Advertiser and Editorial Disclosures

Your Guide to the Best Online Checking Accounts of January 2026

Bank smarter – open a Checking Account with no minimum balance requirements.

Compare checking accounts that offer a high APY, rewards, and sign up bonuses.

Choosing the right bank largely depends on choosing the right checking account. This is the most basic relationship you have with your bank since it is the most frequently accessed account. But beware: checking accounts are rife with fees, as they can cost banks about $300 annually to maintain.

23,750 visitors
selected an account with MyBankTracker this week.
MyBankTracker Rating
Our editors analyze the factors below to determine ratings and give you the best guidance:

Fees

Factors in common account fees, including monthly service charges, ATM fees, and overdraft fees.

Accessibility

Factors in the size of branch and ATM networks (for traditional banks) or ease of ATM access for (online banks).

Technology

Factors in the availability of online and mobile banking, in addition to the scope of their features.
Trusted Reviews
Capital One
Read Review
Chase
Read Review
Ally Bank
Read Review
View All Reviews
Helpful Insights
What is a Minimum Balance Requirement for Checking & Savings?
Sep 05, 2023
7 Ways to Increase the Size of Your Social Security Benefits Payout
Mar 18, 2024
How Can I Tell if I'm on the Right Financial Path?
Sep 10, 2023
View All Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can checking accounts earn interest like a savings account?

Yes, some checking accounts pay interest on account balances. Some checking accounts may have requirements to earn the advertised interest rate, such as maintaining a certain balance or performing certain transactions per month.
Since a checking account often acts as your financial hub, you'll want a balance of convenience and cost. Factor in the ease of conducting the banking transactions that matter to you most, such as branch/ATM access or check-writing, and the associated fees, especially monthly service charges and ATM surcharges.
When you make a purchase with your debit card, your account funds are used to pay for it. With a credit card, you are borrowing money to pay for a purchase. Also, debit card activity is usually not reported to U.S. credit bureaus, which means it won't affect your credit scores.
TOP