The best checking accounts
When it comes to checking accounts, I value simplicity. The best checking account will be one linked to your savings account - ideally, this would be at the same bank as your savings account so that you can do immediate transfers between the two accounts. You can find the checking account counterparts for each savings account I recommended below (with the exception of Marcus), but if you choose to bank elsewhere, make sure the account meets these three criteria:
1. Robust ATM network*
2. No account minimums
3. No monthly maintenance fees
* In the travel section (next module), I'll introduce a checking account that reimburses all ATM fees - domestic or abroad, so if you have or open this checking acount, Item 1 is less critical.
Bank name | # of fee free ATMs |
Capital One 360 | 70,000 |
American Express Bank | 37,000 |
Ally Bank | 43,000 |
Discover Bank | 60,000 |