| Best: | Checking Account | Best Feature |
| Overall | BCU PowerPlus™ Checking | 8.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 |
| High-Yield (up to $15k balance) | BCU PowerPlus™ Checking | 8.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 |
| High-Yield (from $15k to $35k balance) | Rave Financial Checking Account | 6.10% APY on balances up to $35,000 |
| High-Yield (35k balance and above) | Blackhawk Community Credit Union Premier Checking | 3.10% APY on balances above $35,000 |
| Rewards Checking | PSECU Checking Account | Up to $0.10 Cash Back for Eligible Purchases |
| Online Checking | BCU PowerPlus™ Checking | 8.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 |
| For Branch Access | BCU PowerPlus™ Checking | 8.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 |
| For International Travel | Boeing Employees Credit Union Member Advantage Checking | No Foreign Transaction Fees on Purchases |
| Student Checking | Connexus Credit Union Teen Checking | 2.00% APY on balances up to $1,000 |
| Business Checking | Chartway Federal Credit Union Premium Business Checking | 4.00% APY on balances above $500,000 |
How to Get the Best Checking Account - 5 Tips
There are many checking accounts on the market, and choosing an account isn't always straightforward. Here's what to consider when shopping for a new checking account:
- Fees. It's essential to minimize fees when using a checking account for your day-to-day transactions. Be vigilant of monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and out-of-network ATM fees. Evaluate your banking habits to determine which fees are most significant to you, and then seek a bank or credit union that keeps those fees low.
- Minimum Requirements. Some banks and credit unions have specific requirements for opening a checking account, such as a minimum deposit amount. They may also impose minimum balance requirements to earn the APY or avoid fees. Before opening an account, ensure that you can meet the institution's requirements, or explore options with no minimum requirements at all.
- APY. While not all checking accounts offer interest, if you intend to earn interest on your funds, consider the APY when comparing different accounts.
- Customer service. Regardless of whether you prefer online banking or visiting a branch, it's crucial to have access to responsive and helpful customer service representatives for addressing any issues or queries.
- Digital experience. Particularly if you frequently bank online or through a mobile app, prioritize banks and credit unions that provide innovative online and mobile banking technology to enhance your digital banking experience.








