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The 13 Best Free Online Checking Account No Opening Deposit

Different types of accounts exist in financial institutions. Some of these accounts include savings accounts, money market accounts, and checking accounts, among others. A checking account is a type of account that allows access to money anytime from your bank. Many financial institutions offer a free online checking account no opening deposit to any willing customer within a very short time.

Having a checking account is very important to you since times come when you need money urgently. During that time, you can access your funds easily without difficulties. Some bank accounts, such as savings accounts, allow limited access to funds. It this means that you cannot rely on your savings account for emergency issues such as hospital bills or essential household goods.

Most checking accounts usually operate online. You have to open an online account with the concerned institution. However, other institutions allow you to access your account using either debit or credit card at ATM points. Using your checking account, you can send money to someone so long as you know how to transfer money using the routing number and account number.

How You Open a free online checking account?

Free Online Checking Account No Opening Deposit

For most of the people, opening a bank account online is a fast, straightforward process. Typically it has even simpler if you are opening a free checking account with no deposit. So, follow these four steps to apply for your bank account.

1. Select Your Bank Account Type

This article fundamentally addresses opening a checking account. You can also make a savings account with no initial deposit, but you will find fewer choices. Savings and checking are the most common types of bank accounts.

Checking accounts permit you to receive direct deposits, make payments, and withdraw cash from ATM as well as other things. Savings accounts are planned g to earn you interest on the money you do not intend to spend immediately while still giving you comfortable access to your funds.

2. Choose Your Bank

There are 3 main categories of consumer banks, such as:

i) Online Banks

They feature some, if any, physical branches, and online banks often pass the savings in overhead expense to customers in the form of lower fees and higher interest rates, depending on the kind of account you open. It also can be harder to deposit cash with online banks, and it also may be tough to get in perception with a human being if you need help with your account.

ii) Credit Unions

Nonprofit, member-owned cooperatives that often labor specific communities. They tend to offer better interest allowances and charge fewer fees, but fewer branches and financial offerings.

iii) Traditional Banks

They offer the preference of physical branches and ATMs and a full suite of financial services, and the customer often pays more fees and profits less interest in exchange.

You can also level an account through a percentage broker such as Charles Schwab. These accounts mirror the arrangement of online banks, but some discount brokers have physical branches. Clark supports online banks, discount brokers, and credit unions because they generally charge fewer fees and better interest rates than traditional banks.

3. Gather Required Documentation

To apply for an online checking account, you will require to have the following items nearby to make sure a smooth, fast a process:

  • Home Address
  • Date Of Birth
  • Previous Address (if you have moved within two years)
  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number
  • Driver’s License or Government-Issued ID
  • Phone Number/Email Address

If you are under 18, you will require a parent or custodian to agree to oversee your account. Or perhaps you’re opening a joint statement with a family member or significant other. In case you will need the above information for all people who will be connected with your new account.

4. Complete the Online Application Process

The application to create an account at an online bank can take just a few mines as long as you have a computer or phone and the necessary documentation. Further, your bank will take f you through a series of prompts to verify your identity, confirm the specific account you want, and give you the fortune to read the terms and conditions.

You will type the needed information into text fields inside online forms, and a good idea to read the bank’s terms and conditions before clicking. They typically include information about rules, interest rates, and fee structures.

How do I send money using a Checking Account?

Sending money using a checking account is the easiest thing ever. A small challenge may arise if you are a first time user of a checking account. However, as time goes on, you find it an amicable process since you do it step by step as per the given guidelines. For you to send money with checking account number, you need to have the account number of the recipient. You should also have the full names of the recipient to be sure that you are sending money to the right person.

When sending money to another account within your bank, the process usually is easy and less costly. Moreover, it takes a shorter time for the funds to reflect in the intended account. However, when sending money to another bank, it takes time because you have to establish a link between the banks. Moreover, you pay more fees as compared to transfer between accounts of the same bank.

In addition to the above, you must have both the account number and the routing number of the recipient. The routing number helps to identify the financial institution where the money is going to. For your information, if you have a checkbook, you will see that at the bottom left of each cheque, there is a nine-digit number. That is your routing number. On the right-hand side of the routing number is the account number.

How Can I Use a Checking Account?

There are many ways you can utilize a checking account. One of the significant uses of a checking account is accessing money for emergency uses at ATM points or at your bank agent centers. However, there are other uses of a checking account.

For instance, you can use a checking account to buy goods either at physical stores or online. At physical stores, you can use your credit or debit card to purchase products. The cashier inserts the card into a card reader, and upon imputing your PIN, you authorize a certain amount to move from your account to the merchant’s account. Some business people have card scanners that can read the barcode of your card to enable payments after you enter your PIN.

In addition, you can shop online with a checking account number. Online shops such as Amazon and Walmart allow you to pay online for goods and services so long as you have an online checking account. You only need to enter your card number as well as the amount to pay plus your PIN. Upon confirmation, you receive a notification in your email or phone number of whether the payment was successful. You then wait for your package at the address you provided within a few days.

You have heard of gift cards that help you to purchase goods from specific shops or even at any shop, depending on the issuer. If you intend to buy one, you can do it online or at your bank. Some companies such as Amazon allow you to buy gift cards online with a checking account and receive them in your address. So you do not have to walk to your bank to buy a gift card.

How to Fund the Bank Account You Opened Without a Deposit?

Opening a bank account without any deposit and maintaining a $0 balance generally is like catching fishing gear without adding bait to the hook. The details will change so check with your bank. But your account may get clogged if you still have not deposited any fund after some time say, 30 days. Meanwhile, you do fund your account; here are some of the steps to do it.

a) Set up Direct Deposit

If you are opening the account, you can set up a direct deposit and wait on the fund to roll in if you have a way to get paid by an employer. Your company probably has a natural security form that charges for information about your new bank accounts, such as the bank’s routing number and your account number, and your company may also ask for a voided check. The human resources department habitually will have that form and help you with any subjects.

b) Deposit a Check Online

Maybe your grandmother posted you a check for your birthday, or your employer is paying you with a paper check. You now have a check-in your hand, and you have an online bank account. All 3 significant consumer banking categories involve institutions that allow mobile deposits, but it’s an excellent idea to sort out what your bank provides before completing your application. At first, you sign or “validate” the back of the check. There may be a simplistic box or line that says, “Endorse here.”

Many bank apps and some f websites allow “mobile deposit”: You understand pictures of the beginning and back of the check on your device, that prepares uploaded, and your deposit is complete. On a website, you can sometimes scan both sides of the statement and submit the photos online. Your bank should require you to type in the amount of the check you’re depositing. The check’s images need to be clear, and the back of your check needs to be endorsed.

c) Transfer Money from another Account:

Assuming you do not have another account at a bank or credit union, you can ask a granted friend or family member to help. Give them cash and request them to send you the money from their bank or credit union through a setting like Zelle or Venmo. These services are free, and also you can link them to your online bank account.

d) Deposit With Cash

Depositing funds into your online bank account can be less comfortable than depositing at a credit union or traditional bank. Whatever, it is possible, usually through one of the 3 methods listed below. And which method(s) a bank gives may be a factor in selecting your bank.

  • Use a linked ATM. If your online bank engages in an ATM network, look up the nearest area online. You can get your cash, fill out a deposit slip, and deposit the money in the ATM.
  • Use a prepaid debit card. If your online bank does not participate in an ATM network, you can get a prepaid debit card linked to your bank account. Participating retailers enable you to deposit cash to the menu, which you can then transfer to your online bank account. Shop around for an excellent card to avoid paying fees.
  • Buy a money order. This is not the best option, as it will almost absolutely come with a fee. But you can purchase a capital order from a post office or retail repository and mail it to the Address your online bank gives for deposits.

What are the Benefits of using checking accounts?

In the following, we are mentioning some excellent advantages of using checking accounts.

i) Easy and anytime access

You can visit their thousands of financial centers and ATMs or have a quick chat with Erica, your virtual banking assistant.

ii) 24/7 security

Total Security Protection® and fraud monitoring. Safer sign-in, card locking features, and more.

  • Funds in your checking account are protected up to limits set by the FDIC.
  • Safer to take checks or your debit card around with you, rather than cash.
  • A canceled check is evidence you paid a bill.

A well-maintained checking account is also an asset to establishing and maintaining credit, which is essential if you consider a big purchase like a car or house. Furthermore, you can also use your checking account records to better handle your expenses and income and set a budget.

iii) Convenient ways to pay

You can use your debit card, a digital wallet, or pay friends securely with Zelle right from your phone.

Today you can get more advantages than regularly by using a checking account.

  • Receive and spend money without carrying cash.
  • Please select an account with a debit card and use it to make purchases or withdraw funds at an ATM.
  • Use online banking to create paying bills from your checking account without writing a check.
  • Direct deposit your pay check into your checking account for more lasting access to your cash.

iv) Smart money management tools

Set custom alerts and savings goals and Get cash back deals and rewards customized for you.

Which are the 13 Free Online Checking Accounts with No Opening Deposit?

Using my research techniques, I was able to identify many online checking accounts that you can open and apply for your financial situations. The accounts include;

1) Axos Bank Essentials Checking

The checking account comes from Axis Bank. It is one of the popular accounts in America bearing in mind that Axos Bank is an advanced financial institution in terms of technology. The bank’s Essential Checking account is under use by thousands of Americans due to its outstanding services.

The checking account has no minimum balance and no monthly fees. Moreover, there are no overdraft fees charged by the bank. Unlike some financial institutions that take advantage of overdraft charges to earn big profits, Axos bank seems contented with huge profits they make on other areas. Above all, the bank offers unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements. Although the account does not earn you interest or give any promotion, it serves you right in terms of financial needs.

One thing you have to remember is that the services of the bank are available nationwide. Whether you are in New York, New Jersey, California, or any other state, you can be sure of getting adequate services from the bank.

Axos Rewards Checking includes some excellent offers as like:

  • Min Opening Deposit: $0
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Earns Interest: Up to 1.25% APY
  • ATM Access: Unlimited via ATM fee reimbursement
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

To open Axos Essential Checking account, click here.

2) Radius Bank Rewards Checking

The bank is just on another level in that; you can earn interest on your money. That is the reason the account has the name Rewards Checking Account. You get interest as a reward for having your money in their account. You can get 1.00% APY on balances. The percentage applies to between $2,500 and $99,999. For balances over $100,000, you get 1.20% APY.

For you to earn interest, you must maintain a minimum balance of $2,500 every month. Again you can also make a direct deposit of $2,500 every month to ensure that you earn interest. The bank also gives you 1% cashback if you purchase goods using a debit card. Besides, the account allows you to have unlimited ATM reimbursements, as well as mobile check deposits.

Radius Bank Rewards Checking includes some excellent offers like:

  • Min Opening Deposit: $100
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Earns Interest: Up to 0.15% APY
  • ATM Access: Unlimited via ATM fee reimbursement
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

For more information about Radius Bank Rewards checking see here.

3) Nationwide My Checking

My Checking account is a recent launch by Nationwide. It is a fantastic checking account that allows you to deposit your Paycheck two days before the standard deposit time. Moreover, the account has no minimum balance, although you will always need to deposit not less than $100. Additionally, there are no monthly fees you should pay for this account. It shows that the checking account is free of charge!

However, it is not easy to get the My Checking account if you have a bad credit history. The good thing with this checking account is that you can combine it with your savings account to get good yields of your money. Again, it has unlimited ATM reimbursements. However, the account has no promotions. Despite that, it is available nationwide. You can thus access the bank’s services from whichever state irrespective of the place you opened your account.  If you want to discover more on Nationwide My Checking, you can click here.

4) BBVA Free Checking

The account is not very known to Americans, although it is easily accessible due to its ATMs, which are available countrywide. The bank has over 55,000 ATMs well distributed countrywide. It offers a free checking account, just like several other banks in the US. There is no maintenance fee whatsoever. However, if you want paper statements, you have to pay a fee.

However, despite the fact the account is free, you have to make a $25 minimum deposit while opening the account. There afterward, you will not need minimum balances and monthly fees. There are no promotions for the account. Despite that, the benefits you get from the account are very many. So there is no need to get worried about promotions and interests.

BBVA Free Checking includes some excellent offer like:

  • Min opening deposit: $25
  • Minimum balance requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Profits Interest: No
  • ATM Access: 55,000 ATMs national
  • Availability: TX, CA, AZ, CO, NM, AL, FL
  • Promotions: None

See more details here.

5) Capital One 360 Checking

Capital One 360 Checking account is not new in the market. Many current checking accounts may have emulated their outstanding services to attract more customers. The checking account is popular among the Americans presumably because of the attractive features absent in other banks. One of the most exciting things about ATM services is that they charge you nothing even when withdrawing money overseas.

In addition to the above, the bank allows you to get an overdraft for your loan. So they are with you when you have money and when you lack money. The bank is a good friend indeed! Moreover, you can earn an interest of up to 1.00% APY. You will not have any promotion from the bank since none is available. However, that should not worry you since the benefits you receive are many. More about Capital One 360 Checking can be found here.

6) Ally Bank Checking

Just as great as their account name sounds, the services are also outstanding. One exciting thing about the account is the nationwide distribution. The bank has over 43,000 ATMs distributed across all the US states. Another good thing with the account is the ability to earn interest of up to 0.60% APY. Unfortunately, no promotions available.

If you are looking for a great bank with excellent customer service, then you got Ally Bank and their excellent checking account. The fact that the account is internet-oriented makes it easy to use. You can download their application from the internet and have convenient banking experience. More good things with the account are the absence of monthly fees and free checking services. If you want to open Ally Bank Checking account, click here.

7) Chime Free Checking

When Chime came up with their mobile app, they wanted to make checking services more accessible as well as minimizing the transaction fees. Their banking app is easy to use, as it contains friendly features. Chime Free Checking Account earns interests of up to 0.01% APY. It means that your money does not just lie there without earning anything.

Funny enough, Chime has no physical offices where you can go to do your things. However, you do not need to visit their offices physically since their online services are more elaborate. After all, many people do not like visiting banks for simple functions such as withdrawing and sending of money. You can also access money countrywide via their ATMs.

Chime Free Checking includes some excellent offer as like:

  • Min Opening Deposit: $0
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Earns Interest: 1.00% APY
  • ATM Access: 30,000 ATMs nationwide
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

More details on Chime Free Checking Account are here.

8) Chase Total Checking

Chase Total Checking account is not free as it appears due to some fees applied on transactions. However, I will tell you how you can make it free later. Total Checking account has some minimum requirements that are easy to meet. Moreover, it is easily accessible to you nationwide so that you do not need to move far.

Chase Checking account requires you to pay a $12 maintenance fee per month. Despite that, you get a $200 bonus upon opening the account. To ensure that you get free services, maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 or more daily or have a monthly deposit of $500.

Chase Total Checking Account includes some offers as like

  • Min opening deposit: $0
  • Min balance requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $12* and had waived when requirements met
  • Profits Interest: No
  • ATM Access: 16,000 ATMs national
  • Availability: Online nationwide, except AK, HI, and PR
  • Promotions: Up to a $200 bonus

Discover more here.

9) Discover

The bank account is friendly to users. In addition, it allows you to get 1% cashback if you spend $3000 or more when using your debit card every month. Again, the account has no minimum balance or monthly fees required every month. It is free.

In addition, it has guaranteed accessibility since the bank has over 60,000 ATM across the nation. You can also access the bank’s banking services via their application. It is very convenient since you only need to operate it on your smartphone. Checking services are free here. When looking at the bank’s services, the account is worthy of opening for your good.

 The convenience of use is one of the most attractive features. Above all, Discover is a member of FDIC. Your money is thus secure with the bank. Learn more about Discover checking Account here.

10) Betterment Checking

Betterment has recently originated a suite of banking products, including a free checking option. Betterment Checking has no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and reimburses ATM fees and foreign transaction fees. Betterment Checking includes some excellent offers like:

  • Min Opening Deposit: $0
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Earns Interest: No
  • ATM Access: Unlimited via ATM fee reimbursement
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

11) Wealthfront Cash Account

Wealthfront, which the popular Robo-advisor has recently launched a high yield checking account, the Wealthfront Cash Account. This account is a numerous way to earn interest in your money and become your paycheck up to two days early. What’s great about the store is that it provides no account fee banking for your spending needs and earns interest.

It presently pays 0.35% APY, and you can get started f with just $1. They are very mobile-friendly, mobile check deposits, with 19,000 fee-free ATMs, and Bill Pay. Wealth front Cash Account includes some offers as like:

  • Min Opening Deposit: $1
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee: $0
  • Earns Interest: 0.35% APY
  • ATM Access: 19,000 Fee-Free ATMs
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

Wealthfront Cash Account click hear 

12) Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®:

The Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® account setting is not truly free. Still, we list it as a top account because it’s available nationwide online, has thousands of locations and offers some reliable options, including ways to reserve the monthly maintenance fee. Further, the minimum qualifications are easy to meet – check it out.

And right now, you can become a $100 bonus offer. See the offer page for details. That’s awesome! Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® includes some excellent offers like:

  • Min opening deposit: $100
  • Min balance requirement: $0
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $12* and had waived when needs met
  • Profits Interest: No
  • ATM Access: Thousands of ATMs
  • Availability: Nationwide
  • Promotions: $100 Bonus Offer

13) Level Bank

The level is a mobile and online bank working to take free checking to the next level. They offer genuinely free online checking that is next level by paying curiosity and offering cashback debit. And this account has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fees, and $4 in ATM reimbursement per month.

Right now, this account receives 0.50% APY on deposits. It also offers 1.00% cashback on online and signature-based “credit” purchases on your Level Debit Card with a direct deposit of $2,500 or more per month. The level includes some excellent offers like :

  • Min Opening Deposit: $0
  • Min Balance Requirement: $0
  • Monthly Fee:$0
  • Earns Interest:0.50% APY
  • ATM Access: ATM Reimbursement
  • Availability: Online Nationwide
  • Promotions: None

Level bank Cash Account click hear 

Bottom Line

Having a checking account is very important to anyone who understands the account’s convenience. Again, a free checking account is good since you do not incur any additional charges. Moreover, online checking accounts are the best since you can access your account anytime from your smartphone. Most importantly, your money is secure when in a bank account than when you keep it in your house.