If you’re tired of your money just sitting in your checking account earning next to nothing, you’re not alone. In 2025, high-yield checking accounts are gaining popularity for offering the best of both worlds: everyday banking features and interest rates that can rival savings accounts. Some of the best options now pay APYs as high as 5.12%, far above the national average of just 0.07% (FDIC, March 2025).
In this guide, we break down the top 9 high-yield checking accounts of 2025 and explain why major players like Amex, Capital One, Chase, BMO, and Bank of America don’t make the cut.
What Are High-Yield Checking Accounts?
High-yield checking accounts function like standard checking accounts but offer significantly higher annual percentage yields (APYs). These accounts typically include debit cards, mobile access, and bill pay while rewarding customers for meeting simple conditions like monthly direct deposits or debit card transactions.
In 2025, some no-fee checking accounts are also offering high checking account bonuses, becoming the standard for smart, stress-free banking.
9 Best High-Yield Checking Accounts of 2025
1. Presidential Bank Advantage Checking
- APY: 0.10% to 4.62%
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Monthly Fee: $5 (waived with $500 balance)
Presidential Bank is one of the few traditional banks offering high-yield checking accounts with flexible balance tiers. It’s best suited for users who can maintain a balance over $500 and want to grow their money passively while enjoying typical checking features.
2. Consumers Credit Union Rewards Checking
- APY: Up to 5.00% on balances up to $10,000
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Monthly Fee: $0
A top performer in the high-yield checking accounts category, Consumers Credit Union offers an unmatched interest rate—provided you meet monthly requirements such as debit card usage and direct deposits. It’s ideal for active users who want to maximize earnings on modest balances.
3. Ideal Credit Union High Yield Checking
- APY: 0.05% to 5.00%
- Minimum Deposit: $50
- Monthly Fee: $0
Ideal Credit Union delivers a solid online and in-branch experience, making it one of the most accessible high-yield checking accounts. You can earn top-tier interest with basic account activity, all while enjoying fee-free ATM access across the country.
4. Redneck Bank Redneck Rewards Checking
- APY: 0.25% to 4.50%
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Monthly Fee: $0
Don’t let the quirky name fool you—Redneck Bank offers one of the most competitive high-yield checking accounts on the market. With a strong online interface and generous APYs, it’s perfect for digital-savvy users looking for a little humor and a lot of value.
5. SoFi Checking and Savings Account
- APY: Up to 3.80%
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Monthly Fee: $0
SoFi provides a modern, fee-free banking experience that combines checking and savings features. While not the absolute highest APY, it stands out for being one of the easiest high-yield checking accounts to open and manage with no balance requirements.
6. Lake Michigan Credit Union Max Checking
- APY: Up to 3.00%
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Monthly Fee: $0
This credit union rewards everyday banking activity like eStatements and debit usage. LMCU’s Max Checking is consistently ranked among the best high-yield checking accounts for those seeking great returns without high balance thresholds.
7. Axos Bank Rewards Checking
- APY: Up to 3.30%
- Minimum Deposit: $50
- Monthly Fee: $0
Axos is a fully digital bank offering a flexible tiered APY structure. If you want a tech-forward option that grows with your usage habits, this high-yield checking account is a standout for custom earners.
8. Quontic Bank High Interest Checking
- APY: 1.10%
- Minimum Deposit: $100
- Monthly Fee: $0
Quontic Bank offers a simple yet effective high-yield checking account that pays a consistent rate if you meet basic debit card usage. With unique perks like wearable payment rings, it appeals to users who want to bank differently.
9. Discover® Cashback Debit
- APY: N/A (Offers cashback instead)
- Minimum Deposit: $0
- Monthly Fee: $0
Although not technically a high-yield checking account, Discover’s 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in monthly debit purchases delivers strong value. If you prefer spending rewards over interest, this option is worth considering.
Why Major Banks Don’t Make the List
American Express
While American Express excels in savings accounts and CDs, it doesn’t currently offer a high-yield checking account. Most of its focus is on credit products and high-yield savings, leaving checking out of its offerings.
But, by opening an account using the referral link, you can earn AMEX Membership Rewards points with the Amex Gold Card, which can be used for travel, shopping, or other rewards.
Capital One
Capital One does offer a 360 Checking account, but its APY is usually around 0.10%, which falls far below what’s considered a high-yield checking account. It’s a great bank overall, but not ideal for earning meaningful interest through checking.
Moreover, Capital One promotions in 2025 offer a generous checking bonus, providing an excellent opportunity for new customers to earn extra cash simply by opening a checking account.
Chase
Chase is one of the largest U.S. banks, but its standard checking accounts don’t earn interest at all. With a 0.00% APY on most of its checking products, it simply doesn’t qualify as a high-yield checking account provider.
Additionally, with Chase bank bonus offers, you could earn up to $900 by meeting a few simple criteria.
BMO
BMO offers a wide range of personal banking products, but its checking APYs remain negligible—typically between 0.01% and 0.05%. These low returns make it fall short of the high-yield checking account standard.
But the BMO Checking Account Bonus offers are an incredible opportunity you don’t want to miss. With BMO Harris Bank offering $200 to $350 in bonuses, new customers can maximize their financial gains easily.
Bank of America
Despite being one of the most recognized banks globally, Bank of America offers 0.00% on most of its checking accounts. As such, it’s not competitive with the banks that offer genuine high-yield checking accounts.
In 2025, Bank of America promotions offer a $300 checking account bonus for new customers who open a personal checking account and meet specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely—high-yield checking accounts can be an excellent financial tool for anyone looking to earn more on their everyday money. If you regularly meet account activity requirements and avoid fees, these accounts provide a low-effort way to build passive income. While traditional banks offer convenience, they simply don’t compete when it comes to interest.
Whether you’re managing daily transactions or parking extra funds, the best high-yield checking accounts of 2025 prove that you don’t have to choose between access and earnings.
FAQs
What qualifies as a high-yield checking account in 2025?
Any checking account offering an APY significantly above the national average (0.07%)—typically 1.00% or higher—can be considered high-yield.
Do I need to maintain a high balance to earn interest?
Not always. Many high-yield checking accounts only require activity like debit card use or direct deposits, not large balances.
Are high-yield checking accounts safe?
Yes, as long as they are FDIC or NCUA insured, your money is protected up to $250,000 per institution.