11 Best Online Banks Like Chime

10 min read

Since launching in 2013, Chime® has set the standard for mobile banking. Partnering with Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A., it offers FDIC-insured accounts, early direct deposit, and fee-free features that appeal to millions of customers.

Chime’s highly rated app makes managing money simple, and its reputation for skipping overdraft fees and offering competitive annual percentage yields has made it one of the most popular digital banks in the country. It’s also a go-to choice for people who may have been denied a traditional bank account.

Still, Chime isn’t the only option. If you want similar perks—like no monthly fees, strong savings rates, and tools to build credit—there are several other online banks worth considering. Below, we’ll cover the best online banks like Chime and what makes each one stand out.

11 Best Online Banks Like Chime

If you want a banking experience similar to Chime, you have plenty of options. The following digital banks all focus on no monthly fees, early direct deposit, and mobile-first tools that make money management easier. Each one has its own strengths, so the best choice depends on what matters most to you.

1. SoFi

The SoFi Checking and Savings account combines everyday spending and saving into a single package.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking balances, all without monthly fees.

With early direct deposit, your paycheck can arrive two days sooner, and qualifying customers get overdraft coverage up to $50.

SoFi also insures deposits up to $2 million across partnered banks, giving you extra peace of mind.

New customers may qualify for a welcome bonus of $50 to $300, depending on their direct deposit setup. You’ll also have access to more than 55,000 fee-free Allpoint® ATMs nationwide.

Between its strong rates, security, and extra perks, SoFi is one of the best alternatives to Chime.

Read our full SoFi review.

2. Current

Current gives you one account that covers both checking and savings, with no monthly fees or overdraft fees.

You’ll have free access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and direct deposit can get you paid up to two days early.

Savings pods also make it easy to set aside money automatically while earning up to 4.00%.

A standout perk is Current’s credit-building feature. You can improve your credit score just by using your debit card for everyday purchases, with no borrowing and no credit check involved.

Current also offers a Teen Banking Account for kids and a Visa debit card that earns cash back at more than 14,000 retailers.

Read our full Current review.

See also: Chime vs. Current: Which Is Better?

3. Stash

Stash combines everyday banking with simple investing tools, making it a strong choice if you want your money to grow while you spend.

With the Stock-Back® Card, you earn pieces of stock on every qualifying debit card purchase, turning daily transactions into passive investing opportunities.

There are no overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements, and you’ll have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint® network.

Direct deposit can also get your paycheck up to two days early. Depending on the subscription plan you choose, Stash adds extra features like budgeting tools, investing advice, and even access to life insurance.

Stash is best for anyone who wants a checking account that goes beyond the basics and helps build long-term wealth without the complexity of traditional investing.

Read our full Stash review.

4. GO2bank

GO2bank makes it easy to manage money with its mobile-first platform and FDIC-insured accounts.

There are no monthly fees with qualifying direct deposits, and you can deposit cash at more than 90,000 retail locations nationwide. Direct deposit also lets you access your paycheck up to four days early.

Savings earn up to 4.50% APY on balances up to $5,000, giving you one of the best rates available from a digital bank.

GO2bank also offers a secured credit card to help build or rebuild your credit score through on-time payments, with no credit check required.

Other perks include paying bills directly in the app, sending money to friends and family, and creating custom savings goals. Between its strong savings rate and credit-building tools, GO2bank is a solid alternative to Chime.

Read our full GO2bank review.

5. Capital One

Capital One offers both checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, making it easy to keep more of your money.

Its 360 Performance Savings account pays 3.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on all balances, and you can set custom goals with automatic transfers from linked accounts to stay on track.

With a Capital One checking account, you’ll have access to more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, along with free overdraft protection.

The mobile app lets you pay bills, transfer funds, and send or receive money instantly through Zelle. If you prefer in-person service, Capital One also has over 300 branches and Capital One Cafés across select states, giving you more flexibility than most online-only banks.

Between its competitive savings rate, large ATM network, and option for branch access, Capital One stands out as one of the best full-service alternatives to Chime.

Read our full Capital One review.

6. MoneyLion

MoneyLion’s RoarMoney account is an FDIC-insured checking account with no monthly administrative fees.

You can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit and withdraw cash fee-free at more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs.

The account also includes a Mastercard debit card you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

A standout feature is Instacash, which lets you access cash advances of up to $500 with no interest and no credit check.

MoneyLion also offers credit builder loans, giving you a way to strengthen your credit history while saving money at the same time.

Additional tools include budgeting and spending insights, as well as credit score tracking. For anyone looking for a mix of everyday banking, quick cash access, and credit improvement, MoneyLion is a strong Chime alternative.

7. Cash App

Cash App started as a peer-to-peer payment app but now offers everyday banking features through its Cash Card.

There are no monthly or overdraft fees, and you can get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.

If you deposit at least $300 each month, Cash App reimburses ATM fees, giving you free access to cash when you need it.

Beyond banking, Cash App lets you buy stocks or Bitcoin starting with as little as $1, making it an easy entry point for new investors. The app also allows you to file federal and state taxes for free, all from the same platform.

Cash App doesn’t provide high-yield savings or credit-building tools, but it’s a convenient option if you want a simple way to manage money, send payments, and explore investing in one place.

Learn more about how Cash App works.

8. Varo

Varo is a fully digital bank that keeps fees to a minimum. There are no monthly maintenance charges, transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees, and you’ll have free access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide.

Varo’s savings account pays up to 5.00% APY on qualifying balances, one of the highest rates available from an online bank.

Its automated tools also make saving effortless. With Save Your Pay, a percentage of each paycheck moves straight into savings, while Save Your Change rounds up debit card transactions and deposits the difference.

Between its fee-free accounts, competitive APY, and built-in savings tools, Varo is one of the closest alternatives to Chime for customers who want digital banking that encourages better money habits.

Read our full Varo review.

9. Ally Bank

Ally is one of the most established online banks, offering checking, savings, CDs, loans, and investing all in one place.

Its Online Savings Account currently pays 3.50% APY, making it one of the top options for building savings without fees.

There are no monthly maintenance charges, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements. Ally also waives fees for ACH transfers, incoming wires, and cashier’s checks.

The mobile app lets you deposit checks, pay bills, transfer money, and send funds through Zelle, and customer support is available 24/7.

The only drawback is that Ally doesn’t support cash deposits, but for anyone who banks digitally, its mix of competitive APYs, wide product lineup, and fee-free accounts makes it a standout Chime alternative.

Read our full Ally Bank review.

10. Discover

Discover is best known for its credit cards, but it also offers full-service banking with checking, savings, money market accounts, CDs, and even personal loans.

There are no monthly fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements, making it easy to keep your account cost-free.

The Online Savings Account pays 3.50% APY, and Discover’s CDs are also known for competitive rates.

With the Cashback Debit account, you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. Customers also get access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs.

The Discover mobile app makes it simple to manage money on the go, and U.S.-based customer service is available 24/7. For those who want both strong savings rates and everyday cash back rewards, Discover Bank is a solid alternative to Chime.

Read our full Discover Bank review.

11. Upgrade

Upgrade’s Rewards Checking Plus account makes everyday banking rewarding.

There are no monthly fees, overdraft fees, or transfer fees, and customers who set up direct deposit can earn up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases. Paychecks can also arrive up to two days early with direct deposit.

For savings, Upgrade offers a Premier Savings account that pays 3.42% APY. Deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through its banking partner, giving you both strong returns and peace of mind.

Between its fee-free checking, generous cash back program, and competitive APY, Upgrade is a great Chime alternative for anyone who wants simple banking with extra perks.

Read our full Upgrade review.

woman using mobile phone

What to Look for When Choosing a Bank

When you compare Chime alternatives, you’ll notice plenty of options. The best fit depends on your goals, so focus on the features that matter most to you.

Fees

Hidden fees can drain your account quickly. Look for banks that skip monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, and ATM charges. Most online banks are already known for fee-free accounts, but it’s still worth checking the fine print.

High Interest and Rewards

A competitive annual percentage yield (APY) helps your savings grow faster without extra effort. Some banks also offer cash back on debit card purchases or even travel rewards, which add more value to everyday spending.

Credit Building Tools

If improving your credit score is a priority, choose a bank that offers secured credit cards, credit builder loans, or debit cards that report on-time payments to the credit bureaus.

Large ATM Network

If you often use cash, make sure your bank provides free access to a wide ATM network. Some banks even reimburse fees when you use an out-of-network machine.

Ease of Account Opening

Many people choose digital banks because they’ve been denied traditional accounts. Some alternatives don’t use ChexSystems or have more flexible approval requirements, making it easier to get started.

Customer Service

Even with a great app, you’ll want responsive support when questions come up. Look for banks with positive reviews for customer service and accessible ways to get help.

Extra Perks

Certain banks go beyond the basics with features like early direct deposit, cash advances, budgeting tools, or investing options. These can make managing your money even simpler.

Final Thoughts

Chime set the standard for mobile-first banking, but it’s far from your only choice. Today’s best digital banks make it just as easy to skip fees, get paid early, and manage everything from your phone. Some even go further with higher savings rates, cash back on debit card purchases, or tools to build your credit score.

If you’ve struggled with traditional banks or just want a simpler way to handle your money, these Chime alternatives are worth a closer look. Think about what matters most to you—whether it’s credit building, stronger rewards, or a higher annual percentage yield—and choose the account that fits your goals.

Anna Baluch
Meet the author

Anna is a freelance personal finance writer from Cleveland, OH. She enjoys helping people make smart financial decisions.