# Best Checking Accounts _CompareFairly · en/US · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** finance › banking › checking accounts **Our pick**: SoFi Checking and Savings (89/100) · **Cheapest**: SoFi Checking and Savings · **Best value**: U.S. Bank Smartly Checking ## 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 | | Minimum Balance to Avoid Fee (USD) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1500 | | ATM Fee Reimbursement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | | Overdraft Fee (USD) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | | Interest Rate (APY) (%) | 0.5 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.0 | | 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 | | Mobile Check Deposit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Online Bill Pay | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ## 1. SoFi Checking and Savings The account pays real interest on your checking balance when most accounts pay nothing. **Best for:** Rate-maximizers who want their money to actually earn something. _Source (verified): [https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts)_ ## 2. Axos Bank Rewards Checking A checking account that offers a high interest rate and ATM fee reimbursements with certain balance requirements. _Source (estimate): [https://www.axosbank.com/Personal/Checking/Rewards-Checking](https://www.axosbank.com/Personal/Checking/Rewards-Checking)_ ## 3. Ally Bank Interest Checking Account Ally is suitable for cash-free online bankers. **Best for:** Cash-free online bankers. _Source (verified): [https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts)_ ## 4. Capital One 360 Checking Capital One 360 offers a large hybrid ATM + branch-adjacent network. **Best for:** Hybrid digital/branch users who live somewhere cash matters. _Source (verified): [https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts)_ ## 5. Chime Checking Account Chime offers no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no minimum balance requirements, and a unique SpotMe overdraft coverage feature. **Best for:** Overdraft-prone users who regularly cut it close before payday. **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) **Cons:** - Chime does not support wire transfers (incoming or outgoing) - No physical branches; customer service is app or phone only _Source (verified): [https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts)_ ## 6. Chase Total Checking Chase Total Checking offers nearly 5,000 physical branches nationwide. **Best for:** Branch-first users who travel or need branch access. _Source (verified): [https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/best-checking-accounts)_ ## 7. U.S. Bank Smartly Checking A checking account with a focus on digital tools and a large ATM network, with various options to waive the monthly fee. _Source (estimate): [https://www.usbank.com/checking-accounts/smartly-checking-account.html](https://www.usbank.com/checking-accounts/smartly-checking-account.html)_ ## 8. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking A traditional checking account option with a large ATM network, but requires a minimum balance to avoid fees. _Source (estimate): [https://www.wellsfargo.com/checking/everyday-checking/](https://www.wellsfargo.com/checking/everyday-checking/)_ ## 9. Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking Offers a robust mobile banking experience and a large ATM network, with a fee that can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance. _Source (estimate): [https://www.bankofamerica.com/checking/advantage-plus-banking/](https://www.bankofamerica.com/checking/advantage-plus-banking/)_ ## 10. Upgrade Rewards ## 11. Envelope ## 12. Pacific West Bank ## 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. ## 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. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-checking-accounts — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._