Banking » Compare Banks » Best Online Banks of February 2024
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Best Online Banks of September 2024

While you don't have in person contact, online banks offer higher rates on savings and great digital experience. Here are our top picks:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Bank/institution
APY Savings
Monthly Fee
Promotion
CIT-Bank-Logo
CIT Bank
Up to 4.85%
$0
None

axos-bank-logo

Axos Bank
Up to 0.61%
$0
$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account
Chime banking logo
Chime Banking
2.00%
$0
None

discover bank logo

Discover Bank
4.25%
$0
$150 / $200 Minimum deposit required: $15,000 or $25,000 within 30 days. [/sc]

Sofi bank logo

SoFi Bank
up to 4.50%
$0
$50 – $300 Minimum deposit of $1,000 – $5,000
TIAA_Bank_logo
TIAA Bank
5.05%
$0
None
american-express-bank-logo
American Express Bank
4.25%
$0
None
Alliant Credit Union
3.06% – 3.10%
$0
None
synchrony-bank-logo
Synchrony Bank
4.65%
$0
None
Bank/institution
APY Savings
Monthly Fee
Promotion
CIT Bank
Up to 4.85%
$0
None
Axos Bank
Up to 0.61%
$0
$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account
Chime Banking
2.00%
$0
None
Discover Bank
4.25%
$0
$150 / $200 Minimum deposit required: $15,000 or $25,000 within 30 days. [/sc]
SoFi Bank
up to 4.50%
$0
$50 – $300 Minimum deposit of $1,000 – $5,000
TIAA Bank
5.05%
$0
None
American Express Bank
4.25%
$0
None
Alliant Credit Union
3.06% – 3.10%
$0
None
Synchrony Bank
4.65%
$0
None

CIT Bank

CIT-Bank-Logo
CIT-Bank-Logo
On CIT Secure Website

CIT Bank

APY Savings

Up to 4.85%

Fees

$0

Current Promotion

None

Minimum Deposit

$100
On CIT Secure Website

CIT Bank is an online-only bank,  a division of First Citizens Bank. It offers a decent online banking experience. All deposit accounts can be opened online without contacting a customer service representative. A good choice of savings account is the CIT Bank Savings Connect. It doesn't impose monthly service fees and offers a low-interest rate.

CIT Bank checking account called “eChecking . This account can be started with as little as $100 and has no monthly fees. Despite the fact that CIT Bank does not have any ATMs, consumers can get up to $15 in monthly ATM fees from other banks reimbursed. Customers of CIT Bank are not charged to use an ATM owned by another bank.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • CDs
  • Money Market Accounts
  • Debit Cards
  • Mortgage
  • What CIT Bank products are inflation proof?

CIT Bank has a decent product lineup, but only its lending products are genuinely inflation proof. While the bank has reasonable savings and CD rates, there is nothing to suggest that these will dramatically rise if the rate of inflation starts to increase.

However, there are fixed rate home loans that allow you to lock in your mortgage rate. This means that even if the rate of inflation and interest rates go up, you don’t need to worry that your monthly mortgage payment will also increase.

  • What is required to open a CIT Bank account?

As with all major banks, whether they are online or have a physical branch network, you will need to provide some personal details including a valid home address, your Social Security number, and contact information.

You will also need to verify your identity with a government ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or state ID.

  • Is CIT Bank worth it if I'm a student?

CIT Bank does not have any dedicated student accounts, but this does not mean that it is a bad bank for students. The eChecking account is a mostly fee free account and you can access great saving rates.

However, if you’re looking for credit cards, loans and other student friendly products, you may find CIT Bank a little disappointing.

  • Do CIT Bank offers a free checking account?

CIT Bank only has one checking account option; the eChecking account. However, this account is mostly fee-free. There are no monthly maintenance fees and CIT Bank also offers up to $30 in ATM fee reimbursement per statement period.

The only fees that apply to this account relate to stop payments, returned items, and excessive transactions. So, if you keep your account in good order, you are unlikely to incur any fees.

Axos Bank

On Axos Secure Website

Axos Bank

APY Savings

Up to 0.61%

Fees

$0

Current Promotion

$500 Use Promo Code “RC500” for a $500 bonus when you apply for a Rewards Checking account. Expired on 06/30/2024

Minimum Deposit

$50[

On Axos Secure Website

One of the first banks that offers online inly serviceoffer is Axos Bank. The Axos checking account has no minimum balance restriction and offers unlimited domestic ATM charge reimbursements. On all purchases made using your signature, you can receive up to 1% cash back with Axos rewards checking.

Compared to many physical banks, the Axos Bank High Yield Savings account offers greater rates. Currently, the APY on this savings account may reach Up to 0.61%. Features including account access, fund transfers, online bill payment, and mobile check deposits are available on the Axos Bank mobile app.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • CDs
  • Money Market Account
  • Mortgage
  • Debit Card
  • Investing
  • Who is Axos Bank?

Axos Bank is an FDIC-insured technology-driven financial services company that offers a wide range of innovative products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across the country. Axos Bank is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has nearly $14.4 billion in assets.

We aim to be the most innovative digital bank in the United States, offering products and services that are superior to those of our competitors.

  • How is Axos physical coverage?

Axos is a bank that only operates online. Although Axos Bank has three locations, none of them are open to the public; the bank operates entirely online. As a result, if you're looking for a bank where you can get help from a teller in person, Axos is not the right choice for you.

  • How is Axos bank customer service?

Axos has a 24-hour helpline, but you can also chat with the Evo virtual assistant or browse the extensive support section of the website.

The Axos app can be used to not only transfer funds and manage transactions, but also to access support and manage your card. You can even use the app to locate the nearest fee-free ATM, which is extremely useful if you're in a foreign country. The Axos is rated 4.7/5 by Apple and 4.5/5 by Google.

  • How does the Axos savings account work?

If you want to start growing your savings and working towards your savings goals, Axos Bank has a few options for you. Axos offers a high yield savings account with an APY of Up to 0.61%, but it also has a number of other features.

You can, for example, request a free ATM card, but there are no monthly fees. There are no minimum balance requirements and interest is compounded daily. This account also gives you access to a number of online money management tools.

  • What ATMs are available to me?

Your account provides free ATM withdrawals at over 91,000 convenient locations across the country. Log in to online banking and use our ATM Locator to find out where you can make free ATM withdrawals near you.

Chime

Chime logo

Chime

On Chime Secure Website

Chime Banking

APY Savings

2.00%

Fees

$0

Current Promotion

None

Minimum Deposit

$0
On Chime Secure Website

All Chime products are designed to assist customers in rebuilding or establishing credit. There are only two savings accounts, one checking account, and one credit card available.

Chime's checking account does, subject to qualification and terms, provide a fee-free $200 overdraft facility. Chime's “When I Get Paid” savings feature saves a percentage of your paycheck each time you get paid.

The Chime app has a rating of 4.8/5 on Apple and 4.7/5 on Google and offers a great user experience, allowing you to not only transfer funds and manage your transactions, but also access support and manage your card. Chime also has a toll-free number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can contact the customer service team at any time.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Cards
  •  
  • Is Chime a good bank for teens?

Chime is a great bank for older teens who already have a regular source of income and are looking to start to establish their credit without paying account maintenance fees or needing to worry about minimum balance requirements.

The Chime debit card is only available for those aged 18+, but there is no parental control. This means that this account is only suitable for teens who are already comfortable managing their finances, since parents cannot intervene with spending controls.

  • Does Chime work for Millenials?

Millennials tend to prefer convenience and simplicity and Chime can offer this. Even if you don’t struggle with your credit rating, the fee free checking account and impressive savings account make a good combo to manage your money. The online platform is easy to use and there is an accompanying app, so you can manage your finances on the go.

However, if you need more from your bank than a checking account, savings and secured credit card, then this is not the bank for you.

  • Is Chime worth it for Joint Accounts?

Chime does not currently offer joint accounts or the ability to have secondary cards on your account.

Chime does appreciate the importance of sharing your bank account with your spouse, so it is looking to add this feature to the accounts, but at this time, if you want a joint account, you’ll need to consider other bank options.

  • Is my money safe on Chime ?

Chime has FDIC insurance, so up to $250,000 deposit funds are federally protected. The bank also has two factor authentication and supports fingerprint authentication for your data protection.

The Chime debit cards are also protected with Visa Zero Liability. So, you don’t need to worry about unauthorized charges and can shop worry free with millions of merchants.

  • Can you buy/invest in Crypto via Chime ?

Chime does not have investment capabilities, so it is not possible to use this bank to buy or invest in stocks, shares or cryptocurrencies. So, if you are interested in crypto, you may wish to consider using a different bank with an investment platform or through an independent broker.

Chime banking app features
Chime banking activities (Screenshot taken by our team from Chime app)

Discover

discover logo
On Discover Secure Website

Discover Bank

APY Savings

4.25%

Fees

4.25%

Current Promotion

$150 / $200 Minimum deposit required: $15,000 or $25,000 within 30 days. [/sc]

Minimum Deposit

$0
On Discover Secure Website

Since its inception as a credit card provider, Discover has come a long way. Discover offers a simple savings account. There are no account fees or minimum deposits, and you can earn 4.25%.

While Discover's checking account does not pay interest, you can earn 1% cash back on debit card purchases. There are no fees, as with eChecking. If you need a replacement debit card, have insufficient funds, or have a deposit returned, you will not be charged a fee.

Of course, credit cards are available, but you can also get home loans, personal loans, and a variety of checking and savings products such as retirement accounts, CDs, and money market accounts. Discover's has a rating of 4.9/5 on Apple's App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • CDs
  • Money Market Account
  • Mortgage
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Personal/Student Loans
  • Is Discover worth for Millenials?

Most millennials look for convenience and functionality in their banking services and Discover does meet this requirement. The checking account is fee free, so you don’t need to worry about meeting fee waiver criteria.

Additionally, since Discover is an online only bank, the interface is easy to use, making it easy to manage your account at home or on the go via the Discover app. This makes Discover worthy of serious consideration by any millennial looking for banking services.

  • Is Discover worth it if I have bad credit?

While Discover does not have a dedicated bad credit checking account, the bank does have an excellent secured credit card that is designed to help those with bad credit improve their credit report.

The Discover It secured card has no annual fee and you can activate the card with a refundable security deposit. The minimum deposit is $200 and your credit line will be determined by your deposit amount. So, if you deposit $1,000, you’ll have a $1,000 credit limit on your card.

You can then use your card to make purchases, pay the balance and this activity will be reported to the major credit bureaus, which can help you to rebuild your credit.

  • Can you close a Discover bank account over the phone/online?

Discover has a toll free customer support line that you can call to close your account. The Discover representative will go through the account closure procedure to make it as easy and painless as possible. The bank does not support account closures via the website, so you will need to be prepared to spend a little time on the phone if you want to close the account.

  • Does Discover worth for Joint?

It is possible to have a joint account with Discover. The bank allows co-ownership of most types of accounts, but both parties will need to verify their ID and personal details to be added to the account. It is also possible to add a second person to your existing Discover account. You can do this online or by calling the Discover customer support helpline.

  • How's Discover Performs During Recession?

Discover is a household name with a long track record. The bank has weathered adverse financial conditions over the years. Even after the 2007/2008 financial crisis, when the bank received $1.2 billion in federal bail out funds, Discover was able to repay these funds by 2010.

Of course, Discover is also FDIC insured, so even if the bank starts to struggle, you can rest assured that your deposits up to $250,000 are federally insured.

  • Can you buy/invest in gold products via Discover Bank?

Discover does not have an investment arm, so it is not possible to buy or invest in gold products through this bank. If you are interested in getting into investments, you may need to consider a brokerage or another bank that has an integrated investment service platform.

SoFi Bank

APY Savings

up to 4.50%

Fees

$0

Current Promotion

$50 – $300 Minimum deposit of $1,000 – $5,000

Minimum Deposit

$0

The hybrid savings and checking account from SoFi offers up to 4.50% APY, which is one of the highest rates available right now in the US. There is no required minimum deposit for SoFi savings, and there are no hidden costs.

Additionally, the SoFi hybrid account contains a few useful checking account features. This includes rounding up, so the difference from your debit card purchases is put into one of your savings accounts.

You won't be charged if your available balance falls too low because there is also $50 in fee-free overdraft protection. Additionally, SoFi provides a $100 welcome gift to new users.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • Mortgage
  • Investing Capabilities
  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Card
  • Personal Loans

How's SoFi overdraft fees work?

SoFi doesn't impose any overdraft fees. The transaction will fail, and SoFi won't charge you if you write a check that doesn't have enough money or try to withdraw more money than you have available.

Does SoFi provide paper checks?

Yes, SoFi provides checks without charge. After ordering, your paper checks are supposed to arrive in 10–14 days.

Can you close the SoFi bank account over the phone/online?

As a fully online platform, SoFi encourages you to use the website dashboard to manage all your account activity, including closing your account. Once you log into your dashboard, you’ll find the “Close Account” button under the “more” tab. This screen will take you through the checks before closing your account, including if you have any pending transactions or outstanding card disputes. After you’ve checked these items, you can click to close your account. You’ll see a confirmation screen to verify the account closure.

Can you buy/invest in Crypto via SoFi?

SoFi has recently launched SoFi Crypto, which as the name suggests, allows you to buy, sell and trade cryptocurrencies. You can manage SoFi Crypto via the bank’s app and get started for as little as $10. However, SoFi Crypto is unavailable in all states, so you must check the availability in your home state.

Can you Be Denied a SoFi Checking Account?

While SoFi is reputed to have flexible approval criteria for its checking account, there is still a possibility that your application may be declined. This is usually if SoFi cannot verify your identity or has a query about the personal information you’ve provided. You will receive an email letting you know your application has been declined, but you may be able to provide additional information and have your application reconsidered.

How's SoFi physical coverage?

SoFi is a fully online bank, and it has no physical branch coverage. All your transactions and queries must be performed online or by calling the appropriate helpline.

Is SoFi Account suitable for teens?

SoFi requires account users to be 18+, so it is not a good option for teens. The bank has no dedicated children’s accounts, so if you are looking for a checking or savings account for your teenager, SoFi is not the best option.

What is required to open a SoFi account?

Like the major banks, SoFi requires applicants to verify their identity and personal details to open an account. This will include your Social Security number, a valid home address, and contact details. All of these details are included in the application form, so be sure that you don’t leave any mandatory fields blank.

SoFi checking last transactions
Track recent transactions on SoFi app (Screenshot taken by our team from SoFi app)

EverBank

EverBank logo
EverBank logo
On EverBank Website

EverBank

APY Savings

5.05%

Fees

0.25%

Current Promotion

None

Minimum Deposit

$100
On EverBank Website

There are two checking accounts available through EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank): Basic Checking and Yield Pledge Checking. The bank stays true to its promise to give APYs that are among the highest in the industry. The Yield Pledge Money Market account is above average product when you place it side-by-side with other banks’ money market account.

We like the bank because it offers a wide range of products from checking and savings accounts, to CDs, money market and credit cards. They also have loan products and investment accounts.

It’s good to have a bank that can provide the full array of common bank products that a typical customer might need. One does not have to open another account in another bank just because it’s not available in your primary bank.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • CDs
  • Money Market Account
  • Investing
  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • EverBank accounts: what exactly is 360° Financial View?

It's a safe tool that allows you to see all of your EverBank accounts as well as accounts from over 17,000 banks, brokerage firms, retirement plans, and other data sources.

Combining these accounts gives you a complete picture of your finances, allowing you to quickly calculate your total net worth, analyze your investment allocation, track your spending, and create a budget. The 360° Financial View is a free service provided by EverBank.

  • What types of accounts are available at EverBank Brokerage?

Individual, Joint (Tenants with Rights of Survivorship, Tenants in Common, Community Property, Tenants by the Entirety), Custodial (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) and Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA)), Traditional IRA or Rollover IRA, Roth IRA, Inherited IRA, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA, Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs,

  • What are the fees for my Self-Directed Brokerage account?

There are no fees associated with opening an account. Many fees are determined by the services and features you choose to use, as well as how you invest.

Marcus

Marcus logo
Marcus logo
On Marcus Secure Website

Marcus

APY Savings

4.40%

Fees

$0

Current Promotion

None

Minimum Deposit

$0
On Marcus Secure Website

Marcus is a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs, and this is reflected in its products. The bank provides high-yielding savings products such as CDs and a savings account. Personal loans, home improvement loans, and debt consolidation loans are also available.

Marcus provides a high yield savings account with a 4.40%. There are no account features or perks, but the rate is impressive and outperforms the typical interest rate offered by a high street savings account.

The Marcus app has a rating of 4.9/5 on the Apple App Store and 4/5 on Google. 

  • Savings Accounts
  • CDs
  • Investing Platform
  • Personal Loans
  • Does Marcus offer a free checking account?

No, although Marcus offers savings, CDs, and loans, the bank’s product line does not include a checking account at this time.

  • Does Marcus allow joint savings accounts?

A Marcus savings account can be opened with two account holders. This means that both parties can enjoy co-ownership of the account and make independent decisions. As a result, if one account holder notifies the bank of an action, Marcus will not confirm the action with the other party. However, you must open a new joint account because converting a sole account to a joint account is not possible.

  • Is Marcus relevant for Millenials?

The general trend among millennials is an interest in nontraditional banks. Marcus has a specialized product line that may assist customers in becoming acquainted with investments. The bank has a fantastic app that can help you manage your money while you're on the go. However, if you need a checking account to manage your day-to-day transactions, this is not the bank for you.

  • Is Marcus worth it if I have bad credit?

Marcus has a great savings account that is suitable for anyone, but if you want a lending product, you may need to work on your credit score. Marcus does not disclose the minimum credit score requirements, but it is likely that you will need a score of 660 or more to qualify for a loan.

  • Can you close Marcus bank account over the phone/online?

You can close your Marcus account by calling the bank’s helpline or by sending an email to the bank. The phone method is likely to be the easiest, as the Marcus team will guide you through the closure process.

American Express Bank

American_Express
American Express
On Amex Secure Website

American Express Bank

APY Savings

4.25%

Fees

$0

Promotion

None

Minimum Deposit

$0
On Amex Secure Website

American Express is a widely recognized brand in the world of credit cards, and it also offers personal banking solutions through its online savings and CD options. Recently, Amex launched its rewards checking account, which offers high-yield potential on your account balance.

With American Express Personal Savings, you can enjoy competitive rates on your savings without any complicated features or maintenance fees. Opening an account is straightforward, and you can move funds in and out of the account easily through electronic transfer. The new rewards checking account also offers powerful benefits and has no monthly fees.

  • Savings Accounts
  • Checking Accounts
  • CDs
  • Credit Cards
  • Personal Loans
  • Debit Cards

What is the APY for Amex Bank CDs?

American Express Bank offers competitive CD rates. You can get 4.10% APY for a 1-year CD, and 3.75% APY for a 2-year CD.

Does American Express National Bank offer online banking services?

Yes, American Express National Bank provides online banking services for its customers, including online savings and CD accounts and a rewards checking account.

Does American Express National Bank charge fees for its accounts?

American Express Personal Savings and the rewards checking account both have no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. However, certain account activities, such as overdrafts, may incur fees.

Can I access my American Express accounts through ATMs?

American Express does not have its own network of ATMs, but customers can use their debit cards to withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts American Express.

 

Mobile check deposit with Amex bank
Mobile check deposit with Amex (Screenshot taken by our team from Amex app)

Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union
On Alliant Secure Website

Alliant Credit Union