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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Lisa has been the editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance since June 2023. Previously, she spent more than a decade reporting and writing for the magazine on a variety of topics, including credit, banking and retirement. She has shared her expertise as a guest on the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR, Cheddar and many other media outlets around the nation. Lisa graduated from Ball State University and received the school’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014. A military spouse, she has moved around the U.S. and currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Soars Ahead of Tesla Earnings
The EV stock rose nearly 2% ahead of its highly anticipated Q1 earnings report, due after tonight's close.
By Karee Venema Published
-
GM Stock Accelerates After Earnings Beat
General Motors beat expectations for the first quarter and raised its outlook for the year. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Published
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
health insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership
Amazon Prime 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.
By Bob Niedt Published
-
How to Haggle for Almost Anything
Smart 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.
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis Last updated
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID Coverage
Coronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon
Before tossing these items into your virtual shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published