While the interest-bearing NBKC Everything Account has a very competitive APY, it doesn’t have a minimum opening deposit or balance requirement. CNBC Select reviewed more than 30 top financial institutions with no monthly maintenance fee to crown winners in a variety of categories, including ATM access, interest earnings and branch availability. The best no-fee checking accounts offer features such as low or no minimum balance requirements, convenient ATM access, overdraft protection and early paycheck access. The average monthly maintenance fee has hit a record $13.51, or more than $162 a year. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best free stock-trading platforms.
- Overdraft coverage is automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in eligible direct deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis.
- Chime is a mobile-first financial app that merges the low cost of online checking and savings accounts with the convenience of truly on-the-go money management.
- Note that the rates and fee structures for savings accounts are not guaranteed forever; they are subject to change without notice and they often fluctuate per the Fed rate.
- We’ve researched and rounded up several of the best no-minimum savings accounts without monthly fees, with our picks offering varied but competitive annual percentage yields (APYs), features, other fees, and more.
- A free online checking account typically doesn’t charge the common fees mentioned above, or at least waives opening or minimum balance requirements.
- Members also enjoy unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide, so you can withdraw cash anywhere without worrying about extra charges.
Synchrony Bank offers a high-yield savings account online with no fees or minimum balance requirement. Like their credit card structure, Discover charges very few fees, making it easy to grow your savings faster. Fortunately, many high-yield savings accounts pay 8 to 10 times the national rate and don’t charge fees. No-fee savings accounts are an easy way to boost your savings by avoiding any monthly fees.
Yes, there are some high-yield savings accounts that let you earn a top APY without setting up direct deposit. The good news is that a handful of top banks offer huge APYs on high-yield savings accounts without direct deposit needed. She helps readers track down the best high-yield savings accounts, decide if they’re in between banks, and take their first steps into investing. To maximize your return on investment (ROI), choose a high-yield savings account with no minimum balance.
Why you should avoid minimum balance requirements for savings accounts
- Many high-yield savings accounts available today have no minimum opening deposit requirements.
- Our fee policy is subject to change at any time.
- Every account below has no required opening deposit and no standard monthly maintenance fee.
- Generally, these accounts are online and have limited branch access, but come with high annual percentage yields (APYs).
- The Ally Bank Spending Account has no minimum opening deposit, monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fee, or minimum balance requirement.
- While cash accounts aren’t quite the same as a high-yield savings account, they function similarly.
Annual Percentage Yield is variable and subject to change at any time. The Bask Interest Savings Account offers one of the highest rates on this list and doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee. Some banks that offer exceptionally high APYs may have a minimum balance requirement to obtain the APY, but that doesn’t mean they charge fees.
A free checking account doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee or require a minimum balance or deposit. If you’re approved, you may be required to make a minimum opening deposit and create a PIN for your debit or ATM card. Make sure its website and mobile app are easy to use and provide the services you want. The best checking accounts have no maintenance fees and waive other charges, including overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees. Close to half of non-interest checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee. Members also enjoy unlimited ATM fee reimbursements worldwide, so you can withdraw cash anywhere without worrying about extra charges.
Open a Credit Karma Checking account for free
Some advertise no monthly fees but charge ‘behind the scenes’ for many other features. It’s easy to open a no-fee savings account, especially since they are typically online-only accounts. Here are the top factors to consider when choosing a no-fee savings account. When customers’ bank account balances dip below the threshold, they charge a monthly maintenance fee.
For those who want competitive rates on CDs and high-yield savings account it is a good option. Synchrony Bank is good for those who want a variety of savings options, from high-yield savings account to CDs. Capital One offers fee-free checking and savings accounts, competitive interest rates and access alexa casino to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Capital One stands out for its fee-free checking and savings options as well as its extensive ATM network. Bask Bank is ideal for those looking to park their savings in CDs or a high-yield savings account.
The chart below compares the annual interest earned on a $5,000 balance at several high-yield savings account rates versus the national average, highlighting how higher APYs can help your money grow faster. You also have to consider other factors that can impact how you’ll save and bank, including not only minimum requirements but also fees and accessibility. While cash accounts aren’t quite the same as a high-yield savings account, they function similarly. It’s worth noting that UFB changes the names and details of its savings accounts more than other banks, but it always offers some version of a high-yield savings account that’s always competitive.
How to choose a high-yield savings account
The Synchrony app makes it easy to bank from anywhere, and the account includes an ATM card for easy access to your funds, with ATMs showing the Plus or Accel logo. Plus, there’s no monthly maintenance fee to waive, and no minimum balance is required. Discover’s online high-yield savings account is the most transparent account out of the banks on our list. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Credit score is one of many factors creditors may consider in evaluating credit applications. Chase requires no minimum deposit for any checking account but charges monthly service fees ranging from $4.95-$35 depending on the account type.
That makes it easy to get off the ground and start earning right away. Quontic High Interest Checking makes earning category-leading interest on eligible checking account balances easy. Chime is a mobile-first financial app that merges the low cost of online checking and savings accounts with the convenience of truly on-the-go money management. Axos ONE transforms free checking by bundling high-yield checking and savings into a single, zero-fee package. Credit Karma Checking is an online checking account that’s free to open — with no penalties, overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements.
The account charges no monthly fees and even waives fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals. American fintech apps are well known for requiring no minimum deposits and waiving monthly maintenance fees altogether. Compare the best high-yield savings accounts and grab the rate that fits your money.

