The checking accounts offer easy access and available for your money in everyday transactions. But finding banks that offer free checking accounts in the United States is becoming increasingly difficult.

Most banks impose opening, maintenance or operation fees or commissions ; as well as minimum balance conditions to avoid incurring certain charges. 

The US banks have implemented for quite a time for maintenance fees or service charges on these accounts , which can condition them . 

And if you want to avoid surcharges, you must have a high minimum daily balance, make regular deposits of certain amounts, until you cover a number of transactions.

The amount of the fees will vary according to the financial institution, the product you choose and you can also find some with specific benefits or surcharges associated with a particular service.

These are peculiarities that make it difficult to find banks that offer free checking accounts in the United States .

But is it possible?

Are there banks that offer free checking accounts in the United States?

The answer is: definitely yes!

It is possible to open free checking accounts in the United States.

Through the tools provided by the Internet, some banks offer online checking accounts in the United States , products covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of the United States ( FDIC ) very attractive and with very few limitations.

If you research the interest rates on these free checking accounts , you will find that there are some with such low interest that you hardly notice them.

Know the charges that apply to current accounts in the US

Bankrate has the best checking accounts in the US in 2020 and gives details of some fees and charges to take into account as ride a checking account :

1. Possible maintenance fees : The vast majority of banks in the US will require a minimum average balance, if your account balance is below that average they will charge you a maintenance fee. 
2. Account overdraft charges , if you cause a “negative balance” in your checking account , that is, you incur expenses beyond what you have available in your account will generate an overdraft charge .
3. Sustained overdraft charge , if a certain period of time has passed in days with your account in negative. You will be charged an amount greater than the common overdraft .
4. Fees and commissions for the use of ATMs : Handling your money through ATMs outside of your bank’s network will have costs. For example, some banks charge a flat fee of $ 4.72 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals.
5. Charges for generating statements or statements of account : Some banks charge for the printing and the visa of your account statements , others even charge the delivery via mail.

But since you are here, you are probably looking for a free checking account and want to know which is the best bank to open an account in the United States.

Without further ado, let’s go to the best 20 options, that is; the list of 20 banks that offer free checking accounts in the United States.

1. BBVA online checking account

What better way to start this list than with a globally recognized Bank. 

The checking account free BBVA is free and lets you take control of your money through its award – winning app mobile banking , online banking, custom alerts, paying bills and banking services in all branches.

It is available throughout the United States except Alaska and Hawaii.

The interesting thing is that it allows you to combine all the benefits of a bank like BBVA with your free online checking account.

Among the benefits, we can highlight.

• Open the checking account for free with only $ 25.
• You can use the ATMs of BBVA, AllPoint or 7-Eleven free of charge (free). It can be estimated that there are more than 64 thousand ATMs available for free.
• No interest payment.
• Free BBVA Online and Mobile Banking. Mobile app available for Android and iOS.
• Free account statements.
• Unlimited checks.
• Easy transaction management through BBVA Wallet .
• Use of debit card free of charge. 
• Combine online banking with traditional banking.

It also offers returns or the opportunity to earn cash for purchases you make at BBVA partners through the Simple Cash Back program, paying a small monthly fee.

There are many offers that you will receive according to your movements and you can choose which one you want and at what time. 

It also offers protection services such as BBVA Clear Benefits to protect your phone, restoration and insurance against possible identity theft.

Regarding overdrafts

You will have many overdraft options at your disposal, although by default you will not have overdraft protection . Therefore, in case of not having funds, the transaction you make will be rejected.

There is an option that allows you to check if you have funds in any other BBVA account, including a savings account, to finalize the transaction that does not have a fund. For example, the cashing of a bad check. 

This second option is in exchange for a fee that you will have to pay when the overdrafts of any of the accounts that you have linked are covered .

Another option that BBVA offers is a line of credit to cover overdrafts in exchange for a low daily rate, in case an overdraft is covered.

There is also a courtesy overdraft option , with which you are allowed to complete transactions that should be declined, for a higher fee and a limit of 6 a day. 

In addition, you may receive an extra surcharge if your account is overdrawn for more than 7 consecutive days.

Possible charges

Statements are free online , but if you need them on paper, this could carry a small charge.

If you close early, you can also receive a surcharge . Example: if you close your account in the 180 days after opening, you will suffer a charge to your account of US $ 25.

Also read : The best banks for small businesses in the USA

2. Free Simple Checking Account

Simple is a digital banking entity that seeks to bring together your bank, budget organization and savings in one place.

If we have something to highlight, it is the APR ( annual percentage yield ) of the balance in the accounts that are in Simple’s Protected Goals, a product used by Simple as an alternative to traditional savings accounts.

Is that with the Protected Goals account of Simple generates a profit product of compound interest in the year or APY of 1.75%, contrary to the standard checking account that Simple offers, which generates 0.01% APY.

You won’t have to think about the expenses that are charged to your account for monthly maintenance or common miscellaneous charges.

The Simple App

The Simple App has the Safe-to-Spend tool that in a simple way helps you to automatically count the income movements that you have in your account and what exits are expected in the short term, such as invoices that are scheduled during a month. This will help you better stay within your budget.

It also has an expense tracking tool that allows you to prepare budgets.

And an interface that allows you to easily manage couple or family accounts.

Requirements to open an account in Simple

Another point in favor is that a deposit is not required for the opening or that you have a daily balance determined.

Simple rewards and incentives

From a normal or average usage point of view, the account has no usage charges, so it’s free. 

It is possible that some third-party ATMs will charge you a fee for use, since they are outside the control of the company. 

Mobile Features

• Mobile check deposit.
• Instant P2P transfer free of charge to users Simple .
• Transfer and payment to third parties free of charge when using applications such as Square or Venmo .
• Compatible with Apps for mobile payment.
• Application available on Android and iOS.

Overdrafts

Simple’s free checking account has no overdraft fees. 

It is recommended to use the Safe-to-Spend tool so that you have better control of your expenses and do not go through the bad time of not being able to complete a transaction due to not having enough funds.

Possible charges

As stated at the beginning of the article, third-party ATMs may incur a usage fee. 

3. Free checking account in the United States: Chime

Chime is a “ mobile-first banking ” style App that seeks to take the best of checking and savings accounts , giving you the convenience of managing everything online from your phone.

So if you’re used to getting paid on a Friday, and having to have money on a Wednesday, the current free account of Chime is the product you expected.

Free Chime Checking Account – Fees

There are no pre-set rates. You can save on withdrawal fees of US $ 2.50 on each transaction you make at any of the 38,000 ATMs available for free.

Annual Percentage Yield

It has no annual interest payment, but in its High Yield Savings account it offers 1.60% APY for any balance above US $ 0.01.

Deposit and balance requirements 

Deposits are not required to open the account and there is no requirement to have a minimum daily balance. 

Mobile Features 

• The Chime mobile banking app will allow you to:
• Check deposit.
• P2P transfer free of charge.
• Free of charge bill payment.
• Compatible with Android and iOS.

Regarding overdrafts

Chime does not provide overdraft protection. If you make a transaction and you do not have enough balance to carry it out, it will be rejected.

It only offers overdraft coverage in special cases such as gas service payment bills, it is specific for each case. 

4. Novo business checking account

If you want to enjoy a free commercial checking account in the United States that is far ahead of any checking account that large banks offer to small businesses, the option to consider is BankNovo.

The option offered by Novo provides you with a free of charge banking service for businesses, something incredible today.

And beyond that, they have no minimum or maximum deposit handling limits to make you fall in love even more.

In addition, it has managed to link itself to excellent mobile applications that improve the experience for small businesses. 

Deposit or balance requirements 

Novo Bank does not require minimum amounts to open an account, but it does require that you deposit US $ 50 to activate all the features offered by the company. 

Bonus for opening

As an opening incentive Bank Novo offers an incredible promotion. 

When you activate all the features with the deposit of US $ 50, you will receive US $ 25 that will be available in your account in the next 10 days. 

Annual Percentage Yield 

Perhaps a disadvantage is that it does not offer any percentage return for the balances you keep in mind. 

Rewards and incentives

With the integration of tools like Slack or Xero , the company offers a variety of possible unique benefits valued in thousands of dollars.

Mobile Features

Like most companies that enter the world market, it has an excellent mobile App and its web portal. 

Regarding overdrafts

It does not offer coverage on any overdraft ; therefore, if a transaction does not have sufficient funds to complete, it will not complete.

Although it does perform some actions that prevent you from falling into overdrafts and it could also complete an exceptional payment if necessary. 

In such cases it could incur an extra charge on your account. 

5. Free checking account in the US: Varo Money

The free checking account offered by Varo Money is very easy to use online. It does not ask for deposit requirements for opening and is free of monthly fees.

In addition, it has good processing speed for direct deposits up to two days apart. So, if your boss or supplier makes direct deposits, you can have the money up to two days before. 

It also offers good benefits in terms of overdrafts that we will cover later.

Deposit requirements

It does not ask for a minimum deposit requirement to open the account or a minimum daily balance. 

Annual Percentage Yield

Although the checking account does not offer annual interest, your savings account does. 

And it provides up to 2.80% APY, if you meet certain account requirements. As are a certain number of debit card transactions, amount of money received and amount of savings. 

In case of not meeting the requirements, they offer you 1.92 percent APY.

Mobile Features 

It has a fully updated and easy-to-use application and website. 

Regarding overdrafts 

It does not charge overdraft fees as long as they are amounts up to a maximum of US $ 50, you will only have to pay the difference in 30 continuous days after the overdraft. If you delay more than 30 days there will be a surcharge. 

This deficit will be charged automatically in the next deposit you make into account.

To qualify, you must make at least 5 purchases with your Varo Debit Card monthly and receive at least US $ 1,000 per direct deposit in total per month.

Probable charges

Being a free checking account, it does not ask for a minimum balance, it does not charge for transfers or maintenance.

You could receive a surcharge for using non-network ATMs in the amount of US $ 2.5 as a commission. \

6. Free Empower Checking Account

Empower is an excellent application that will allow you to manage your money with a check yield of around 0.25 APY for all balances.

It has a wide variety of tools in its application that will allow you to better organize your money. We can highlight the following:

• Savings automation.
• Tool that allows budgeting and tracking expenses.
• IA that makes recommendation on savings.
• Personalized finance learning tools. 
• Invoice negotiation.
• What makes this company a powerhouse in the world of banks for those who want to have everything in one place. 

Deposit requirements

No need to make deposits to open the account or a daily balance.

Annual yield

One of its pluses is the 0.25% APY for checking account balances that very few banks in the United States offer.

Money in Empower’s AutoSave program performs the same.

Rewards

There are no money input or output limits when it comes to transfers.

And it also offers free ATM transactions. Monthly, it can be three.

Mobile functions

It is a mobile application, so it optimizes its functions.

Regarding overdraft 

Overdraft coverage is not offered , but it does have tools to help you better organize your bills and avoid charges for negative balances.  

Possible Charges

Empower Me is totally free for the first month, then it will charge US $ 6 per month to have all the tools that the application offers available. 

7. TD Bank

This checking account that TD Bank offers is not really free, but we include it in this ranking because its minimum required account to not have maintenance fees equivalent to about US $ 15, is only US $ 100. Comparatively it is a low balance, it is accessible to maintain the account at zero cost. It is a convenient checking account financial product very appropriate for students.

In their particular case, they will not have to make a monthly maintenance payment regardless of the balance, as long as they are less than 25 years old and have a monthly maintenance fee pass from a linked savings account.

They have great benefits as TD Bank offers credit products and fast money send and receive transactions through Zelle.

Requirements

You do not have a deposit requirement to open the account, but you do have a minimum average balance of US $ 100 to avoid monthly maintenance costs of the equivalent of US $ 15.

Performance

As a slight downside, TD Bank checking account does not offer interest.

Rewards

If you have a convenience checking account , you could opt for credit products with discounts of 0.25 percent.

As stated above, there is no maintenance fee for students under 25 years of age.

You can use TD Bank’s available ATM network for free.

Mobile Features 

It has a fully updated and intuitive application and website. 

In case of overdrafts

It has a plan to protect you from overdrafts, but you will have to pay US $ 35 for each transaction in which you have overdrawn, with a limit of five per day. 

The overdraft transaction surcharge will be activated when the amount exceeds US $ 5.

8. Radius Bank Free US Checking Account 

Radius Bank  offers a great option for your free checking account with Rewards Checking .

We have interesting things to note about this online product, such as that it has an unlimited money back reward for 1% of the transactions you make, when you select the “credit” option through a point of sale.

Plus, it has a 1.00% APY for accounts with high balances. 

To qualify for the cash back, you must maintain a minimum account balance of $ 2,500 or receive at least $ 2,500 in qualified direct deposit each month.

You do not have to fear for some hidden surcharge and the speed of the payment transaction is very fast. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

To open the account you must make a minimum deposit of only US $ 100, then the daily minimum wage is not mandatory. 

Performance APR

If your balance is US $ 2,500 to US $ 99,999 you receive 0.75% APY and for amounts over one hundred thousand dollars, 1.00% APY.

Rewards

It is one of the biggest attractions that Radius Bank offers . 

Reimburse you 1% of all transactions you make with your debit card . You should know that, to qualify for the reward, you have to meet the following requirements:

1. Deposits you receive to your account are from qualified sources: employer or government benefits provider, for $ 2,500 or more.
2. Maintain an average balance of $ 2,500 or more in your rewards checking account . 

Mobile Features 

Radius Bank is a Startup that is also up to date with mobile applications that allow you to deposit checks via mobile, pay bills, transfers, mobile wallet with link to account and application to manage cards. 

9. Free Umpqua Bank Embark Checking Account 

We could say that Umpqua Bank offers a two-for-one account. 

If you make at least one transfer from your Embark checking account to the Grow Savings account, the maintenance fee is removed from your savings account.

There is no monthly maintenance fee and the initial deposit requirement is low. Plus some other rewards.

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

You must deposit US $ 25 if you want to open the account. Then no minimum balances are required, but with an average of $ 2,500 or higher, you qualify to be reimbursed $ 10 in cash via ATM every month.

Rewards and incentives

In addition to the $ 10 ATM reward we mentioned earlier, it has an app called Go-To .

This is used to get financial advice from your mobile and some unlimited refunds.

The Grow Savings account is also offered to you for free if you complete a monthly transfer from your checking account . 

Mobile functionality

App Go-To of Umpqua Bank is fully compatible with Android and iOS, and with a lot of tools.

Regarding the overdraft

It offers the option of purchasing overdraft protection , with a high fee for each overdrawn transaction.

There is another form of overdraft coverage , where the balance of up to US $ 100 is transferred from an account you have linked to cover the transaction.

Extra fees or surcharges

You can receive surcharges if you suspend a payment, for printing account statement or if your account falls into inactivity status.

10. M1 Spend

This is the free checking account offered by the company M1 Finance. It allows you to manage the money you have linked to M1 Finance , a Startup specialized in low-cost automated investments. 

It has a debit card that is accepted in many points around the world and does not have a minimum account, which could replace the current account you currently have. It can be used for free and does not require a monthly maintenance fee.

The free M1 Spend checking account offers the option to spend US $ 125 and get an upgrade to the M1 Plus service with 1.5% APY for checking account balances and 1% as a refund for purchases you make with your card debit and up to 4 monthly ATM fee refunds. 

Minimum requirements

No minimum deposits are required per opening or any minimum average balance, for this concept, commissions or charges will not apply. 

Account opening bonus 

There is currently no account opening bonus. But these are usually offered at certain times of the year. 

Rewards and incentives

They offer the rewards that we advance before if you upgrade to the M1 Plus plan , you will have 1.5% APY and 1% refund on your consumption.

In addition to 4 refunds for ATM usage fee charges per month, 4 times more than those with the standard product. 

Mobile Features

Available for all mobile devices and mobile operating systems. 

Possible rates

You will be charged for off-network ATM use.

11. Free Axos Bank Rewards Checking Account

Axos Bank offers a free checking account in the United States. This bank, formerly known as Bank of Internet USA, is one of the forerunners of online banks.

For the checking account with rewards or Rewards Checking it does not offer interest automatically, but it is possible to achieve a 1.25% APR by meeting certain requirements. Although there is something to prevent. Although they offer free checks to your checking account, you may have to ask for them. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

Axos Bank’s online checking account requires an initial deposit of US $ 50 to open and no minimum daily balance is required. 

Performance

Initially they do not offer annual interest yield , but it is possible to earn on certain amounts. For example:

• If you receive a single deposit of US $ 1,000 or make transactions with the card at least 10 times, but less than fifteen times in a month, the interest rate will automatically be 0.4166% APR.
• In case you use your debit card for transactions 15 times, the annual interest for that month will be 0.8333% APR.
• If the two situations of the first section concur, the interest will be 0.8333%.
• Now with the deposit of US $ 1,000 and the card you use it at least 15 times, the interest amounts to 1.25% APR.

Transactions are allowed for a minimum of US $ 3.

Rewards

The first 50 checks are free and you will have unlimited refunds for fees or charges applied at ATMs within the United States. 

Mobile functionality

Available for all mobile devices and mobile operating systems.  

You also have the FinanceWorks app to receive important tips and promotions. 

Regarding the overdraft

All overdraft transactions will be declined, unless you enable the free transfer option between linked accounts to cover deficits.

Possible rates

Charges will apply for the concepts of card replacement, issuance of cashier’s checks and suspension of payments.

12. A great free US checking account alternative: Discover Bank

Discover Bank is one of the most important online banks in the United States, it has the backing of the Discover Global Network corporation, one of the largest credit card issuers, and it also has investment products and loans at very attractive rates.

Discover Bank is an online bank that offers the full services of a traditional bank and obviously has a free checking account. 

An interesting option with a good performance that allows the return of up to 1 percent on purchases of up to US $ 3,000 made with the debit card in the month.

If you are still doing accounts, it can be US $ 30 a month or US $ 360 a year.

It offers access to more than 60,000 ATMs around the United States, which can compete with and exceed most.

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

 It is not necessary to carry out a monthly deposit, nor to maintain a minimum balance in account. 

Performance

It does not offer annual interest yield , but it does offer the reimbursements that we mentioned above of 1% for expenses you make in the month, with your debit card up to US $ 3,000.

You should know that it does not include money market purchases , transfers, ATM, cash back at points of sale.

Rewards and incentives

There is no charge to use ATMs and checks, debit cards (replacements) and many other products are free. 

Mobile Features

Discover Bank has great apps available for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems. 

Regarding overdrafts

You have no overdraft protection other than the ability to link to another account you have at Discover Bank to cover deficits for free.

Possible Rates

Only a few fees apply when it comes to deposit accounts.

13. Capital One 360 ​​an excellent free checking account option in the US

Another excellent recommendation that we can give you regarding checking accounts in the US is Capital One. 

Capital One Financial Corporation or simply Capital One is the fifth largest credit card issuer in the United States. 

The greatest point in favor of Capital One 360 is to have a quite striking performance and even more so for those who have the possibility of managing significant balances.

It does not require an opening deposit and the fees it collects are quite low.

It has one of the best mobile applications for companies in the market that includes some excellent distinctive tools such as searching for ATMs. 

The downsides may come from the high fees they charge to replace debit cards, the minimum balance too high to be able to enjoy annual performance, and not offering refunds for fees charged for using third-party ATMs.

Minimum requirements or minimum balance 

No opening deposit or minimum balance required . But there is a minimum amount to enjoy certain benefits, details later. 

Bonus for opening an account with Capital One 

There is the possibility of receiving a bonus of US $ 25 per opening when you make deposits greater than US $ 250 and have used more than three times the debit card or the same number of transactions with Zelle . 

Performance

The free checking account with Capital One offers a 0.20% APY for balances up to $ 50,000. 

0.50% in APY for balances of more than US $ 50,000 but less than US $ 100,000.00 and 0.75% APY for more than one hundred thousand dollars.

Rewards and incentives

You will have availability of approximately 40,000 ATMs throughout the United States .

If you open a checking account with Capital One , the checkbook is given to you for free.

If you use ATMs outside the network, there is no refund. 

Mobile functionality 

With the Capital One 360 ​​service you will have an application available for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems. 

Regarding overdrafts

Capital One 360 offers a line of credit that can cover overdrafts s , but it generates interest that will be varied from 10% APR.

The other option is a high one-time fee or a simple link between accounts to cover overdrafts . 

Possible rates

Physical statements of accounts, insufficient funds charges ( NSF ) or overdrawn checks and transfers you make to accounts outside the United States.

14. Bank 5 Connect High Interest Checking Account

Bank5 Conect offers a very attractive free checking account, since meeting certain minimum requirements will allow you to obtain comparatively high interest rates and similar important benefits.

It also offers you overdraft coverage at attractive costs and good rebates for using ATMs outside of their network. 

The negative point may be that your mobile app is not high performance, although your web portal does work well. 

Minimum balance and deposit requirements

• Minimum deposit for account opening of US $ 10.
• It does not require a minimum daily or average balance. 

Despite this, if you want to earn interest, you must have an average balance of at least US $ 100. 

Performance

When you meet the minimum balance of $ 100, you will earn 0.76% APY.

Rewards and incentives

• No fee for using ATMs in the United States . 
• Use of ATMs outside the network, will be reimbursed up to US $ 15 per month.
• First batch of checkbooks (5), free.
• Cashier’s checks, free.
• Electronic transfers, free.

It also has a program known as UChoose Debit Rewards in which points are awarded for transactions that can then be exchanged for trips, gift cards or products that are in the rewards portal.

Points will be awarded at the rate of 1 point for every US $ 2 you spend. 

Mobile Features

One of its negative points is that its mobile app, although it is available for Android and iOS, is not entirely intuitive in the opinion of some users.

Regarding Overdrafts

It offers the option of paying one-time low fees for each overdraft as protection.

In case you do not want to use that option, there is the one to link other accounts that you have with the entity and that can transfer the money automatically to cover the negative balances in the account.

Possible rates

There may be an extra charge if a deposit is returned to you, you suspend a payment, for the generation of physical account statements, any lien or embargo and any other legal obligation. 

15. Ally Bank

Another pioneer in online banking and one of the most popular free checking accounts in the United States . 

Ally Bank does not propose minimums or deposit for opening. It returns any fee you have paid for the use of out-of-network ATMs, without exception and has a very low fee to cover overdrafts.

Its negative point may be in regards to low interest for small balances and the surcharge for carrying out any international transaction. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

Ally Bank checking account products do not require a minimum opening or minimum daily or average balance. 

Performance

Ally Bank offers an interest rate of 0.10% APY if the daily balance is less than US $ 15,000 but if it is higher, the percentage increases to 0.50 percent APY. 

Rewards and incentives

There are no ATM fees and if you use third-party ATMs, all surcharges are reimbursed at the end of the month. 

Mobile Features

Ally Bank has a very good application for Android and iOS operating systems. It also allows you to use external applications such as Zelle.

Regarding overdraft

It has a program for overdraft coverage s with small fees charged for each transaction that has this condition. 

And the option is available to link accounts to extract funds from any of your accounts to cover the deficit. 

Possible rates

The concepts that will generate surcharges are: Suspended payments, outgoing and international transfers. 

16. Free Independent Bank Checking Account

Although headquartered in Texas, Independent Bank

offers its service and products throughout the United States. Your checking account does not have high interest rates, but it is possible that it could provide 1.50% APY if you use it correctly.

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

It requires a minimum deposit to open the account of US $ 100.

There is no minimum daily or average balance. 

Performance

Although free checking account of Independent Bank has a low basis annual yield of 0.01% may increase. Complying with conditions such as: 

• Balances greater than US $ 10,000, with registration of electronic account statements . 
• At least 1 direct deposit or debit monthly and minimum 12 debit card transactions monthly, the yield increases to 1.50% APR.
• If you meet the above, with a balance less than US $ 10,000 you also have the 1.50% APY rate.

Rewards and incentives

There is no charge for using ATMs.

Reimbursement of charges that are charged to you as a result of using third-party ATMs, up to US $ 20 per month.

Mobile Features

Independent Bank has applications available for the Android and iOS mobile operating systems. 

Regarding overdrafts

It offers the generic link between bank accounts to cover overdrafts for free. 

It also offers coverage in exchange for a daily or one-time fee in the event of an overdraft . 

Another option is a line of credit to cover overdrafts , but remember that it will earn interest.

In case of not choosing any option, the transactions will be rejected. 

17. FNBO Direct

FNBO Direct offers its free checking account with easy use and good performance for any balance. It has an excellent mobile platform and the amount required to open it is minimal.

As a negative point, we can point out the non-existence of fee refunds for the use of third-party ATMs and that the overdraft fees are very high. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements 

• Minimum deposit of US $ 1 for opening, which translates into something symbolic. 
• Take into account a minimum of US $ 0.01 to earn annual interest. 

Performance

Any account balance will yield 0.65 percent APY. It can be said like this, since the minimum is US $ 0.01.

Rewards and incentives 

Transactions through network ATMs are free, but it does not cover any refund if you use an ATM from companies outside the network. 

Mobile Features

FNBO Direct has excellent tools for mobile transactions. The company’s App is compatible with Android and iOS systems.

Regarding overdrafts

It offers a coverage system for overdrafts , but the fee can be considered high for each transaction and is limited to 4 per day. 

Although the fee is eliminated if you only have one overdraft per year. 

Possible rates

Transfers you make or cashier’s checks will generate additional charges. 

18. TIAA Bank Free Checking Account

One of the best free checking account options in the United States is offered by TIAA Bank , known as: Yield Pledge .

Their flag is to offer their clients a yield on their checking accounts of 5% above any current account in the United States. According to what the Bankrate publishes . They have a good mobile application and overdraft protection system with a line of credit that can be better than the common rates.

The negative point is that to open the account you need to deposit US $ 5,000 an amount that is not available to everyone. 

You have a minimum balance to be eligible for reimbursement for using third-party ATMs. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

• Minimum deposit to open the account of $ 5,000.
• There is no minimum balance to maintain.

Account opening bonus

Annual interest of 1.01 percent APR for accounts with a balance less than US $ 250.00 for the first year.

Then, the standard rates it offers for the checking account take effect.

Performance

As we said before, you can opt for interest 5% higher than any current account in the United States.

The returns will vary in a staggered manner for the different balance levels that you take into account. 

Rewards and incentives

There are no fees for using network ATMs in the United States.

In the event that you have a balance in your account of US $ 5,000, you will choose to be reimbursed by using a third-party ATM. 

Mobile Features

TIAA Bank has excellent tools for mobile transactions. The company’s App is compatible with Android and iOS systems.

Regarding overdrafts

There is no standard fee for overdrafts.

It offers the line of credit as overdraft protection at an interest rate that can vary and is based on more than 5.9%.

In addition to the common account linking options. 

Possible rates

Charges will apply for the concepts of: 

• Cashier’s checks 
• Transfers made 
• items that have not been charged. 

19. First Internet Bank

The former First Internet Bank of Indiana is now First Internet Bank and offers its financial products throughout the United States. Your free checking account does not have a minimum balance requirement and has a minimum opening deposit by a negligible amount.

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

Minimum deposit of US $ 25 to open the account and you do not have to maintain minimum balances afterwards. 

Performance

Unfortunately, there is no interest payment.

Rewards and incentives

It does not charge for using its own ATMs and for those of third parties, if you qualify you can get a discount of up to US $ 10 per month. 

Mobile Features

The company’s App is compatible with Android and iOS systems.

Overdraft

You have an overdraft coverage plan , but with high one-time fees.

Possible rates

Requests that have to be delivered in physical form or debit cards that you need to replace will generate charges. 

20. Free Checking from Salem Five Direct

The last company in this ranking, but not for that worse than the others. 

It’s Salem Five Direct and their free checking account offers good performance, a cash back system to reward point-of-sale debit card purchases, and their opening deposit isn’t that high.

On the downside , the annual return offered is comparatively low, it has not changed since 2012. Also, the mobile platform is not very user friendly according to the reviews. Most likely it hasn’t changed since 2012 either. 

Minimum deposit and balance requirements

Minimum deposit of US $ 100 to be able to open the account. It has no minimum balance. 

Performance

It offers a yield of 0.25 percent APY for any balance you have in your account. 

Rewards and incentives

It offers to reimburse you up to US $ 15 per month, if you have charges for using ATMs that are not from the network associated with the company.

The first 5 checkbooks are free.

Mobile Features

The company’s App is compatible with Android and iOS systems, but the interface seems outdated in the opinion of users.

Regarding the overdraft 

It has an overdraft coverage system with which you must pay US $ 25 per transaction in which you have a red balance and it is processed by the company.

Fees for overdrafts less than US $ 5 are not included.

Possible Rates

Concepts such as:

• Suspended payments.
• Printed applications such as account statements.
• Deposits that are returned to you.

What banks offer free checking accounts in the US? conclusion

If you are looking for a free checking accounts in the United States , one of those 20 options will be what you are looking for.Do not be guided only by the APR performance 

It is always recommended that you study each option better and try to be vigilant for your safety.

Beware of non-recommended companies.