Chances are, you've been with the same bank for years. After all, it's easier to stick with the checking account you have now than to switch to a new one. But every once in a while, it's worth looking at what else is out there.
Even if you're mostly satisfied with your current bank, you may find that a different one better fits your needs, whether with lower fees, higher interest rates, superior in-person services, or more-attractive premium account packages that layer on the perks as your wealth grows. Or you may choose to stick with your current institution for everyday banking and open a savings account or certificate of deposit at an online bank or credit union, taking advantage of high yields on your extra cash.
You'll find plenty of great options to consider here. With the help of LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, we've analyzed interest rates, fees, balance requirements and other features of accounts at national banks, credit unions, online banks and regional banks, and we've named winners in each of those categories. We've also highlighted two institutions that may be strong choices for customers in each of four profiles: Retirees, high-net-worth clients, travelers and families with kids.
Whether you're a jet-setter or an occasional traveler, you can take advantage of the benefits these banks offer when you're on the road. Interest rates change frequently, so before you commit to any of these accounts, check the current yield. Yields and other terms listed here are as of early July.
Capital One
Where it is: About 250 branches in a handful of eastern and southern states and Washington, D.C.
Capital One's 360 Checking is a solid account all around, with no minimum balance requirement, monthly fee or overdraft fees. Plus, you pay no foreign-transaction fee when you use your debit card for purchases or ATM withdrawals abroad, and you get free access to 70,000 in-network Capital One, Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs in the U.S. If you use an out-of-network machine, Capital One won't charge you, although the ATM operator likely will. Capital One's 360 Performance Savings is also free of monthly fees and minimum balance requirements, and it yields 3%.
In addition to its standard bank branches, the bank has Capital One Cafés around the country. The cafés offer banking services, free Wi-Fi, private workspaces, and food and drinks. Customers get 50% off handcrafted beverages if they pay with a Capital One or Discover debit or credit card.
Charles Schwab Bank
The Schwab Investor Banking Checking account is a prime choice for travelers. The free, no-minimum account imposes no foreign-transaction fees on international debit card purchases and withdrawals, and you get unlimited reimbursement of ATM surcharges worldwide. The debit card provides extra benefits, too, including extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance and roadside dispatch.
You must link Schwab's checking account to a Schwab One brokerage account, which requires no minimum balance. You can easily transfer money between the two accounts. For a safe place to park extra funds, consider Schwab's FDIC-insured Investor Savings account. Like the checking account, it has no monthly fee and reimburses all ATM fees. It yields 0.15%.
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Methodology
With data from LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, as well as from financial institutions and other sources, we evaluated national banks, credit unions, online banks (including online accounts from brokerage firms) and regional banks. We reviewed checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit.
We looked at features including interest rates; minimum deposit and balance requirements; monthly maintenance fees and the ease of waiving those fees; ATM benefits, such as waived or reimbursed fees for out-of-network withdrawals; free or discounted benefits, such as personal checks, cashier's checks, paper statements and overdraft-protection transfers; overdraft fees; and online and mobile banking features, such as the availability of peer-to-peer payment services. Yields and other data listed in the article are as of early July.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
