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Recommended As
Pros and Cons
Sources
Amazon Rating

(average)

Where To Buy
 
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Features
Best Reviewed Account Type(s)
APY as of 04/07/09
Parent Bank
BankRate.com Stability Rating
Liability Protection
Min. Balance to Open
Special Requirements
Monthly Fees
Min. Balance to Avoid Fees
Direct deposit required?
Physical Branches in U.S.?
How to Deposit
How to Withdraw
Withdrawal Fees?
Transfer Between Accounts?
Transfer Between Banks?
Limit to Daily Transfer Between Banks
Estimated Transfer Days Between Banks
Write Checks?
Debit Cards?
Online Bill Paying?
Reimburse ATM Fees?
Number of ATMs in U.S.
International ATMs
Live Phone Support
Optional Overdraft Protection?
Mobile Banking?
Social Networking?
Integration with Financial Management Tools?
Notable Features
 
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    best

    Bank of America

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    Pros: High customer satisfaction, no fee for over 18,000 ATMs, free online checking, no minimum balance, free online money-management software.
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    Cons: Phone support not 24/7, fees for using other banks' ATMs, no interest on checking, low interest on savings.

    not avail.
     
    Bank of America
    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

    Schwab Bank High Yield …

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    Pros: Pays interest on free checking, no minimum balance, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements for withdrawals, integrates with free savings, brokerage accounts.
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    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.
     
    Schwab Bank High Yield …
    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

    FNBO Bank

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    Pros: Competitive interest rates, no minimum balance, free online bill payment account, can use about 400,000 ATMs.
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    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.
     
    FNBO Bank
    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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    best

    SmartyPig

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    Pros: High interest on savings, helps save for specific purchases, social networking for encouragement, bonus percentage at retail partners.
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    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.
     
    SmartyPig
    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"
     
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