of February 2026
- Get 7x the average checking rate1
- No fees or minimums2
- $50 or $300 direct deposit bonus. Terms apply.3
- FDIC insured up to $3M
- Manage your financial life
- New accounts earn $400, terms apply
- Open an account online, no minimum deposit
- Approx. 60k fee-free PNC and Partner ATMs
- Seamless digital banking experience
- No monthly or overdraft fees
- Earn up to 3.35% APY on Savings1
- Get your tax refund up to 5 days early2
- Zero monthly bank fees or minimums
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit1
- Borrow up to $250, quals apply2
- Build your credit as you spend3
- Open an account in just 2 minutes
- No minimum balance fees¹
- Get paid faster with direct deposit²
- Get fee-free overdraft³ up to $200
- Choose an account tailored to your needs
- $0 Liability Guarantee
- Ways to waive monthly maintenance fees
- 24/7 Total Security Protection®
- Get 7x the average checking rate1
- No fees or minimums2
- $50 or $300 direct deposit bonus. Terms apply.3
- FDIC insured up to $3M
Choosing an online bank provides a modern, flexible, and convenient way to manage your finances, offering round-the-clock access to accounts, competitive rates, and innovative tools—all from the comfort of any device. Explore the unique advantages of online banking and see how it aligns with your financial habits and lifestyle. If you're ready to make the switch, it’s now easier than ever to create a bank account online through secure platforms offered by banks online.
| Online Banking | Traditional Banking | |
|---|---|---|
Accessibility | ||
Convenience | ||
Security | ||
Service Speed | ||
Cost Efficiency | ||
Personal Interaction | ||
Loan/Account Setup | ||
Customization | ||
Cash Handling | ||
Competitive Rates |
What Is Online Banking?
Online banking lets you access your account and perform bank functions online instead of visiting a branch or making a phone call. What you can do online varies from bank to bank, but most let you deposit funds remotely, view your transactions, check balances, transfer funds, and more. You can also take advantage of mobile banking, which offers even more flexibility and allows banking on the go.
One of the biggest benefits is convenience. No matter where you are or what time of the day it is, you can access your accounts and bank without worrying about the branch being closed. It’s also swift and easy to use, whether online or in an app. Some of the best mobile banking apps also include budgeting tools, bill pay, and fraud alerts—all of which enhance your online banking experience.
Keep in mind that institutions that operate banks online exclusively will generally offer lower (or no) fees and more favorable rates thanks to lower overhead costs. Many users are now choosing to create bank accounts online to avoid traditional branch limitations.
What Is a Checking Account?
A checking account is a bank account that’s used to make deposits, perform withdrawals, and send transfers, among other things. They’re designed for everyday use as opposed to saving money over the long term.
Many people have their wages directly deposited into a checking account and use the funds to pay bills, make purchases with a debit card, and transfer to savings or investment accounts. These activities are now mostly done through mobile banking, offering a streamlined and accessible way to manage money on the go through online banks.
Here are a few pros and cons of checking accounts.
Pros
- Gives you a debit card to use
- Provides instant access to your funds
- Very easy to open in most cases
Cons
Opening a checking account through banks online may help reduce some of these fees, especially when you create a bank account online instead of in person. With the rise of digital platforms, more people are opting to create bank accounts online through secure, user-friendly banking sites.
Who Can Open a Checking Account?
Every bank has its own eligibility requirements, but in most cases, anyone who is over 18 years old and able to confirm their identity can open an account. However, if you have past banking issues like not paying overdraft fees, you could run into some trouble.
This is because some online banks use a consumer reporting system called ChexSystems to track deposit account history. When your history is questionable, a bank may stop you from opening an account. Fortunately, many banks online offer second-chance checking accounts, especially when you try to create a bank account online, which can bypass certain traditional checks.
If there are banking problems in your past, you could consider working with online banks that don’t use ChexSystems.
Our Top 3 Checking Accounts:
In a Nutshell
SoFi secured its bank charter in 2022, and now presents a range of online banking services—notably a combined checking and savings account. With this account, you benefit from an APY of up to 3.30% and zero overdraft or transaction fees. New accounts with eligible direct deposit receive a +0.70% APY boost, bringing the total to 4.00% for up to 6 months⁴.
Features
- Get 7x the average checking rate1
- No fees or minimums2
- $50 or $300 direct deposit bonus. Terms apply.3
- FDIC insured up to $3M
Most Popular Products
Pros
- Customer service available on weekdays and Saturdays
- No monthly or overdraft fees5
- Earn money with referrals, an awards program, and promotions
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit6
Cons
- No physical branches
- No business accounts
- Cash deposit fees
- Just one combined savings and checking account available
In a Nutshell
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., commonly known as PNC Bank or simply PNC, is among the nation's top 10 largest banks. Its Virtual Wallet online account combines 3 accounts in 1. There’s a Spend checking account, a Reserve checking account for short-term savings, and a Growth savings account for long-term financial goals. No minimum deposit is required to open one.
Features
- Manage your financial life
- New accounts earn $400, terms apply
- Open an account online, no minimum deposit
- Approx. 60k fee-free PNC and Partner ATMs
Most Popular Products
Pros
- Branches and ATMs available across the country
- Many banking services, including loans, credit cards, and investments
- Special services and savings for veterans and students
- Open your account with no minimum deposit required
Cons
- Many transaction fees
- The best rates are not available in all regions
- Multiple products and fees can get confusing
- No online help center
In a Nutshell
One is an online-only financial platform that integrates spending and saving into a single account. Partnering with Coastal Community Bank, One provides FDIC-insured services with features like early pay on direct deposits, no monthly fees and a user-friendly mobile app. You can get cash back on select purchases and high-yield savings if you become a Plus customer – either by maintaining a $5,000 minimum balance or setting up a minimum $500 direct deposit.
Features
- Seamless digital banking experience
- No monthly or overdraft fees
- Earn up to 3.35% APY on Savings1
- Get your tax refund up to 5 days early2
Most Popular Products
Pros
- No monthly maintenance fees
- High-yield savings with competitive APY
- Cash back rewards on eligible purchases
- Early access to direct deposits
Cons
- No physical branch locations
- Cash back limited to specific retailers
- Certain fees apply to non Plus customers
What Do You Need in Order to Open a Checking Account?
To open a checking account, your first step is to fill out and submit an application with the bank of your choice. The application will generally ask for the following details:
- Your social security number
- A piece of government-issued ID
- Basic personal information like your phone number, date of birth, address, and email
In today's digital world, you can often create a bank account online without visiting a physical branch. Banks online have streamlined their processes, making it simple for users to upload documents securely. Some providers even allow you to complete the entire process digitally and create a bank account online, offering a fast-track option with instant verification through mobile banking platforms.
While you can often open a bank account online with no deposit, some online banks may request a minimum amount. Others may ask for other information and/or documents not listed here. Still, many Americans prefer to create bank accounts online due to its speed and ease.
The length of time it takes to open a checking account varies. Some may only take 1–2 days, while others can take longer. In some cases, you can open a checking account online instantly. For those looking for best mobile banking experiences, providers that combine speed and a powerful app are top choices.
What Is the Difference Between a Checking Account and a Prepaid Debit Card?
A prepaid debit card is a card that you need to load money onto before you can make purchases with it. You can buy them from a bank or credit union, as well as retail destinations like grocery stores. These are generally the locations where you load/reload funds onto the card, though you can often do it online or over the phone, too.
A checking account and a prepaid debit card are both great ways to make purchases, but there are many differences between them. Choosing a checking account through banks online gives you broader access to services, including bill payments, account transfers, and mobile banking options that prepaid cards often lack.
The main difference between the two is that prepaid debit cards aren’t tied to an account and must be reloaded each time you use all the funds on the card. In contrast, a checking account comes with a standard debit card that you can use as long as you have funds in the account. Many consumers are now switching from prepaid cards to checking accounts via online banking for greater flexibility and access.
Prepaid debit cards also have fees associated with them, including activation fees, transaction fees, reload fees, or inactivity fees. So make sure to do your research on the best prepaid debit cards to find one that doesn’t charge a lot. While many checking accounts also have fees, there are fewer of them. The most common include monthly fees or ATM fees.
Another difference is that many checking accounts allow you to become overdrawn on your account, which means you can spend more money than you currently have. This feature can come with expensive fees, but it’s nice to have the option if you need it. In contrast, a prepaid debit card only lets you use what’s on the card, nothing more. Online banking accounts often allow users to manage overdraft options through mobile banking apps.
What Features Should You Look for When Choosing a Checking Account?
To ensure you choose the best checking account from the many existing options, look for the features outlined below.
Low or no fees
First, try to find a free checking account with no minimum balance requirement. You’ll find that some checking accounts have no fees at all, while others require you to maintain a minimum balance or do other things to waive the fees, such as having direct deposit set up. Monthly fees are the most important ones to look at, but you should also consider overdraft fees, transaction fees, ATM fees, and others. Some online banks promote free checking options if you create a bank account online through their website or mobile banking app.
Interest paying
You may also want to seek an account that pays interest. While such accounts aren’t likely to pay as much as investments or savings accounts, something is better than nothing. Keep in mind that some accounts advertise incredibly high interest rates on a checking account but may have several requirements to meet to earn that much. Banks online offering best mobile banking solutions often bundle interest-earning features with ease of access.
Excellent app
Another feature to look for is a highly rated app. Read reviews about the app and understand how it performs and the things it will let you do. The best mobile banking apps are intuitive, easy to navigate, and secure. They should have all the features you need, such as mobile check deposits, instant transfers, and the ability to view balances. The ability to create a bank account online directly through the app is also a big plus for convenience-focused users.
Credit-building features
If you struggle with poor credit, there are specific bad credit checking accounts and cards that can help you build credit by reporting payments to credit bureaus. These often work by having the company providing the account pay for your purchases initially, and then you pay it back afterward to build credit. This is a common feature in some online banking products offered by online banks, especially those designed for financial rehabilitation.
Overdraft coverage and/or protection
Having a checking account with overdraft protection or overdraft coverage is also a good idea. These ensure that transactions will go through even if you don’t have enough money in your account at that time.
For example, if your $1,000 rent is due today, but you only have $850 in your account, the overdraft coverage feature means the bank covers the rest to ensure that your rent payment is made on time and in full. Of course, you’ll need to pay back the amount you borrow and there’s also a fee associated with this feature in most cases, so be careful to use it sparingly.
On the other hand, overdraft protection allows you to link a different account to your primary checking account to cover any shortages. So instead of the bank covering that extra $150 for you, the money will come from another account you’ve linked. There may be a fee for using this feature, too. These tools are easily managed through mobile banking platforms provided by many online banks, ensuring a seamless experience for users who prefer digital financial tools.
Disclaimers
Chime
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
Third-party trademarks used for informational purposes only; no endorsements implied.
*Terms apply. Limited time only, must open the new account and complete qualifying activities to earn the rewards, up to a maximum of $350.00, as described at https://www.chime.com/policies/newmemberofferv3.
1. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's or its banking partners' discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won't cover non-card transactions. Spot Me on Chime Card Terms and Conditions.
2. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
3. SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.
4. The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the secured Chime Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.
5. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member's direct deposit enrollment status.
Qualifying direct deposit
The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
6. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Current
Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
1. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees.
Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
2. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer's submission of deposits.
3. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions (https://current.com/overdraft_protection_terms_of_service/). Individual Current Accounts only.
SoFi
1. 7x based on FDIC monthly interest checking rate as of December 15, 2025.
2. We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/
3. Terms Apply. New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
4. Terms Apply. Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
5. Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
6. Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Additional FDIC Insurance - SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
OnePay
OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Loans through OneProgress Services LLC (NMLS ID 2460509) and banking services through OnePay are provided by Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC.
OnePay does not provide tax advice or tax services. Tax e-file services through OnePay are provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. ("april").
april supports the filing of federal, state and certain local taxes. You should consult a qualified tax professional for questions about your specific circumstances.
1. 3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.35% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.35% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 10/7/2025, but may change at any time before or after account opening.
2. When you direct deposit into OnePay Cash. Tax refunds may be available up to 5 days in advance of the scheduled payment day, but access to funds depends on when payer sends refund data and timing of your refund is not guaranteed.
Bank of America Advantage Banking
The cash offer up to $500 is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page. Offer expires May 31, 2026. To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Earn $100 with $2,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $300 with $5,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
OR
Earn $500 with $10,000 in Total Qualifying Direct Deposits.
If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are NOT ELIGIBLE for this offer. Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
*Qualifying Direct Deposits are direct deposits of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account routing numbers that you provide.
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
VaroMoney
1. We give access to direct deposits from employer & government payers on the day we receive them, typically up to 2 days earlier than your scheduled pay date.
2. Varo Advance (VA) is a small dollar line of credit. Borrow up to $250 in minutes by linking a qualifying account. Work your way up to $500 advances over time with direct deposit. Fees range from $1.60 - $40 based on loan amount and deposits to your Varo Bank Account. No interest is charged. Quals Apply.
3. Varo Believe is a secured credit card designed to help you build credit; however, a variety of factors impact your credit and not all factors are equally weighted. You must add money before using, money added sets the spending limit. Funds spent are held in your Varo Believe Secured Account to pay off any balance in full monthly, when due. Quals apply. The Varo Visa® Believe Card is issued by Varo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
*How to qualify for this offer
To be eligible: Offer is for new consumer checking customers only and is available only to the primary owner of the new checking account. The primary account owner is the owner whose Taxpayer Identification Number, such as a Social Security Number, is assigned to the account and has tax responsibility. Offer is not available to customers that received a bonus for a Wells Fargo consumer checking account within the past 12 months, are Wells Fargo employees, or are non-resident aliens or foreign entities signing any version of IRS Form W-8. Deposit accounts that are part of the Wells Fargo Private Bank experience are not eligible for this offer.
To receive the $325 bonus: you must use your bonus offer code when opening a new Wells Fargo consumer checking account, which is subject to approval, by April 14, 2026 and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 calendar days of account opening (the "qualification period"). A qualifying electronic deposit is a deposit of funds, such as your salary, government benefit payment, or other income, that has posted to your account and is (1) a direct deposit made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, (2) an instant payment processed through the RTP® network (real-time payment system) or FedNow℠ Service, or (3) an electronic credit from a third party service that facilitates payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network (e.g., an Original Credit Transaction). Transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, Zelle®, or deposits made at a branch or ATM are not considered a qualifying electronic deposit. An ACH direct deposit made available early with Early Pay Day does not count toward the bonus requirements until it posts to your account and is no longer pending (e.g., scheduled payment date).
After the 90-day qualification period, if you have met all requirements, we will deposit the bonus into your new account within 30 calendar days. Your new account must stay open through the time we attempt to deposit the bonus. We may close accounts with a zero balance without prior notice. You are responsible for any taxes due on the bonus. We will report the bonus as income to tax authorities, as required by applicable law. If you are subject to backup withholding at the time of payment, we may withhold the required amount and remit to tax authorities.
Other Terms: This offer may be discontinued or changed at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other consumer deposit offer (limit one bonus per customer/account). Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded.
Talk with a banker or see the “Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule” and “Deposit Account Agreement” available at wellsfargo.com/depositdisclosures for complete checking account details, including the applicable monthly service fee and options to avoid it. The actions required for this bonus are separate from the actions available to avoid the monthly service fee.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.