Motley Fool Money's 2026 Bank and Bank Account Awards

SoFi Checking and Savings account (Member FDIC) continues to raise the bar for digital banking. It combines both accounts into one simple setup with no account fees, no minimums, and a strong APY—especially if you set up direct deposit. You can move money instantly between checking, savings, and even your SoFi® investment account, all within one clean mobile app. For people who want the convenience of an all-in-one banking hub without giving up high rates, SoFi’s platform is a clear winner.

LendingClub LevelUp Savings features an impressive APY that rewards you for making monthly deposits. With zero account fees, it offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to grow your savings. Plus, you’ll receive an ATM card for easy access to your funds at thousands of ATMs nationwide. Best of all, you can start your savings journey with just $1.

Capital One 360 Checking account combines the simplicity of online banking with a few key conveniences that brick-and-mortar customers still want. There are no monthly fees or minimums, access to 70,000+ fee-free ATMs, and even the ability to deposit cash at CVS or Walgreens. Add early paycheck access and strong mobile tools, and you’ve got a checking account that’s flexible enough for nearly anyone.

Available for free to Charles Schwab Bank brokerage customers, Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ offers unlimited domestic and international ATM reimbursements. Charles Schwab Bank also doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee (which can be 1% to 3% of the transaction cost). In addition, there is no minimum deposit requirement and no minimum balance requirements.

Quontic Money Market Account stands out for blending high yields with everyday flexibility. You can earn a competitive APY, spend directly using a debit card or checks, and open the account with just $100—all without monthly fees. Few money market accounts make it this easy to both save and spend. Cash deposits are tricky since it’s digital-first, but for anyone chasing strong returns without losing access to funds, Quontic offers one of the most balanced accounts on the market.

Synchrony Bank (Member FDIC) provides some of the best online CD rates and is an excellent choice for beginner savers. With no minimum deposit required to open an account, you also benefit from the flexibility to withdraw interest earnings penalty-free before maturity.

Synchrony Online CD offers one of the easiest ways to build a flexible ladder across multiple terms. With no minimum deposit and consistently strong rates across short- and long-term CDs, you can secure guaranteed returns while keeping options open. Add in specialty CDs—like No-Penalty and Bump-Up versions—and Synchrony gives savers room to adapt as the rate environment changes. It’s the rare CD lineup that balances both high yields and flexibility.

Wells Fargo takes the top spot for in-person service thanks to its nationwide reach and strong branch network. With thousands of locations and extensive ATM coverage, it’s easier to meet with a banker, make deposits, or get help face-to-face than with almost any competitor. While many big banks are cutting back on physical locations, Wells Fargo continues to offer convenience for customers who still prefer the reliability of in-person banking.

The PNC Virtual Wallet Student account combines two checking accounts and a savings account into one comprehensive banking solution designed specifically for students. With no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and easy access to your funds, it’s the perfect option for students looking to establish a strong banking relationship.

Navy Federal Credit Union offers competitive rates on CDs for military members and their families, and ensures more money stays in your pocket by minimizing fees on all its accounts. Rates on checking and savings accounts aren't quite as high. But the other perks of Navy Federal Credit Union membership, including discounts on popular products and great customer service, could make up for this.

SoFi® (Member FDIC) offers a dual banking approach by pairing its checking and savings accounts, which both earn competitive rates. Along with scoring high APYs, customers gain access to several relationship benefits as SoFi® members, like earning rewards redeemable for cash, fractional investment shares, statement credits, and loan payments. With no account fees or minimum balance requirement, SoFi Checking and Savings is a great option for individuals looking for both a checking and savings account.

Bank of America earns this spot for its family-friendly account options and financial tools for all ages. The SafeBalance Banking setup makes it easy for parents to open accounts for teens and monitor spending with built-in safety features. There are no monthly fees for students under 25, plus easy digital access through the Bank of America app and Zelle. It’s a practical, flexible way to teach kids money management while keeping everything under one household bank.

Alliant Credit Union brings the best parts of digital banking to the credit union world. Members enjoy high-rate checking, excellent savings and CD options, and access to over 80,000 ATMs. You can join easily online, and there are no maintenance fees with e-statements. Alliant proves you don’t need to sacrifice technology or reach to get the personal touch of a credit union.

Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program offers top-notch perks to many of the financial products that Bank of America offers like credit card rewards and lower loan fees. However, there is a minimum balance requirement in order to become eligible, and there are five tiers in the program with their own qualifying balances.

Chase's mobile app earns top honors for its smooth design and unmatched functionality. It connects all your Chase accounts—checking, savings, credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages—into one dashboard that’s intuitive to navigate. You can deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds, and track spending in a few taps. With its mix of simplicity and sophistication, Chase Mobile remains the industry benchmark for what a modern banking app should feel like.

Monarch Money is the ideal budgeting app for couples and families, providing a centralized platform to sync all your financial data in one place. With a monthly or annual subscription, you can link all your financial accounts, making it easy to manage shared expenses and savings goals. The app also allows you to track your net worth and monitor progress toward important milestones, such as building an emergency fund or saving for a family vacation.

Rocket Money is a great solution for bill negotiation and subscription management, simplifying the task of overseeing multiple bank and credit card accounts. This user-friendly platform consolidates all your accounts, allowing you to easily check balances, view upcoming expenses, and create customized budgets with just a few clicks. Plus, it helps you identify and negotiate bills, ensuring you get the best deals and manage your subscriptions effectively.