Ranked 1 of 5BEST FOR
SoFi Bank
Digital checking and savings with conditions
Jump to itBANK & ACCOUNT RANKINGS · 2026
Best banks of 2026 for checking, savings, and online banking
Online banks, branch banks, and a savings-only option, ranked and compared on the things that cost you money or time: monthly fees and their waivers, how you get cash in and out, what a savings rate requires, and who actually holds your deposits. Pick the account around your habits, then check the rate.
Advertising disclosure · Our methodology
- Companies compared
- 5
- Criteria weighed
- 5
- Related guides
- 1
- Last reviewed
RANKED 1 · 2 · 3
The top three on our list.
5 companies compared. Ranks 4 to 5 follow in the full list below. How we rank
Ranked 2 of 5BEST FOR
Marcus
Savings without the checking
Jump to itRanked 3 of 5BEST FOR
Capital One
App-first banking with some branches
Jump to it5 companies listedPick up to 3 to compare
Ranked 1 of 5
Online bankingBEST FOR
SoFi Bank
Digital checking and savings with conditions
- Service
- Online banking
- Costs
- Ask the company for current terms
- Known for
- Online checking and savings
Why it's here. SoFi Bank offers combined checking and savings online. Read the terms closely, since the higher yields and some features depend on direct deposit or other qualifying activity.
Worth a look for
- Online checking and savings
- Combined account view
The catch
The advertised yield usually requires direct deposit or a minimum monthly deposit.
Ranked 2 of 5
SavingsBEST FOR
Marcus
Savings without the checking
- Service
- Savings
- Costs
- Ask the company for current terms
- Known for
- Online savings and CDs
Why it's here. Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers online savings and CDs but no checking account. Compare it with other savings products on rate, access, and transfer speed.
Worth a look for
- Online savings and CDs
- Simple account setup
The catch
You'll still need a checking account somewhere else.
Ranked 3 of 5
Branch bankingBEST FOR
Capital One
App-first banking with some branches
- Service
- Branch banking
- Costs
- Ask the company for current terms
- Known for
- Online accounts plus locations
Why it's here. Capital One pairs online accounts with branches and cafés in select cities. Compare the specific account and check whether there's a location near you.
Worth a look for
- Online accounts plus locations
- Digital tools
The catch
Branch and cash services depend on where you live and which account you open.
Ranked 4 of 5
Online bankingBEST FOR
Ally Bank
Fully online checking and savings
- Service
- Online banking
- Costs
- Ask the company for current terms
- Known for
- No-branch online accounts
Why it's here. Ally is an online-only bank with checking, savings, and money market accounts and no branches. Review the account terms and how you'd get cash in and out.
Worth a look for
- No-branch online accounts
- Checking and savings together
The catch
Depositing cash takes extra steps, so confirm it fits how you get paid.
Ranked 5 of 5
Branch bankingBEST FOR
Chase
A branch on most corners
- Service
- Branch banking
- Costs
- Ask the company for current terms
- Known for
- Nationwide branches and ATMs
Why it's here. Chase has the largest branch network in the country. Look at the account options, find the nearby branches, and read what it takes to get the monthly fee waived.
Worth a look for
- Nationwide branches and ATMs
- Checking and savings options
The catch
Monthly fees apply unless you meet the waiver rules for that account.
Every company at a glance
The short version. Click any name for the full review, and confirm current terms with the company before you decide.
| Company | Service type | Best for | The catch | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ranked 1 of 5 | Online banking | Digital checking and savings with conditions | The advertised yield usually requires direct deposit or a minimum monthly deposit. | Full review |
Ranked 2 of 5 | Savings | Savings without the checking | You'll still need a checking account somewhere else. | Full review |
Ranked 3 of 5 | Branch banking | App-first banking with some branches | Branch and cash services depend on where you live and which account you open. | Full review |
Ranked 4 of 5 | Online banking | Fully online checking and savings | Depositing cash takes extra steps, so confirm it fits how you get paid. | Full review |
Ranked 5 of 5 | Branch banking | A branch on most corners | Monthly fees apply unless you meet the waiver rules for that account. | Full review |
Banks explained
Online banks vs. branch banks
Online banks usually pay more interest and charge fewer fees because they don't run branches. Branch banks offer in-person service, easy cash deposits, and sometimes relationship perks on loans. Many people use both: a branch bank for cash and a safety net, and an online bank for savings. Decide what you'll actually walk into a branch for before you pay for one.
Fees to look for
Monthly maintenance fees and their waiver rules, minimum balance penalties, out-of-network ATM charges, overdraft and non-sufficient-funds fees, wire fees, and paper statement charges. A no-fee account that pays a bit less interest often beats a high-yield account that bills you for the way you bank.
FDIC coverage and fintech middlemen
FDIC insurance covers deposits up to the standard limit per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Many apps aren't banks themselves and sweep your money to partner banks. That can still be insured, but only if the arrangement is set up properly, so read which banks hold the money and remember that deposits you already have at those banks count toward the same limit.
What to look for in banks
01
Compare the account, not the brand
A high-yield savings account won't pay your rent. Write down what you need, such as cash deposits, bill pay, a debit card, or a branch, and compare checking against checking and savings against savings.
02
Add up the recurring costs
Minimum balance rules, monthly charges, out-of-network ATM fees, and transfer limits add up. A one-time sign-up bonus rarely beats an account that costs nothing to run year after year.
03
Confirm who insures the money
Look the bank up on FDIC BankFind. If a fintech sweeps your cash to partner banks, read how balances are split and whether money you already hold at those banks counts toward the same coverage limit.
What we score, and how much it counts
These weights set our research priorities for this category. We don’t publish a number for a company until we’ve verified enough to back it up.
See the full methodologyFrequently asked questions about banks
Is an online bank safe?+
If it's FDIC insured, your deposits are covered the same as at a branch bank. Look the bank up on FDIC BankFind and read how any fintech partner-bank arrangement works.
How do I avoid monthly checking fees?+
Most banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit, keep a minimum balance, or meet an activity requirement. Read the specific waiver rules for the account before you open it.
Can I put cash into an online bank account?+
Sometimes, through retail partners or ATM networks, often with limits or fees. If you handle cash regularly, confirm the process before switching.
Does a high savings rate last?+
Rates on savings accounts can change at any time, and promotional rates often require direct deposit or a minimum balance. Treat the rate as a bonus, not the reason to choose the bank.
What's the difference between APY and the interest rate?+
The interest rate is the simple annual rate. APY includes compounding over a year, so it's slightly higher and it's the number to compare between savings accounts.
How long does switching banks take?+
Opening the account takes minutes. Moving direct deposit and every automatic payment takes a pay cycle or two. Keep the old account open with a small cushion until the last bill has cleared from the new one.
Sources
Company websites are where the product details start, not where our review ends. A company’s description of itself isn’t evidence of quality.
- SoFi Bank official site
- Marcus official site
- Capital One official site
- Ally Bank official site
- Chase official site