Nobody wants to jump through hoops just to open a bank account. What’s easiest for you may not be what’s easiest for the next person — but when it comes to an easy-to-open bank account, we know you mean free accounts with no deposit and fast application times.
You might also be looking for the easiest bank account to open with bad credit, so we paid special attention to accounts with no credit checks or ChexSystems reviews.
Here are our best picks for the easiest bank accounts to open online based on speed, convenience and cost.
SoFi® is an online bank that offers the popular SoFi Checking & Savings account, a hybrid option. There are no monthly fees, opening deposit requirements or balance requirements. Reports say the online application only takes a few minutes — it took us about 8 minutes on a desktop. The bank also doesn't review an applicant's ChexSystems report (banking history). And if you're approved, SoFi offers a virtual debit card that you can add immediately to your digital wallet.
APY
Up to 3.80%
Fee
$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open
$0
SoFi® is an online bank that offers the popular SoFi Checking & Savings account, a hybrid option. There are no monthly fees, opening deposit requirements or balance requirements. Reports say the online application only takes a few minutes — it took us about 8 minutes on a desktop. The bank also doesn't review an applicant's ChexSystems report (banking history). And if you're approved, SoFi offers a virtual debit card that you can add immediately to your digital wallet.
Pros
$0 monthly fees and $0 opening deposit
All-in-one account
Earn interest on checking and savings
Up to $2 million in FDIC insurance
Cons
Online only
Deposit or subscription fee required for highest savings APY
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Up to 3.80%
Intro or bonus offer
Get up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer is available until January 31, 2026.
Rewards
Get up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer is available until January 31, 2026.
Fee
$0 per month
ATM transaction fee
$0
Overdraft fee
$0
Foreign transaction fee
0%
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savingsis offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults)and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00%APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
A fintech company with banking partners, Chime® offers the Chime® Checking account and reports a two-minute application time. Chime also doesn't review your ChexSystems report, making it a valuable option for those who struggle to get approved for deposit accounts. Chime doesn't charge monthly service fees or require an opening deposit. With checking, you can get a virtual card immediately if you're approved for the account.
Fee
$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open
$0
A fintech company with banking partners, Chime® offers the Chime® Checking account and reports a two-minute application time. Chime also doesn't review your ChexSystems report, making it a valuable option for those who struggle to get approved for deposit accounts. Chime doesn't charge monthly service fees or require an opening deposit. With checking, you can get a virtual card immediately if you're approved for the account.
Pros
$0 monthly fees and $0 opening deposit
No ChexSystems or credit review
Optional credit-building card
SpotMe® overdraft service and lines of credit
Cons
Online only
No joint accounts
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Rewards
Cash back offers on everyday purchases through the app
Fee
$0 per month
Nonsufficient funds fee
$0
ATM transaction fee
$0
Overdraft fee
$0
Foreign transaction fee
0%
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. ATMs: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Deposit: Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your Chime Checking Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade. Mobile Deposit: Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member's direct deposit enrollment status. Chime Savings Account: Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account. APY: The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. Get Paid Early: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date. Credit Builder: To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. SpotMe: SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit Builder and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions. Federal Tax Return Direct Deposit: Chime members may choose to direct deposit their state and/or federal tax refunds with Chime. They may choose to direct deposit no matter what tax preparer they choose. They do not need to file through Chime in order to direct deposit their refund. If a member does direct deposit their federal refund they may receive the refund up to 6 days early. This only applies to federal refunds, not state. When marketing the speed of the tax refund it must always include the following elements: federal tax refund, up to 6 days early, with direct deposit. MyPay®: MyPay® is only offered in select states. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Available Advance Amount may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Available Advance Amount may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or https://www.chime.com/policies/stride/mypay/ for details.
Varo is an online bank, sporting a fast and seamless signup experience, reporting to take only two minutes. Varo doesn't do a hard credit check when you apply, and it doesn't review your banking history with ChexSystems either. Varo's account also has no monthly fees and no opening deposit requirement. You can get a virtual card instantly after approval, and as a major perk, Varo also offers up to 6% in cashback rewards on debit card purchases, up to $50 per month.
Fee
$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open
$0
Varo is an online bank, sporting a fast and seamless signup experience, reporting to take only two minutes. Varo doesn't do a hard credit check when you apply, and it doesn't review your banking history with ChexSystems either. Varo's account also has no monthly fees and no opening deposit requirement. You can get a virtual card instantly after approval, and as a major perk, Varo also offers up to 6% in cashback rewards on debit card purchases, up to $50 per month.
Pros
$0 monthly fees and $0 opening deposit
Up to 6% cash back on debit card purchases
No ChexSystems or credit review
Cons
Online only
No checks or wire transfers
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Intro or bonus offer
Existing and new customers get a $25 referral bonus when signing up for a Varo Bank account. T&C apply.
A mostly online bank, Capital One states it only takes about five minutes to open a Capital One 360 Checking account. The account features are also great, offering 0.1% APY on all balances, no monthly fees, no opening deposit requirements and no foreign transaction fees. And like most online banks, Capital One offers a virtual card you gain access to instantly after approval. Capital One also stopped using ChexSystems in the early 2010s, and its 360 bank accounts have no credit score requirements.
APY
0.10%
Fee
$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open
$0
A mostly online bank, Capital One states it only takes about five minutes to open a Capital One 360 Checking account. The account features are also great, offering 0.1% APY on all balances, no monthly fees, no opening deposit requirements and no foreign transaction fees. And like most online banks, Capital One offers a virtual card you gain access to instantly after approval. Capital One also stopped using ChexSystems in the early 2010s, and its 360 bank accounts have no credit score requirements.
Pros
$0 monthly fees and $0 opening deposit
Earns 0.1% APY on all balances
No ChexSystems review and no credit score requirements
Branch and cafe locations
Cons
$30 for outgoing domestic wire
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.10% on balances of $0.01+
Intro or bonus offer
Earn a $250 bonus with 360 Checking. No fees, no minimums. Terms and eligibility requirements apply.
Ally Bank is another online bank with great offerings. Ally states you can open an account in about five minutes, and it doesn't perform a credit check. Ally's checking and savings accounts don't require an opening deposit or minimum balance requirement. If you want to open a CD, Ally also doesn't have a standard opening deposit requirement. Ally's checking and savings accounts also feature something called Buckets, which lets you sort your funds into subaccounts to track your goals. However, it's unclear if Ally Bank reviews your banking history when you apply for an account.
APY
3.60%
Fee
$0
Minimum deposit to open
$0
Ally Bank is another online bank with great offerings. Ally states you can open an account in about five minutes, and it doesn't perform a credit check. Ally's checking and savings accounts don't require an opening deposit or minimum balance requirement. If you want to open a CD, Ally also doesn't have a standard opening deposit requirement. Ally's checking and savings accounts also feature something called Buckets, which lets you sort your funds into subaccounts to track your goals. However, it's unclear if Ally Bank reviews your banking history when you apply for an account.
Pros
$0 monthly fees and $0 opening deposit
Buckets to sort goals
No fees for incoming wires, ACH transfers or cashier checks
Methodology: How we chose the easiest bank accounts to open
We compared dozens of online bank accounts to find the easiest to open. We considered application speeds, monthly fees, opening deposit requirements and the overall features of the accounts. We paid special attention to banks that skip a credit check and/or ChexSystems review.
To be considered on our list, the accounts must meet the minimum following criteria:
Can be opened online
No opening deposit
No monthly fee
Application time under 10 minutes
How to choose the easiest account to open online
Finding the “easiest” bank account to open is a bit of a gray area, but in general, here are some things to look for:
Second chance labels. If you have a poor banking history, a second-chance account might be the best path to take. Second-chance bank accounts tend to have more lenient eligibility requirements and may be easiest to qualify for.
No opening deposits. Depositing money into a new account is usually the last step required to officially open it. If you want to get your account up and running as soon as possible, look for accounts that don’t require an opening deposit.
No ChexSystems. There are more than just the credit bureaus. ChexSystems is a reporting bureau that keeps track of your banking history for typically up to five years. If you have a poor ChexSystems report (which you can check online for free), you may want to find an account that doesn’t use that bureau, such as Chase, SoFi or Chime.
No trips to branches. A few banks out there still require a trip to a physical branch to finish opening an account, especially if you’re opening a business account. To ensure you won’t need to visit a branch, consider an online bank that doesn’t have branches to begin with.
What if the account doesn’t open right away?
A bank might advertise that their application speed is fast, but sometimes, the bank needs to take some extra steps to open your account. If you’re missing identity information, forget to complete something on your application or something just seems fishy to the bank, it might take a few business days to reach an approval decision or fully open the account.
In general, you’ll receive an approval decision within one to three business days after applying for a bank account. For many online banks, you might receive an approval decision immediately if all is well.
How to open a bank account online
Bank account applications are rather straightforward, especially online ones. In general, expect to provide the following information to apply for a bank account online:
Full name
Home address
Phone number
Social Security number
Email address
Picture of your government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license
While most bank accounts, like checking and savings, don’t have credit score requirements, some banks may perform a soft credit score inquiry to verify your identity. Many regulations require identity verification, so be truthful in your application.
Can I open a bank account online and use it right away?
In many cases, yes, you can begin using your new bank account soon after opening. For example, Chime and SoFi offer virtual cards you can add to your digital wallet right away while you wait for a physical card to arrive in the mail. After setting up your mobile app, you can usually connect to external accounts to fund your new account, set up direct deposit, set up bill pay, link to peer-to-peer apps like Cash App and so on.
Are business accounts easy to open?
No, business accounts aren’t as easy to open as most personal bank accounts. Business accounts often require much more paperwork than personal account applications, such as your business’ information, Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license, Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation and more. Learn how to open a business account.
What bank account can I open online without going to the bank?
Most major banks, such as Chase, PNC, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and Bank of America, allow online applications without requiring a trip to a branch. And, of course, online banks such as SoFi, Varo and Primis have online applications, since they don’t have physical branches.
However, some smaller institutions, such as local credit unions or regional banks, may still require a trip to the bank to finish your application.
Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto.
Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt.
Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others.
Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio
Bethany's expertise
Bethany has written 449 Finder guides across topics including:
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Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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