Capital One holds a wide lead across online checking recommendations, regularly highlighted for no monthly fees and expansive ATM access. The primary exception is tailored online bank matching, where SoFi is the usual answer.
Since July, Capital Onerising has seen broader pickup across online checking queries, while Discoverfalling, Wells Fargofalling, and Chimefalling have seen declining visibility. Discoverfalling slipped from being the most named brand for accounts with no minimum deposit to being named regularly.
Latest insights
Week of Sep 21–27 · Since Jul 5
Alliant Credit Union Gap between platforms: Google AI Mode now mentions Alliant Credit Union 8.2 points more often than ChatGPT Search in Online Checking Account Providers, a narrowed gap
Alliant Credit Union Gaining: Alliant Credit Union moved up 1 place to rank #6 of 89 in Online Checking Account Providers
Discover Gap between platforms: Google AI Mode now mentions Discover 7.4 points more often than ChatGPT Search in Online Checking Account Providers, a narrowed gap
PNC Bank Gap between platforms: The platform gap for PNC Bank in Online Checking Account Providers widened to 16.4 points, Google AI Mode ahead
PNC Bank Slipping: PNC Bank dropped out of the Online Checking Account Providers top ten
38% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. nerdwallet.com, forbes.com, cnbc.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
Capital One 360 Checking : Requires no opening deposit, charges no monthly maintenance fees, and has no minimum balance requirements. It also gives you access to physical Capital One Cafes and select branches alongside full digital management.[](https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-no-fee-checking-accounts/)
Ally Bank Spending Account : Offers a completely online checking experience with no minimum opening deposit, no monthly service fees, and interest paid on all balances.
: A very popular online financial app featuring a $0 opening deposit, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements. It also features early direct deposit and fee-free overdraft options.
As someone leaving a traditional bank due to low interest, which online-only bank offers the best mix of high yield, customer service, and reliability?
Chase Secure Banking : If you want an online option backed by a major traditional brick-and-mortar institution, this account has a $0 minimum opening deposit (though it carries a small monthly fee unless you meet simple electronic deposit criteria).[](https://personal.chase.com/personal/secure-banking)
If you're looking for specific perks, let me know:
Do you need early direct deposit?
Are you looking to earn interest on your balance?
Do you plan on making frequent cash deposits?
I can narrow down which choice fits your habits best.
If you’re in the U.S., several online checking accounts let you apply with no initial deposit and no minimum balance requirement. You can open the account before your next paycheck or before you have money available to transfer.
Here are some good options, based on current bank information as of October 2026.
Best online checking accounts with $0 to open
1. Capital One 360 Checking
(Best overall)
Opening deposit: $0 · Monthly fee: $0
No minimum balance, no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and access to more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs in participating networks.
A strong online-only option with a debit card, bill pay, Zelle, spending buckets, and up to $10 in ATM-fee reimbursements per statement cycle. Ally says an unfunded account may be closed if it isn't funded within 30 days.
Offers debit-card rewards and interest. Important: applications are currently limited to eligible American Express card members and certain existing Amex deposit customers, so not everyone can apply.
Opening deposit: check current terms · Monthly fee: generally $0
Offers mobile banking, a debit card, bill pay, and access to checking and savings in one account experience. Review the current application terms to confirm funding requirements before applying.
My recommendation: Start with Capital One 360 or Ally. Both explicitly advertise no minimum opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee.
One important detail: $0 to open doesn't always mean you can leave the account unfunded indefinitely. Check any deadline for making your first deposit, as well as identity-verification requirements. You may also need your Social Security number or ITIN, a U.S. address, and a phone number.
Are you looking for an account that you can open with absolutely $0 and leave at $0 until you get paid, or would you be able to deposit a small amount shortly after opening? That distinction can help narrow down the best option.
Top options with no minimum deposit requirements include:
SoFi Checking and Savings: Offers a combined checking and savings account with $0 minimum deposit, no monthly maintenance fees, and no overdraft fees.
Capital One 360 Checking: Features completely free checking with no opening deposit, no monthly fees, and access to physical Capital One Cafés and branches in addition to online tools.
Ally Bank: A top-rated digital bank with a spending/checking account requiring no minimum deposit to open and no monthly maintenance fees.
Chime: A popular financial technology platform providing fee-free online checking accounts with no minimum balance or initial deposit requirement (though it doesn't have physical brick-and-mortar branches).
Varo Bank: A mobile-first online bank with no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirements for its basic checking and savings accounts.
If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:
Do you prefer a bank with physical brick-and-mortar branches or are you comfortable with online-only banking?
Do you plan to deposit cash regularly?
I can give you a more tailored recommendation based on your preferences.
Ally Bank : An online bank featuring an Interest Checking account with no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum deposit to open, and free standard debit cards.
SoFi : Provides a combined Checking and Savings option with zero account fees, early direct deposit, and no hidden maintenance charges.
Discover Bank : Offers online checking and savings accounts with no monthly service fees, no minimum deposit, and fee-free access to a large ATM network.
Chime : A financial technology platform (banking services provided by partners) offering a fee-free online checking account with no monthly service or minimum balance fees.
If you can tell me whether you prefer a traditional brick-and-mortar bank or an online-only bank , and if you plan to use direct deposit , I can narrow down the best specific account for you.
Yes. If by “free account” you mean a checking account with $0 monthly fee and $0 minimum to open, there are several good U.S. options as of October 2026:
Bank
Account
Monthly fee
Minimum to open
Good for
Capital One
360 Checking
$0
$0
Best overall + some physical locations
Can you recommend some checking accounts that don't charge monthly fees and offer a strong online banking experience?
If you can tell me whether you plan to make regular cash deposits or if you are looking for interest-earning capabilities , I can help narrow down the best specific match for your habits.
When moving away from a traditional bank for better yield, reliability, and service, you want an institution with a solid track record, no monthly maintenance fees, and robust digital support.
The top online-only choices that balance high yield, customer satisfaction, and long-term reliability include:
Discover Bank — Consistently ranks at the top of customer satisfaction studies (such as J.D. Power direct banking rankings). It offers a competitive high-yield savings APY, zero monthly fees, a user-friendly app, and dependable US-based phone support.
Ally Bank — One of the pioneers in online-only banking, Ally is praised for its reliability and comprehensive digital tools. It features 24/7 live customer service by phone and chat, no monthly maintenance fees, and fee-free access to a massive ATM network.
Capital One (360) — Well-known for its stability as a major financial institution, Capital One delivers a seamless mobile app (frequently winning high app-store satisfaction ratings), strong high-yield savings rates, and no account fees.
SoFi — A modern favorite if you want an all-in-one digital hub. It pairs competitive high-yield savings with checking features, though you typically need to set up direct deposit to unlock its highest tier yields and benefits.[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts)
To help narrow down the best fit, let me know:
Do you want checking and savings under one roof?
Are you planning to set up a direct deposit?
Is 24/7 phone support a strict requirement for you?
Best online-only bank for high interest, service, and reliability
My top recommendation is Ally Bank for the best all-around balance, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs as the strongest choice if customer satisfaction is your top priority.
The latest 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Direct Banking Satisfaction Study ranks Marcus first for high-yield savings customer satisfaction, with Ally in second place. That makes both strong options for someone leaving a traditional bank because their savings earn too little interest.
One important distinction: the highest advertised interest rate isn't always the best deal. I'd prioritize a competitive ongoing rate, no monthly fees, dependable account access, responsive support, and FDIC insurance.
My top three choices
1. Ally Bank
What are the best digital banks for someone seeking higher yields than a traditional bank, while still ensuring good customer service and reliable online tools?
Best digital banks for higher savings yields in 2026
If you're looking to earn more interest than a traditional bank pays without sacrificing good customer service or a dependable mobile app, I'd start with Ally Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Capital One 360, and SoFi.
My recommendation is to prioritize the overall banking experience—not simply whichever bank advertises the highest annual percentage yield (APY). A slightly lower rate can be worth it if the bank makes it easier to resolve problems, transfer money, and manage your savings.
Two useful findings from the latest research:
Marcus by Goldman Sachs ranked first for high-yield savings customer satisfaction, with Ally in second place, in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Direct Banking Satisfaction Study.
NerdWallet's 2026 online-bank guide highlights Ally for 24/7 chat access, Capital One for ATM access, and for combining checking and savings.
I'm tired of the low rates at my current bank. Can you recommend an online-only bank that balances high interest rates with solid customer support and reliability?
Yes. I checked current U.S. options, focusing on banks where two adults can open/manage a joint account online.
Bank
Joint account online?
Monthly fee
Best for
Ally Bank
✅ Yes
$0
Best overall online-only option
Capital One 360 Checking
✅ Yes
$0
Best if you want online banking + some branches
SoFi
✅ Yes
$0
Checking + high-yield savings together
Chase
Joint accounts available, but typically branch involvement
Varies
Best branch/ATM network
Wells Fargo
✅ Joint accounts
Varies
Traditional bank + branches
Bank of America
Joint accounts available
Varies
Traditional banking + branches
My top 3
1. Ally — easiest fully-online choice.
Ally explicitly allows you to select a joint account during the online application and can have multiple owners. Its Spending Account currently has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum opening deposit.
2. Capital One 360 Checking — excellent if you want online + occasional physical banking.
Capital One says you can add a joint account holder to 360 Checking, and the account has no monthly service charge or minimum balance requirement.
3. SoFi — worth considering if you're primarily trying to combine checking and savings.
Bankrate currently lists SoFi among its top joint checking choices, particularly for couples who want checking and savings together.
One important point: a joint account means both owners generally have full access to the money. For example, Capital One's agreement says either joint owner can withdraw, transfer funds, or close the account without the other owner's consent.
If you tell me (1) whether this is for checking, savings, or both, (2) whether you need physical branches, and (3) roughly how much you'll keep in it, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 accounts for you, including current APYs, fees, ATM access, and signup bonuses.
Setting up a shared (joint) bank account online is a straightforward process. Several online banks and digital platforms offer robust joint checking and savings options with no monthly maintenance fees and strong mobile accessibility.
Capital One 360 Checking: A popular choice featuring a completely fee-free structure, extensive fee-free ATM access, and a seamless digital joint application process. More information is available via .[](]()]()
I need to open a joint bank account online, who offers that?
Navy Federal Credit Union — several checking accounts show $0 minimum deposit, but membership eligibility applies.
PenFed Access America Checking — listed with $0 in rate tables, although the account details indicate a $25 minimum to open, so I would not count this as truly $0.
My easiest pick: Capital One 360 Checking. It has the cleanest combination of $0 to open + no monthly fee + no minimum balance, and Capital One also has some physical locations.
If you tell me whether you want checking, savings, or both, I can also find the best $0-deposit banks with no monthly fee and physical branches near you.
Capital One's 360 Checking currently has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, no overdraft fees, and access to 70,000+ fee-free ATMs.
Ally's Spending Account also has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum opening deposit, plus 75,000+ fee-free ATMs and 24/7 customer support.
My first choice: I'd look at Capital One 360 Checking if you want a bank that combines online banking with some physical locations. If you're comfortable with an online-only bank, Ally is a very strong choice.
If you tell me (1) your age, (2) whether you need a physical branch, and (3) whether you want checking only or checking + savings, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 accounts for you, including current signup bonuses.
If you want a checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, a great mobile app, and easy online money management, I’d start with Capital One 360, Ally, and SoFi. They’re strong options for everyday banking, with different advantages for ATM access, customer support, and earning interest.
I reviewed current 2026 account comparisons and bank-published terms. Here are the accounts I’d shortlist.
My top picks
1. Capital One 360 Checking
(Best overall)
$0 monthly fee · No minimum balance
A great all-around choice with a polished mobile app, mobile check deposits, Zelle, early direct deposit eligibility, and access to more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs. You can also deposit cash at participating locations, and Capital One has some physical branches and cafés.
Best for: everyday banking with a little in-person access.
A strong choice if you prefer digital banking. Ally offers 24/7 human support, spending and savings tools, free standard checks, access to Allpoint ATMs, and up to $10 per statement cycle in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements.
Best for: online-first banking and accessible customer support.
Worth considering if you want checking and savings integrated in one digital banking experience. It offers an app-based money management experience and competitive checking rewards, with a published checking APY of 0.50% in an October 2026 comparison. Some benefits and rates depend on eligibility or qualifying direct deposits.
Best for: combining everyday spending and savings.
Particularly appealing if you travel frequently. Its standout benefit is unlimited rebates for ATM fees worldwide, making cash withdrawals abroad easier to manage. Opening the account requires a linked Schwab One brokerage account.
Best for: frequent travelers and people who invest.
Sources: official account terms from Capital One, Ally, SoFi, and Charles Schwab.
What I’d choose
Best for most people: Capital One 360 Checking.
Best for customer service: Ally Spending Account.
Best for an all-in-one digital banking setup: SoFi.
Best for international travel: Schwab Investor Checking.
One important tip: a $0 monthly fee doesn't necessarily mean every service is free. Check ATM surcharges, wire-transfer fees, overdraft policies, and any conditions attached to interest rates before opening an account.
One question to narrow it down: What matters most to you in an online checking account?
Capital One's 360 Checking is a particularly straightforward option: no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. It has a well-developed mobile app, Zelle, mobile check deposit, early direct deposit, and access to more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs.
Ally Bank has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. It also offers 24/7 human support, 75,000+ no-fee ATMs, bill pay, Zelle, and useful savings/budgeting features such as "buckets."
This is worth considering if ATM access while traveling is important to you. Schwab is also known for integrating checking with its brokerage platform.
My practical shortlist: If you want a simple everyday bank, compare Capital One 360 vs. Ally first. Capital One has the advantage of some physical locations and cash-deposit options, while Ally is especially geared toward fully online banking.
One important distinction: "no monthly fee" doesn't necessarily mean no fees under every circumstance—for example, wire transfers or certain optional services can still cost money.
If you tell me (1) whether you need to deposit cash, (2) whether you travel internationally, and (3) roughly how much you keep in checking, I can narrow these down based on those features.
If you want to dodge monthly maintenance fees and manage your money entirely from your phone or laptop, online-first banks and select credit unions offer the best value.
Here are the top-rated checking accounts featuring $0 monthly fees, no strict minimum balance requirements, and robust digital banking platforms:
SoFi Checking and Savings — Best for All-in-One Features & APY
Capital One 360 Checking — Best for Digital + Hybrid Access
Monthly Fee: $0
Perks: No minimums, fee-free access to over 39,000 ATMs, mobile check deposit, and the unique bonus of physical Capital One Cafés or select branches if you ever need in-person help. Explore details on Capital One 360 Checking.
Ally Bank Spending Account — Best for Fee-Free Reliability & Checks
Axos Bank (Essential Checking) — Best for ATM Reimbursements
Monthly Fee: $0
Perks: Completely fee-free basic checking, no overdraft fees, and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. Read up on the Axos Bank offering.
Discover Cashback Debit — Best for Rewards on Spending
Monthly Fee: $0
Perks: Earns 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month, plus access to a massive fee-free ATM network and intuitive mobile app ratings. Look into the Discover Bank platform.
User Experiences with Online Banking
I have my checking and savings account with SoFi, which is an online-only bank. This was not the primary factor when choosing, but it has been a plus to the SoFi banking experience. I prefer the ease of online handlings and haven't had any issues with quick customer support or depositing checks.
Ally has been amazing since I joined. I can easily create as many free accounts as I need instantaneously, all with no fees or minimums. Transfers between these accounts are also instantaneous. I get free ATM withdrawals anywhere and unlimited free checks.
If you want to narrow this down, let me know:
Do you plan on setting up direct deposit?
Is earning interest on your checking balance a priority?
A well-rounded online bank with savings, checking, money market accounts, and CDs. It has no monthly maintenance fees or minimum opening deposit on its standard savings account, plus 24/7 customer support options.
Best for: People who want to move most of their everyday banking online, not just park their savings somewhere.
Ranked first among high-yield savings providers in J.D. Power's 2026 study, scoring 739 out of 1,000. Its savings account has no minimum deposit or monthly fee, though its banking offering is more focused on savings and CDs than full-service checking.
Best for: Keeping your savings separate from your everyday spending and prioritizing a highly rated savings experience.
A strong alternative if you want the convenience of online banking with the possibility of in-person help. Its 360 Performance Savings account has no minimum opening deposit or monthly fee, and the bank offers checking and access to a broad fee-free ATM network.
Best for: Someone who wants higher-yield savings but isn't ready to give up every physical banking option.
Current rates change frequently. Bankrate's October 2026 review reports that savings rates vary by institution and account requirements, so check the actual APY on the bank's official site before opening an account.
For perspective, here's what a $25,000 savings balance would earn over one year at different rates, assuming the APY stays constant.
Link your existing bank and test a small transfer in each direction.
Move direct deposits and automatic bill payments only after the new account works reliably.
Keep your old account open until outstanding payments and transfers have cleared.
For reliability, make sure you're opening an account directly with an FDIC-insured bank rather than assuming a financial technology app's branding guarantees deposit insurance. Standard FDIC coverage is generally up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.
My final recommendation
I'd start by comparing Ally and Marcus. Ally is my practical pick if you want an everyday banking relationship with a range of account types; Marcus is especially compelling if your main goal is earning interest on savings with a highly rated customer experience.
One question that would help me narrow this down: Are you moving just your savings, or do you want to move your checking account and direct deposit too? That distinction can change which bank is best for you.
Best for: People who want digital convenience with some in-person access.
Customer service and access: A hybrid option, with select physical locations and Capital One Cafés.
Digital tools: Mobile check deposits, transfers, bill payments, and an established banking app.
Rate: 3.10% APY on its 360 Performance Savings account in NerdWallet's October 2026 comparison.
Trade-off: The savings yield isn't necessarily the highest available, and physical locations aren't everywhere.
Capital One is a particularly good fit if you value easy access to cash and occasional in-person help. It ranked fourth in J.D. Power's high-yield savings satisfaction study.
Best for: All-in-one checking, savings, and financial management.
Customer service: Digital-first support, with service quality worth evaluating against your preferences.
Digital tools: Savings Vaults, automated savings, spending management, and other financial products in one app.
Rate: Up to 4.20% APY in NerdWallet's October 2026 comparison, but the highest rate has eligibility conditions.
Trade-off: Without qualifying direct deposits, sufficient eligible deposits, or another qualifying arrangement, the savings APY can be substantially lower. The comparison reports a 0.80% APY fallback.
SoFi is attractive if you want to consolidate your financial life, but read the rate requirements carefully before switching.
Rates change frequently, and a promotional or conditional APY may not be what you earn over the long term. Verify the rate and eligibility requirements on the bank's official website before opening an account.
What matters most when choosing
I'd evaluate these four things before transferring your money:
Customer service: Is phone support available when you need it? Can you reach a real person to resolve fraud or transfer problems?
Reliable online tools: Look for secure login, transaction alerts, mobile check deposits, easy external transfers, and clear account statements.
Fees and access: Check monthly fees, ATM access, transfer limits, and how easily you can deposit cash.
Deposit protection: Confirm that the account is covered by FDIC insurance, generally up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Eligible credit union deposits have comparable NCUA protection. If you use multiple accounts at the same bank, applicable balances may count toward the same limit.
One important distinction: J.D. Power's 2026 study found that established online banks generally outperform neobanks on customer satisfaction and problem resolution. That makes it worthwhile to look beyond the advertised rate.
My final recommendation
Choose Ally if you want the best blend of customer support, digital savings features, and everyday banking.
Choose Marcus if your priority is earning interest on savings while placing a high value on customer satisfaction.
Choose Capital One 360 if occasional in-person access is important.
Choose SoFi if you want checking and savings in one app and can qualify for its better yield.
You also don't have to move everything at once. Keeping your existing bank for everyday cash needs while moving your emergency fund to a separate high-yield savings account can be a practical way to earn more without losing familiar banking access.
One question that would help me narrow this down: Are you primarily looking for a place to park savings, or do you want to replace your current bank entirely, including checking, direct deposit, bill payments, and debit-card spending?
Finding a digital bank that balances high-yield returns with dependable customer service and a polished technical interface requires looking at institutions that have matured past the bare-bones fintech stage.
The top digital banks standing out for competitive yields, robust tool reliability, and strong customer support profiles include:
Ally Bank is widely regarded as an all-around leader for digital-first banking. It offers competitive, unconditional high-yield savings rates (meaning no direct deposit or minimum activity hurdles to earn the top rate), alongside unique organizational tools like "Savings Buckets". Crucially for customer service, Ally features 24/7 live telephone support where you can reach a human rather than a continuous automated loop. You can review their current offerings directly at Ally Bank.
SoFi is a top choice if you want an all-in-one financial ecosystem (checking, savings, investing, and credit cards) under a single app. SoFi offers very high savings APYs (especially with qualifying direct deposit) with zero account fees and no minimum balance constraints. Their mobile interface is modern and intuitive, and they score high marks for digital user experience. Explore their account tiers via SoFi.
Capital One 360 combines the perks of a major national institution with a streamlined digital experience. Their 360 Performance Savings account provides strong yields with completely fee-free, no-minimum structures, and their mobile app is consistently rated among the best and most reliable in the industry. They also offer a hybrid benefit—while primarily digital, you do have limited access to Capital One cafes and select physical footprints if needed. Check out the details on Capital One.
American Express National Bank is an exceptional option if you value world-class customer service. Known for the robust support infrastructure tied to their broader brand, Amex offers a high-yield savings account with competitive rates, no monthly maintenance fees, and 24/7 customer care . Their platform is secure and reliable, though best utilized if you don't mind a streamlined product focus. Learn more through American Express.
If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:
Are you looking for a checking/savings combo or just a place to park savings?
Do you plan on setting up a direct deposit , or do you prefer unconditional rates?
I can help you pick the exact fit for your workflow.
Ally Bank : Consistently ranked as a top overall online bank, Ally offers robust online joint interest-checking and savings accounts with no monthly maintenance fees and custom "spending buckets" to help manage shared budgets. Details are available through Ally Financial.
Capital One 360 : Offers online joint checking and savings accounts with no fees and no minimum balance requirements. While digital-first, they also provide access to a network of physical Capital One Cafes and select branches if you ever want hybrid support. You can check out options on Capital One.[](https://envelopebudgeting.com/articles/joint-bank-accounts-for-couples)
Alliant Credit Union : An online-only credit union that offers high-rate digital joint checking accounts with no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. Membership is required, but it is very easy to join or add a joint owner online. Learn more at Alliant Credit Union.
Axos Bank : A fully digital bank that lets you open online joint checking or savings accounts with intuitive mobile app management and no monthly maintenance fees on core personal accounts. Explore offerings at Axos Bank.
To help narrow down which of these is the best fit for you, tell me:
Are you looking primarily for a checking account , a savings account , or both bundled together?
Do you plan on needing to deposit cash frequently (which can be tricky for online-only banks)?
Ally Bank: Known for robust online-only banking, offering joint spending and high-yield savings accounts equipped with digital budgeting buckets and no monthly fees.
Choose a Financial Institution: Compare options based on ATM networks, mobile app ratings, and interest rates.
Prepare Personal Information: Both account holders will need to provide full names, residential addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (SSNs), and government-issued photo IDs (driver's license or passport).
Initiate the Application: The primary applicant starts the application online, selecting the "Joint Account" option.
Invite Co-Applicant: Provide the co-applicant’s email address so they can securely fill out their verification portion.
If you’re in the U.S., there are several good ways to set up a shared bank account online with a partner, spouse, family member, or someone you share expenses with. You can generally apply from home, and both people can have access to the money, subject to the account’s terms.
I’d start by comparing these three things: monthly fees, how easy it is for both people to get access, and whether you want checking for everyday bills or savings for a shared goal.
Best online joint bank account options
1. Capital One 360 Checking
(Best for everyday bills)
Online checking account
$0 monthly account fee and no minimum balance to maintain.
Debit cards, online bill payments, mobile banking, and access to a large fee-free ATM network.
You can open an account online and add a joint account holder afterward.
Explore:
2. Ally Bank
(Best for joint spending and saving)
Online checking and savings
No monthly maintenance fees or minimum opening deposit for standard accounts.
Open a new joint account online and add co-owners during the application.
Savings tools called “Buckets” help you set aside money for rent, holidays, emergencies, or other shared goals.
Explore:
3. SoFi Checking and Savings
(Best for digital-first banking)
Combined checking and savings
No account, service, or maintenance fees under its published fee policy.
You can open a new joint account through the app or website.
Offers checking and savings together, with variable savings rates and eligibility conditions that you should review before applying.
Explore:
Which type of account should you open?
If your goal is…
Best place to start
Paying rent, utilities, groceries, and shared bills
Capital One 360 Checking
Saving together for a house, trip, or emergency fund
Ally Bank
Keeping spending and savings together in one digital banking experience
SoFi
These are starting recommendations based on features, not a guarantee that one bank will be best for everyone.
What you'll need to open one online
Typically, each account holder should be prepared to provide:
Legal name, date of birth, and residential address.
Social Security number or other accepted taxpayer identification.
Contact details and identity verification.
Agreement from both people to become joint owners.
Exact requirements depend on the bank and your eligibility.
One important consideration: A joint account usually gives both owners the ability to withdraw or transfer money, and sometimes close the account, without the other owner's permission. Make sure you both understand the terms before depositing money.