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Best Mobile Banking Apps for 2024

Review Updated
Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers

Our Banking Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.

We use banking apps for everything, from quick balance checks before making a purchase to easy on-the-go transfers to pay bills. Our favorite online banking apps are full-service mobile banking machines. Take a look at our list of mobile banking apps to see if your bank makes the cut.

Best mobile banking apps

Best app for combo checking and savings account: SoFi

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024
Award Icon 2024 Award Winner

SoFi Checking and Savings

Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings

Offer Alert

New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!
APY
up to 4.60% Rate info Circle with letter I in it. You can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. To Earn APY
$0
  • Competitive APY on both Savings and Checking
  • No account fees
  • Welcome bonus up to $300 (direct deposit required)
  • Early access to direct deposits
  • Tools to help you track savings goals
  • Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
  • ATM access
  • FDIC insured (up to $2M with opt-in to SoFi Insured Deposit Program)
  • Combo account only; no stand-alone savings or checking
  • Maximum Savings APY requires direct deposit
  • Overdraft protection requires monthly direct deposit minimum
  • No branch access; online only

For those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we think SoFi Checking and Savings is hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns above-average, too — which is a rare perk. Plus, there’s the opportunity for an up to $300 bonus and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it’s the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.

You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.

Read Full Review

Why we picked it: SoFi's Checking & Savings account consolidates two products into one handy package -- and its mobile app does the same thing. You can manage everything here, from your SoFi bank accounts to your SoFi loans and investments. The interface is clean and easy to use, and reviewers like that it is generally fast and responsive on most mobile devices.

Feature-wise, the SoFi mobile app has all the functionality you could ask for, including the ability to check balances, see transactions, and find ATMs. The only thing missing is Zelle; you can link your debit card to your Zelle account, but you won't be able to send Zelle payments from the SoFi app. Another potential downside may be the ads. Multiple reviewers report that the app has a few too many ads for other SoFi products that can get in the way of a perfectly smooth experience.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5.0
  • Android app rating: 4.1/5.0
  • Cost: $0

Best online banking app: Discover

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024
Award Icon 2024 Award Winner

Discover® Cashback Debit

Open Account for Discover® Cashback Debit
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
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Open Account for Discover® Cashback Debit

Offer alert

Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month (see details when you click 'Open Account')
APY
0%
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
  • Cash back rewards on debit cards
  • Early direct deposit
  • No monthly maintenance, NSF, or overdraft fees
  • Great customer service
  • Cash back rewards capped
  • No interest-bearing checking account
  • No physical branches
  • No reimbursement for out-of-network ATMs

The Discover Cashback Debit account could be a lucrative option for those who frequently use their debit card. With cash back on eligible purchases, it's possible to earn even more than you could with a typical checking account APY without changing your habits at all. The fact that Discover has done away with many common checking account fees only adds to its appeal.

Read Full Review

Why we picked it: Discover consistently ranks highly for customer service, and its app does not disappoint. This robust app is easy to use and works on most devices.

Discover's mobile app provides a wide range of online banking features for both your bank accounts and Discover credit cards. For example, you can customize a basic "Quick View" that displays your balances without requiring a full login. The app also lets you access account balances and transaction history, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks. You can view and send secure messages, complete Zelle transfers, and handle all your credit card needs from the online banking app.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best full-service banking app with in-app support: Chase

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Chase Total Checking®

Open Account for Chase Total Checking®
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Open Account for Chase Total Checking®
APY
0%
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
  • Largest bank in the U.S. in terms of assets 
  • More than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 physical locations
  • Wide range of financial products
  • User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
  • No minimum deposit to open
  • Chase Overdraft Assist
  • Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
  • $12 monthly maintenance fee waived only with qualifying activity
  • New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
  • Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
  • Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
  • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
  • Open your account online now
  • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
  • Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

Read Full Review

Why we picked it: If you like rewards credit cards, you probably have at least one Chase card. Luckily, Chase's mobile app makes it easy to manage all of your Chase accounts, including both Chase credit card and banking accounts. And you can set up facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in for extra security and password-free convenience.

Inside the Chase app is basically everything you need. You can check balances, make payments, and deposit checks, as well as send or receive money through Zelle. Credit card users can track transactions, redeem cash back or Ultimate Rewards, and add the latest Chase deals to their favorite card. There's also Chase's in-app 24/7 support, which is a standout feature that users give high marks.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best for competitive selection: US Bank

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Open Account for U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Open Account for U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking

Special Offer

Earn up to $700 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through June 27, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
APY
Undisclosed
Min. To Earn APY
$0.01
  • Overdraft protection tools and Overdraft Fee Forgiveness program
  • Opportunity to earn account welcome bonus
  • Wide variety of account tools
  • Zero fraud liability
  • Award-winning app
  • Fee waiver requirements
  • Account APY undisclosed

U.S. Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the U.S. in terms of assets. With its Smartly checking account you can earn special benefits when you enroll in the Smart Rewards™ program. With its digital security coverage, you are not liable for unauthorized transactions that are initiated online at usbank.com or through the U.S. Bank Mobile App as long as you let it know right away. 

The monthly maintenance fee can be waived for customers who meet certain criteria. U.S. Bank also provides security alerts, personalized financial insights, and financial goal setting through its award-winning app.

Read Full Review

Why we picked it: U.S. Bank offers a competitive selection of banking products, from feature-rich checking accounts to fee-free money market accounts. Rewards card users will also love U.S. Bank's credit card options. And all of these accounts can be managed right from its easy-to-use mobile app.

In addition to a streamlined interface, the U.S. Bank mobile app includes all the usual bells and whistles, including secure biometric logins, a helpful Smart Assistant, bill pay, mobile alerts, and in-app Zelle transfers. You can even receive personalized insights to help you save and grow your money.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best modern app: Chime

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Chime Checking Account

Open Account for Chime Checking Account
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
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Open Account for Chime Checking Account
APY
0%
Min. To Earn APY
$0
  • Get direct-deposited funds up to two days early
  • No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No ChexSystems check to open an account
  • Free peer-to-peer (P2P) payments
  • Overdraft up to $200 without fees with SpotMe
  • 0% checking APY
  • No joint account
  • No physical branches
  • Out-of-network ATM fees
  • Must open a checking and savings account together

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.

*Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

Read Full Review

Why we picked it: The once-sparse field of online-only banks has grown. However, Chime continues to stand out from the crowd -- thanks, in part, to its great mobile banking app. The app is both attractive and easy to use.

The Chime mobile app has a host of handy services and features, including account management and savings tools. Chime users can even access direct deposits up to two days early. You can also take advantage of Chime's free internal peer-to-peer transfer service, Pay Friends, which makes it easy to send money to other Chime users (though you can't make Zelle transfers from within the app).

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best bank app overall: Wells Fargo

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

Read Review
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
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= Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
N/A
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
  • New account $300 cash bonus
  • Large network of physical branches 
  • Large network of free ATMs
  • No minimum daily balance required
  • Overdraft protection available
  • Need to meet certain requirements to avoid $10 monthly fee
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • Does not earn interest
  • Fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals

Wells Fargo offers convenient banking solutions with a widespread network of approximately 4,700 branches and 12,000 ATMs. You can earn a generous $300 bonus by simply opening a new checking account with a minimum deposit of $25 and receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account. To avoid the $10 monthly fee, you will need to do one of the following: receive $500 in direct deposits per month, maintain a minimum balance of $500, link your account to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card, or be age 17-24.

Why we picked it: Wells Fargo may be an old bank, but they have a few new tricks. All of the features you'd want are right at your fingertips, including the ability to manage all of your Wells Fargo accounts (bank, Wells Fargo credit cards, and investments) in one place in the bank's mobile app.

This app has everything we've come to expect from the best mobile bank apps. It has bill pay and Zelle transfers, mobile check deposit, and 24/7 access to your balances and account. You'll even get investment features such as stock trading and fund research. Security-wise, you can instantly freeze your cards to prevent unauthorized access and choose extra-secure sign-in options like fingerprint or facial recognition.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best bank app virtual assistant: Bank of America

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking

Read Review
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
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= Poor
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
N/A
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
  • Second-largest bank in the U.S. in terms of assets 
  • Balance Connect® for overdraft protection
  • Total Security Protection® and fraud monitoring
  • Wide-range of financial products
  • Bank of America Online and Mobile Security Guarantee
  • Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
  • $100 minimum opening deposit
  • $12 monthly maintenance fee waived only with qualifying activity

Bank of America is the second-largest bank in terms of assets and has over 3,800 branches and 16,000 ATMs. Bank of America has a wide variety of financial products and tools, including being able to set custom alerts and savings goals. Bank of America also offers BankAmeriDeals where you can get cash back offers on shopping, dining, streaming and more. Its robust app includes Life Plan, an easy way to set and track short- and long-term financial goals and get personalized advice.

However, rates are low, and there is a $100 minimum required to open an account. The $12 monthly maintenance fee can be waived with qualifying activity. Bank of America offers an Online & Mobile Security Guarantee where you are never liable for unauthorized purchases or transactions -- as long as they’re reported promptly.

Why we picked it: Bank of America has seen a lot of tech come and go over the last century, and adaptation is part of its DNA. That extends to its current mobile banking app, which has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, including Bank of America credit card and bank account management. That's just one reason we've put it on our list for the best mobile banking apps.

What sets the Bank of America app apart is Erica, a virtual banking assistant. Erica can help with your transactions, check checking and savings account balances, and even provide insights into your spending. That's on top of all the typical services for a bank mobile app like money transfers, mobile bill pay, check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best credit union app: Alliant Credit Union

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Alliant High Rate Checking

Read Review
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
0.25%
Min. To Earn APY
$1
  • No monthly fees or overdraft fees
  • No monthly minimum balance requirements
  • Network of 80,000 ATMs
  • Reimburses up to $20 ATM fees
  • No monthly fees, overdraft fees, and no monthly minimum balance requirements
  • No physical branches
  • Higher APY available at other financial institutions
  • Need to meet certain requirements to receive the dividend

Alliant is an online-only credit union based out of Chicago; however, anyone can qualify for membership. There is no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no monthly minimum balance requirement. To qualify for the high-yield account, you only need to meet two monthly requirements. It's not a bank, so it's not a member of the FDIC, but Alliant accounts are federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration.

Why we picked it: Alliant Credit Union is a consistent front-runner as the best credit union on many lists, and it's not just because of its low-cost bank accounts. The mobile app scores high marks with users who value its simplicity, ease of use, and rich feature set.

We all expect bells and whistles in the mobile apps for big banks with big tech budgets. But most of us have lower expectations for small banks and credit unions. Alliant beats those expectations and then some. It has a sharp interface that's easy to navigate, plus it offers all the tools you could want -- including mobile deposits and fingerprint logins.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best military banking app: USAA

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

USAA Performance First® Savings

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Member FDIC.
Read Review
APY
up to 1.60% Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Balances less than $10,000 earn 0.05%, balances $10,000 to $49,999.99 earn 0.10%, balances $50,000 to $99,999.99 earn 1.00%, balances $100,000 to $249,999.99 earn 1.10%, balances $250,000 to $499,999.99 earn 1.20%, balances $500,000 to over $1,000,000 earn 1.60%
Min. To Earn APY
$0.01
  • APY higher than national average
  • $10,000 required to open account
  • Must have at least $500,000 to earn top APY
  • APY not competitive with top high-yield savings accounts

The USAA Performance First® Savings offers a more competitive APY than the standard USAA Savings, but you'll need a high account balance ($500,000 or more) to earn at the highest APY tier. You'll also need at least $10,000 to open this account.

Why we picked it: USAA has been serving military members and their families for years. Its mobile banking app carries on the proud tradition and is our best for military mobile app pick. Users can access their bank, credit card, and insurance accounts from anywhere in the world, with secure login options like fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition.

USAA's mobile app has a simple user interface that contains a lot of features, including the basics like mobile deposits, bill pay, and Zelle transfers. But there are also tools for your other types of USAA accounts. For example, USAA auto insurance users can access ID cards and report claims. And credit cardholders can track due dates, make payments, and check out special offers.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.1/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best banking app to monitor your credit score: Capital One

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Capital One 360 Checking

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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
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Read Review
APY
0.10%
Min. To Earn APY
$1
  • Branches and Capital One Cafes in some states
  • Variety of accounts
  • Robust digital platform and app
  • Great customer service
  • Higher APY available at other financial institutions

Capital One boasts a top-rated mobile app and has over 70,000 fee-free Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATM locations. For those looking for face-to-face interaction, Capital One has over 450 locations and 50 Capital One Cafes, where customers can bank, get a cup of coffee, and ask for advice from a certified money coach. However the APY is lower than other online banks.

Why we picked it: Capital One's mobile banking app is a full-featured online banking experience. It bundles checking, savings, loans, and Capital One credit card account management into one app. Users give it high marks for its ease of use and functionality.

Credit card customers can view and redeem rewards, and all Capital One customers can check their Creditwise credit scores. The app is also compatible with Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers. Safety-wise, you can use the mobile app to freeze your debit and credit cards. You can also use fingerprint and SureSwipe technology for secure logins.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best online banking app to automate savings: Ally

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Ally Spending Account

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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
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= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
up to 0.25%
Min. To Earn APY
$1
  • Strong online and mobile tools
  • No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
  • Monthly ATM fee reimbursements
  • Competitive APY
  • Early direct deposit
  • Higher APY available at other financial institutions
  • No physical locations
  • No cash deposits

The Ally Spending Account is an appealing option for those who are comfortable managing their money online. Its monthly ATM fee reimbursements give you the freedom to access your cash wherever you need to. That, plus its APY, means you should only make money with this account.

Why we picked it: Ally Bank was one of the original online-only banks, and its low fees and bountiful services mean it remains popular. It also has one of the best mobile banking apps, complete with all the services you'd expect for managing savings and checking accounts.

Ally mobile banking app users can enjoy a full suite of account management options, including account transfers, mobile check deposits, and Zelle compatibility. You can also access tools to automate your savings, set debit card controls, and send secure messages. Based on the user reviews, this app may work better for Apple devices than Android devices. That said, banking customers are more likely to rank the app highly than those using it solely for investments.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 3.6/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best easy-to-use interface: BMO Harris Bank

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

BMO Relationship Checking

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Member FDIC.
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APY
0.01%
Min. To Earn APY
$0.01
  • Generous relationship benefits
  • High APYs on long-term CDs
  • Strong suite of other banking products
  • Low APYs on savings and CDs
  • Negative customer service reviews

Why we picked it: BMO -- short for Bank of Montreal -- is a Canadian bank that also operates in the U.S. Though BMO has been around since the 19th century, its app is sufficiently modern, with all the services you'd expect from a top banking app.

The BMO mobile app has an easy-to-use interface that puts all of your accounts in one place, including banking and lending accounts. You can also pay bills, deposit checks, and transfer funds -- both between your own accounts and to third parties with Zelle. Based on the reviews, the app may be better on iOS than Android. Many of the recent Android reviews complain of issues with push notifications after a recent update.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best for modern banking: Varo Bank

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Varo Savings

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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
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Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
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APY
Up to 5.00% Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Start earning 3.00% Savings APY, then qualify to earn 5.00% APY on your balance up to $5,000.00 for the following month by meeting these two requirements in the current month: 1) Receive qualifying direct deposit(s) totaling $1,000 or more; and 2) End the month with a positive balance in both your Varo Bank Account and Savings Account. You’ll continue to earn 3.00% APY on any additional balance above $5,000.00.
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
  • High savings account APY 
  • No monthly fees
  • Multiple deposit options
  • FDIC insurance 
  • Automatic savings tools
  • No single account option

Why we picked it: Varo is an online-only bank that's relatively new on the scene. Its goal is to make banking easily accessible to everyone. Along that vein, Varo has a robust banking app that seems to be universally appreciated; both Android and iOS users give it high ratings.

The Varo mobile banking app has the clean interface and easy-to-use navigation you'd expect from a digital-first bank. It offers the full stack of features you'd expect, including balance information, cash back tracking, in-app check deposits, and a variety of notification options. You can even send money to friends and family with Zelle right from the phone app.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Best for great customer service: Regions Bank

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Rates as of Apr 25, 2024

Regions Bank

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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
0.01%
Min. To Earn APY
0.01
  • Great customer service
  • Rewards for opening multiple accounts
  • Variety of banking products

  • Low APYs

Why we picked it: Regions Bank is a smaller, regional bank that services the southern and western U.S. But while its footprint is smaller, Regions still offers the full-featured mobile banking experience you'd get from a much larger brand.

With the Regions mobile bank app, you can manage all of your accounts from the app, including checking accounts and loans. Users can pay bills, make mobile deposits, and enjoy internal transfers as well as Zelle peer-to-peer money transfers. The app has the usual security features like the ability to lock your cards, set up notifications, and access 24/7 support.

Customer ratings:

  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Cost: $0

Features of the best online banking apps

There are some important features you'll find in all the best banking apps. At minimum, you'll need all-in-one account management to keep on top of your bank, loan, and credit card accounts in one place. There's also a set of standard tools to look for in all the best online banking apps:

  • Account balances
  • Transaction history
  • Bill payments
  • Mobile check deposits
  • Money transfers
  • Zelle compatibility
  • ATM locators

Of course, some apps take it even further, with extras that help them stand out amongst the best banking apps. For example, a few of our best banking apps include budgeting, saving, and money management tools.

And any bank with "best mobile banking" status will offer additional security in the form of facial, fingerprint, or even voice recognition during login, as well as the option to freeze your debit and credit cards from the app. You may even get perks like cardless ATMs, where your mobile app can stand in for your debit card.

Are banking apps safe?

Banks have gone to great lengths to make their mobile banking apps secure because many mobile app users are concerned about account and data safety.

The best banking apps include a range of robust security features, including biometric login options like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

Plus, every bank on this list is FDIC-insured, so your money is protected up to $250,000.

Do you need a mobile banking app?

You don't specifically need a mobile banking app in most cases. (The exception here may be certain online-only banks, though most also offer online banking through your computer browser, as well.)

Learn more: Online vs. brick-and-mortar banks

That said, mobile banking apps can be extremely convenient tools in the busy modern age. After all, you probably already carry a smartphone. Why not make your banking life easier while you're at it?

The best banking apps make it simple to track and manage your money -- but they also do so much more. You may need to use mobile banking if you want to do any of these things:

  • Check your balance from anywhere, at any time
  • Transfer money to a friend via Zelle right from the restaurant
  • Move money between bank accounts to cover a surprise expense
  • Deposit a paper check using your mobile device
  • Redeem rewards on the go

Sure, sometimes you just want to visit a bank teller face to face. But for everything else, mobile banking is the way to go. At the very least, give it a shot before you make your decision.

Our bank and credit union methodology

Our methodology for scoring banks and credit unions revolves around evaluating key aspects such as annual percentage yield (APY), brand reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and additional perks.

These criteria are weighted differently across various account types, ensuring a comprehensive assessment that reflects the competitive landscape and economic conditions.

We strictly feature products that offer federal insurance and high customer satisfaction, keeping our recommendations unbiased by advertiser influence. This robust evaluation process helps us generate balanced, reliable best-of lists that guide consumers to top financial products.

Learn more about how The Motley Fool Ascent rates bank accounts.

FAQs

  • Yes, you can make a budget with some banking apps.

    Several of the best mobile bank apps include budgeting tools. You can use these budgeting features to manage your money and stay on top of your financial goals.

    However, not all banking apps have budgeting tools built into them. In this case, you may need to find a third-party budgeting app that will let you link your bank accounts directly.

  • No. All of the major banking apps are entirely free to use. Banks offer these apps at no cost so customers can manage their finances and handle banking needs whenever they want.

  • The best online banking apps can do just about anything you can do in a bank branch -- but with less hassle. You can manage your accounts, make check deposits, track your transactions, and find local ATMs. The best banking apps also allow Zelle transfers and have enhanced security features like fingerprint and facial recognition.

    Additionally, the best banking apps provide all-in-one account access from your phone. It should be simple to manage your credit cards in the same app as your checking account. This allows you to easily track your card purchases, pay your credit card bill, and redeem your purchase rewards.

Our Banking Experts

Brittney Myers
By: Brittney Myers

Writer

Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman

Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.