Personal Finance
Written by Laura Grace Tarpley, CEPF; edited by Sarah Silbert; reviewed by Evelyn He
2024-03-28T14:57:59Z
- Best Mobile Banking Apps of April
- Best Mobile Banking App Reviews
- FAQs
- Why You Should Trust Us
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate banking products to write unbiased product reviews.
If you're an avid mobile app user, then you may want to consider banking with an institution that has a strong app.
The best banking apps have easy-to-use interfaces that make it easy to manage your account. With just a few taps, you should be able to view your account balances, deposit checks, and contact customer support. With some apps, you can also do things like see your balance without logging in or track your credit score.
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Discover® Cashback Debit Account
Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.25/5
Perks Cash back earned on up to $3,000 a month in purchases. Outgoing wire transfers are subject to a service charge. You may be charged a fee by a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in the no-fee network.
Earn cash back rewards with no fees. Start earning 1% cash back today (see website for details).
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- Earn up to 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases per month (See website for details)
- No monthly service fee
- Over 60,000 in-network ATMs
- Get paid early with direct deposit through Early Pay
- Enroll in free overdraft protection
Cons
- Debit card can only be used in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean
- Only 1 branch location
Product Details
- Earn 1% cash back on up on up to $3,000 per month in eligible debit card purchases (See website for details)
- 100% US-based customer service available 24/7
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Over 60,000 in-network ATMs
- FDIC insured
Best Mobile Banking Apps of April
- Ally
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Charles Schwab Bank
- Chase
- Huntington Bank
- Synchrony Bank
These are our top picks for mobile banking apps. If you're also interested in another useful apps, consider going through our best budgeting apps guide.
Best Mobile Banking App Reviews
Ally
Ally Spending Account
Start banking
Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.75/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.10% to 0.25%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- Spending buckets to manage expenses
- Competitive APY
- No initial deposit
- No minimum account balance
- No monthly service charge
- Connect your account with Zelle
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Early direct deposit
- Reimburses up to $10/month in out-of-network ATM fees
- Online bill pay
- 24/7 customer service
- No overdraft fees
- Overdraft protection
Cons
- No physical branch locations
- No way to deposit cash
Ally Spending Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- You can deposit checks right from your smartphone
- Manage expenses by creating spending buckets
- Ally reimburse's up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged at other ATMs nationwide
- Transfer money with your voice through Ally Skill™ for Amazon Alexa
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Through the Ally mobile app you can set up savings or spending buckets that let you save for separate goals, like an "Emergency fund" and "Travel Account." You can also use the Surprise Savings feature to evaluate how much you can afford to save in your checking account, then automatically transfers extra money into savings up to three times per week.
Ally offers 24/7 live customer support, both over the phone and via chat. You can also find nearby ATM locations while using the app.
Some of our other top picks also have better average scores in the Google Play store.
Ally Bank Review
Bank of America
Bank of America Advantage Plus Checking Account
Start banking
Bank of America, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
3.75/5
Perks
Earn $200 bonus for eligible new customers who open a Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® account with qualifying activities (offer expires May 31, 2024)
Fees
$12 monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$100
Bonus
New Bank of America customers may receive a $200 bonus when you open a Bank of America Advantage Banking account with a Bank of America associate who enrolls you in offer, and set up direct deposit for $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening the account (offer expires May 31, 2024)
$200
Pros
- Multiple ways to waive monthly service fee
- Link to savings for free overdraft protection
Cons
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- $12 monthly service fee
- $10 overdraft fee
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Bank of America Advantage Plus review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- New Bank of America customers may receive a $200 bonus when you open a Bank of America Advantage Banking account with a Bank of America associate who enrolls you in offer, and set up direct deposit for $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening the account (offer expires May 31, 2024)
- Access to over 3,900 branches and 15,000 ATMs
- Waive $12 monthly service fee by doing one of the following: receive $250/month in direct deposits, keep $1,500 minimum daily balance, enroll in Preferred Rewards, or be a student under age 25
- If you use Balance Connect and link your checking account to a backup account, there's a $0 overdraft protection transfer fee
- FDIC insured
Bank of America is an excellent national banking option for avid mobile users. The brick-and-mortar bank ranks highest in banking mobile app satisfaction, according to a 2023 J.D. Power Online Banking Satisfaction Study.
The mobile app has numerous security features. For example, the app has a security meter that visually represents how to increase the level of protection in your account. You can also receive mobile app alerts for your account balance, or order to replace your debit card if it is lost.
Keep in mind Bank of America checking and savings accounts have monthly service fees unless you meet certain requirements. If you want bank accounts that do not charge any monthly service fees the best online banks may be more appealing for you.
Bank of America Review
Capital One
Capital One 360 Checking
Insider’s Rating
4.5/5
Perks
No minimums, no fees, no worries.
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
See website for details
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- Earn interest on all account balances
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly service fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Range of overdraft protection options
- Processes direct deposits up to 2 days early
Cons
- Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
- Limited access to customer service by phone
Insider’s Take
Capital One is a strong bank overall. You'll earn competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs.
Capital One 360 Checking review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Over 70,000 free ATMs nationwide
- Branches in NY, LA, TX, MD, VA, NJ, and Washington, DC
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
The Capital One mobile app is rated the second highest in mobile app customer satisfaction among national banks, according to a 2023 JD Power Online Banking Satisfaction Study. You can use the bank's app to deposit checks, track your credit score, or monitor your bank account.
If you're also set on earning a high interest rate on a bank account, bear in mind that other online banks may have more competitive savings or CD rates right now.
Capital One 360 Review
Charles Schwab
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account
Start banking
Charles Schwab, FDIC Insured
Insider’s Rating
4.75/5
Perks
Earn 0.45% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $0 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.45%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- No opening deposit
- No minimum account balance
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM reimbursem*nts
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free overdraft protection
Cons
- No way to deposit cash
Insider’s Take
Charles Schwab Bank is one of the best banks for international travelers, because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. It also refunds all fees charged by ATMs worldwide. But if you want to earn high interest rates, you're better off looking elsewhere.
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- 24/7 live online chat
- When you open a checking account, you automatically open a Charles Schwab brokerage account, too
- No ATM network, but unlimited ATM fee reimbursem*nts
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Charles Schwab lets you invest, save, and spend in the same app. You can use the app to deposit checks or make lists to help monitor market trends.
Some of our other top picks have better Google Play ratings. You must also invest with Charles Schwab to open a checking account.
Charles Schwab Review
Chase
Chase Total Checking®
On Chase's website
Insider’s Rating
3.5/5
Perks
Earn $300 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires on 07/24/2024)
Fees
$12 monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
Earn $300 bonus when you open an account using a coupon code and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires on 07/24/2024)
$300
Pros
- No required opening deposit
- Over 4,700 branches
- $300 sign-up bonus
- Free overdraft protection when you link to savings for automatic transfers
Cons
- $12 monthly fee unless you meet direct deposit or minimum balance requirements
- Fees for non-Chase ATMs
- $34 overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees (no fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day)
Insider’s Take
There are several Chase checking accounts, and Chase Total Checking® is the bank's most popular choice. It offers several ways to waive the monthly fee, and you may qualify for a $300 bank account bonus. But if you want perks like early direct deposit or waived out-of-network ATM fees, one of Chase's other options could be a better fit.
Chase Total Checking review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Through the Chase mobile app, you can manage your bank accounts, investments, and credit card/card points. You may track your credit score or deposit checks.
The Chase mobile app allows you to set up automatic savings transfers and create folders for separate savings goals, like "Vacation Fund" or "College Savings." The mobile app is rated highly in customer satisfaction among national banks, according to a 2023 JD Power Online Banking Satisfaction Study.
While Chase offers strong mobile banking, you'll need to be mindful of monthly service fees. Most of the accounts have ways to waive fees, but if you would prefer a fee-free bank account you might prefer another bank.
Chase Bank Review
Huntington Bank
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking® Account
Start banking
Huntington Bank, FDIC Insured
Insider’s Rating
4/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- No monthly service fee
- No opening deposit
- Open a Premier Savings account with no opening deposit or monthly fee when you have a checking account
- $50 Safety Zone: No overdraft fees if you overdraw by $50 or less
- 24-hour grace period to avoid overdraft fees
- Free overdraft protection
- Receive your paycheck up to two days early
- Online bill pay
- Email and text alerts about your account
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons
- No interest earned
- $3.50 out-of-network ATM fee
- No out-of-network ATM fee reimbursem*nts
- $15 overdraft fee
Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking® Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Available to residents of Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Wisconsin
- Access to over 1,000 branches and 1,600 ATMs
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- Free overdraft protection that lets you connect your checking account to another Huntington account
- FDIC insured
Huntington ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction for a regional bank in the J.D. Power 2023 US Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study. You can view your account balances without logging in and use the Huntington Heads Up feature to alert you if there is suspicious activity on your account or if you're close to overdrawing. The app also has mobile check deposit and helps you find nearby ATM and branch locations.
As this is a regional bank, there are only branches in seven US states.
Huntington Bank Review
Synchrony
Synchrony Money Market Account
Start banking
Synchrony Bank, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.75/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.25%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly service fee
- Comes with an ATM card and paper checks
Cons
- No physical branch locations
- Earn a higher interest rate with other online banks
- Only reimburses $5/month in out-of-network ATM fees
Insider’s Take
Synchrony Bank's money market account stands out because it has paper checks and an ATM card, which give you easy access to your savings. But the interest rate is just so-so.
Synchrony Money Market Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Access your cash online, by phone, or via ATM
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- Comes with a debit card and paper checks
You can your credit cards and bank accounts in the same app. Synchrony also has mobile check deposit and offers tips to help you learn about personal finance and managing your money.
Synchrony doesn't have a checking account.
Synchrony Bank Review
Best Mobile Banking Apps FAQs
What is a banking app?
Most big banking institutions have apps you can download in the Apple or Google Play store. You'll create a username or password. If you've already used online banking on your web browser, the login information is probably the same. The app layout should be similar to the browser layout.
Are banking apps free?
Most banking apps are free when you have an account with the bank. But keep in mind that the accounts themselves could come with some fees. Some banks charge monthly service fees, unless you qualify to waive them. You could also pay fees for overdraft fees, ATM fees, or foreign transaction fees.
What can I do on a banking app?
At the very least, you should be able to use your banking app to check you account balances, transfer money between your own bank accounts, deposit paper checks with the app's camera, and find customer service contact information. The top banking apps have even more robust features, such as showing all of your financial information in one place, 24/7 live chat, or automatic savings tools.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on the Best Mobile Banking Apps
We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best mobile banking app for your needs.
- Sophia Acevedo, banking editor,Business Insider
- Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,BoujieBudgets.com
Here's what they had to say about mobile banking apps. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
What should I look for in a mobile banking app?
Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,BoujieBudgets.com:
"What kind of push notifications do they offer? Do they offer push notifications for when you swipe your card or if money is deposited into your account? Also, what's the customer support like? Do they have a 24/7 phone number available? Emails? Do they have a chat box?"
Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider:
"I think it's important for a mobile banking app to have mobile check deposit and features that help you understand your spending. Maybe there's a feature that can help you save for specific goals or track your cash flow."
What makes a strong mobile banking app?
Sophia Acevedo:
"I think strong mobile app should be as straightforward as possible. You should be able to easily navigate the app and utilize the features without running into any technical difficulties."
Mykail James, MBA, CFEI:
"One thing that I love for banks to do is when they offer a virtual debit card or credit card. Sometimes I don't always have a physical card with me. "
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Mobile Banking Apps
To choose our favorite banking apps, we only looked at apps with at least 5,000 reviews in both the Apple and Google Play stores. Then we narrowed it down to apps with strong average ratings in both stores.
We selected apps for banks that are available in a large chunk of the United States. This could mean that a bank has branches in multiple states, or that it operates online.
Our top picks have competitive products that set them apart from other institutions. For example, a bank may pay high interest rates, have tools to help you save money, or offer early direct deposit. Where applicable, we also looked at customer satisfaction ratings on J.D. Power surveys.
Personal Finance Reviews Editor
Laura Grace Tarpley (she/her) is a senior editor at Personal Finance Insider. She oversees coverage about mortgage rates, refinance rates, lenders, bank accounts, and borrowing and savings tips for Personal Finance Insider. She was a writer and editor for Business Insider's "The Road to Home" series, which won a Silver award from the National Associate of Real Estate Editors. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).She has written about personal finance for over seven years. Before joining the Business Insider team, she was a freelance finance writer for companies like SoFi and The Penny Hoarder, as well as an editor at FluentU. You can reach Laura Grace at ltarpley@businessinsider.com.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a compliance and operations associate at Business Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Business Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Business Insider readers already know and love.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.Before joining Business Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries.Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 15-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
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