If you’re a student, you may want to consider opening a student checking account. It’s an excellent way to begin building your personal finance foundation. This way, you can save up and pay for future expenses like rent, car repairs, the gym membership, or a nice date. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best student checking accounts available. For all other checking accounts, see our list of the best bank promotions.
Things To Consider When Opening A Student Checking Account
Checking Account Features
Generally, most checking accounts should come with several basic features:
- Debit Card: Use it to withdraw cash at the ATM or in lieu of cash when making purchases.
- Electronic Deposits: Deposit your salary, tax refund and student loan instantly, instead of waiting for a check in the mail and going to the bank to deposit it.
- Online & Mobile Banking: Pay bills, track your purchases, transfer money, send or receive money and deposit checks without having to go into a bank.
Checking Account Fees
Checking accounts come with many different kinds of fees. Students should pay particular attention to:
- Monthly maintenance fee: Banks typically charge these to maintain your account. If you’re a student, most banks waive their monthly maintenance fee. For others, you must maintain a certain balance or have a steady direct deposit.
- Non-bank ATM fee: Many banks charge a small fee for using an ATM out of their service.
- Overdraft/non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee: When you spend more money than you have available in your bank account, your balance becomes negative and banks will charge you for it. These overdraft fees vary from bank to bank. The bank will cover for you in instances when there’s not enough money in your bank account. However, this means you may quickly incur hundreds of dollars in fees. Make sure you know your bank’s overdraft fees and link up to a savings account or credit card.
- Overdraft transfer fee: Similar to overdraft protection fees, these occur when you transfer money to another account but you don’t have enough in your bank account. These fees are generally much less expensive than overdraft protection fees.
- Continuous overdraft fee: If you remain overdrawn after a specific number of days, you’ll be charged a continuous fee until you can pay it off.
- Paper statement fee: Many banks are now charging to send old-fashioned paper statements. You’ll pay an extra amount a month to get paper statements. Customers who enroll in online banking or paperless statements are given discounts or don’t even have to pay the fee.
Opening A Checking Account
When you’ve decided on a bank account to open, there are some items you’ll need with you:
- Basic Information: Your social security number, mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Two Forms of ID: Your driver’s license and student ID.
- Proof of Address: Any piece of mail with your name and home address.
- Initial Deposit: It varies with each bank, ranging from $0 to $100.
- Beneficiary: The bank wants to know who will receive your money if you pass away.
Other Factors
- Coverage: Some banks operate online-only, while others have only a few physical locations you can go to. Unless you plan on solely banking online, make sure there are plenty of bank branches and ATMs near your home, school or work.
- Perks: Account extras and benefits. These range from sign-up bonuses to fee waivers and cash back deals.
- Linked Savings Account: Some banks offer a free, linked savings account with your student checking. Build up an emergency fund, easily transfer between accounts, and lessen the load of potential overdraft fees.
Best Student Checking Accounts
1. Chase College Checking
The Chase College Checking account is one of the best student accounts out there. Chase is one of the few banks to offer a bonus opportunity for student Checking accounts, and the current promotion is a great one. You can either apply directly online or enter your email address on the offer page to receive a personalized coupon to apply in-branch.
Chase is also appealing because they have a huge geographic footprint, including an extensive ATM network and many physical branches.
![]() • Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College CheckingSM account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment. • $0 Monthly Service Fee while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old. • Wire funds internationally using the Chase Mobile® app or chase.com. Send money to recipients around the world with multiple currency options. Fees apply. • Keep track of your money with confidence and control in the Chase Mobile® app. The Chase Mobile app helps you bank securely and conveniently from anywhere. • Zelle® is available in more than 1,000 banking apps in the U.S. So, you can send and receive money from almost anyone you know and trust who has a bank account in the U.S. • With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs. • With Fraud Monitoring, Chase may notify you of unusual debit card purchases and with Zero Liability Protection you won't be held responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases when reported promptly. • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC *With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee 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 you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts. |
- Availability: (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0 or $6; can be waived
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
Best Features:
- Monthly maintenance fee ($6) is waived for students for up to 5 years of college enrollment
- Fee-free access to 16,000 Chase ATMs and nearly 5,000 branches
Enrollment Requirements:
- Student aged 17 to 24
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
2. TD Bank Student Checking
The TD Bank Student Checking account offers the refreshing the option to talk to a live person 24/7.
- Apply Now at TD Bank
- Availability: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
Best Features:
- 24/7 live customer support.
- Fee-free TD Bank Simple Savings account.
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students up to age 24
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
See the TD Bank Student Checking account for more information.
3. Capital One 360 Teen Checking
Though most student checking accounts offer no interest, this one’s different. The Capital One 360 Teen Checking account offers interest on all balances.
- Apply Now at Capital One 360
- Availability: Online only
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
Best Features:
- Fee-free access to 70,000+ fee-free Capital One and Allpoint ATMs
- Flexible overdraft options including:
- Auto declining charges when you don’t have enough funds to cover the transaction,
- Linking to a Capital One 360 Savings account to cover the charges,
- Using the one business day grace period to add sufficient funds, or
- Using Capital One’s Overdraft Line of Credit. The bank will cover the overdrawn amount. You’ll have to pay back with interest.
- 0.25% APY compounded daily
- Free first set of checks
Enrollment Requirements:
- Parent co-owner with an active Capital One 360 deposit account
- Must agree to accept electronic delivery of all communications
See the Capital One 360 Teen Checking account for more information.
4. Ally Bank Online Checking & Savings
It’s not specifically aimed for students; however, Ally Bank has a great online savings and checking account that’s perfect for them. It comes with many standard features and access to over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide for free.
- Apply Now at Ally Bank
- Availability: Online only
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0
Best Features:
- Partnered with Allpoint ATM network (43,000+ ATMs)
- $10 per statement cycle ATM fee reimbursement for fees charged at other ATMs nationwide
- Competitive interest rate
- 24/7 live customer care – talk to a real person
Enrollment Requirements:
- None
See the Ally Bank Interest Checking account, Ally Bank Savings account for more information.
5. U.S. Bank Student Checking
The U.S. Bank Student Checking account provides convenient ATM access. You’ll have free access to over 3,000 branches and over 5,300 U.S. Bank ATMs. In addition, transactions made within the network of 24,000 MoneyPass ATMs nationwide are free of charge.
- Apply Now at U.S. Bank
- Availability: Nationwide (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $25
Best Features:
- Wide fee-free ATM coverage
- Up to 4 non-US Bank ATM transaction fees waived per monthly statement cycle
- First order of checks free
Enrollment Requirements:
- Proof of active student enrollment
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
6. Bank Of America Student Checking
Bank of America (BofA) offers a student checking account that features the “Keep the Change” savings program. You can also participate in BankAmeriDeals to grow your savings.
- Apply Now at Bank of America
- Availability: Nationwide (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposidt: $25
Best Features:
- Enroll in the Keep the Change savings program and use your debit card to pay for your purchases. BofA will round up your purchase to the nearest dollar amount and transfer the change from your checking account to your savings account.
- BankAmeriDeals allows you to earn cash back rewards with your BofA debit or credit card
- Bank of America student credit cards with no annual fee. Get points on everyday purchases and trade them in for some great perks
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students age 23 or younger
See the Bank of America Student Checking account for more information.
7. Wells Fargo Teen Checking
The Wells Fargo Teen Checking account is great for teens to learn about budgeting and saving, with a very forgiving overdraft fee structure.
- Apply Now at Wells Fargo
- Availability: Nationwide (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $25
Best Features:
- Low overdraft fee of $15 per transaction with a max of 2 paid or returned transactions per business day
Enrollment Requirements:
- Teens aged 13 to 17 (max 18 in Alabama) with adult co-owner
See the Wells Fargo Teen Checking account for more information.
8. Santander Student Value Checking
The Santander Student Value Checking account is fee-free for incoming international transfers. It’s perfect for international students who regularly receive money from family and friends back home.
- Apply Now at Santander Bank
- Availability: NH, MA, RI, CT, DE, NY, NJ, PA (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $10
Best Features:
- Fee-free incoming international transfers
- Fee-free Santander Savings and Santander Money Market Savings accounts
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students age 16 to 25
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
See our Santander Student Value Checking review for more information.
9. PNC Virtual Wallet Student
PNC Virtual Wallet Student will help you learn how to manage your Spend, Reserve and Growth accounts and take advantage of each account’s different features.
- Apply Now at PNC Bank
- Availability: AL, DC, DE, FL, GA IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, VA, WI, WV (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $10
Best Features:
- Get 3 accounts in 1: checking, short-term savings and long-term savings
- Up to 2 non-PNC Bank ATM transaction fees waived per monthly statement cycle
- PNC Bank will refund your first overdraft or NSF fee in the first 12 months after account opening
- Free overdraft protection
- One free incoming wire transfer (domestic or international) per monthly statement cycle
Enrollment Requirements:
- Actively enrolled student
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
- $25 minimum opening deposit ($0 if you open online)
See the PNC Virtual Wallet Student account for more information.
10. BB&T Student Checking
BB&T is an excellent bank for students. Customize your own debit card by using BB&T’s gallery of images or by uploading your own photo.
- Apply Now at BB&T
- Availability: AL, DC, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: 10
Best Features:
- Up to 2 non-BB&T Bank ATM transaction fees waived per monthly statement cycle
- Option to personalize your debit card
- Fee-free regular savings account
- Cashback with BB&T Deals
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students up to age 24
See the BB&T Student Checking account for more information.
11. KeyBank Student Checking
With this KeyBank Student Checking account, you can earn points when you use your debit card, pay bills online and even just for signing up! Redeem your points later for gift cards, cash, travel and more.
- Apply Now at KeyBank
- Availability: AK, OH, ID, IN, ME, MI, PA, UT, VT, OR (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $50
Best Features:
- Up to $6 in non-KeyBank ATM transaction fees waived per monthly statement cycle
- KeyBank Relationship Rewards. Earn points when you do everyday banking activities
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students age 16 to 24
- Parent co-owner if younger than 18
See the KeyBank Student Checking account for more information.
12. SunTrust Essential Student Checking
Participate in SunTrust Deals to get cash back at many retailers include Hilton, Starbucks, AT&T, Dick’s Sporting Goods and more!
- Apply Now at SunTrust Bank
- Availability: AL, AR, GA, FL, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, DC, WV (Bank Locator)
- Mobile App: iOS or Android
- Monthly Service Fee: $0
- Minimum Balance Requirement: None
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $100
Best Features:
- SunTrust Deals. Get cash back by making purchases with your SunTrust credit or debit card at hundreds of participating retailers.
Enrollment Requirements:
- Proof of active student enrollment
See the SunTrust Student Checking account for more information.
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Author’s Verdict
If you’re a high school or college student, now is the perfect time to open a checking account. Get started on saving your money today.
Check out these top checking accounts for students. Some accounts even get interest.
You can also check out the best savings accounts. Though they’re not targeted towards students, they’re great to have so you don’t just let your money sit passively.
For the average consumer, you can find our list of the best consumer checking accounts.
PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
HSBC Premier Checking & Savings Member FDIC | Up to $3,000 Cash | Review |
Chase Private Client | $3,000 Cash | Review |
U.S. Bank Business Checking | $900 Cash | Review |
Chase Business Complete Checking® | $300 or $500 Cash | Review |
KeyBank Key Smart Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
Truist One Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Chase Total Checking® | $300 Cash | Review |
Chase College CheckingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing | Up to $700 Cash | Review |
Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 Cash | Review |
SoFi Checking and Savings Account | $325 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Unlimited Plus Business Checking | $1,000 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Unlimited Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Huntington Bank Business Checking 100 | $100 Cash | Review |
Fifth Third Bank Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Basic Business Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Business Interest Checking | $400 Cash | Review |
Axos Bank Business Premium Savings | $375 Cash | Review |
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