Our editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our review work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Bankiful site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market.

We also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Bankiful does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.

Top High Interest Checking Accounts

High-interest checking accounts let you earn money with the same account used for everyday purchases and transactions.

High interest checking accounts offer several advantages over other types of bank accounts.

One major benefit of a high-interest checking account is that you can earn interest with the same account used for everyday purchases. 

Another benefit is high interest checking accounts often pay better rates on deposits than money deposited in regular savings accounts at top banksFor instance, Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all pay 0.01% APY.

Best high yield checking accounts

Best high yield checking accounts

High interest checking accounts allow you to earn interest on any amount of money deposited in your account.

Quontic Bank Money Market Account

Minimum Deposit

$100

Rates

4.25% APY applies to all balance tiers from $0.01 – $149,999.99 and balances over $149,999.99

Apply Today

Apply at Quontc Bank's Secure Site

How to earn the highest rate

  • Make opening $100 deposit to earn 4.25% APY on all balance tiers which are identified as $0.01–$4,999.99, $5,000.00–$149,999.99 and balances over $149,999.99.

  • This account comes with a Quontic debit card and checks for convenient access to your funds.

  • No Monthly or Overdraft Fees.

  • Over 90,000 surcharge free ATMs across the nation.

mph.Bank Free Digital Checking

Minimum Deposit

$25

Rates

4.00% APY* up to $50,000

Apply Today

Apply at mph.Bank's Secure Site

How to earn the highest rate

  • Unlock 4.00%APY* high-yield checking for the initial $50,000 in your account by setting up monthly direct deposits of at least $2,000.

  • The mph.Bank Free Checking is an all-in-one checking & savings account. For customers without a qualifying $2,000 direct deposit, you will earn 3.00%APY1 on all balances.

* Free accounts earn 4.00%APY (APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield) up to $50,000 in account deposits. Requires $2,000+ monthly direct deposit to qualify. All deposits in your checking account over $50,000 will receive 0.00%APY. All deposit products are provided by, and mph.bank is a brand of, Liberty Savings Bank, F.S.B. Member FDIC.

1 Goals accounts earn 3.00%APY (APY stands for Annual Percentage Yield). All deposit products are provided by, and mph.bank is a brand of, Liberty Savings Bank, F.S.B. Member FDIC.

Axos Bank Rewards Checking

Minimum Deposit

$50

Rates

Up to 3.30% APY (on balances up to $10,000

Apply Today

Apply at Axos Bank's Secure Site

How to earn the highest rate

  • 040% APY - Receive monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more. Direct deposit is required to unlock your other interest-earning options

  • 0.30% APY - Use your Axos Visa® Debit Card for a total of 10 transactions per month (min $3 per transaction)

  • 0.99% APY - Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account.

  • 0.99% APY - Maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account.

  • 0.60% APY - Use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer loan payment. Mortgage, personal, and auto loans are eligible.

Minimum Deposit

$50

Rates

2.00% APY

Apply Today

Apply at UFB Direct's Secure Site

How to earn the highest rate
  • Earn an interest rate of 2.00% APY for all balances

The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/09/2025. The interest rate and corresponding APY are variable and are set at our discretion. This is a tiered variable rate account. Interest rates may change as often as daily without prior notice. Fees may reduce earnings.

Minimum Deposit

$1

Rates

4.30% APY

Apply Today

Apply at UFB Direct's Secure Site

How to earn the highest rate
  • Minimum $1 balance to earn rate

American First Credit Union, Powered by Raisin American First Credit Union uses the secure Raisin platform to offer savings products to savers nationwide. Customers open accounts at Raisin.com and can manage all aspects of their deposits held at American First Credit Union through the platform, including making deposits and withdrawals, reviewing statements and any customer service needs. In simple terms, Raisin provides you exclusive access to a special selection of American First products. Best of all, Raisin is completely free!

What to look for in a high-interest checking account

Your number one focus in opening a high interest checking account is a competitive rate.

But you also have to take into consideration monthly maintenance fees because that would likely cost you more than what you'd earn in monthly interest.

Free ATMs nationwide or ATM fee reimbursement (in case you’re charged by ATM owners for using out-of-network ATMs) is also important to consider with high-interest checking accounts.

 

Is it Better to Keep Money in a Checking or Savings Account?

The choice to keep money in either a checking or savings account will depend on your personal needs. 

A savings account is essential, especially to create an emergency fund and stack cash away for future financial goals or needs like a down payment for a house or car, home improvements, or paying for medical or educational expenses.

But there's no reason you shouldn't also have an interest-bearing checking account also, which is how you can really take advantage of what each has to offer.

You really can't go wrong with checking accounts that pay interest. Earning interest on whatever balance in your account can only mean extra money for you.

Finally, high-interest checking accounts typically come with no minimum balance requirements, so you can start earning interest right away.

Discover proven tips to earn more & save smarter

Get expert tips, news, and resources delivered to your inbox weekly.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Best online savings rates

The national savings rate is 0.38% APY. This online bank pays way more.

CIT Bank

SAVINGS CONNECT ACCOUNT
3.90% APY
/Month
Minimum $100 balance
No maintenance fees
Mobile & Online Banking
Member FDIC

Upgrade

PREMIER SAVINGS
4.02% APY
/Month
Minimum $1,000 balance
No maintenance fees
Mobile & Online Banking
Deposits are FDIC insured

Quontic Bank

HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS
3.85% APY
/Month
Minimum $100 balance
No maintenance fees
Mobile & Online Banking
Deposits are FDIC insured
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide the most relevant and current information. However, the information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be personal financial advice.

© 2025 Bankiful.com All rights reserved.