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Most flexible online banking
Pros: High customer satisfaction, no fee for over 18,000 ATMs, free online checking, no minimum balance, free online money-management software.
Cons: Phone support not 24/7, fees for using other banks' ATMs, no interest on checking, low interest on savings.
not avail.
Checking
None (but checking is free)
N/A
3 stars
Yes, plus guarantees for online bill payments
$25
None
None
None
No
Yes
Electronic transfer from another bank, or mail check, or direct deposit, or wire transfer
Checks, ATM, debit card, electronic funds transfers
No
Yes, same or next day
Yes
Not specified
Not specified
Yes
Yes
Yes, free and unlimited
No -- and charges $2/use for non-BA ATM in the U.S., $5/use abroad
18,700
12,000 in global alliance
7 days a week but not 24/7
Yes, but incurs fees
Yes
No
Yes: Bank of America Portfolio online software for tracking expenses, budgeting, etc.
Large ATM network, free online financial management software
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Best online checking account
Pros: Pays interest on free checking, no minimum balance, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements for withdrawals, integrates with free savings, brokerage accounts.
Cons: Yield can't compete with reward checking, aTM fees not reimbursed for balance inquiries, can deposit only into brokerage account at Schwab offices.
not avail.
Checking and savings
1.00 percent APY on checking; 2.00 percent APY on savings
N/A
N/A
No liability if unauthorized use is reported
$0.01
None
None
None
No
270 brokerage branches can deal with banking questions and accept deposits to brokerage account.
Electronic transfer among Schwab accounts or from another bank, or mail check, or direct deposit, or wire transfer
Checks, ATM, debit card, electronic funds transfers
No
Yes
Yes
Not specified
Not specified
Yes
Yes
Yes, free
Yes, unlimited for cash withdrawals
N/A
N/A
24/7
No
No
No
No
Free checks. Includes free brokerage account with no minimum balance or monthly fees
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Best online savings account
Pros: Competitive interest rates, no minimum balance, free online bill payment account, can use about 400,000 ATMs.
Cons: Only six withdrawals or transfers a month, aTM fees except at about 300 ATMs in six states, slow deposit credits and withdrawal transfers, fairly complex account setup process.
not avail.
Savings
1.90 percent APY plus 1.50 APY for online bill pay acct.
First National of Nebraska
4 stars
Limited protection depending on how soon loss or unauthorized use is reported
$1
Personal checking account for electronic transfers; Initial deposit not available for 10 days
None
None
No
A few, in six Midwestern states
Electronic transfer between banks, or mail in check
NOTE: Online bill-pay account comes with Visa Check card. Withdrawals and transfers from savings limited to six per month -- by electronic transfer between FNBO savings and bill payment, or between FNBO and external bank, or by ATM. Daily ATM limit $1,000
ATM fee (*Est. $2.50 FNBO plus whatever ATM owner charges)
Yes, free
Yes, free; link to up to 3 accounts
$100,000
2 to 3 days
No
Yes
Yes, separate account
No -- charges for using ATM without Circle logo ($2.50 for withdrawal, $1 for balance inquiry) -- These ATMs are limited to 6 states. (Free ATMs are listed at First Nat. Bank of Omaha site)
400,000 (Plus network)
Yes -- Visa Plus network
24/7
N/A
No
No
No
Higher than average interest rate; Kiplinger's Dec. 2008 top pick for online savings
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Online savings for special occasions, events
Pros: High interest on savings, helps save for specific purchases, social networking for encouragement, bonus percentage at retail partners.
Cons: Requires automatic monthly deposit, withdrawals sent by postal mail, bank-to-bank transfers limited to $1,500 per day, for purchases, not emergency savings.
not avail.
Savings
3.05 percent APY
West Bank (Des Moines, Iowa)
3 stars
No
$25
One savings goal of at least $250 per account, funded by monthly direct deposit
No
None
Yes, min. $25/month per goal
No
Electronic transfer from another bank, or mail check, or online gift card. Credit card can be used to entails a 2.99-percent fee
At close of savings goal, by debit card or gift card (with bonus) at participating retailer
No
N/A
Yes
$1,500
5 to 7 days
No
Only at close of account
No
N/A
No
No
M-Sat (but prefer email)
N/A
No
Yes: can make a goal private or public, decide what data to share, invited friends; others can contribute to savings goal or make comments
Yes: online sites like Mint, Geezeo, Wesabe, Rudder, Yodlee, Buxfer, and Expensr
Separate account for each savings goal with online progress tracking. Gift cards to "give someone the gift of savings"