Free Online Checking Accounts

Getting a free, online checking account is an excellent way to save money. These accounts rarely have any minimum balance restrictions or opening balance requirements. Additionally, they are built so you can access them no matter where you are.

Benefits of a free, online checking account

Online banks have one advantage over brick-and-mortar banks: they do not have building costs that they need to cover. This results in saving for you, as they can offer higher interest rates and lower fees. Another benefit of having a free, online checking account is that they embrace technology; they almost always have an app for your phone where you can deposit money by taking a picture of a check, transfer between your checking and saving accounts and get alerts when you are almost out of money.

Picking between banks

A lot of online banks offer rewards for using your debit so many times or for keeping your balance above a certain amount. To pick the right bank for you, you need to decide what is most important to you. Many reward programs offer extra cash or gift cards; there are as many rewards as there are banks, so decide what it is you want and find a bank that matches. You also want to watch out for high overdraft charges, monthly fees that are not always apparent and any limitations the bank may place on you.

Free, online checking accounts are great because of their easy access, multiple reward programs and higher interests that they offer. If you are looking to set-up your first checking account or even getting a second account, online checking accounts are something you should look into.

To pick the right bank, you need to decide what is most important to you

by Lance Pincock, Finance writer