TL;DR
- Top no-cost checking accounts for November 2025 eliminate monthly fees and minimum balances.
- Accounts offer benefits like overdraft coverage, ATM fee refunds, and expedited direct deposit.
- Hope Credit Union, Primis, and American Express are leading choices for their features.
- Consumers should consider credit unions and online banks for cost-effective checking options.
Although accounts that earn interest, like high-yield savings and money market accounts, may appear to be the main attractions in personal finance, your checking account is what truly gets the job done. A suitable checking account provides access to your funds for your necessities whenever required, and we believe it shouldn't incur a monthly charge for this service. To assist in making your money work effectively for you, the Coins2Day staff has compiled our leading selections for no-cost checking accounts.
Our top picks for the best free checking accounts of November 2025
| Financial institution | Account name | Max APY | See details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope Credit Union | HOPE Rewards Checking | 5.12% | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Primis | Premium Checking | 3.70% | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Bank5 Connect | High-Interest Checking | 2% | View offer at MoneyLion |
| NBKC Bank | Everything Account | 1.75% | View offer at MoneyLion |
| American Express | Rewards Checking | 1% | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Hope Credit Union | View offer at MoneyLion |
|---|---|
| Account name | HOPE Rewards Checking |
| Max APY | 5.12% |
| Primis | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account name | Premium Checking |
| Max APY | 3.70% |
| Bank5 Connect | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account name | High-Interest Checking |
| Max APY | 2% |
| NBKC Bank | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account name | Everything Account |
| Max APY | 1.75% |
| American Express | View offer at MoneyLion |
| Account name | Rewards Checking |
| Max APY | 1% |
Bank details reviewed November 4, 2025.
Discover the ideal no-cost checking account tailored to your needs
Hope Credit Union
Hope Credit Union's HOPE Rewards Checking account
| Max APY | 5.12% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1994
- Company Headquarters: Jackson, MS
- CEO: William J. Bynum
Why we like this free checking account
The HOPE Rewards Checking account provides an impressive APY of up to 5.12%, without requiring a minimum balance, making it the top-earning account on our list. Furthermore, it offers up to $20 in monthly ATM fee reimbursements, assisting you in saving money.
What you should know
First, the max APY is on balances up to $10,000. Balance beyond that earn 0.50% APY.
And, to get the max APY, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops: In addition to signing up for e-statements and having at least one direct deposit clear your account per statement cycle, you also must have 12 debit card transactions post and clear the account as well as log on to its online banking platform or mobile app at least once in that time frame. If you’re a regular debit card user, this could work well for you. Otherwise, your account will earn 0.10% APY.
Although opening this account necessitates joining a credit union, Hope Credit Union simplifies the process by only asking for a $10 membership fee and your affiliation with The Hope Enterprise Corporation.
Hope Credit Union details reviewed November 4, 2025.
Primis
Primis Premium Checking
| Max APY | 3.70% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $1 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 2004
- Company Headquarters: Glen Allen, VA
- CEO: Dennis J. Zember Jr.
Why we like this free checking account
Primis's Premium Checking account offers customers an APY of 3.70% on any balance, which is quite unusual for checking accounts. Furthermore, with no overdraft charges, complimentary checks, waived wire and stop payment fees, and even free in-person notary services, this account truly represents the ideal of “free” checking.
What you should know
To start earning the APY, you only need to deposit a minimum of $1. Furthermore, there's no limit to the balance size that qualifies for the APY.
Primis details reviewed November 4, 2025.
Bank5 Connect
Bank5 Connect's High-Interest Checking Account
| Max APY | 2% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $10 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 2013
- Company Headquarters: Fall River, MA
- CEO: Anne P. Tangen
Why we like this free checking account
Bank5 Connect's checking account, offering a 2% APY, is ideal for those aiming to boost their earnings. Additionally, its Purchase Rewards program provides customers with cashback on various daily purchases after activation via the web or app.
Customers receive one complimentary check order, and assistance is available via chat, phone, or video conference. Furthermore, Bank5 Connect assures that ATM usage fees from other institutions won't be applied, and they'll refund up to $15 each statement period for any surcharges incurred.
Read our Bank5 Connect review for more info on what this bank has to offer.
What you should know
You must keep a minimum balance of $100 in the account to earn the APY.
Also, a minimum deposit of $10 is required to open this account.
Bank5 Connect details reviewed November 5, 2025.
NBKC Bank
NBKC Bank Everything Account
| Max APY | 1.75% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1999
- Company Headquarters: Kansas City, MO
- CEO: Michael Bartkoski
Why we like this free checking account
The NBKC Everything Account offers a 1.75% APY, which the bank highlights as twenty times the national average. Furthermore, you only need one cent to qualify for this APY.
NBKC also offers access to a vast network of over 90,000 ATMs, and they'll refund you as much as $12 monthly for fees incurred at ATMs outside their network.
What you should know
NBKC maintains physical branches in Kansas City, Missouri, but otherwise conducts most of its operations digitally.
NBKC Bank details reviewed November 5, 2025.
American Express
American Express Rewards Checking
| Max APY | 1% |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 |
at MoneyLion
- Year Founded: 1850
- Company Headquarters: New York City, NY
- CEO: Stephen Squeri
Why we like this free checking account
American Express Rewards Checking offers a couple key features we think will appeal to those seeking to make sure their money is working for them at all times. For one thing, the account offers a 1% APY, which is quite strong compared to traditional checking accounts. And for another, you’ll earn 1 Membership Rewards point per $2 in eligible debit card purchases.
There’s no minimum deposit required to open this account.
What you should know
To apply for The Rewards Checking account, you must currently possess an Amex card and have maintained your consumer credit card for a minimum of 35 days.
American Express details reviewed November 4, 2025.
A free checking account is a type of bank account that doesn't charge monthly maintenance fees or other common service charges.
Checking accounts that are free to use don't charge monthly maintenance fees, nor do they have requirements to get those fees waived. You can find these accounts at banks, credit unions, and online-only financial institutions.
Even though free checking accounts don’t charge monthly maintenance fees, there may be certain fees associated with specific activities or services. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) explains that banks “can offer a free account and still charge for certain services,” including using out-of-network ATMs or overdrafting, for example. The fee schedule for each account will vary by financial institution.
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Advantages and disadvantages of a complimentary checking account
While free checking accounts offer clear advantages, they may also present less apparent disadvantages. Consider these crucial factors when determining if a free checking account suits your financial management needs.
Pros
- No monthly fees: By definition, free checking accounts don’t charge maintenance fees.
- Low or no minimum balance: You aren’t required to maintain a large minimum balance to earn interest or avoid fees.
- No ATM fees: Most free checking accounts offer access to a network of free ATMs and/or reimburse ATM fees.
Cons
- Minimum debit card usage: You might have to use your debit card a minimum number of times per month.
- Opening deposit requirements: Some financial institutions require a deposit to open an account.
- Direct deposit required: Some accounts require a minimum number of direct deposits each month to earn the highest rate.
Advantages and disadvantages of a free checking account
If a no-cost checking account is available, why opt for one with a monthly charge? The reason might be the inclusion of more advanced functionalities. Consider these aspects when making your decision.
Pros
- Premium features: Paid checking accounts often come with perks such as higher interest rates, free checks, or rewards programs.
- Opportunities to waive fees: Many banks offer ways to waive the monthly fee, such as maintaining a minimum balance, which can make the fee avoidable for some customers.
- Relationship benefits: Even if it means paying a monthly fee, holding multiple accounts with one bank can lead to relationship benefits, such as better loan rates or waived fees for other services.
Cons
- Cost: Monthly fees can add up over time, eating into your return if the benefits don’t outweigh the costs
- More requirements or restrictions: If it is possible to waive the fee, you often have to meet certain criteria like maintaining a high minimum balance or setting up direct deposit for a certain amount.
- Opportunity cost: The money spent on fees could potentially be saved or invested elsewhere.
Can you really get a checking account without any fees?
In most cases, yes. However, it's crucial to recognize that “free” doesn't automatically guarantee a complete absence of account-related charges. Banks might provide accounts free of monthly maintenance fees while still imposing costs for various actions, like failing to maintain a minimum balance, requesting paper statements, or using ATMs not part of their designated network.
Financial institutions are required to disclose all fees and charges associated with an account. But it’s up to you to review the account disclosures and agreement when you establish an account.
Opening a free checking account at different institutions might still involve undisclosed charges. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct thorough research before opening one and to fully grasp the fees linked to your chosen account.
Checking account fees to watch for
Depending on your account type, spending patterns, and financial institution, checking account holders might face specific charges. Here are some typical fees to be aware of:
- Overdraft fees: Banks and credit unions often impose a charge when your account balance falls short of your spending. These overdraft charges can reach up to $40 for each transaction.
- ATM fees: Your bank's own ATMs won't incur additional withdrawal fees. Nevertheless, using an ATM from another financial institution or a third-party service outside your bank's network will probably result in a charge.
- Paper statement fees: Your bank may charge you a fee for printing and sending you a physical copy of your bank statement each billing cycle. An easy way to avoid this one is to sign up for e-statements.
Yes, free checking accounts are generally safe.
Reputable financial institutions offer free checking accounts that are as secure as those with fees. Always confirm your account is with an FDIC- or NCUA-insured entity, safeguarding your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, should it go bankrupt.
Financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, implement various security protocols to safeguard your account, irrespective of whether they impose checking account fees. Nevertheless, it's prudent to confirm that your bank or credit union adheres to leading industry security standards, such as web encryption, fraud detection, secure digital and mobile banking services, and two-factor authentication.
A checking account's security isn't diminished by the lack of a monthly maintenance charge. This simply indicates the bank employs an alternative strategy for customer acquisition and retention.
How to choose the best free checking account
When looking for the ideal free checking account, consider this step-by-step guide of factors to evaluate prior to submitting your application:
1. Check the requirements
Opening a complimentary checking account involves different stipulations based on the financial entity you select. Furthermore, you'll need to furnish several documents to set up the account, such as a Social Security number, driver's license, or alternative official government ID. A birth certificate or passport might also be necessary. You'll also be asked for details proving your residency, which could include a mortgage statement, a utility bill, or a rental agreement. Certain banks may impose age restrictions for account opening, like a minimum age of 18. Additionally, some financial establishments mandate an initial deposit to activate an account.
2. Review fees
Even though an account might be advertised as “free”, meaning no monthly upkeep charge, it's crucial to inquire directly or review the detailed terms on the financial institution's site concerning other associated costs. You should investigate potential charges for ATM use, wire transfers, stop payments, and bounced checks, among others. Carefully evaluate all these expenses to ascertain if the account genuinely fits your financial plan and daily life.
3. See what benefits come with the account
Many bank accounts offer useful financial management features to help you track your daily expenses. However, basic accounts might not include these additional perks.
Before you begin your search for a new checking account, take a moment to consider which features could be valuable to you presently or down the line. For instance, are there tools you require for managing your cash flow? Certain checking accounts provide useful functionalities to assist when circumstances deviate from expectations and to guide your spending decisions more wisely.
4. Research the types of customer service options available
Having readily available customer service is essential for managing your finances, handling fraud, or addressing any other concerns. Visit the financial institution's website to discover the customer service options linked to your account, such as phone, email, or chat assistance.
5. Double-check ATM access
A strong ATM network for account access is a key convenience, particularly for those who frequently withdraw or deposit cash. Sometimes, the bank providing a free checking account might collaborate with other institutions to expand the fee-free ATM network for its clients. However, it's crucial to inquire about this specifically before choosing an account.
6. If everything checks out, open an account
After addressing all these questions and any other significant concerns, you'll need to verify your eligibility with your selected financial institution and proceed to open the account. For this part, ensure you have all necessary documentation ready. Often, you can open an account digitally. However, some established banks might require an in-person visit.
Methodology
The Coins2Day staff evaluated more than 35 checking accounts with no fees from prominent banks, credit unions, and digital-first institutions. Our preferred choices are accessible to clients nationwide, irrespective of their geographic position, provided they meet the stipulations of each respective checking account.
We believe that the top no-cost checking accounts typically feature minimal or no monthly service charges, no minimum opening deposit, and a competitive APY, alongside other advantages. Additionally, we viewed the availability of physical branches and complimentary ATM access as beneficial attributes.
These checking accounts feature limited-time rates, fees, and minimum balance requirements, with APYs that can change, potentially affecting your interest earnings. The banks and credit unions featured here are insured by the FDIC and NCUA, respectively.
For our best free checking accounts, we evaluated the following categories:
- Minimum opening deposit requirement: Some financial institutions require that account holders deposit a certain amount to open an account. We prioritized accounts with low and no minimums.
- Annual percentage yield: APY represents the real rate of return on your balance; the higher the APY, the better.
- Branch and free ATM access: Accounts belonging to financial institutions that have physical branches and fee-free ATMs ranked higher in our estimation than alternatives that were online-only or charged fees for ATM use.
- Cash back opportunities: Several checking accounts allow you to receive a percentage back on either particular purchases or all transactions made with the linked debit card. We preferred accounts that provided cash back.
- Mobile and online banking platforms: Accounts that can be accessed and managed via online or mobile banking platforms scored higher on our list than accounts that did not have digital banking services.
- Overdraft fees: Overdraft fees are charged when there isn’t enough money in your account to cover your transactions. We favored accounts with lower overdraft fees.
- Customer service: Top picks offer customers three ways to get in contact: chat support, phone, or email. Among the three options, we gave phone support the most weight.