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Move over, credit cards -- rewards checking accounts are cool now.
Just kidding! There's enough "cool" to go around. Rewards checking accounts and rewards credit cards are both great because you're getting perks for something you'd already do: spending money. The best rewards checking accounts provide a wide range of benefits and make it easy to access your money.
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What should you pay attention to when comparing rewards checking accounts?
Here's some of the factors we prioritize when looking for the best rewards checking accounts:
How we decide which rewards checking accounts to list on this page
At The Ascent, we stick to the Golden Rule: If we wouldn't recommend a rewards checking account in the family group chat, it doesn't belong on pages like this one. Big banks can't pay their way onto this page, and we'd be bummed if they did -- we pass along these rewards checking accounts to friends and family, whenever they ask. Seriously, whenever. On vacation. Over Thanksgiving dinner. During Uncle Erin's 65th surprise birthday bonanza. (After all, who wouldn't want the best rewards checking account out there?)
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Offer | APY | Minimum to Earn APY | Next Steps | |||||||||
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Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
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.3.50/5 |
APY: 0.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: $0 |
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Quontic Cash Rewards Checking
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
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.3.50/5 |
APY: 0.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: — | ||||||||||
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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: Up to 0.15% | Minimum To Earn APY: $2,500 | ||||||||||
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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: 0% | Minimum To Earn APY: N/A | ||||||||||
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Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: Up to 5.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: Varies |
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Member FDIC.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.5.00/5 |
APY: 1.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: $0 |
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Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
Upgrade is a fintech company partnered with Cross River Bank to offer its financial products. There are no monthly or overdraft fees. You can get up to 2% cash back on eligible expenses and 1% on all other charges with direct deposit. However, cash rewards are capped. If you add a Performance Savings Account, you can earn up to 5.07% APY as well as receive discounts on other loans and cards.
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Axos is an online bank with no physical locations and the Axos Bank Rewards Checking offers unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements. There are no minimum balance requirements and no overdraft or NSF fees as well. The Axos Bank Rewards Checking offers one of the higher APYs we've come across. While the account has a minimum deposit requirement of $50, there is no minimum balance requirement.
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the "SUNNYBONUS" $300 promotion, an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account that includes the promotional code "SUNNYBONUS" must be opened between August 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PST and December 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm PST. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year, and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the "SUNNYBONUS" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After meeting the initial requirements mentioned above, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
To earn up to a $300 bonus, you must be approved for your new Axos Bank Rewards Checking account, fund it within 30 days of account opening, and have qualifying direct deposits that total at least $5,000.00 each calendar month during the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open as well as maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000. The minimum balance must be achieved and maintained through the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open including the month in which your account was opened. A cash bonus of up to $300 can be earned in the following manner during the first seven (7) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. A maximum of six (6) payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the Rewards Checking account is receiving the direct deposit and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 can be earned during the seven (7) statement cycles, and the bonus will be deposited into your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. Your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus, and your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must remain open for 210 days, or an early closure fee of up to $300 may apply, equal to the amount of the total bonus earned up to $300.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.
A statement cycle is defined as a period of time that starts on the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month.
Quontic Cash Rewards Checking
Quontic is an online bank but has over 90,000 fee-free ATMs. With the Quontic Cash Rewards there are no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, no overdraft, or NSF fees. There is a $100 minimum deposit required to open an account. Customers get 1.00% cash back on eligible debit card purchases. Quontic is the first bank to offer the Quontic Pay Ring -- the nation's first wearable payment ring.
LendingClub Rewards Checking
LendingClub is an online-only bank. While it has no physical locations, the LendingClub Rewards Checking still delivers by offering unlimited domestic and worldwide ATM reimbursements. In addition, there are no minimum balance requirements and no overdraft fees. This account offers unlimited 1% cash back on debit card purchases. The LendingClub Rewards Checking account also offers above-average APY, but there is a minimum balance requirement of $2,500 to earn interest and the 1% cash back.
Discover Cashback Debit
Discover Cashback Debit accountholders earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. While it has no physical locations, Discover Bank has over 60,000 fee-free ATM locations. In addition, there is no minimum deposit or balance requirement, and customers who sign up for the optional overdraft protection will not be charged non-sufficient funds NSF fees with the Discover Cashback Debit account.
Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking
Consumers Credit Union is a credit union based in Chicago, but anyone can qualify for membership. The Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking account is available to anyone who pays the Consumers Cooperative Association's one-time $5 membership fee. You can earn up to 5% APY on balances up to $10,000. If you don't meet the requirements to earn a rewards interest rate, you'll earn 0.01% APY and you won't get ATM refunds.
Consumers Credit Union has over 30,000 fee-free ATM locations and over 5,000 shared branches. The bank offers unlimited reimbursement for all ATM fees. In addition, there are no minimum deposit or balance requirements with the Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking account.
American Express Rewards Checking
With Amex Rewards Checking, you can earn 1 Membership Rewards point for each $2 of eligible debit card purchase. There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements for the account. You can redeem your points for deposits into your Amex Rewards Checking account and there is no cap on how many points you can earn. The account offers a high APY and earns rewards but those are limited to certain options.
A rewards checking account is a standard checking account that offers rewards such as cash back on debit card purchases or sign-on bonuses for new customers. Like most checking accounts, these are also FDIC insured.
Here are some of the common perks a reward checking account offers:
Learn more: What Is APY?
In exchange for the perks, many rewards checking accounts charge a monthly fee or require a minimum deposit or high minimum balance. The fee may outweigh the rewards or the minimum requirements may be difficult to meet -- so be sure to check the fine print before you sign up.
Cash rewards are typically earned for purchases you make with your debit card. The rewards are based on a certain percentage of the transaction, usually up to a maximum amount. Some banks offer a higher percentage depending on the vendor.
For example, Discover Cashback gives 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. Say a customer spends $1,250 per month with the card. They'll get $12.50 cash back per month. If they spend that amount every month, they'll get $150 back per year. A new sign-on bonus can often range from $50 up to $1,500, based on the account and minimum requirements.
Finding the right rewards checking account can help you benefit from perks while using your checking account for everyday banking. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best rewards checking account for you.
Look for a bank that charges no or very low fees. Reward accounts may charge more fees to qualify for rewards. Some banks require minimum deposits to open or qualify for an account that has no monthly maintenance fees. Customers who don’t meet those minimum requirements will often have to pay the monthly service fee.
Read more: Checking Account Fees and How to Avoid Them
Some banks require minimum deposits to open a rewards account. They might also require a minimum balance to continue qualifying for rewards. Customers who don’t meet the minimum requirements will often have to pay the monthly service fee. It's best to find a bank that doesn’t require minimum deposits or average balances.
Related: How Much Should I Keep in My Checking Account?
Do you prefer an online bank or a brick-and-mortar bank? Online banks tend to have lower fees. Physical banks allow you to speak with a banking professional. You can choose a bank based on your preference and what is important to you.
Some banks have a limited number of fee-free ATMs and charge a fee when you withdraw cash from an out-of-network ATM. Look for banks with a large number of fee-free ATMs or banks that offer generous ATM-fee reimbursements.
As you're considering your preferences, also check out what mobile and online services each bank you like offers. The primary way of accessing an online checking account for an online-only bank is through the bank’s mobile app and website. A robust mobile app or online website can help you track your rewards.
A rewards checking account may be right for you if you are looking for a debit card that offers benefits like cash back without having to use a credit card. The terms vary depending on the financial institution, so look for the benefits that offer the best value for you.
Show Best Offers Available in
Offer | APY | Minimum to Earn APY | Next Steps | |||||||||
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![]()
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
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.3.50/5 |
APY: 0.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: $0 |
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Quontic Cash Rewards Checking
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
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.3.50/5 |
APY: 0.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: — | ||||||||||
![]()
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: Up to 0.15% | Minimum To Earn APY: $2,500 | ||||||||||
![]()
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: 0% | Minimum To Earn APY: N/A | ||||||||||
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Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
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.4.00/5 |
APY: Up to 5.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: Varies |
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![]()
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.5.00/5 |
APY: 1.00% | Minimum To Earn APY: $0 |
Yes, a rewards checking account may be worth it if you can meet some of the requirements or fees associated with a rewards checking account. Checking account rewards range from cash back rewards on debit card purchases to higher interest than a typical bank account offers.
Discover offers one of the best rewards debit cards we've found. The Discover Cashback Debit gives 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. To find the best account for you, think about which perks you can use and find a card that matches your spending needs.
Yes, many credit unions offer rewards checking accounts. Check in with your preferred credit union to see if it offers one. They usually have details on their websites or can help you at a local branch.
Our Banking Experts
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.