A recent survey found that 10% of consumers stick with their current bank simply because switching feels like too much of a hassle. But what if making the switch could actually put more money in your pocket?
Rewards checking accounts do more than just hold your money—they help you grow it. Depending on the account, you could earn cash back, ATM fee reimbursements, high interest rates, and other valuable perks just for using your debit card.
And the best part? These accounts aren’t just for high-net-worth clients. Opening a rewards checking account is as simple as opening a regular one—except you get way more in return.
Are you ready to learn more about the best rewards checking accounts? Here are the top two options for 2025:
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Best for high interest rate
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Best for bank bonus
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Offers up to 3.30% APY with no monthly fees and unlimited ATM fee refunds.
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Offers a $300 bonus, no overdraft fees, and over 4,700 branches.
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10 Best Rewards Checking Accounts
The best checking accounts make banking a breeze, but the best rewards checking accounts offer something more. Keep reading to see which perks you can access with a new checking account.
1. Chase Total Checking®
Chase offers a $300 welcome bonus, no minimum balance requirements, and low requirements to waive monthly fees. With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
The Chase Total Checking® account is among the most popular checking accounts. You can waive the $12 monthly fee by:
- Receiving at least $500 in monthly direct deposits
- Maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance
- Maintaining a $5,000 minimum balance across your eligible accounts
Your new Chase Total Checking® account comes with the full suite of services that Chase offers, including credit cards, investment accounts, CDs, and savings accounts. Chase also offers various business banking services to support your small business. Plus, there are no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less.
If you refer a friend to Chase, you can earn a $50 bonus. You can earn up to $500 in referral bonuses annually.
- Large branch and ATM network
- No min. opening deposit
- Excellent customer service
- $300 signup bonus (claim here) after you open your account and set up direct deposits
- Non-interest account
- Monthly fees, though they can be waived
- Access 15,000+ fee-free ATMs and 4,700 branches
- Earn a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits
- Easy mobile banking with secure online access
- Free debit card with contactless payments
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
2. Axos Bank: Rewards Checking
You don’t have to keep an eye out for a bank bonus when you open an Axos Rewards Checking account. This account comes with up to 3.30% APY (unheard of for a checking account) if you meet some requirements.
To earn the full 3.30% APY on Axos Bank Rewards Checking, complete these four steps:
- 0.40% APY – Make 10+ debit card purchases of $3+ per month or enroll in Account Aggregation
- 0.30% APY – Keep $2,500+ in an Axos Invest account
- 1.00% APY – Receive $1,500+ in direct deposits each month
- 1.60% APY – Use your Rewards Checking account to pay an Axos Bank loan
Meet all four to earn the full 3.30% APY on your balance.
You don't need to deposit money into your new Axos Rewards Checking account when you open it. Also, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
In addition, Axos Bank also offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and doesn’t charge overdraft or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. You can also earn $20 for every referral you make.
- Up to 3.30% APY
- No monthly fees
- ATM fee rebates
- 24/7 customer service
- Overdraft buffer
- Competitive rewards checking account
- No branch access
- Requirements must be met to earn strong checking rate
- No monthly fees, overdraft fees, or ATM withdrawal fees
- Earn up to 3.30% APY on your balance
- Cashback rewards on debit card purchases
- No credit check required to open an account
- Unlimited free mobile deposits, FDIC-insured up to $250,000
3. Current
If you want a checking account that actually rewards you, Current is a solid choice. Unlike traditional banks, Current keeps things fee-free while still offering perks like up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods (up to $6,000 total) and paycheck advances up to $750.
You can also earn points on grocery store and restaurant purchases and redeem them for cash back. Plus, you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit, and there are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden costs—just straightforward banking.
Current also removes gas station holds instantly, so your money is available right away. With over 40,000 fee-free ATMs, cash withdrawals are easy. If you're looking to build credit, the Current Build Card helps without a credit check.
Everything runs smoothly through the user-friendly mobile app, making it easy to manage spending, savings, and rewards in one place. If you want a simple, hassle-free banking experience that actually benefits you, Current is worth checking out.
- No monthly fees
- $50 welcome bonus
- Earn points on swipes
- No min. opening deposit
- Get paid up to two days early
- No annual fees
- $1,000 min. balance to earn the best APYs
- No joint accounts or business accounts
- Revolutionary mobile banking app that's reshaping the future of banking
- Access your paycheck early—up to $750 before payday
- Claim your $50 bonus today by setting up direct deposit ($200+) with code WELCOME50
4. Citibank: Account Package
Citibank has been named one of the best digital banks and offers account holders a variety of perks. You can apply for the “Thank you from Citi” program to earn points for your banking activities.
Once you enroll and complete the criteria, you’ll earn points on qualifying direct deposits and bill payments. You can redeem these points for:
- Shopping rewards
- Gift cards
- Cash
- Charity donations
- Travel rewards
Keep a $10,000 monthly balance across your linked eligible Citibank accounts, and you can waive the $25 monthly fee. Citibank doesn’t charge you to use out-of-network ATMs if you meet specific minimum balance requirements, and you can also earn 0.01% APY on your balance.
- No minimum deposit for checking and savings accounts
- Large, free ATM network
- Large branch network
- No overdraft fees
- Monthly fees, though they can be waived
- High minimum balance requirements to avoid fees
- Service fees are on the higher end
5. Consumers Credit Union: Rewards Checking
If earning up to 5% APY on your rewards checking account balance sounds like a great perk, check out Consumers Credit Union (CCU). You must meet eligibility requirements to open an account with this credit union, but your funds are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
When you open a Rewards Checking account with CCU, your base APY starts at 3%. However, you can up the rate to 5% APY by meeting the following requirements:
- Enroll in eDocuments
- Make 12 monthly debit card purchases
- Receive at least $500 in monthly direct deposits, ACH credits, or mobile check deposits
- Spend $1,000 or more with your CCU Visa credit card
The 5% APY only applies to balances below $10,000 or less. The APY decreases significantly the higher your balance grows.
- No monthly fees
- High variable APY
- Low minimum opening deposits
- Free debit card
- Available in all 50 states
- Easy to join
- Expensive overdraft fee
- Higher than average wire transfer fees
- Charges a fee on out-of-network ATM transactions
6. Discover Bank: Cash Back Debit
Among online banks, Discover is best known for offering rewards credit cards. However, you can open a Discover online checking account that comes with a cashback debit card.
You can earn up to 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in eligible monthly purchases. That gives you a potential savings of $30 monthly or $360 annually.
The Discover online checking account also has no minimum balance requirements, opening deposit, or monthly fees. You can also avoid NSF fees and receive free debit card replacements if your card gets lost or stolen.
Discover is one of the best national banks that dominates the online space. You can also access 24/7 customer service to help with your banking needs.
- No minimum deposit or balance requirements
- No fees, including no maintenance fees, insufficient funds fees, or stop payment fees
- Large, free, nationwide ATM network
- 24/7 customer service
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
- Perks of online and mobile banking
- Limited account options
- No interest-bearing checking account
- Can't bank in person
7. Level Bank
Want to get paid up to two days early? With Level Bank, you can open a checking account to access this perk and obtain an interest-free cash advance of up to $500.
Level Bank offers its Perks program, which rewards you with increased cashback when you buy from select merchants. You can view your Perks status through the mobile app available for Android and Apple devices.
You must pay for the Plus or Premium membership to qualify for up to 5% APY and the cash advance. Plus accounts are $5 monthly, while Premium accounts cost $15.
Level Bank also offers refunds on ATM fees up to $4 per transaction and no overdraft fees. You also get 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases in addition to this bonus.
- No monthly fees
- 0.50% APY on deposits
- No minimum balance requirement
- Unlimited 1.0% cashback on qualifying purchases
- One ATM fee reimbursement each month
- No signup bonus
- Does not offer mobile check deposits
- Generally cannot make cash deposits
8. TD Bank Beyond Checking
Open a TD Bank Beyond Checking account with no minimum opening balance or minimum balance requirements. You can also waive the $25 monthly fee by:
- Receiving direct deposits of $5,000 or more each month
- Have a $25,000 combined balance across your eligible TD Bank accounts
- Maintain a $2,500 daily balance
You can also earn 0.01% APY on your balance with Payback Plus. TD Bank also refunds your ATM and overdraft fees if you maintain a $2,500 average daily balance.
Your TD Bank checking account may also be eligible for overdraft payback, which refunds your first two overdrafts each year, up to $70. Give TD Bank a look to see if this checking account perks align with your banking needs.
- TD lending discounts
- Waived monthly fees on other deposit accounts
- Automatic reversal of overdraft fees up to two times per year
- Free paper checks
- Reimbursement of non-TD ATM fees when you keep at least a $2,500 daily balance
- Home equity and personal loan rate discounts
- A monthly maintenance fee of $25
- Overdraft fees of $35 per item, up to three times per day
- Non-TD ATM fees are reimbursed only if you keep at least a $2,500 daily balance
9. Varo Bank Account
Varo offers several checking and savings accounts you can open to manage your money. These accounts include a free checking account and a high-yield savings account with a standard 3% APY.
You can also make ends meet with several cash advance apps that work with Varo. These cash advance apps make accessing extra funds before your paycheck arrives convenient during stressful times.
If you want to deposit cash into your Varo bank account, visit a Green Dot Reload location, like those found in Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger, and Safeway. You can also withdraw money from over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs for free.
The Varo no-fee checking account has no minimum balance requirements. Varo also doesn’t charge you fees for foreign transactions or transfers.
Keep a positive balance in your checking and savings accounts and receive $1,000 or more in direct deposit each month, and you can earn up to 5% APY on your balance. However, that APY rate only applies to balances of up to $5,000.
- No monthly fees
- Earn up to 4% APY on savings
- Paycheck advance up to $750
- Early direct deposit
- Cashback rewards are limited to gas stations
- No traditional credit card rewards
- ✘ Cash deposits require a $3.50 fee at retail locations
What to Look For in a Rewards Checking Account
When choosing a rewards checking account, it’s important to consider key factors that maximize both benefits and convenience. A competitive APY can help your money grow faster over time, while the right rewards program should align with your spending habits to ensure you’re earning meaningful perks.
Fees can quickly eat into your earnings, so look for an account with low or no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or ATM charges. Some accounts also require a minimum balance to qualify for rewards, while others may have transaction requirements that boost your earning potential when met.
Accessibility is another crucial factor—online banking, mobile apps, and a wide ATM network make managing your money easier. Additionally, reliable customer service is essential, especially with digital banks where in-person support isn’t an option. Always check that the account is FDIC or NCUA insured to protect your deposits.
Finally, read the fine print to understand any restrictions on rewards or account usage. A rewards checking account should enhance your financial goals—not push you to overspend just to qualify for perks. Choose one that fits seamlessly with your lifestyle and spending habits.
FAQs on Rewards Checking Accounts
1. What are rewards checking accounts?
A rewards checking account is a type of bank account that offers consumers benefits, often in the form of cash back, interest earnings, or other perks, based on certain qualifying activities like debit card purchases, setting up direct deposits, or maintaining a minimum balance.
2. How do rewards checking accounts work?
Typically, account holders need to meet certain requirements each statement cycle, such as making a certain number of debit card transactions, to earn the full rewards or the highest APY (annual percentage yield) offered by the financial institution.
3. What is the difference between Axos Bank Rewards Checking and Chase Total Checking®?
Both are reputable options, but they offer different benefits. Axos Bank Rewards Checking is known for its competitive APY, unlimited ATM fee rebates, and cash back rewards. Chase Total Checking® might offer other benefits like sign-up bank bonuses for new customers or integration with a vast network of physical branch locations.
4. How do I earn cash back with my debit card?
Debit card transactions, including eligible debit card purchases, may earn cash back rewards based on the rewards program of the bank. For instance, Discover Cashback Debit account provides cash back on qualifying purchases.
5. Are there monthly maintenance fees associated with these accounts?
Monthly maintenance fees vary between banks. While online-only banks like Axos often waive these fees, other financial institutions might charge a monthly service fee unless certain requirements, such as a minimum balance or qualifying direct deposit, are met.
6. What's the difference between an online bank like Axos and banks with physical locations?
Online banks typically have lower overheads, which might translate to higher interest rates, fewer fees, and more benefits. However, they might lack the convenience of local branch access that traditional banks and credit unions provide.
7. How do ATM fee rebates and reimbursements work?
Many rewards checking accounts offer unlimited ATM fee rebates or reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees. This means if you're charged a fee for using an ATM outside your bank's network, the bank may refund that fee back to your account.
8. Are credit unions a good option for rewards checking accounts?
Yes, credit unions, such as Consumers Credit Union, often offer competitive rewards checking accounts. They might have higher APYs and lower fees than some traditional banks. However, joining might require membership in a specific group or community.
9. How important is the APY when choosing a rewards checking account?
APY is crucial if you plan to maintain a significant balance in your account. A higher APY means you'll earn more interest over time. However, if you're more interested in other benefits like cash back, ATM fee rebates, or other perks, then APY might be less of a priority. It's essential to consider your personal finance goals when comparing rewards checking accounts.
10. Can I link my rewards checking account to a savings account?
Yes, many financial institutions allow account holders to link their checking and savings accounts. This can be advantageous for automatic transfers, overdraft protection, or even to meet specific account requirements.
Reward Yourself with the Best Rewards Checking Accounts
Checking accounts help us manage our funds, pay our bills, and transfer money to our friends and family. The best rewards checking accounts, however, offer an extra set of features to make banking even more rewarding.
We hope this article helps you find the best checking accounts with perks to suit your needs. When you find an account that lets you earn cashback, interest on your balance, or even receive ATM fee reimbursements, banking suddenly doesn’t seem as tedious.
With several checking accounts to choose from, you have the luxury of comparison shopping to find the best deals. You can also open a rewards checking account to test-drive it and see if you want to switch over completely.
Which of the best rewards checking accounts piqued your interest?
FAQs
Rewards checking accounts offer several perks, depending on what the financial institution backing the account provides. These perks can include ATM fee reimbursements, cashback on debit card purchases, and high interest rates on your checking account balance.
Most rewards checking accounts don’t come with monthly fees. The accounts that do often let you waive the monthly fee if you meet specific requirements.
Rewards checking accounts take your banking to the next level. These accounts are just as capable as traditional bank accounts, with additional perks like earning cash back or receiving monthly ATM fee reimbursements.
