Best Accounts at Banks and Credit Unions
Whether you're looking for free checking or high yields on your balances, we've pinpointed the top options.
As part of Kiplinger's annual list of the best personal finance products and services, we picked the top accounts at banks and credit unions. Be sure to see the complete list of our favorite investments, financial products, travel tools and more.
Online bank
Ally levies no minimum-balance or monthly fees on its checking and savings accounts, and it reimburses all ATM fees that other banks charge. Use the bank’s mobile app to deposit checks remotely.
Savings
The GE Capital Bank Online Savings account pays 0.95%, with no monthly fee or minimum-balance requirement.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
High-yield checking
The Consumers Credit Union (Illinois) Free Rewards Checking account pays up to 5.09% on balances of up to $10,000 if you meet certain requirements, including making 12 debit-card transactions a month.
Mobile bank
Simple encourages you to bank from your phone. Built-in tools help you budget and track money in a no-fee checking account from partner Bancorp Bank. You can withdraw money free from a network of 55,000 ATMs.
Credit union
Alliant Credit Union has free checking and savings accounts with decent interest rates. Anyone can join Alliant by making a $10 donation to Foster Care to Success.
-
Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?T-Mobile's prepaid lineup promises MLB.TV, T-Mobile Tuesdays and hotspot data. But do the perks make it worth switching?
-
Verizon Home Internet Is Offering Free Tech to New CustomersVerizon’s latest home-internet promotion includes free tech, but the real savings depend on pricing, speed needs and how long you stay.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipFeature Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before adding these 21 items to your cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
