For me, the most important factors for the top checking accounts are:
- No fees
- No account minimums
- Pays interest
- Can deposit cash (ideally without a fee)
- Can send and receive payments with Zelle
- Get paid early with direct deposit
- Bank also has a competitive high-yield savings account with sub-savings accounts (vaults, buckets, etc.) allowing you to save for individual goals, separately
Here's my list of best checking accounts 2023:
1. SoFi Checking
- Checking account interest: Earn 2.50% APY with direct deposit, 1.20% without direct deposit
- Savings account interest: Earn 3.75% APY with direct deposit, 1.20% without direct deposit, with unlimited vaults to save for individual goals
- No fees or minimums
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Cash deposit: $4.95 fee
- No Zelle access
- Welcome bonus: Up to $250 with direct deposit, plus with a referral link, you can earn an additioanl $25 after depositing $10 or more.
Learn more: SoFi Bank Review 2023
2. Capital One 360 Checking
- Checking account interest: Earn 0.10% APY
- Savings account interest: Earn 3.40% APY
- No fees or minimums
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Send and receive payments with Zelle
- Cash deposit: Free cash deposits at CVS Pharmacy
Learn more: Capital One 360 Bank Review 2023
3. Schwab Bank Investor Checking
- Checking account interest: Earn 0.45% APY
- Savings account interest: Earn 0.48% APY
- No fees or minimums
- Send and receive payments with Zelle
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide
- Cash deposits: Not available
4. Ally Interest Checking
- Checking account interest: Earn 0.10% APY on balances under $15,000 and 0.25% APY if balance is over $15,000
- Savings account interest: 3.40%
- No fees or minimums
- Send and receive payments with Zelle
- Cash deposit: Not available
Larn more: Ally Bank Review 2023
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