Are you looking to establish a new banking experience but would like to avoid any monthly or maintenance fees? How would you like to avoid potential fees simply by utilizing the features that come with your account? If you are reading this post, then you may be searching for the best free personal Checking account.
With a new checking account, it is typical to have a monthly maintenance fee, which varies depending on which bank you are joining or which checking account you choose to take advantage of. However, on the bright side, fees are usually waivable if you meet specific requirements associated with your new banking experience.
Along with the ability to avoid the fees, you will also gain access to features and benefits that usually come with a free checking account such as online banking, mobile banking, access to ATMs as well as easy access through mobile apps.
If you are interested in a no-fee checking account without having to do your own research, we have compiled a list of the best free checking accounts that are currently available!
We’ll review your best free Checking account options below.
*See free business checking accounts here.
Best Free Checking Accounts
Chase Total Checking® Account
Chase Bank is offering current residents of these states the ability to take advantage of one of the best accounts available.
Not only will you gain access to amazing perks and benefits such as online banking, but you will have access to several ATMs across the nationwide. In addition, do note that the Total Checking® Account is not free. However, the fees associated are easily avoidable and definitely worth taking advantage of.
- Availability: (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: No
- Monthly Service Fee: $12, see below on how to waive the fee
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
For detailed information, be sure to check out our Total Checking® Account Review as well as our Chase Bank Promotions.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Earn up to 3.30% APY with the Axos Bank Rewards Checking account while enjoying a suite of digital tools for smarter money management. This is banking, redefined. • Use promo code AXOS300 and apply by December 31st, to earn up to a $300 bonus! • Zero monthly maintenance fees • Zero overdraft or NSF fees • Zero minimum monthly balance reqs • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements • Online debit card management • Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit • Only $50 to open an account |
- Availability: Nationwide Online
- Physical Branches: None
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Interest Rate: Yes
- Monthly Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $1
- Credit Card Funding Options: N/A
- ATM access: No ATM fees nationwide as they reimburse all fees at U.S. ATMs
See our review over the Axos Bank Rewards Checking for more information.
Aspiration Spend & Save™ Account
This intuitive online-only account through Aspiration allows users to track the impact of their spending while earning an excellent interest rate of 1.00% APY all through the convenience of their mobile app.
What’s more, there are no monthly fees involved while giving you access to no minimum monthly balance requirements and no overdraft fees. However, do note that the account requires a $10 minimum opening deposit.
- Apply Now at Aspiration
- Availability: Online
- Physical Branches: No
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: Yes
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $10
Discover Cashback Debit Account
With the Discover Cashback Debit account, customers can take advantage of the generous 1% cashback up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month as well as gaining access to over 60,000 free ATMs!
On top of easy access and a free checking experience, the account offers free checks and debit card replacements. Additionally, you can send and receive funds to other bank accounts in the U.S. for no fee!
- Availability: Nationwide Online
- Physical Branches: None
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: No, but earns cash back
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: None
See our review over the Discover Cashback Debit Account for more information as well as our list of Discover Bank Promotions.
Chime Spending Account
With the new Spending Account from Chime, you can check your balance, view transactions, and analyze your spending all through the convenience of their mobile app.
In addition, you will receive a debit card that may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted as well as having access to any of the 30,000+ free MoneyPass ATMs.
You will be able to deposit funds and handle all your expenses, while still having a free checking account to better your financial future!
- Apply Now at Chime
- Availability: Online
- Physical Branches: No
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: No
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: Any
For more information, view our Chime Spending Account Review.
Capital One 360 Checking Account
Being one of the largest financial institutions, Capital One knows what you are looking for in a new checking account.
With convenient and complementary features such as a free MasterCard Debit Card as well as access to 39,000+ free ATMs nationwide, you are able to take control of your banking experience without having to worry about the monthly fee!
In addition, users are able to choose from four options for overdrafts depending on which method fits your needs the best.
- Availability: Online
- Physical Branches: Locator
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: Yes
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $250
Betterment Checking
Being a technology-driven financial company, Betterment offers a wide range of services such as ATM and foreign fees reimbursed worldwide as well as Visa foreign transaction fees reimbursed.
Additionally, Betterment aims to provide more services and benefits with upcoming features such as deposit checks from your phone as well as joint checking accounts.
- Availability: Nationwide Online
- Physical Branches: None
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: None
See our review over the Betterment Checking for more information.
Charles Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account
When people think of Charles Schwab, investment brokerages come to mind. However, did you know they also have Checking Accounts? With the High Yield Investor Checking® Account, the one feature that stands out is definitely the unlimited ATM rebates worldwide.
This means you are able to go to any ATM across the globe, and Schwab will reimburse any ATM fees each month! In addition, you can expect all your normal features such as online and mobile banking, mobile check deposits as well as mobile payment wallets such as Google Pay or Apple Pay.
This account also comes in handy as customers will also get a Schwab One brokerage account with your new checking experience!
- Apply Now at Charles Schwab
- Availability: Nationwide (Branch Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: Yes
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
Read through our High Yield Investor Checking® Account Review for more information.
Ally Interest Checking Account
Being an online bank, Ally offers great features and rates in comparison to brick and mortar banks. Because Ally Bank operates digitally, they are able to offer industry-leading services and convenient features such as 24/7 live customer care, access to any Allpoint® ATM in the U.S. for free, plus Ally will reimburse up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged at other ATMs nationwide.
On top of it all, similar to SoFi Money, you are able to earn interest on your checking account! Best of all, you are gain access to all of this without having to pay a monthly fee!
- Apply Now at Ally
- Availability: Online
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Earns Interest: Yes
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
Check out our list of Ally Bank Promotions for information.
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking®
For those who are looking for a new checking account that provides consumers with relief through fantastic features as well as having a free checking account, then this is the perfect solution for you.
Available to residents of the 8 states Huntington Bank operates in, you will have access to features such as 24-hour grace® overdraft fee relief as well as access to over 700 branches.
- Account Type: Asterisk-Free Checking®
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Availability: OH, MI, IN, PN, KY, WV, IL, WI (Bank Locator)
- Earns Interest: No
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $25
For those who are interested, be sure to check out our review over the Asterisk-Free Checking® as well as a list of all current Huntington Bank Promotions.
Simple Checking Account
Best Choice For Mobile Banking
Simple puts more emphasis on going mobile more than other internet banks. One of the most feature-rich mobile apps, they are currently running one of the highest bonuses on the net. Earn 1.90% APY when you Open a New Individual and Shared Protected Goals Account with qualifying activities.
There are is no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, no overdraft fee, no account closing fee, no card replacement fee, and no fee from Simple for out of network ATMs. You’ll have access to 40,000 in-network free ATMs.
With the app, you can make mobile check deposits, as well as set goals and track your spending with their built-in tools.
- Account Type: Simple High Yield Checking
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Availability: Available online nationwide.
- Earns Interest: Yes, earn a great rate with the online Savings account from Simple
- Monthly Service Fee: None
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
- ATM Access: 40,000 in-network ATMs fee-free available.
For those who are interested, be sure to check out our review over the Simple bonuses
Conclusion
Free checking accounts are definitely ideal if you are looking for a quick and easy banking solution to take care of your personal finances. Whether you are someone who’s always on the run or like to sit down and take your time, there is definitely a free checking account for your every need.
However, before you settle down on a choice, definitely do your homework. Make sure you are able to avoid and waive any potential monthly fees that come with your new account choice. Additionally, I would recommend checking to see whether your bank or credit union is FDIC and NCUA insured.
All in all, there are countless free checking accounts available nationwide. However, if you are interested in joining a well-established and trusted financial institution, then definitely take advantage of either of the accounts listed above!
If you are a business owner, take a look at our list of Best Free Business Checking Accounts. Additionally, check out our list of Bank Bonuses, Referral Bonuses, Bank Rates as well as our CD Rates for all your banking needs.