Axos’ Rewards Checking account pays up to 3.30% APY — one of the best rates for a high-yield checking account — but its steep APY requirements are complex. You must make monthly direct deposits of at least $1,500, 10 point-of-sale transactions per month (a minimum of $3 each), maintain an average daily balance of at least $2,500 in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account and make a monthly Axos loan payment. You’ll earn some interest for each requirement that you meet. 

There’s a minimum $50 deposit to open an account, but there aren’t any monthly fees. We also like that Axos offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements and a limited-time $100 welcome bonus. And even though Axos is an online-only bank, there’s a 24/7 virtual financial assistant.

Read our Axos Bank review.

Quontic is an online-only bank that offers three checking accounts. Its high-yield checking option offers up to 1.10% APY when you make at least 10 qualifying debit card transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle. If not, you’ll earn 0.01% APY. 

One unique feature is Quontic’s Pay Ring, a wearable payment device that lets you pay in person without your debit card. The mobile app also offers the convenience of mobile check deposits, bill pay, transfers and more. The account requires a $100 opening deposit, and you won’t have to worry about overdraft fees or ATM fees at AllPoint, MoneyPass, SYM or Citibank ATMs at select locations. However, you won’t be reimbursed for out-of-network ATM fees.  

Read our Quontic Bank review.

Ally is growing to be a household name with a few unique perks for its high-yield checking account beyond its 0.25% APY. To start, Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle for out-of-network ATM fees, and you can get your paycheck up to two days sooner. What we like most are the spending buckets you can use to organize your money in your checking account — whether for bills, an expense or an outing. And you’ll never get hit with an overdraft fee — Ally’s CoverDraft offers up to $250 in temporary overdraft relief if you make at least $250 in direct deposits for two months in a row. Otherwise, the overdraft coverage amount drops down to $100.

Ally also doesn’t charge for monthly maintenance, cashier’s checks or expedited Automated Clearing House, or ACH, transfers. But there is a drawback: Ally doesn’t let you deposit cash. You’ll need to make an online transfer, direct deposit, wire transfer or mail a check. 

Read our Ally Banking review.

SoFi uniquely offers a high-yield checking and savings account to maximize the interest you’ll earn on your deposits. You’ll earn 1.20% APY on your checking balance and 4.20% on your savings. There are no account fees; right now, there’s a limited-time welcome bonus with qualifying deposits. 

We like that this account is packed with other perks like getting your paycheck up to two days early, up to 15% cash back at local retailers when you pay with your SoFi debit card and up to $50 in overdraft coverage with no fees if you meet qualifying direct deposit requirements. 

There are no minimum deposit requirements or hooks. However, SoFi is an online-only bank, which will be a downside if you need physical branch access. 

Read our SoFi Bank review.

Capital One is among the few high-yield checking account options with physical branches. Its 360 Checking account pays 0.10% APY, which doesn’t offer a big return. But Capital One is a good choice for flexibility and convenience. You can get your paycheck up to two days sooner and deposit cash into your account at any CVS location. Plus, you’ll have a few fee-free overdraft options to choose from. 

There are no fees or minimum deposits. However, you’ll be charged for normal banking services like a cashier’s check, outgoing wire transfers and printed checks. One drawback is that you’ll only receive one debit card for your Capital One 360 checking account, even if you have multiple accounts, which can be either a hassle or convenience, depending on your preference. 

What we like most is that Capital One has many locations, branches and cafes to manage your money nationwide. You can check Capital One’s map to find the closest one. 

Read our Capital One Bank review. 

Alliant Credit Union’s high-yield checking account doesn’t charge for monthly service or overdrafts. It pays a 0.25% APY on your checking account balance and $20 per month in ATM fee rebates. To earn interest, you must opt into e-statements and have at least one monthly electronic deposit. 

We like that Alliant also offers Courtesy Pay to cover checks, payments and transfers beyond your overdraft protection. However, the overdraft balance is due immediately. But like most credit unions, you’ll need to become a member to open an account. The easiest way to qualify is to become a Foster Care to Success member. Alliant will cover the one-time $5 membership fee to sign up, and then you can create your Alliant account.

Read our Alliant Credit Union review.