4 Free Online Checking Accounts You’ll Love

4 Free Online Checking Accounts You’ll Love

Banking has never been more convenient or more secure. With more and more people relying on their mobile devices for everything from buying groceries to checking their social media accounts, it’s no wonder people are growing more comfortable with online banking as well. In fact, several modern banks are exclusively online.

Online banking can be an excellent way to save you more and get your money to work for you. Because these banks do not have brick-and-mortar stores, they save significantly on overhead costs that other banks must absorb. This often means little to no monthly fees while maintaining all the necessary features for standard checking accounts.

While there are plenty of online banks that offer free checking accounts, you’ll love these four for their convenience and quality services.

BBVA

BBVA offers a ton of useful features for a free online checking account. In addition to no monthly fees, there are no ATM fees, free unlimited check writing, free online banking including mobile deposits, and bill pay. You’ll get one free Visa Debit Card where you can earn cash back rewards and free customizable alerts. If you still require more customization, you can also add other features in order to meet your needs.

Because of their extensive network of global ATMs, BBVA is an excellent choice for customers who travel. Although there is a $25 minimum to open a free online checking account, you get free overdraft protection should you accidentally overdraw from your account. You can easily transfer money, make payments and have access to helpful financial tools all from the comfort of your home. The BBVA app is another way to access and bank from anywhere in the world.

Your free online checking account with BBVA is completely safe and secure. In addition to setting up free security alerts, you can also join the BBVA ClearBenefits Program (for a small fee) that offers identity theft restoration and insurance.

BBVA has been recognized as a leader in online banking by Javelin Strategy & Research and has great mobile app ratings.

Axos

Axos Bank in another highly regarded online bank. What sets Axos apart from competitors is not their zero fees or their user-friendly mobile app, but their high Annual Percentage Yield. Customers can earn up to 1.25% APY with Axos Rewards Checking program.  

With Axos, you can get paid up to two days early, pay friends directly from your account, and set up alerts to best suit your preferences. You can get notified about transactions and activity on your account in real time through texts, push notifications or email. Axos also offers convenient bill pay and makes direct deposit a breeze.

This almost exclusively online bank (they do have 2 branches) has excellent customer service. You can find help via phone, online chat, messaging or on Twitter, 24/7. They offer unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements, no minimum montly balance and no overdraft fees.

Security with Axos is tight. You can easily boost your account security with biometric authentication including fingerprints, voiceprints, and facial recognition. You also get account monitoring, automatic logout, and top of the line anti-virus and malware protection.

Varo

Varo is founded on the principal that banks should be a force for good. They aim to treat all clients fairly, regardless of income or any basis of discrimination. In order to help all their clients succeed, they offer free online checking accounts with several perks.

In addition to no monthly fees, they offer the opportunity to earn high Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings with a tiered rate approach. (Higher balances earn higher APY.) There is no monthly minimum balance. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card. As part of the Allpoint network, Varo customers have access to over 55,000 ATMs (including those that are international) without paying a fee. If you ATM out of the Allpoint network however, you will be charged. Varo also offers early payment (up to 2 days) with direct deposit.

Unlike other online banks, they also offer up to $100 as an instant cash loan with their Varo Advance feature and no overdraft fees. All deposits are FDIC insured (up to $250,000) and all your personal data and money is secure. With Varo’s secure card feature, you can lock your card on your phone in seconds.

Although cash deposits can be a bit tricky with Varo, their features and online convenience make them a contender for a free online checking account you’ll love.

Chime

As one of the oldest online banks, Chime is a leader in transforming the way people bank. This award-winning bank offers free checking and promises no hidden fees. There is no minimum balance or opening balance requirements, no monthly fees, and no international transaction fees.

Banking with Chime is convenient and easy with their highly rated, intuitive app. With the Chime app you can track your account balances and view your daily transactions from wherever you are. You can customize notifications like information on balances and transaction alerts so you always know the status of your account. You can also send money to friends in just a few clicks.

Chime is another online bank that allows you to be paid up to two days early when you opt for direct deposit. You can also easily grow your savings by rounding up every Chime Visa Debit Card transaction to the nearest dollar. Chime will then transfer the different to your savings account. You could also set up an automatic transfer of 10% of your paycheck directly to savings. Before long, you’ll have built quite a balance in your savings account.

Perhaps the most important part of any free online checking account is security. At Chime, the security of your money is a top priority which is why all Chime debit cards are protected by the Visa Zero Liability Policy and all deposits are FDIC insured (up to $250,000). They also offer two-factor and fingerprint authentication for added security.

Chime is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a free online checking account.  

Choosing a free online checking account has never been easier. These banks all offer excellent perks without the exorbitant fees of traditional banks. Get smart with your money and open an account today!