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Sunday, June 9th
2024 Online Checking Account Reviews
Chase
- Personal checking fees as low as $4.95
- Student/child accounts for $0 in fees
- Family banking options
- No minimum required to open a basic account
- Online services and in-person locations
- Mobile app
- Offers ATM access and ATM card
- "A" rating by the BBB
Chase is a great "big bank" option if you're looking to open a checking account. In business for 200 years, Chase offers 8 different checking account options. While most Chase checking accounts have fees, you can get those fees waived. However, some reviewers noted that they weren't impressed with the customer service offered at Chase, so if that's a key part of your online checking account search, you might want to consider other options. But if you're looking for a family-friendly option with low or no fees, Chase has a lot to offer.
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US Bank
- Fees start at $4.95 per month
- Requires $25 to open account
- Mobile app available
- Access to 10,000+ ATMs
- Access to Zelle pay
U.S. Bank comes in looking relatively average until you see its customer reviews. There aren't enough features to make this company truly competitive, and with only one checking account that offers a no-fee setup, we don't really see this company stacking up against many of the free options out there. Many customers have had problems with the U.S. Bank mobile app, which isn't ideal for online banking. Instead of U.S. Bank, you might want to look at one of the higher-rated options on our list for your next checking account.
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Where is the Best Place to Open an Online Checking Account?
Are you unhappy with your current bank and looking to update your finances? Or maybe you're opening your first checking account and want to make sure you're getting the best benefits out there? Finding the right place to keep your money is a difficult decision, and it's important for your financial security.
Whether you're shopping for better benefits, a new bank, or it's your first time opening a checking account, it can be hard to sift through all the financial information out there. A checking account is meant for someone that makes frequent withdrawals and deposits. Checking accounts are liquid or easily accessible, and you can withdraw money with a check, at an ATM, and via electronic transfers.
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Online Checking Account FAQ
An online checking account is a type of bank account that you can access and manage entirely online, typically through a website or mobile app. Most banking institutions offer online checking accounts or online access to accounts, however, some banks are completely online without brick-and-mortar locations.
Often a fully online checking account will have lower fees, higher interest rates, and easy access to transfers and money management. Many online checking accounts come with budgeting tools also.
Yes, most online checking accounts offer bill payment services and support direct deposit. Some online accounts even offer special benefits if you sign up for direct deposit with their bank. You can also send checks with some online checking accounts, but there may be fees to order physical checks.
Yes, you can deposit checks into an online checking account through various methods, such as mobile deposit, mail-in deposit, or by visiting a physical bank branch. If your bank is fully online, you will only be able to use mobile deposit.
Yes, online banking is generally safe if you take the necessary precautions, such as using strong passwords, regularly monitoring your account, and avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing your account. And, many online banks are insured by the FDIC so the funds in your checking account will be insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
The short answer is yes. However, it's a lot harder to deposit cash into a fully online bank because there aren't brick-and-mortar locations to store your money. So, you'll have to go to a retailer that works with your bank to deposit cash. This usually means there will be fees to deposit and there's often a limit to how much cash you can deposit at once.
Yes, many online banks partner with ATM networks that allow you to access cash at ATMs nationwide, usually for free. You also get a debit card with an online checking account that you can use at ATMs and to make purchases like a traditional debit card.
The availability of funds in an online checking account can vary depending on the bank, but most transactions, such as direct deposits and mobile deposits, are processed quickly and the funds are usually available within a few business days. Some online banks offer fund availability two days sooner than most traditional in-person banks.
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A checking account allows you to make more withdrawals than a savings account, and usually it comes with unlimited deposits. You can apply for a checking account online or at a bank branch location.
There are a few types of checking accounts including free, interest-bearing, and premium. Free checking accounts have no monthly fees or minimum balance, interest-bearing accounts allow you to earn interest, and premium accounts usually have a monthly cost or a minimum balance requirement to qualify. Across the US the average fees for checking accounts include:
- Maintenance fees: $12 - $25
- ATM fees: $2.50 - $5
- Overdraft fees: $34 - $36
- Wire Transfer fees: $15 - $50
So, how do you find the best online checking account for your needs? There are a lot of things to consider. If you're not sure where to start this financial journey, here are a few things to help you sift through the options:
- Price: Do you want a cheap or no-cost checking account? Or are you looking to upgrade to something with benefits at a price?
- Customer Service: Does customer service matter to you? Are you looking for extra help from bank employees? Or do you just want somewhere to store your money?
- Features: Do you travel frequently and need an account that supports foreign transactions? Do you want something with a high APY so you can earn interest from your checking account? Keep in mind what features are important as you evaluate checking account options.
- Insurance: Are you looking for some extra security? Do you only want to bank with a financial institution that is part of the FDIC?
- Balance requirements: Are you worried about keeping a regular balance in your account? Or are you someone who isn't concerned with making regular deposits or maintaining a monthly minimum balance?
To help you find the right online checking account for your needs, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular options on the market. We hope this will make it easy to find your perfect financial institution and get you saving and spending as much as you like!
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