{
  "canary": "5e58aab816101035",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Fees",
        "key": "monthly_maintenance_fee",
        "label": "Monthly Maintenance Fee",
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fees",
        "key": "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee",
        "label": "Minimum Balance to Avoid Fee",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fees",
        "key": "atm_fee_reimbursement",
        "label": "ATM Fee Reimbursement",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Fees",
        "key": "overdraft_fee",
        "label": "Overdraft Fee",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Interest",
        "key": "interest_rate_apy",
        "label": "Interest Rate (APY)",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "pourcentage",
        "unit": "%"
      },
      {
        "group": "Network",
        "key": "number_of_free_atms",
        "label": "Number of Free ATMs",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "count"
      },
      {
        "group": "Service",
        "key": "customer_service_rating",
        "label": "Customer Service Rating",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "note",
        "unit": "stars"
      },
      {
        "group": "Service",
        "key": "account_history_length",
        "label": "Account History Length",
        "poids": 1,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "years"
      },
      {
        "group": "Bonuses",
        "key": "sign_up_bonus",
        "label": "Sign-up Bonus",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "mobile_check_deposit",
        "label": "Mobile Check Deposit",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "online_bill_pay",
        "label": "Online Bill Pay",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "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.",
        "q": "What are the best checking accounts to open in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "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.",
        "q": "How do you compare checking accounts for your rankings?"
      },
      {
        "a": "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.",
        "q": "Is your comparison of checking accounts biased?"
      },
      {
        "a": "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.",
        "q": "What are the main benefits of SoFi Checking and Savings?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 2166,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "finance",
      "banking",
      "checking-accounts"
    ],
    "price_key": "monthly_maintenance_fee",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "Standard",
          "Interest-bearing",
          "Student",
          "Senior",
          "Business"
        ],
        "q": "Account type?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "Everyday spending",
          "Saving & Investing",
          "Travel",
          "Online only"
        ],
        "q": "Primary use?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "Yes",
          "No"
        ],
        "q": "Direct deposit needed?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "best savings accounts",
      "best online banks",
      "best high yield checking accounts",
      "compare bank fees"
    ],
    "synthese": [
      "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."
    ],
    "tier": "gold",
    "title": "Best Checking Accounts",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "US",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 10.6,
    "stale": true,
    "ttl_days": 1
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall",
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "best_for": "Rate-maximizers who want their money to actually earn something.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "The account pays real interest on your checking balance when most accounts pay nothing.",
      "logo_dom": "sofi.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/sofi.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "SoFi Checking and Savings",
      "pros": [],
      "provider": "SoFi",
      "score": 89.0,
      "source_url": "https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 100.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 98.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 50.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 100.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 73.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": true,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.4,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.5,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 55000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "A checking account that offers a high interest rate and ATM fee reimbursements with certain balance requirements.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.axosbank.com/",
      "logo_dom": "axos.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/axos.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Axos Bank Rewards Checking",
      "provider": "Axos Bank",
      "score": 87.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.axosbank.com/Personal/Checking/Rewards-Checking",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 100.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 96.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 100.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 100.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": true,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.3,
        "interest_rate_apy": 1.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": null,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Cash-free online bankers.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Ally is suitable for cash-free online bankers.",
      "link_url": "https://allybank.com/",
      "logo_dom": "ally.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/ally.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Ally Bank Interest Checking Account",
      "pros": [],
      "provider": "Ally Bank",
      "score": 86.0,
      "source_url": "https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 100.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 100.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 10.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 100.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 100.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": true,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.5,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.1,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 75000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Hybrid digital/branch users who live somewhere cash matters.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Capital One 360 offers a large hybrid ATM + branch-adjacent network.",
      "link_url": "https://capitalone.com/",
      "logo_dom": "capital.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/capital.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Capital One 360 Checking",
      "pros": [],
      "provider": "Capital One",
      "score": 85.0,
      "source_url": "https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 100.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 98.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 10.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 100.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 93.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": true,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.4,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.1,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 70000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Overdraft-prone users who regularly cut it close before payday.",
      "cons": [
        "Chime does not support wire transfers (incoming or outgoing)",
        "No physical branches; customer service is app or phone only"
      ],
      "description": "Chime offers no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance requirements, and a unique SpotMe overdraft coverage feature.",
      "logo_dom": "chime.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/chime.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Chime Checking Account",
      "pros": [
        "SpotMe covers up to $200 in overdrafts at no cost",
        "No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance",
        "Early direct deposit (up to two days early)"
      ],
      "provider": "Chime",
      "score": 81.0,
      "source_url": "https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 100.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 96.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 100.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 80.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": true,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.3,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 60000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Branch-first users who travel or need branch access.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Chase Total Checking offers nearly 5,000 physical branches nationwide.",
      "link_url": "https://chase.com/",
      "logo_dom": "chase.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/chase.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Chase Total Checking",
      "pros": [],
      "provider": "Chase",
      "score": 34.0,
      "source_url": "https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 0.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 91.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 1.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 19.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 3.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": false,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.1,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.01,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 1500.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 14000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 34.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "description": "A checking account with a focus on digital tools and a large ATM network, with various options to waive the monthly fee.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.usbank.com/",
      "name": "U.S. Bank Smartly Checking",
      "provider": "U.S. Bank",
      "score": 32.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.usbank.com/checking-accounts/smartly-checking-account.html",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 0.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 89.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 1.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 83.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 7.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 29.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": false,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.01,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 1500.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 6.95,
        "number_of_free_atms": 5000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 25.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "A traditional checking account option with a large ATM network, but requires a minimum balance to avoid fees.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.wellsfargo.com/",
      "logo_dom": "wells.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/wells.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Wells Fargo Everyday Checking",
      "provider": "Wells Fargo",
      "score": 28.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.wellsfargo.com/checking/everyday-checking/",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 0.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 89.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 1.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 75.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 17.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": false,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.01,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 1500.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 10.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 13000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 35.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Offers a robust mobile banking experience and a large ATM network, with a fee that can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.bankofamerica.com/",
      "logo_dom": "bank.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/bank.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking",
      "provider": "Bank of America",
      "score": 28.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.bankofamerica.com/checking/advantage-plus-banking/",
      "subscores": {
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": 0.0,
        "customer_service_rating": 89.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 1.0,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 0.0,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 70.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 23.0,
        "overdraft_fee": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": false,
        "customer_service_rating": 4.0,
        "interest_rate_apy": 0.01,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": 1500.0,
        "mobile_check_deposit": true,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 12.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 17000,
        "online_bill_pay": true,
        "overdraft_fee": 35.0,
        "sign_up_bonus": 0.0
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://upgrade.com/",
      "name": "Upgrade Rewards",
      "score": 20.0,
      "subscores": {
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "interest_rate_apy": null,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": null,
        "mobile_check_deposit": null,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": "0",
        "number_of_free_atms": null,
        "online_bill_pay": null,
        "overdraft_fee": null,
        "sign_up_bonus": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "Envelope",
      "score": 9.0,
      "subscores": {
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": 0.0,
        "number_of_free_atms": 73.0
      },
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "interest_rate_apy": null,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": null,
        "mobile_check_deposit": null,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": "40/yr (waivable)",
        "number_of_free_atms": "55,000+",
        "online_bill_pay": null,
        "overdraft_fee": null,
        "sign_up_bonus": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://pacificwestbank.com/",
      "name": "Pacific West Bank",
      "score": 0.0,
      "subscores": {},
      "values": {
        "account_history_length": null,
        "atm_fee_reimbursement": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "interest_rate_apy": null,
        "minimum_balance_to_avoid_fee": null,
        "mobile_check_deposit": null,
        "monthly_maintenance_fee": null,
        "number_of_free_atms": null,
        "online_bill_pay": null,
        "overdraft_fee": null,
        "sign_up_bonus": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-checking-accounts.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "best checking accounts",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Best Checking Accounts",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-checking-accounts"
}