Nobody wants to pay monthly fees just to use their bank account. The good news? Many banks and credit unions in the US now offer free checking accounts with no maintenance charges, no minimum balances, and plenty of perks.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best free checking accounts in the US for 2025. Whether you’re a student, a frequent traveler, or someone just looking to avoid fees, there’s an option for you.
What is a Free Checking Account?
A free checking account is one that doesn’t charge:
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Minimum balance requirements
- Basic transaction fees
Some may still charge for extras like overdrafts or out-of-network ATM use, so it’s important to read the fine print.
Best Free Checking Accounts in the US (2025)
1. Chime Checking Account
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: Early direct deposit (2 days early), no overdraft fees up to $200 (SpotMe), large fee-free ATM network.
- Best For: Tech-savvy users who want a mobile-first experience.
2. Capital One 360 Checking
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: 70,000+ fee-free ATMs, overdraft options, great mobile app.
- Best For: Everyday banking with strong branch + digital access.
3. Ally Bank Interest Checking
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: Earns interest on balances, strong budgeting tools, no ATM fees.
- Best For: People who want interest + no fees in one account.
4. Discover Cashback Debit
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in monthly purchases, 60,000+ fee-free ATMs.
- Best For: Users who want cashback rewards with their checking account.
5. Charles Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking®
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide, no foreign transaction fees.
- Best For: Frequent travelers and international users.
6. SoFi Checking and Savings
- Monthly Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Perks: Up to 4.60% APY (when paired with savings), no overdraft fees, early direct deposit.
- Best For: Users who want high APY + modern banking features.
How to Choose the Right Free Checking Account
When comparing, consider:
- ATM access: Will you have free ATMs near you?
- Mobile features: Do you need budgeting tools or bill pay?
- Rewards: Do you want cashback or interest?
- Overdraft options: How does the bank handle overdrafts?
- Travel benefits: Do you need international fee waivers?
FAQs About Free Checking Accounts
Are free checking accounts really free?
Yes, but watch for hidden fees like overdraft charges or wire transfers.
Can I open a free checking account online?
Absolutely. Most online banks offer free checking with simple applications.
Do free checking accounts affect my credit score?
No, checking accounts don’t directly impact credit scores.
Conclusion
In 2025, there’s no reason to pay monthly fees for a checking account. With options like Chime, Capital One, Ally, Discover, Schwab, and SoFi, you can enjoy fee-free banking while also earning rewards, interest, or travel perks.
Next Steps: If you’re interested in digital-first banking, check out our guide to the Best Online Checking Accounts with No Monthly Fees.
