Checking: Ally Interest Checking
Branches: None
Account terms
- Maintenance fee: $0
- ATM fee: $0, plus reimburses unlimited surcharges from other banks
- Interest on $2,500: 0.10%
Why it’s a winner: Free checking with a top-tier yield and the ability to withdraw from any ATM without cost. The 0.10% rate on up to $15,000 is very good for those balances. And if you have $15,000-plus, you get a hefty 0.60%.
Caveats: Some smaller banks are competitive on interest for lower balances (see Capital One). But Ally takes the edge for reimbursing unlimited ATM surcharges with no minimum balance.