What Are Online Banks?
Online banks (also called digital or internet banks) operate entirely or primarily through websites and mobile apps, without physical branches. They typically offer higher interest rates, lower fees, and convenient digital tools compared to traditional banks, while still being FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor. As of September 2025, they remain popular for their accessibility and competitive yields, often exceeding 4% APY on savings accounts.
Based on recent reviews from sources like Forbes, Bankrate, NerdWallet, and others, here are some of the top online banks in the United States. I've focused on those frequently ranked highest for checking/savings accounts, APYs, fees, and customer experience. Rates and details are current as of mid-September 2025 and can change—always verify on the bank's site.
Top Online Banks in the US (2025)

Ally: Banking, Investing & Auto Finance
https://www.ally.com
Online Checking Account
Savings Account
Online Savings, Interest Checking, CDs4.20% / 0.25%No monthly fees; up to $10/month ATM reimbursements; 75,000+ fee-free ATMs (Allpoint/MoneyPass); 24/7 support.All-around banking with strong mobile app and tools like spending buckets.
Strengths: Smart savings buckets, round-up features, strong mobile app
Fees: No monthly fees, 75,000+ ATMs
Great savings tools, 75,000+ ATMs, no fees



SoFi: Banking, Loans, Invest, Credit Card, & Mortgages
https://www.sofi.com
Checking & Savings (combined), CDsUp to 4.50% (with direct deposit) / 0.50%No fees; $300 signup bonus for new direct deposit users; cash-back offers; access to 55,000+ ATMs.High yields and bonuses for younger users or those seeking integrated investing/loans.

Discover - Personal Banking, Credit Cards & Loans
https://www.discover.com

Online Savings, Cashback Debit (checking), CDs4.25% / Up to 1% cash back on debit purchasesNo fees; early direct deposit; freeze/unfreeze debit card via app; 60,000+ fee-free ATMs.Rewards-focused checking with family-friendly teen accounts.

Capital One
https://www.capitalone.com

Online Checking Account
No-Fee 360 Checking
Performance Savings, 360 Checking, CDs4.25% / 0.10%No fees; 70,000+ fee-free ATMs; credit-building tools; some hybrid branches/Cafés in select states.Hybrid online experience with robust credit card and loan options.



American Express National Bank
https://www.americanexpress.com
High Yield Savings, CDs3.50% / N/A (no checking)No fees; 24/7 chat/phone support; no minimum deposit.Simple, high-yield savings for Amex rewards ecosystem users.
Strengths: High-yield savings, reliable support
Trusted brand, no monthly fees
Best for Security & Simplicity

American Express National Bank (AENB) is a full-service, FDIC-insured national bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Express Company, offering various banking products such as high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and checking accounts. Headquartered in Sandy, Utah, and with operations managed from Salt Lake City, AENB provides online banking services, 24/7 customer support, and mobile access to its accounts.

Alliant Credit Union
High-Rate Savings, Checking, CDs3.10% (up to 4.00% with e-statements) / 0.25%No fees (waivable); up to $20/month ATM reimbursements; 80,000+ fee-free ATMs; $5 membership fee (waived).Credit union perks like shared branching for those eligible (e.g., via donation).

Axos Bank
Rewards Checking, High Yield Savings, CDsUp to 3.30% (checking with conditions) / 4.66%No fees; unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements; cash-back rewards on debit.High checking rewards and customizable accounts.

Bank5 Connect
High-Interest Checking, Jumbo Savings, CDs1.90% / 2.00%No fees; up to $15/month ATM reimbursements; cash-back debit card.Competitive CDs and jumbo savings for larger balances.

Bank5 Connect    ~4.80%    $10    High-interest checking, cash-back debit, no monthly fees



Quontic Bank
High Interest Checking, Savings, CDs1.10% (checking with 10 debit transactions) / 4.50%No fees; Bitcoin rewards option; 90,000+ fee-free ATMs.Crypto enthusiasts or those wanting unique rewards.

High APYs, 90,000+ ATMs, no overdraft fees

CIT Bank (by First Citizens)
Platinum Savings, Checking Plus, CDs4.10% (tiered) / 0.25%No fees; mobile check deposit; up to $30/month ATM reimbursements.Tiered high-yield savings for balances over $5,000.
How to Choose an Online Bank

Interest Rates (APY): Prioritize savings APYs above 4% if you're parking cash—online banks beat the national average of 0.39%.
Fees: Look for no monthly maintenance, overdraft, or minimum balance fees. Most reimburse out-of-network ATMs.
Access: Check ATM networks (e.g., Allpoint for 55,000+ machines) and mobile features like Zelle or early paycheck access.
Extras: Consider bonuses (e.g., SoFi's $300), rewards, or integration with investing (e.g., Ally's buckets).
Eligibility: Credit unions like Alliant may require membership (often easy via a small donation).

Based on expert reviews from Forbes, NerdWallet, and Traders Union, here are the top online banks in the U.S. for 2025, each excelling in different areas of service:

Best Overall Online Bank

Bank5 Connect

Strengths: High-interest checking, Jumbo Savings, cash-back debit card

Fees: No monthly, overdraft, or ATM fees

Best for High APYs

Quontic Bank

Strengths: Up to 4.50% APY, 90,000+ ATMs nationwide

Fees: No monthly, overdraft, or ATM fees

Best for Savings Tools

Bask Bank   
Simple interface, competitive rates

Live Oak Bank
Strong APY, FDIC insured
Best for Tech-Savvy Users

Live Oak Bank
Strong APY, FDIC insured

SoFi
Rating: Highly recommended
Strengths: Combo checking/savings, budgeting tools, investment options
Hybrid checking/savings, rewards, mobile-first
Best for Brand Trust

Discover Bank

Strengths: No overdraft fees, strong customer service
Excellent mobile app, no fees

Synchrony Bank
High-yield savings, strong customer support

These banks were chosen for their high APYs, low fees, strong mobile platforms, and customer satisfaction.

Banks in United States

forbes.com/advisor/banking/best-online-banks/

 

 

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