Best Online Banks

  • Upgrade
    3.8(710)
  • nbkc bank
    3.5(67)
  • Wealthfront
    2.1(29)
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Written by Ashley Eneriz
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Edited by Jana Lynch

Best Online Banks

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

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See our top picks

Online banking allows consumers to access their money online whenever and wherever they want. Online banks operate completely online (hybrid banks offer online and in-person services) and typically have low fees and high annual percentage yield (APY) on savings accounts.

While many features of online banking can make life easier, it can feel inconvenient to switch from a bank with physical locations to one that is all online. There are also several online banks to choose from, and with many offering similar services, you may not know how to narrow your search.

We’ve helped narrow the search with this guide. Use it to compare the best online banks and discover which features you need to look for to bank online with confidence.


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Key insights

Online banks offer convenience and can help customers earn more on their money.

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Each online bank offers different features, including early payday options and rewards programs.

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Online banks offer several interesting features and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

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Our top 5 picks for online banks

When looking for the best online banks with a checking account, we considered fees, interest rates on checking and savings accounts, security, budgeting tools, account options, customer service, ATM availability, balance requirements and consumer reviews.

When choosing an online bank, ask about security measures that ensure your money is safe. You should also find an online bank with an interface that feels straightforward and easy to use. Finally, any online bank you choose to do business with should be backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), just like any traditional bank.

Note that our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us. This does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

Buyers Choice Award Finalist
Upgrade
Minimum account balance
$0
Account types
Checking, savings
APY
4.41%
Fees
$0

Upgrade is an online financial technology company offering a suite of products, from auto and personal loans to online banking. Customers can open a Rewards Checking Plus account and a Premiere Savings account through Upgrade to bank in one spot.

Each account offers competitive rewards and rates, doesn’t charge annual fees or maintenance fees, is FDIC-insured and can be accessed through a mobile app 24/7. Upgrade also has a robust online help center and extended customer support times (including weekend hours).

While Upgrade has a $0 minimum balance for both accounts, customers need to meet certain deposit and balance requirements to access their best perks. A minimum $1,000 monthly deposit is needed to have an active account and earn top rewards in the Rewards Checking Plus account, and customers need to maintain at least a $1,000 balance in the Premiere Savings account to earn interest. If a customer opens both accounts but doesn’t set up a $1,000 monthly direct deposit, they will earn 1.5% APY in their savings account.

  • Save on fees: There are no annual, maintenance or overdraft fees.
  • Earn cashback rewards: Earn 0.5% to 2% cash back on everyday purchases. Active account members earn 2% cash back on specific categories like gas, restaurants, and monthly subscriptions. Customers can earn a maximum of $500 in 2% cashback rewards each calendar year. After that cap is reached, customers get 1% cash back on those purchases.
  • FDIC-insured: Rewards Checking accounts are insured up to $250,000 with Cross River Bank.
  • External transfers available: Upgrade doesn’t accept cash deposits, but customers can link an external bank account to make transfers as needed.
  • Possible discounts on personal loan rates: Active account holders could reduce their Upgrade personal loan rates as much as 20%.
  • Early payday option: Active account holders could get their paychecks two days early if direct deposit is set up.
  • Save on fees: There are no annual maintenance fees.
  • Competitive APY: Balances of $1,000 or more earn a 4.41% APY, which is considerably higher than the national APY average of 0.45%.
  • FDIC-insured: Deposits are insured up to $250,000 with Cross River Bank.

Upgrade customers are impressed with the ease of their platform and their loan process. A ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Missouri said: “I have very good experiences with Upgrade since first opening up an account. The company is very easy to have a working relationship as well as being concerned with my overall credit and financial need.”

Discover Bank
Minimum account balance
None
Account types
Checking, savings, CD, money market
APY
4.25%
Fees
$0

What makes Discover one of the best online banks is its cashback program and competitive savings APY. Discover’s Cashback Debit card gives customers 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases each month, meaning they earn rewards for every dollar spent. The checking account is also low on fees and offers overdraft protection.

Discover’s savings account offers a well-above APY of 4.25%, helping customers’ money grow quicker. The savings account is also eligible for Discover’s overdraft protection program and doesn’t require a minimum balance to get started. Discover also has money market and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts available for customers looking to diversify their portfolio.

  • Save on fees: There are no annual, maintenance or overdraft fees, but there is a $30 fee per outgoing wire transfer.
  • Earn cashback rewards: Customers get 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases each month.
  • FDIC- insured: Accounts are insured up to $250,000.
  • Overdraft protection: Discover checking offers an overdraft protection service that can save your account from being in the red.
  • ATM access: Get access to 60,000 no-fee ATMs across the nation.
  • Early payday option: Get your paycheck up to two days early with a qualifying deposit.
  • No minimum balance required: There’s no minimum balance needed to open a savings account.
  • Save on fees: There are no annual, maintenance or overdraft fees.
  • Competitive APY: Balances earn a 4.25% APY, which is considerably higher than the national APY average of 0.46%.
  • Overdraft protection: Savings accounts are eligible for Discover’s overdraft protection program.

Reviewers who shared their positive experiences with Discover say they appreciate the high APY, the cashback program and no account maintenance fees. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Pennsylvania said: “The checking and savings accounts are FANTASTIC! No fees at all and they offer so many products and great features for everyone.”

Ally Bank
Minimum account balance
None
Account types
Checking, savings
APY
0.10% - 0.25% on checking balance; 4.2% on savings balance
Fees
$0 - $25, depending on the fee

Ally is an online bank providing several services and products, from credit cards to investment accounts. With no monthly maintenance fees, no account minimums and competitive APY rates, Ally helps more customers keep money in their pockets. Savers will find features like the Surprise Savings and Roundups extra helpful and convenient.

Customers can earn interest on their Ally checking accounts, but something to note is that a checking account has balanced tiers. Balances less than $15,000 earn a 0.10% APY; balances more than $15,000 earn a 0.25% APY.

  • Save on fees: There are no monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees, but Ally does charge a few other fees: a $15 expedited delivery fee, a $20 fee for outgoing domestic wires and a $25 per hour fee for account research.
  • Earn interest: Checking balances earn 0.10% to 0.25% APY, depending on how much is in an account.
  • Overdraft protection: Ally offers a free overdraft protection service called CoverDraft where they’ll cover customers up to $250, depending on if they have qualifying direct deposits.
  • Early payday option: Get your paycheck up to two days early when direct deposit is set up.
  • FDIC-insured: Accounts are insured up to $250,000.
  • ATM access: Get access to 43,000 no-fee ATMs across the nation. Ally will also reimburse a maximum of $10 in non-network ATM fees at the end of each statement cycle.
  • No minimum balance required: There’s no minimum balance needed to open a savings account.
  • Access to savings organization tools: Ally’s savings account allows customers to save their money into buckets, allowing them to focus their savings and monitor each bucket’s growth.
  • Save on fees: There are no annual, maintenance or overdraft fees.
  • Competitive APY: Balances earn a 4.2% APY, which is considerably higher than the national APY average of 0.46%.

Ally customers say they appreciate its competitive rates and prompt customer service. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer from New Jersey said: “Ally makes every online transaction easy to find and easy to complete. They consistently offer the best interest rates, as well as bonus rates for loyal customers.”

SoFi Checking and Savings
Minimum account balance
$0
Account types
Checking, savings
APY
0.50% on checking balance; up to 4.00% on savings balance
Fees
$0

SoFi is a personal finance company and online bank that offers student loan refinancing, mortgages and more. Its checking and savings account offers several notable perks, including a high APY on its savings account for those who set up qualifying direct deposit and no account fees. SoFi's account fee policy is subject to change at any time. Account holders can also enroll in SoFi Member Rewards and earn points that can turn into cash.

Something to note about SoFi is that savings and checking accounts come hand in hand. You can’t open just a checking or just a savings account at this time.

  • Save on fees: There are no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, minimum balance fees or ATM fees. SoFi's account fee policy is subject to change at any time.
  • Earn interest: Checking balances earn 0.50% APY, which is higher than the national average.
  • Overdraft protection: Customers who direct deposit at least $1,000 earn overdraft protection up to $50.
  • Early payday option: Get your paycheck up to two days early when direct deposit is set up.
  • ATM access: Get access to 55,000 ATMs across the nation.
  • Roundups to savings: All debit card transactions are automatically rounded up, with the roundups being transferred to your savings.
  • FDIC-insured: Accounts are insured up to $250,000.
  • No minimum balance required: There’s no minimum balance needed to open a savings account.
  • Competitive APY: For customers who set up qualifying direct deposit, balances can earn considerably more than the national APY average.
  • Save on fees: There are no monthly, minimum or maintenance fees. SoFi's account fee policy is subject to change at any time.
  • Access to savings organization tools: Separate your savings into Vaults and save for big purchases, like a down payment on a house.

Those who bank with SoFi say they enjoy the special features the accounts offer and how easy it is to bank. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Texas said: “I have used traditional banks in the past but really enjoy all the perks from SoFi accounts. I move money a lot and SoFi manages it seamlessly.”

nbkc bank
Minimum account balance
$0
Account types
Checking, CD, money market
APY
1.75% on checking balance; 3% on money market balance
Fees
$0 - $45

nbkc bank is an online bank offering personal loans, home loans, home equity loans and more. It offers a hybrid checking-savings account as well as money market and CD accounts. Customers can mobile bank 24/7 while enjoying no account maintenance fees. Its Everything Checking account is a good option for people looking to organize their savings, track goals and earn money on their balance.

  • Easily establish savings goals: The checking-savings account combination allows customers to easily set savings goals.
  • Save on fees: There are no monthly maintenance fees, but there is a $45 international wire fee.
  • Earn interest: Checking balances earn 1.75% APY, which is higher than the national average.
  • ATM access: Get access to 37,000 ATMs across the nation. nbkc also reimburses customers up to $12 each month for out-of-network ATM fees.
  • Roundups to savings: All debit card transactions are automatically rounded up, with the roundups being transferred to your savings.
  • FDIC-insured: Accounts are insured up to $250,000.
  • Earn interest: Money market accounts earn 3% APY, while CDs earn anywhere from 2.25% to 5.25%, depending on the term and account type.
  • Low CD deposit needed: Some CD accounts only need a $250 minimum deposit to get set up; others offered with nbkc need a $1,000 minimum deposit.

nbkc customers have good things to say about its attentive customer service and mortgages. A ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Virginia said: “We have now worked with nbkc twice while buying homes. They consistently lock in the best rates and have the best customer service. They are very thorough and professional with their work. They are prompt with responses and easy to work with. Would recommend them to anyone!”

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What is online banking?

Online banking is when you complete all of your banking tasks through your phone, tablet or computer. Using online banking services, you can open a bank account, pay your bills, deposit and transfer funds, check your balance and apply for loans. It’s also easy to keep track of changes in your account. More online banks are also offering online investing and other financial services, like insurance.

Usually, an online bank can provide account holders with most of the same services as traditional banks. Customer service representatives are available over the phone, by email or via online chat. Online banks allow you to use a network of ATMs to withdraw cash without paying a fee. Note one major difference between online banks and traditional banks: Online-only banks do not have physical branch locations.

Online banking vs. traditional banking
Online banks and traditional banks have a lot of similarities: you can deposit and withdraw money, open a variety of accounts, take out a loan and monitor your account for fraud and suspicious activity. They are both FDIC-insured and subject to the same federal rules and regulations.

Many traditional banks and credit unions also offer online banking services that allow you to deposit checks and pay your bills quickly and conveniently online. On the other hand, an online bank doesn’t have any physical branch locations; making a bank run is as simple as logging in to your account, which you can do 24/7.

Traditional banks and credit unions vary in how innovative their online services are. For example, a well-known traditional bank might have cutting-edge technology that makes online banking simple. Other smaller and local banks or credit unions might still use limited or dated technology, with the biggest online perk being bill pay.

For online-only banks, transfers go through almost immediately, although deposits might be more challenging to make. Another disadvantage to online banking is that your access to your account will always be dependent upon a steady internet or data connection.

» COMPARE: Best online savings account

How does online banking work?

Unlike at traditional banks or credit unions where you need to conduct transactions in person, online banking makes it easy for account holders to manage their finances online through their computer or smartphone. Because online banks don’t have the overhead associated with physical locations, they can often charge fewer or even no fees and may offer higher interest rates on savings accounts.

To deposit a check, you can simply take a picture with your phone and upload it through your online bank’s secure portal. It’s easy to monitor your account through an app.

Many online banks have connections with ATM providers, so finding an in-network ATM is convenient, and there’s no fee for cash withdrawals.

What to look for when choosing an online bank

Customers should take their financial goals and ideal banking experience into consideration when selecting an online bank. Some people may want to earn the most money possible on their cash, whereas others may prioritize customer service. Look for features that meet these needs to ensure satisfaction. Michael Collins, CFA and Founder and CEO of WinCap Financial, said people should consider these key features when researching online banks:

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Low fees
  • Customer service
  • Ease of use
  • Mobile banking capabilities
  • Security
  • Rewards programs
  • Deposit insurance

Something else to consider: Additional products an online bank offers. Having an online bank offering various products, from checking and savings accounts to home and auto loans, can help keep finances in one place and limit the need to switch between several banks.

As customers research online banks, Collins offers an important piece of advice: Read the fine print. “People should pay attention to the bank's terms and conditions, such as minimum balance requirements and transaction limits, to avoid any surprises or extra fees,” Collins says.

» LEARN: CDs vs. savings accounts: Which is right for you?

Online banking pros and cons

Whether you are a member of a traditional bank that has some online features, or you have just joined an online-only bank, it’s great to know and take advantage of the benefits online banking offers.

Pros

  • Higher APYs
  • Lower or no fees
  • 24/7 access
  • Extensive ATM network

Cons

  • Some don’t allow cash deposits
  • No in-person communication
  • No or limited branches
  • Some have limited services

FAQ

Are online banks safe to use?

Online banks are safe to use. In fact, online banking security is now more advanced than ever, and some experts consider online banks to be safer than brick-and-mortar banks. You complete all of your financial transactions through a secure web portal, and encryption scrambles your data, which makes it secure against hackers. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of someone stealing your check from the mail.

Additionally, online banking often comes with sophisticated fraud monitoring, two-factor authentication and login alerts. You should be sure to always use your data plan to access your online banking account. Accessing your online bank account while connected to public networks opens you up to hacking and unauthorized access.

Even if you’re diligent, scammers are out there. To be on the safe side, make sure you have a hard-to-guess password, and don’t write it down anywhere. Keep your device updated, and never give account information over the phone or through email or text messages.

How do I choose an online bank?

Choosing an online bank is simple enough if you think about which features are most important to you. Do you want a bank with no fees, or are you looking for a bank with products that offer the best return for your money? Compare online banks’ fees, APYs and services. Consider which products you will want to use today and two to three years from now. You might only want a high-yield savings account now, but having easier access to auto loans or mortgage refinancing might come in handy later on.

Do you need an ID to open an online bank account?

You will need to verify who you are before you are given a bank account. Each online bank is slightly different in how it verifies your identity. Some items a bank may request are a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number and proof of address.

Not sure how to choose?

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