line:
Checking accounts are a vital piece of anyone’s financial strategy. Taking the time to decide which aspects of an account matter to you can help take your money to the next level.
The quick pick:
Capital One’s 360 Checking account stakes a claim as one of the best checking accounts thanks to its massive flexibility and accessible operating costs (or lack thereof).
The Best Checkings Accounts in 2025:
- Best all-around checking account: Capital One 360
- Best for rewards: Discover Cashback Debit
- Best for customer service: KeyBank
- Best for checkings and savings: Sofi Dynamic
- Best for American Express customers: American Express Rewards Checking
- Best for high interest: Axos Bank Rewards Checking
- 0.1% APY
- Earn up to $250 bonus
- $0 min. deposit to open
Capital One 360 Checking
Capital One's 360 Checking account stakes a claim as one of the best checking accounts thanks to its massive flexibility and accessible operating costs (or lack thereof).
Our quick take
- The account has no monthly operating fees and won’t charge for overdrafts, either. This fact makes its 0.10% APY all the more generous. It’s rare to stumble across a checking account offering interest with no fees. There’s no minimum deposit or balance, either.
- The online experience is strong, but the presence of Capital One’s cafes or traditional branches means in-person help is available, too. Throw in nice features like early paydays and Zelle, and Capital One 360 is looking like a strong option for many.
What we love about it
- No fees
- No minimum deposit
- Good online experience
- Early direct deposit
- N/A
- Earn up to $360 cashback/year
- $0 min. deposit to open
Discover Cashback Debit
Discover's checking account is unique in that it offers cashback instead of interest. The cashback is capped after spending $3,000 a month, but that still means you'll earn as much as $360 a year.
Our quick take
Your spending will dictate the true value of this perk with the cashback perk.
Discover kicks fees to the curb. There’s nothing to pay for monthly maintenance, overdrafts, or insufficient funds, helping make that $1 cashback all the more interesting. There are also no account requirements like minimum balances or deposits.
- Customers have access to a debit card, along with free expedited shipping, as well as access to a well-reviewed app. You can withdraw money for free from any Allpoint or MoneyPass ATM. There are over 60,000, so you should be able to find one nearby.
What we love about it
Cashback
Access to a debit card
Good app
No fees
- 2.26% APY
- Earn up to $300
- $1,000 min. deposit to open
Keybank
This bank account doesn't stand out with its offers, and there are some low deposit requirements to open an account, but it is still a great option.
Our quick take
KeyBank doesn’t break the mold with its checking offers. There are some low deposit requirements to open an account and some overdraft fees depending on which type of account you open.
However, it’s a great option with more than 40,000 ATMs around the country and no monthly add-on fees.
Where it comes into its own is its outstanding customer service. It offers 24/7 live phone support, Twitter assistance, and online chat support, all on top of its in-person branches. If you’re in one of the fifteen states it operates in, it’s an excellent choice.
What we love about it
- No fees
- No minimum deposit
- Good online experience
- Early direct deposit
4.75
- 4.0% APY
- Earn up to $300 bonus
- $0 min. deposit to open
SoFi Banking
SoFi Checking and Savings is a high-yield, fee-free account offering competitive interest rates (over 4.00% APY for savings), early paycheck access, free ATM access, and automated savings features, along with additional financial tools and perks for members.
Apply Now →
Our quick take on SoFi savings account
- With no fees and a stellar top APY of 4.0%, SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is one of the the best choices on the market for tech-savvy customers with direct deposits ready to roll.
- Those with less regular payments or who are cash reliant may struggle to take full advantage of everything the bank has to offer
What we love about it
- Outstanding top tier APY%
- No fees
- Well-reviewd app
- Free ATM withdrawls
- Early direct deposit
- 1.0% APY
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards® point for every $2 of eligible Debit Card purchases
- $0 min. deposit to open
American Express Rewards Checking
Amex's checking offering is a rare product that allows customers to earn valuable points. While its 1x point per $2 of debit card purchases is far below credit card rates, it provides another option for earning transferable rewards.
Our quick take
Amex’s checking offering is a rare product that allows customers to earn valuable points. While its 1x point per $2 of debit card purchases is far below credit card rates, it provides another option for earning transferable rewards.
Beyond this perk, it’s a pretty great checking account. It comes with a 1% APY, no maintenance fees or minimum deposits, and the lauded 24/7 Amex customer service.
The one big stipulation is that you must have had an American Express credit card for more than 35 days before applying.
What we love about it
Earn points while shopping
High APY
No fees
Great customer service
- 3.3% APY
- No bonus
- $0 min. deposit to open
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Things can get a little complicated with Axos. But for those willing to take the road less traveled, a strong APY on your checking account awaits.
Our quick take
The bank’s APY operates on a tiered scale. The top rate is a whopping 3.30% on up to $50,000. To get that, you’ll need to meet multiple criteria from setting up direct deposits to using the card ten times a month. It’s a lot. But that’s a potential $1,650 falling into your account each year.
There are zero monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and $0 required to open the account.
What we love about it
High APY
No fees
No minimum deposit
FAQ's
Why do I need a checking account specifically for travelers?
A checking account designed for travelers offers features tailored to the unique needs of those who frequently travel. These accounts often include benefits such as fee-free international ATM withdrawals, favorable currency conversion rates, and travel insurance coverage. They can help you avoid carrying large amounts of cash, provide security against theft, and offer convenience in managing your finances while abroad.
Are there fees associated with using checking accounts for travelers?
What features should I prioritize when choosing a checking account for travel?
Can I use my regular checking account for travel, or do I need a specialized account?
While you can technically use your regular checking account for travel, a specialized checking account for travelers offers several advantages. These accounts are designed to minimize fees and provide added benefits that cater to the needs of travelers, such as fee-free international transactions and enhanced security features.
Are there limitations on international ATM usage with these accounts?
The limitations on international ATM usage vary by account. Some checking accounts for travelers offer unlimited fee-free ATM withdrawals worldwide, while others may have specific caps on the number of fee-free transactions or may reimburse a certain amount of out-of-network ATM fees per statement cycle. Review the account details to understand the ATM usage policies.
Is it important to have access to physical branches while traveling?
The importance of physical branches while traveling depends on your preferences and travel destinations. Some travelers value the convenience of in-person assistance and access to physical branches, especially in emergency situations. However, others may find that online and mobile banking features adequately fulfill their needs, eliminating the need for physical branches.
Can I link multiple accounts from different countries with these checking accounts?
Certain checking accounts for travelers offer international account linking features that allow you to manage accounts across different countries within the same banking institution. This can simplify fund transfers and account management if you have financial ties in multiple locations.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
