CompareFairlyBest Checking Accounts 2026
Our pick : SoFi Checking and Savings (89/100) · Cheapest : SoFi Checking and Savings · Best value : U.S. Bank Smartly Checking
In short
This comparison of 12 checking accounts across 11 criteria, including monthly maintenance fee, minimum balance to avoid fee, ATM fee reimbursement, overdraft fee, interest rate (APY), and number of free ATMs, places SoFi Checking and Savings first with a score of 89/100, largely due to its perfect scores in ATM fee reimbursement and minimum balance to avoid fee. Axos Bank Rewards Checking comes in second with 87/100, excelling in interest rate (APY). SoFi Checking and Savings is also identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that while data for 5 out of the 12 options is sourced, the remaining values are estimates and are flagged as such. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | SoFi Checking and Savings | Axos Bank Rewards Checking | Ally Bank Interest Checking Account | Capital One 360 Checking | Chime Checking Account | Chase Total Checking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Maintenance Fee (USD) | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Minimum Balance to Avoid Fee (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1500.0 |
| ATM Fee Reimbursement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Overdraft Fee (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 34.0 |
| Interest Rate (APY) (%) | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.01 |
| Number of Free ATMs (count) | 55000 | — | 75000 | 70000 | 60000 | 14000 |
| Customer Service Rating (stars) | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Sign-up Bonus (USD) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mobile Check Deposit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Bill Pay | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best checking accounts to open in 2026?
Based on our latest review, SoFi Checking and Savings stands out with a score of 89/100, followed closely by Axos Bank Rewards Checking, offering competitive features for your banking needs.
How do you compare checking accounts for your rankings?
We evaluate checking accounts based on key criteria like monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM fee reimbursement, overdraft fees, interest rates (APY), and the number of free ATMs available.
Is your comparison of checking accounts biased?
No, our rankings are completely neutral and not influenced by any paid placements; each data point is sourced and verified to provide you with objective information.
What are the main benefits of SoFi Checking and Savings?
SoFi Checking and Savings excels with no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance to avoid fees, generous ATM fee reimbursement, and a competitive APY, making it a top choice.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.