Best checking accounts for February 2026

Sometimes your checking account is chosen for you—maybe you opened one as a teenager with your parents’ bank, or perhaps you opened one as a working adult based on what was closest. But if you’re looking for the best checking account for your individual situation, we’ve compiled a few of our favorites to help you select the right one.

Whether you’re seeking 100% deposit insurance, flexible rewards points on your debit card spending, or something else, we think there’s a checking account here that you’ll love. 

Best checking accounts of February 2026

Bank and product	Our pick for	See details
Bank5 Connect Checking	100% deposit insurance	View offer at MoneyLion
HOPE Rewards Checking	High APY	View offer at MoneyLion
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus	Debit cash back	View offer at Upgrade
American Express Rewards Checking	Rewards points	View offer at MoneyLion
NBKC Everything Account	Savings-like features	View offer at MoneyLion

Bank5 Connect Checking	View offer at MoneyLion
Our pick for	100% deposit insurance
HOPE Rewards Checking	View offer at MoneyLion
Our pick for	High APY
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus	View offer at Upgrade
Our pick for	Debit cash back
American Express Rewards Checking	View offer at MoneyLion
Our pick for	Rewards points
NBKC Everything Account	View offer at MoneyLion
Our pick for	Savings-like features

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

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Best for 100% deposit insurance: Bank5 Connect

Bank5 Connect is the online-only division of BankFive, a Massachusetts bank that’s operated since 1855. In addition to offering a high-yield checking account, it also offers savings, money market, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts.

Why we like this bank

The Bank5 Connect Checking account has 100% deposit insurance, meaning you can exceed the typical $250,000 Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insurance limit without fear. You can also earn a 2% APY on balances of at least $100 with no maximum, no monthly maintenance fees, and direct deposit up to two days early.

Debit card users can take advantage of cash-back rewards. Your cash-back offers will vary by retailer, and you must activate them online before making your purchases. If you use a lot of ATMs, you’ll have access to the entire SUM Network of ATMs for free—plus get up to $15 in ATM fees refunded to you every statement cycle.

We also love the customer support options. They’re available seven days a week, and you can reach an agent via video chat Monday through Friday, which is something many other banks don’t offer.

What you should know

First, a minimum deposit of $10 is required to open the account.

Paper statements in the mail cost $1 a month, while e-statements are free. Also, if your balance drops below $100 , you stop earning an APY. You can reactivate your APY by bringing your balance back to $100 . 

There’s also a relatively low daily ATM withdrawal limit of $500 . That shouldn’t be a problem for most people, but if you take out large amounts of cash frequently, such as for paying rent or other bills in person, it could be a major hassle.

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

Best for a high APY: Hope Credit Union

Hope Credit Union has been providing financial services to the American South since 1994. It was originally a church-sponsored credit union but has since become one of the fastest-growing credit unions in the nation. It offers a wide range of checking accounts, wealth-building accounts, personal loans, credit cards, home loans, and more.

Why we like this bank

The HOPE Rewards Checking account offers one of the highest APYs available for a checking account—up to 5.12%. This is on par with the top savings account rates, so it’s a rarity. Interest is paid into your account monthly.

In addition, you’ll receive up to $20 in ATM fee refunds every month. Hope Credit Union is part of a network of 30,000 ATMs, so you can likely find a free ATM, anyway.

It’s also one of the few banks on this list with brick-and-mortar branches you can visit. There are 23 locations across the Southern United States. If you’re not near one of those, you can also access over 5,000 affiliated credit union locations to do your in-person banking.

What you should know

There are many hoops to jump through before you can earn the max APY. Each month, you’ll need to make 12 debit card transactions, log into your account once, be signed up for e-statements, and receive at least one direct deposit or automatic payment. If you don’t complete all these steps, you’ll get a measly 0.50% APY. 

Also, the generous max APY only applies on balances up to $10,000 . Balances over $10,000 earn a measly 0.50% APY. If you know you’ll be regularly maintaining a balance that high, you may want an account without maximum balance restrictions.

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

Best for debit cash back: Upgrade

Upgrade is a financial services company headquartered in San Francisco that partners with Cross River Bank to offer checking and savings accounts. It’s perhaps best known for its personal loans and credit cards that offer favorable terms for those with low credit. 

Why we like this bank

Upgrade’s Rewards Checking Plus comes with a generous cash-back rate: up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses, recurring payments, and subscriptions. If a purchase doesn’t qualify for the elevated rate, you can still earn unlimited 1% cash back.

We also like the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit—and this account’s lack of overdraft fees. You’ll also have access to over 55,000 free ATMs in the Allpoint ATM network. 

One unique perk of having the Rewards Checking Plus account is the ability to get lower rates on loans and cards. Upgrade customers may be able to qualify for 10%–20% lower interest rates on these Upgrade products by virtue of having the checking account. 

What you should know

You can only receive many of the premium benefits of the Rewards Checking Plus account, including 2.00% cash back and mobile check deposit, when you get at least $1,000 in qualifying monthly direct deposits. If you’re a freelancer or part-time worker who doesn’t receive that amount in direct deposits each month, this could nullify many of the selling points of this account.

Also, cash back at the 2% rate is limited to $500 earned per year. 

The Upgrade checking account also does not offer an APY unless you open a Performance Savings account. If you want a stand-alone checking account with an APY, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

Best for rewards points: American Express

Since 1850, American Express has made a name for itself as one of the top credit card issuers in the country. Today, it’s far more than that, with a slew of banking products ranging from high-yield savings accounts to CDs to personal loans.

Why we like this bank

With the American Express Rewards Checking, you earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $2 of eligible debit card purchases. While you can redeem these for deposits into your checking account, you can also pool points you earn with an American Express credit card and redeem them for travel, gift cards, and more. You can even transfer them to American Express travel partners to potentially get more value out of them.

Besides earning coveted Membership Rewards points, the account also offers 1% APY without the need to jump through any hoops or hurdles. You’ll also enjoy fee-free ATM withdrawals at over 70,000 ATMs across the country—one of the largest networks of any bank.  

What you should know

To apply for the American Express Rewards Checking account, you need to have been an American Express cardholder for at least 5 days. So, if you don’t currently have an American Express card, you won’t qualify for this account.

You also have to pay for your own checks, and there’s a foreign currency conversion fee if you use your debit card outside of the country.

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

Best for checking with savings-like features: NBKC Bank

Starting out as Horizon National Bank in 1999, NBKC eventually rebranded and became the online bank we know today. It maintains a few branch locations in the Kansas City area if you’re looking for in-person support. It offers home loans, checking accounts, money market accounts (MMAs), CDs, and other types of loans.

Why we like this bank

If you’re looking for an all-in-one account for your checking and savings needs, the NBKC Everything Account is it. You’ll get the benefits of tracking savings goals and seeing all of your money in one place, plus earn an APY of 1.75%.

The accompanying debit card gives you access to over 90,000 ATMs globally. If you choose one outside of that network, you can receive up to $12 in ATM fee reimbursements each month. Plus, you can always visit one of the four branch locations in Missouri and Kansas if you live nearby.

This account also has two-day-early direct deposit so you can make use of your paychecks faster.

What you should know

During your first 30 days being an NBKC customer, your deposits will generally be on hold for up to five business days. If you were planning to pay bills or make purchases immediately, this could be a large setback.

There are also daily and monthly external funds transfer limits. You can complete five external transfers daily and 20 monthly, so this account isn’t ideal for someone who likes to move around funds frequently. 

Bank details checked on Jan. 12, 2026.

What to know about checking accounts

Checking accounts are all about cash flow. In other words, checking accounts are designed to make it easy to access your money quickly. They typically come with unlimited withdrawals and deposits, so you can use them to make purchases via a debit card, pay bills, and deposit paychecks.

The flip side is that many checking accounts don’t earn interest, and those that do still generally can’t compete with a high-yield savings account in terms of a high APY. So, think of your checking account as the workhorse of your financial setup—it’s where you keep the money you know you’ll need to spend soon, but funds you want to stash toward a short- or long-term goal should go elsewhere.

Now, let’s scrutinize the nuances of what you should know when opening and using a checking account.

Types of checking accounts

There isn’t just one type of checking account. Banks offer checking accounts with various features to appeal to customers with diverse needs. Here’s a quick primer on some common options:

• Traditional checking: The most basic option, traditional checking accounts offer check writing, debit card access, and online bill pay.
• Interest-bearing checking: With this type of account, you’ll earn interest on your balance. It might require minimum balances or transaction thresholds to qualify.
• Rewards checking: Earn cash back or points on debit card purchases.
• Student checking: These accounts are designed for students, often with lower fees or minimum balance requirements. There is often an age cap after which the customer will transition to a non-student account and potentially incur a monthly maintenance fee. 
• Online-only checking: With an online-only account, you’ll do all your banking online or in an app without in-person bank access. Note that this is not mutually exclusive with many of the other types. You might have an online-only rewards checking account, for example.

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How much money should you keep in a checking account?

How much money you should have in your checking account depends on your individual expenses and whether or not you use the account for everyday purchases. Ideally, you want to keep at least what you’ll need for your monthly bills in your account, plus a little extra in case any bills are higher than you expect. 

Alternatives to a checking account

Because most checking accounts don’t offer a great annual percentage yield (APY), it’s a good idea to not park too much more than you need. A high-yield savings account is a better option for storing additional funds and earning interest on your money. Or, if you want more flexibility than a savings account offers, a money market account can be thought of as a hybrid between a checking account and savings.

Learn more: Checking account vs. savings accounts

For money that you’re willing to park for an even longer period of time, and that you want to protect from potential market fluctuations that could reduce your savings account’s APY, opening a certificate of deposit may be a smart move. Just keep in mind you’ll incur a penalty if you withdraw your funds before the CD’s term is up.

Potential checking account fees

It costs money to run a bank, especially banks with brick-and-mortar branches. Banks offset some of these costs by charging fees for certain services. Fees help banks generate profits they can use to keep their business running. Here are some examples of common fees you might pay:

• Excessive transaction fee
• Foreign transaction fee
• Monthly maintenance fee
• Nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee
• Out-of-network ATM fee
• Overdraft fee
• Paper statement fee
• Stop payment fee
• Wire transfer fee
• Minimum balance fee

How to choose the best checking account for you

When choosing the best checking account for you, you’ll need to think about your priorities. Do you value having no monthly fees? Is earning interest important to you? Consider your must-have items and begin researching accounts from there.

Here are some of the common factors you’ll want to think about:

• Fees: Look for a bank that doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee. If it does, see if there’s a way to waive it.
• Minimum requirements: Some banks require you to have a minimum opening deposit or maintain a minimum ongoing balance.
• APY: Not all checking accounts offer an APY. Those that do may have a long list of requirements to earn it.
• Online/mobile banking experience: You ideally want a bank that has a highly rated online experience, especially if you’re choosing a bank without physical locations.
• Safety: Any bank you’re considering should have FDIC or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance so your money will be safe in case the institution fails.
• Customer service: See what forms of customer service are available. Chat is good for quick questions, but phone support is better for more in-depth problems.
• ATM access: If you frequently use ATMs, you’ll want an account with a large ATM network and ATM fee reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

Can checking accounts earn interest?

Yes, checking accounts can earn interest, but it’s not common. Our pick on this list for an account with a high APY (annual percentage yield) is the HOPE Rewards Checking from Hope Credit Union.

How are prepaid debit cards different from checking accounts?

A prepaid debit card is used solely for making purchases. You add money to the account whenever you want to increase your spending limit. A checking account, on the other hand, can be used for many different things, including bill pay, check writing, and potentially earning an APY.

How can I find my checking account number?

Your checking account number is printed at the bottom of a check—usually the second set of numbers. You can also find it by logging in to your online banking account. Finally, you might be able to see it on your bank statement.

How many checking accounts can I have?

You can open as many checking accounts as you want—there’s no federal limit. However, individual banks might have specific restrictions on how many accounts you can have. Most people shouldn’t need more than one or two checking accounts.

How do I close an old checking account?

The process depends on your bank, but you can typically call customer support, visit a branch in person, or complete the process online. Before you close the account, make sure it has a zero balance. Also, cancel any automatic deposits or payments.

Methodology 

The Fortune team compared more than 85 checking accounts across banks, credit unions, and online-only institutions. Our top picks are available to customers across the U.S., regardless of where they’re located, subject to the terms of each checking account. We considered the following factors in compiling our top choices:

• Minimum opening deposit: You shouldn’t have to have exorbitant amounts of money to open a checking account. Banks with $0 or $1 opening deposit minimums earned better rankings.
• Monthly service fees: As so many banks offer free checking accounts, those that still charge service fees received lower scores.
• APY (10%): Why not make money on your money? Banks offering interest ranked higher on our list.
• Minimum for APY: Many banks that offer interest checking accounts have minimum deposit requirements. Those with fewer requirements scored better.
• Mobile app rating: As so many customers rely on online and mobile banking, ease of use and good customer ratings are important to consider.
• Cash-back opportunities: Banks that offer cash-back and other rewards for their checking accounts and debit cards ranked higher on our list.
• Opening bonus: If you’re in the market for a new checking account, getting a sign-on bonus is a nice perk.
• Direct deposit amount to earn bonus: Most banks offering bonuses require customers to jump through several hoops—those with lower deposit requirements scored higher.
• Overdraft fees: No one wants to pay overdraft fees. Banks with no fees scored higher.
• Branch and ATM access: As the main purpose of a checking account is having easy access to your money, banks with more (free) ATMS scored better.
• Customer service: If you run into problems with your account, you want to be able to talk to a real person to find a solution. Banks offering phone customer service ranked higher, while those with email and chat options were also considered.