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Nathan Alderman
Mobile banking apps aren't just a convenient way to manage your money with your phone (though they are that!). They've become an everyday necessity. We use banking apps for everything, from quick balance checks before making a purchase, to easy on-the-go transfers to pay bills -- or even friends. Finding the best online banking app can make your life much easier.
Our favorite online banking apps are full-service mobile banking machines. In fact, the best banking apps offer all of the same bank account services as a brick-and-mortar bank -- without the lines and long waits. Take a look at our list of mobile banking apps to see if your bank makes the cut.
The Ascent's best banking apps
- SoFi Checking & Savings: Best for combo checking and savings account
- Wells Fargo: Best bank app overall
- Bank of America: Best bank app virtual assistant
- Discover: Best online banking app
- Chime: Best modern app
- Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union app
- USAA: Best military banking app
- Chase: Best full-service banking app with in-app support
- Capital One: Best banking app to monitor your credit score
- Ally: Best online banking app to automate savings
- BMO Harris Bank: Best easy-to-use interface
- Varo Bank: Best for modern banking
- U.S. Bank: Best for competitive selection
- Regions Bank: Best for great customer service
SoFi Checking & Savings app
2023 Award Winner
SoFi
Bottom line: The Sofi app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5.0
- Android app rating: 4.1/5.0
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> SoFi Bank Review
Wells Fargo app
Wells Fargo
Bottom line: The Wells Fargo app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Wells Fargo bank review
Bank of America app
2023 Award Winner
Bank of America
Bottom line: The Bank of America app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Bank of America bank review
Discover app
Discover Bank
Bottom line: The Discover app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Discover bank review
Chime app
2023 Award Winner
Chime
Bottom line: The Chime app
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).
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Chime review
Alliant Credit Union app
Alliant
Bottom line: The Alliant app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Alliant Credit Union review
USAA app
USAA
Bottom line: The USAA app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.1/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> USAA Bank review
Chase app
2023 Award Winner
Chase
Bottom line: The Chase app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Chase bank review
Capital One app
Capital One
Bottom line: The Capital One app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Capital One bank review
Ally app
2023 Award Winner
Ally
Bottom line: The Ally app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Android app rating: 3.6/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Ally bank review
BMO Harris Bank app
Bottom line: The BMO Harris Bank app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Cost: $0
Varo Bank app
Varo Bank
Bottom line: The Varo Bank app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Varo Bank review
U.S. Bank app
U.S. Bank
Bottom line: The U.S. Bank app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> U.S. Bank Review
Regions Bank app
Regions Bank
Bottom line: The Regions Bank app
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.
- iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Android app rating: 4.8/5 stars
- Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Regions Bank Review
Features of the best 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.
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.
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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Probably. 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.
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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 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.
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
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.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Bank of America is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Ally is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.