Since its debut in 2013, Chime has become quite popular. This financial technology company partners with Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. to provide a number of FDIC-insured bank accounts. Just like most online banks, Chime offers higher annual percentage yields than brick-and-mortar banks.
Chime® has one of the most robust apps in the world of mobile banking. It also has a phenomenal rating in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Overall, Chime is an excellent banking option, particularly for those unable to open a traditional bank account due to ChexSystems.
15 Best Online Banks Like Chime
If you’re looking for alternatives to Chime, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you to create this comprehensive list of the best online banks like Chime that each offer unique advantages and conveniences.
1. SoFi
SoFi shines with its hybrid “SoFi Checking and Savings” account, blending the best features of both account types. It boasts a 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings and a solid 0.50% APY on the checking balances—all without monthly fees.
The platform speeds up payday with its early direct deposit feature, letting you access your money up to two days ahead of schedule. SoFi also provides FDIC insurance up to $2 million. In addition, SoFi covers you up to $50 in overdrafts if you have qualifying direct deposits.
If you’re new to SoFi, you can enjoy a welcome bonus between $50 to $300, dependent on your direct deposit setup. Plus, gain access to over 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs for optimal convenience.
This blend of high yields, security, and perks makes SoFi an excellent choice for a streamlined, profitable banking experience.
Read our full SoFi review.
2. Current
Current is a neobank that partners with Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank to offer banking services. It only offers one bank account that serves as an online checking and online savings account.
With Current, you can build your credit just by using your debit card for day-to-day transactions. No borrowing required, and no credit check involved.
Current also doesn’t charge monthly fees or overdraft fees. In addition, you can reap the benefits of automated savings pods and get free withdrawals at over 40,000 ATMs as Current is part of the Allpoint ATM network. You can also get paid up to two days faster with direct deposit.
If you have kids, you can open a linked Teen Banking Account and help them build healthy financial habits. We can’t forget the Current Visa debit card, which lets you earn cash back on debit card purchases at more than 14,000 participating retailers.
Read our full Current review.
See also: Chime vs. Current: Which Is Better?
3. Upgrade
Upgrade stands out with its Rewards Checking Plus account, which merges convenience with cost efficiency. It offers a competitive suite of benefits including no monthly, ATM, or transfer fees. With direct deposits set up, customers can earn up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.
Upgrade allows customers to access their paychecks up to two days early with its direct deposit feature, adding more flexibility to personal finance management. In addition, the account provides a rebate on up to five ATM fees per month when using out-of-network ATMs, contingent on meeting certain conditions.
As a financial technology company rather than a traditional bank, Upgrade partners with Cross River Bank to offer Premier Savings accounts, ensuring that all funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000. This setup highlights Upgrade’s commitment to combining innovative banking solutions with robust security measures.
4. GO2bank
GO2bank is the digital banking platform backed by Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology company known for its prepaid debit cards. The bank is designed to help people better manage their money through its user-friendly mobile app and competitive features.
The mobile banking app allows you to open an FDIC-insured account with no monthly maintenance fees if you have qualifying direct deposits. You also have access to a network of over 19,000 fee-free ATMs across the nation. With the ability to receive direct deposits up to four days early and a high-yield savings account that pays up to 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000, GO2bank offers a complete banking solution.
GO2bank also provides a secured credit card that can help you build credit over time. With this card, you can establish or improve your credit score by making on-time payments and keeping your balance low. There is no credit check, no annual fees, and no interest charges if you pay your balance in full every month.
In addition to these features, GO2bank offers various ways to deposit cash, including the option to deposit cash at participating retailers. You can also use the app to pay bills, send money to friends or family, and set up custom savings goals.
Read our full GO2bank review.
5. Capital One
Capital One is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Its online checking and savings accounts come with no monthly fees or minimum balances.
Capital One’s 360 Performance Savings account offers an impressive APY on all balances, making it an attractive option for various savings goals. Additionally, it allows you to set specific savings objectives and establish automatic transfers from other Capital One 360 accounts or external accounts.
With a Capital One checking account, you get access to over 70,000 ATMs. If you prefer in-person banking, you’re in luck because there are more than 300 physical branch locations in select states. You can also enjoy free overdraft protection and download the Capital One app to send and receive funds through Zelle.
Read our full Capital One review.
6. Cash App
Created by Square and based in San Francisco, Cash App is a peer-to-peer payment app. It lets you send and receive money, do your banking, and open investment accounts, such as retirement accounts.
The Cash Card, issued by Sutton Bank, brings mobile banking to your fingertips without the burden of monthly or overdraft fees. With this card, you can receive your paycheck up to two days early through direct deposit. If you deposit a minimum of $300 each month, any fees you incur are immediately reimbursed.
The card also provides global ATM access, allowing you to withdraw money anywhere in the world. When using in-network ATMs, you’ll be fully reimbursed for any fees you might incur.
Keep in mind that there is no way to build your credit or save money with Cash App. But you can use it to buy stock and Bitcoin for as little as $1. Plus, you can prepare and file your federal and state taxes for free.
Learn more about how Cash App works.
7. Brigit
Brigit is a personal finance app that offers paycheck advances to help you out when you need fast cash. It might be a great option if you can’t wait until payday but want to avoid overdraft and insufficient fund fees. Brigit also allows you to keep track of your credit score and protect yourself from identity theft.
Additionally, you can use Brigit to find side gigs or borrow money with a credit builder loan. You will have to pay $9.99 per month to unlock all of these features. The good news, however, is you won’t be charged any interest or tips.
8. Dave
Launched in 2017, the Dave App can give you the chance to advance your paycheck to cover small emergencies. It also offers a spending account, which is essentially a checking account with no low balance or overdraft fees. To take advantage of the Dave app, you’ll be on the hook for a $1 monthly subscription fee, as well as an optional express fee and tip.
There’s also a budget feature that tracks your income and spending so you can pay your bill. It will notify you any time you’re at risk of overdrafting. In addition, Dave can help you find a side hustle and earn extra income.
9. Varo
Varo is a digital bank with impressive technology as well as a lineup of checking and savings accounts with unique features like Chime. Since it prides itself on minimal fees, you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees.
Furthermore, since it’s part of the Allpoint ATM network, you can enjoy free domestic ATM withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs. In addition to a competitive APY for its savings accounts, you can enjoy the Save Your Pay and Save Your Change features.
While Save Your Pay automatically transfers a percentage of your paycheck to your savings. Save Your Change rounds up online checking account transactions and lets you transfer money to your savings. These features are different from what you’d find with other online checking accounts.
Read our full Varo review.
10. Ally Bank
Headquartered in Utah and a division of Ally Financial, Inc. Ally is a full service online bank with an extensive product line up. Its deposit accounts, like checking accounts and savings accounts as well as CDs, come with competitive interest rates.
In addition to 24/7 customer service, Ally offers a robust mobile app you can use to check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, pay bills, and send money via Zelle.
With Ally, there are no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees. There are also no fees for overdrafts, ACH payments, incoming wire transfers, or cashier’s checks. Ally also offers a wide range of mortgages, loans, and investing products. The main drawback is that you can’t make cash deposits. Despite this, Ally is considered one of the best online banks.
Read our full Ally Bank review.
11. Discover Bank
When most people think of Discover Bank, credit cards come to mind first. But like Chime, Discover also offers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and even personal loans.
It doesn’t impose minimum monthly balance requirements or charge any monthly fees or overdraft fees. Discover’s savings accounts and CDs are known for impressive APYs and its highly rated mobile app with a Quick View feature makes it a breeze to bank while you’re on the go.
Additionally, Discover offers more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs and you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases with your debit card each month. If you need assistance, you can always reach out to its 24/7 U.S. customer service representatives.
Read our full Discover Bank review.
12. One Finance
One Finance is an online bank that lets you do all your banking from one bank account. With One, you can open one account that acts as a savings and interest checking account thanks to its partnership with Coastal Community Bank. The account comes with no fees and the chance to earn a high APY. Your account will feature pockets that let you manage your money in numerous ways, so you can budget and set savings goals.
You can think of a spend pocket as a checking account that doesn’t pay interest but helps you visualize the money you can spend each month. If you budget for various categories, like rent, groceries, and entertainment, it makes sense to have multiple spend pockets to keep track of your spending money. If you prefer, however, you can stick to one and have all your spending come from the same place.
13. Bank5 Connect
Based in Massachusetts, BankFive has been around since 1855. With Bank5 Connect, the online division of BankFive, you can open a checking account, a savings account, or a CD with a low minimum balance requirements. Its accounts are available to everyone in the U.S., except those in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
As a Bank5 Connect customer, you can enjoy access to thousands of surcharge free ATMs. You may get reimbursed up to $15 per statement cycle for any fees that are charged by out-of-network ATMs. The bank’s app also has features like mobile deposit, bill pay, money transfer, and an ATM locator.
14. MoneyLion
Founded in 2013, MoneyLion is a financial services company that works to help customers improve their finances. RoarMoney is its FDIC-insured checking account that comes with no account fees and several unique perks.
As long as you enroll in automatic monthly direct deposits, you can receive each paycheck up to two days sooner with its early direct deposit feature. Price Match will also refund you the difference if you find something you purchased at a lower price. Plus, you may use RoarMoney to design a budget and track your spending. In addition to RoarMoney, MoneyLion offers Instacash in which you can get cash advances of up to $250 through the app.
15. Juno
Formerly OnJuno, Juno is an FDIC-backed online banking platform known for its high-yield checking account with zero monthly account fees or minimum opening deposit. You can also earn cash back if you make crypto purchases or cash purchases at certain companies.
It’s ideal if you’re an immigrant or international professional because all you need to open an account is a passport and Social Security number. With Juno, you get free atm withdrawals at more than 85,000 Allpoint or MoneyPoint ATMs.
What to Look for When Choosing a Bank
When you shop around Chime alternatives, you’ll notice there are no shortage of options. Here are some things to consider as you look for the ideal solution.
Fees
Fees can add up quickly. Ideally, you’d go with a bank that charges low fees or basically no fees. Fortunately, most online banks are known for their fee-free bank accounts.
With many of these checking accounts, you won’t be charged monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, wire transfer fees, and early account closing fees. Just be on the lookout for hidden fees.
High Interest and Rewards
The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll be able to save with minimal effort. Sometimes, you can even earn rewards like cash-back and travel points for making transactions on your debit cards.
Large ATM Network
If you’re an avid cash user, you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg every time you use an ATM. For this reason, it’s important to choose a bank with an ATM network that doesn’t charge fees or one that reimburses you when you use an out-of-network ATM.
Customer Service
You want to ensure that you can easily receive answers to your questions or address your concerns. For this reason, choose a digital bank that has positive customer service reviews.
Bottom Line
While Chime offers many perks, it’s not perfect. If you’re willing to do some research and compare your options, you can find several online banks like Chime. Before you make a decision, look at the banking services provided. Then, weigh the pros and cons. Don’t be afraid to test a Chime alternative for a few months or so to make sure it’s a good fit.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
