Most brick and mortar banks today charge hefty fees and require a minimum deposit in order to qualify for a checking account. The great thing about online banks though, is that they are much easier to manage and as a result, many of them are completely fee-free. Free online checking account with no deposit is definitely something you should consider if you are low on cash or if you’re just tired of paying so much in bank fees.
We made a list of the best online banks with no fees and no minimum deposit. Not only do these banks offer totally free checking but they also have other checking account features that may come as a surprise! Check it out:
Types of free online checking accounts
Handle basic banking needs with our simple checking from Citi. Get unlimited check writing, online bill pay, funds transfer and fee-free access to thousands of Citi ATMs. Varo Bank Account. No Account Fees. The Varo Bank Account is a user-friendly online checking account with no minimum deposit or balance requirements and no bank account fees. Open a Varo Savings Account and meet Varo’s three easy requirements (see below) to earn 2.80% Annual Percentage Yield. on balances up to $10,000 — one of the best online savings yields in the business.
Interest-Paying Accounts
Some online banks have checking accounts that pay you interest on your balance. Even if you are one of those people that have a highly fluctuating balance, it’s still nice to get even a little interest on your money since it’s completely free.
Unfortunately, the interest rates on these online checking accounts tend to be very small, so even you have a decent and steady balance in your account, don’t quit your job yet.
The following two banks are fee-free, require no minimum deposit and pay interest on your checking account balance:
Capital One 360 Checking
Capital One 360 checking account is great because it charges you no fees, has no minimum balance requirements and will even pay you simple interest on your balance. You can also get an ATM card to use with it and Capital One has over 39,000 ATM’s in the USA that you will be able to use for free. In addition, you will also get online banking privileges, mobile check deposit and mobile banking. For balances under $50,000 the APR is 0.20%.
Ally Bank Interest Checking
Ally Bank will also pay you interest on your online checking account. It has a slightly lower 0.10% interest than Capital One’s 0.20% APR. The kicker is if you have more than $25,000 in your bank account the APR jumps top 0.60%. With this Ally Bank account you get free checks, online bill paying privileges and a MasterCard debit card.
Related Article: Banks with No Fees
Online checking accounts that have unique features
Some online banks offer a few unique features on their free checking accounts that other banks do not offer. These include things like cashback on purchases, rewards points, linked investment accounts and more. Here they are:
Free Online Checking Account No Opening Deposit Required
Discover Bank Cashback Checking
Here is an online checking account with a twist. With it you get 10 cents back for each check you write, bill you pay online and each purchase you make with your debit card. It will pay you up to $10 per month for these things. Along with its special features you also get a free debit card that cost you nothing to use at over 60,000 ATM’s and a free checking account.
Charles Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking
Here is a high yield investor checking account from the popular Charles Schwab Bank that also includes a brokerage investment account along with it. There are no fees or minimum account deposit requirements with it either. You will also receive 0.15% on your balance and the ability to transfer money effortlessly between your checking and investment accounts. This account also includes a debit card, mobile banking, online banking and online bill paying privileges.
Bank of Internet USA Essential Checking
Here is an online bank that not only offers a checking account with no fees, no minimum balance and pays you interest but it also has a rewards program attached to its use. You will get cashback deposited directly into your account when you shop at specified merchants. Its online banking site also has a host of special tools to help you manage your account.
Basic free checking account with no minimum balance
The following banks allow you to open an online checking account with no fees and no minimum balance but beyond that they only offer very basic features:
Simple Bank Simple Checking
This account from Simple Bank is aptly named because it’s just that – a very simple and basic banking account. All you get with it is no fees, no minimum daily balance requirement and a debit card you can use at over 40,000 ATM’s free of charge. There is not even simple interest paid on your account balance. Its online banking site does include some useful budgeting tools such as its Safe-to-Spend tool. This feature factors in upcoming pre-planned deductions, payments and spending into your account balance.
First National Bank First National Checking
This online checking account from First National bank offers you an account with no fees attached and it does not require a minimum balance. There are no ATM fees with it either, if you use it at an approved ATM. Checks are free as well and you get one forgiveness per year on an overdraft or returned check. You also won’t be charged for cashier’s checks or paper statements like you will be at most banks. Once you are a customer with this bank, you are eligible for discount rates on auto loans, personal loans, Certificates of Deposit and IRA accounts. There are also eligible savings on safety deposit boxes and mortgage closing fees.
The Huntington National Bank Asterisk-Free Checking
Asterisk-Free Checking from this bank is void of fees, requires zero minimum balance and does not charge ATM fees at specified machines. There is a sizeable $3 fee for using a non-approved ATM. They have only 1800 approved ATMs so make sure there is one near you before you sign up to bank with them. With Huntington National bank you can also transfer money easily between any types of account you have with them. This bank will also automatically draw funds from another account you can link to save you money on overdrafts.
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Big Banks
Free Checking Account With No Opening Deposit
Larger land based banks do usually offer totally free checking but there is a laundry list of stipulations with them. For example: with Wells Fargo, if you don’t maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 in your checking account you will be charged a $10 fee each month. Other banks such as Chase and Bank of America also have $1,500 minimum balance requirements that have even higher $12 fees when you don’t meet this requirement each month.
So what’s the bottom line here? It’s a fact that if you pick the right online checking account which fits your banking needs you can save over $100 per year and get other nice benefits too.
Checking Account Benefits
- Free Online eStatements
- Free Visa Debit Card
- Free Automatic Transfers
- Overdraft Protection Options
- Free Direct Deposit
- Free Check Images
- And Much More!
Money Market Checking
| Balance | APY* | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2,499 | 0.000% | 0.000% |
| 2,500-24,999 | 0.050% | 0.049% |
| 25,000-49,999 | 0.100% | 0.099% |
| 50,000-99,999 | 0.100% | 0.099% |
| 100,000+ | 0.100% | 0.099% |
*APY - Annual Percentage Yield
Rates valid for Saturday, March 6, 2021.
The interest rate and annual percentage yield may change at any time, as determined by the credit union board of directors.
| Account Type | Best if... | Minimum Balance & Monthly Fees |
| Free Checking | You want a free checking account. | None + MORE DETAILS |
| Close | ||
Free Checking | ||
With an Idaho Central FREE Checking Account, you’ll receive more perks and benefits than anywhere else! Must be 18 years of age or older to open checking account online.
†On approved credit. | ||
| Money Market Checking | You want a checking account that earns interest. | $2,500 or $10/month + MORE DETAILS |
| Close | ||
Money Market Checking | ||
If you want a checking account that will go to work for you, open an Idaho Central Money Market Checking Account and earn a great rate on your account balance. Must be 18 years of age or older to open checking account online.
*Interest rate and annual percentage yield are variable. May change at any time. †On approved credit. | ||
| Starter Checking | You want a completely free checking account for teens ages 12-17. | None + MORE DETAILS |
| Close | ||
Starter Checking | ||
One of the first steps toward financial freedom is having a checking account. Idaho Central offers an account made specifically for teens up to 17 years old. A Starter Checking Account allows you to make purchases and pay your bills online.
†On approved credit. | ||
Make The Switch
In just a few simple steps, you can be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of an ICCU membership.
Open Your Account
For your convenience, you can open your account online right now! The process is easy, and we’ll walk you through it step by step. Or if you prefer, stop by and open your account at any ICCU branch.
Switch Your Direct Deposit and Automatic Payments
Once you have opened your account you will need to switch your Direct Deposit and automatic payments to your new ICCU account. Don’t worry, this is easier than you think. Simply use our Switch Kit Checklist to guide you through the letters listed below.
Direct Deposit LetterACH Withdrawal LetterClosing Your Old Account
Before closing your old account, make sure the following have been completed:
Upon completion of these steps, submit a Letter of Closure to your old financial institution.
Apply For Your
Checking Account Today
Idaho Central Credit Union offers a variety of checking account options. Whether it's a totally FREE checking account or a checking account that earns a competitive interest rate, we've got one that's just right for you.