Axos Bank Essential Checking account

How do I open an Axos Bank Essential Checking account?

If the Essential Checking account appeals to you, take the following steps:

1. Click Apply now.
2. From the Axos website, click Personal in the top right corner.
3. The landing page will suggest its Essential Checking account right away. Click Open an Account.
4. Indicate whether you’re a new customer, existing customer or a returning applicant.
5. If it’s your first time, you’ll create an account to get the process rolling. Input details like your name and contact info, then hit Start Application.
6. Choose what account type you’re interested in.
7. Next, either upload a photo of your ID for quick and automatic data entry or manually fill it out.

After Axos receives your Social Security information and birth date, you’ll submit the application.

• See screenshots of the application form

  

  

Compare Axos Bank Essential Checking to similar accounts

We gathered a quick comparison of similar accounts to help you decide if Axos Bank Essential Checking is best for you. For more options, select “Compare accounts” to compare even more checking accounts.

Axos Bank Essential Checking

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 5 / 5

Go to site
Fee $0 per month
APY N/A
Minimum deposit to open $0
ATM network ATM fees reimbursed at any ATM nationwide

HSBC Premier Checking

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 2.7 / 5

Go to site
Fee $50 per month
APY 0.01% on balances of $5+
Minimum deposit to open $1
ATM network Free to use at all ATMs in the US

Chime Spending account

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5

Go to site
Fee $0 per month
APY N/A
Minimum deposit to open $0
ATM network 38,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide

Compare even more checking accounts

Compare accounts

What are the benefits of a checking account with Axos Bank?

All of Axos Bank’s checking accounts are completely fee-free. You’ll get 24/7 access to its suite of digital banking tools like mobile deposit, online bill bay and a No-Hassle Switch Kit so you can seamlessly transfer funds from another account.

Stand-out features of the Axos Bank Essential Checking account include:

• No minimum monthly balance required. Don’t worry about getting dinged when you’re running low on cash.
• No initial deposit amount. You can open an account with just a dollar.
• No overdraft fees. You won’t pay any overdraft fees with this account.
• Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursement. Axos Bank doesn’t have its own ATMs, so it will reimburse you for all fees associated with using other domestic machines.

What should I look out for?

Keep an eye out for these potential drawbacks when opening an Essential Checking account with Axos:

• It doesn’t earn interest. Essential Checking is Axos Bank’s lowest tier option for adults and offers no APY to help grow latent cash over time.
• Cash deposits are discouraged. It asks clients not to send cash deposits. If you do, it isn’t liable for lost or stolen money.
• No in-person help. Axos bank is entirely online, so you’ll need to be comfortable calling customer service to work out issues or ask questions.

If you want an account at a bank with branches, you’ll want to keep looking. As always, compare your options when choosing a checking account.

Axos Bank’s ATM network and fees

When you open an Essential Checking account, you’ll receive a debit card. And though Axos doesn’t have any physical locations, you can use any ATM in the US and get all fees reimbursed.

Axos Bank offers a completely digital experience. As such, its fee structure is almost nonexistent because overhead costs are low. You can make deposits online for free 24/7 and set up automatic bill pay at no extra cost.

Compare with other checking accounts

How do I deposit or withdraw my money?

Deposit cash into your Axos Bank Essential Checking account by:

• Direct deposit. Set up automatic transfers from your employer.
• Mobile. Download the Axos Bank for Nationwide app and snap a pic of your check to deposit money directly into your account.
• Online. Take a picture of a check and upload it to your account through a laptop or home computer.
• Cash transfer. Visit a qualifying partner store and ask them to load the cash into your account at the register.
• Bank-to-bank transfer. ACH funding lets you move money electronically from another bank account.

Withdraw cash at any domestic ATM. All you need is your Axos Bank Nationwide debit card.

• Use a domestic ATM
• Cash a check via mobile deposit
• Set up direct deposits
• Bank-to-bank transfer

What other checking options does Axos Bank offer?

If you’re curious about other options, Axos Bank offers:

• First checking. A starter account for those ages 13 to 17. It only earns 0.25% per month and comes with daily transaction limits to help teach financial responsibility.
• Rewards checking. This account comes with a 1.25% interest rate.
• CashBack checking. Get 1% cash back on eligible purchases by maintaining a monthly balance of at least $1,500.
• Golden checking. Designed for individuals 55 and over, there’s a 0.2% APY, but domestic ATM fees are only reimbursed for $8 a month.
• High yield savings. A debit card is available upon request. Earn an APY of 1.3%.
• High Yield Money Market. Write checks and request a debit card, plus earn a 1.05% APY.

Frequently asked questions.

• Can I use my Axos Bank debit card in other countries?

  Yes, you can use an Axos Bank debit card anywhere that accepts Visa. Keep in mind that there’s a foreign currency conversion that applies to POS transactions and ATM withdrawals.

  Before you travel, let Axos Bank know in advance by sending a secure message through your account.

• What are Axos Bank's customer service hours?

  For personal banking help, call 888-502-2967 to get in touch 24/7 — every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• Is Axos bank legit?

  It’s normal to feel wary about stashing cash with a business you’ve only seen online. Axos has:

  • Antivirus and malware protection. They’ve got software in place to fight off the bad guys.
  • SSL Encryption. Your data is encrypted as it makes its way across the e-space.
  • 2-Step authentication. You’ll impose a firewall of secret personal questions or elect to have a code sent to your phone.
  • Automatic logout. When you’re inactive, it’ll kick you out to prevent intruders.
  • Regular account monitoring. Keeps tabs on suspicious activity.
  • Confidential login information. It keeps your username or password secure.

  As for its reputation, in 2019 Forbes rated it sixth on its list of America’s Best Banks. It’s also accredited by the BBB, where it has a B+ rating.