If you travel often, the best checking accounts bundle perks that keep trips hassle-free, such as ATM-fee refunds, no monthly maintenance fee, quick customer support, and strong mobile apps for banking on the go.
You do not have to abandon your primary bank to get these features. Many people open multiple checking accounts to separate everyday spending from travel funds and to keep budgeting simple. How many accounts you should have depends on how you budget, whether you want a dedicated “travel-only” debit card, and how comfortable you are managing multiple apps, debit cards, and minimum-balance rules.
CNBC Select reviewed dozens of U.S. bank accounts to identify standout options for travelers, and you can apply online for the choices highlighted below.
Travel-Ready Checking Accounts: Our Top Picks
Compare Offers to Find the Right Checking Account
Different types of checking accounts can fit different needs. Standard checking accounts are built for everyday spending and bill pay and may or may not charge a monthly fee. Interest-bearing checking accounts pay interest on your balance, but the rate can be modest and the account may come with balance requirements. Student checking accounts are designed for younger customers and often feature lower fees and fewer minimums. Senior checking accounts may offer discounted fees or added services for older customers. Business checking accounts are set up for business transactions and can include features like multiple user access and higher transaction limits. Second chance checking accounts are intended for people rebuilding their banking history and may have more restrictions and fees but can help you regain access to core checking features.
If you are choosing an account for travel (or adding a second account just for trips), look closely at fee policies and how you will access cash. Key considerations include ATM access while you are away from home, whether the bank reimburses third-party ATM surcharges, foreign transaction charges on the debit card, overdraft policies, deposit options (including mobile deposit), and the strength of the bank’s mobile app and customer support.
High-yield checking accounts are checking accounts that offer above-average interest, often in exchange for meeting requirements. Common requirements and limitations include minimum direct deposit amounts, a set number of debit card purchases each month, enrollment in e-statements, and caps on the balance that earns the top rate; if you miss the requirements, the APY can drop for that statement cycle.
If your goal is to avoid fees, focus on accounts that keep the most common charges at $0 and make it easy to stay in good standing. Examples of fee-avoidance features include no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fee (or overdraft coverage you can decline), ATM-fee reimbursements (especially if you travel internationally), and no foreign transaction fee on debit card purchases.
Checking accounts can be useful, but they are not perfect for every situation. Advantages include easy access to your money for purchases and bill pay, debit card and ATM access, and the ability to set up direct deposit and recurring payments. Disadvantages can include overdraft risk if you do not track your balance closely, limited interest compared with savings products, and fees that vary widely by bank and account type.
To open a checking account, start by confirming you meet the bank’s eligibility requirements and then gather your basics (such as a government-issued ID and your personal information). Next, apply online or in a branch and choose account settings like overdraft preferences and statement delivery. Fund the account (if required), order or activate your debit card, and then set up direct deposit and bill payments once the account is ready.
| Fee Type | What It Covers | Common Way to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance fee | A recurring charge for keeping the account open | Choose an account with a $0 monthly fee or meet the bank’s waiver requirements |
| Overdraft fee | A charge when the bank pays a transaction that exceeds your available balance | Opt out of overdraft coverage where available, set up alerts, and keep a buffer |
| ATM fee | A bank fee for using an out-of-network ATM (separate from any operator surcharge) | Use in-network ATMs or pick an account that refunds ATM fees |
| Foreign transaction fee | A percentage fee on debit purchases processed outside the U.S. | Use a debit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees |
| Paper statement fee | A fee for mailed monthly statements | Switch to electronic statements |
| Wire transfer fee | A fee to send or receive a wire | Use ACH or other low-cost transfer options when possible |
Top online banks for checking accounts (listed as a quick starting point): 1) Ally Bank — known for a strong digital experience and ATM access. 2) Discover Bank — offers a widely available online checking option with a large ATM network. 3) SoFi — combines banking with app-based money tools and supports direct deposit. 4) Chime — a mobile-first alternative focused on day-to-day spending and pay features. 5) Axos Bank — an online bank with checking options that can earn interest based on qualifying activities.
Top Pick for U.S. Trips: Capital One 360 Checking®
Account Details: Capital One 360 Checking®
| Account | Monthly Maintenance Fee | Minimum Deposit to Open | Minimum Balance Requirement | APY | Fee-Free ATM Network | ATM Fee Reimbursement | Overdraft Fee | Mobile Check Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One 360 Checking® | $0 | $0 | None | 0.10% | 70,000+ Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint machines | Not offered | $0 | Available |
Terms apply.
Who Is This For? Capital One 360 Checking® does not add its own fees for ATM withdrawals worldwide and pays interest on your balance, with automated phone support available 24/7. You can access Capital One, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs; fees charged by out-of-network operators are not reimbursed.
The Capital One mobile app is highly rated on major app stores, making it convenient to manage your account while traveling.
There is no minimum deposit, and you can withdraw cash at more than 70,000 surcharge-free Capital One, Allpoint, and MoneyPass locations.
Best for International Trips: Betterment Checking
Account Details: Betterment Checking
| Account | Monthly Maintenance Fee | Minimum Deposit to Open | Minimum Balance Requirement | APY | Fee-Free ATM Network | ATM Fee Reimbursement | Overdraft Fee | Mobile Check Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betterment Checking | $0 | $0 | None | Not offered | None | All ATM fees reimbursed, domestic and international | None | Yes, after 30 days as a customer and $500+ in recent direct deposits |
Terms apply.
Who Is This For? Known for its automated investing tools, Betterment Checking shines for global travel. It refunds every ATM fee, including charges from out-of-network machines anywhere in the world.
Cardholders can earn merchant cash back at select retailers, and paying your cell phone bill with the debit card adds phone protection up to $600 for covered loss, theft, or damage.
The account has no account fees and no minimum balance. A limitation is that you cannot deposit cash at ATMs.
Best for Travel and Investing: Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking®
Account Details: Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking®
| Account | Monthly Maintenance Fee | Minimum Deposit to Open | Minimum Balance Requirement | APY | Fee-Free ATM Network | ATM Fee Reimbursement | Overdraft Fee | Mobile Check Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® | $0 | $0 | None | 0.05% | None | Unlimited rebates on ATM fees worldwide | None | Yes |
Terms apply.
Pros:
- No monthly service fees.
- No minimum balance requirements.
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates globally.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- No proprietary ATM network (con).
Who Is This For? Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® can be a fit for travelers who want a checking account that links to a Schwab brokerage account and can be managed digitally while on the move.
Opening this checking account also creates a Schwab brokerage account. There is no requirement to use it, and it carries no maintenance fees.
Schwab customers may pair this account with the American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab to redeem Membership Rewards points for cash back at an elevated rate compared with other cards that earn Membership Rewards.
Note that you cannot make direct cash deposits to this account.
Best for Online-Only Banking: Axos Bank® Rewards Checking
Account Details: Axos Bank® Rewards Checking
| Account | Monthly Maintenance Fee | Minimum Deposit to Open | Minimum Balance Requirement | APY | Fee-Free ATM Network | ATM Fee Reimbursement | Overdraft Fee | Mobile Check Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axos Bank® Rewards Checking | None | None required | None | Earn up to 3.30% APY, based on qualifying activities | None | Unlimited domestic rebates | None | Yes |
Terms apply.
Who Is This For? As an online bank, Axos offers 24/7 support by phone or secure chat. Rewards Checking provides unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements, no overdraft fee, and no monthly maintenance fee, and it does not require an initial deposit. Eligible direct deposits may arrive up to two days early.
There are no physical branches because Axos operates online, and deposits are FDIC insured.
Why You Can Trust WestAfricaTradeHub
WestAfricaTradeHub is committed to service journalism and clear consumer guidance so readers can make confident money decisions. Our checking account reviews are grounded in thorough reporting from editors with deep expertise in banking products. Although WestAfricaTradeHub may earn commissions from some partners, editorial content is produced independently and adheres to strict standards. See our methodology for how we choose the strongest accounts.
Our Methodology
To identify the top options for travelers, WestAfricaTradeHub evaluated dozens of U.S. checking accounts from online banks, traditional banks, and major credit unions. We prioritized accounts that do not charge ATM fees on domestic or international withdrawals.
Beyond ATM access and fees, we compared each account across factors such as:
- No minimum balance requirement
- Low or no minimum deposit to open, typically $0 to $50
- Nationwide availability
- Branch access and/or robust online and mobile banking
- Size and convenience of the ATM network
- Ease of use and account accessibility
- Customer feedback, when available
All accounts listed are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.
Rates and fee schedules can change without notice and often move with the prime rate. Your earnings depend on your account balance and any applicable fees. Some institutions require “new money” to open an account, meaning funds cannot be transferred from an existing account at the same bank.
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Information about the Capital One 360 Checking® account was collected independently by Select and was not reviewed or provided by the bank prior to publication. Capital One Bank is a Member FDIC.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed here are those of the WestAfricaTradeHub editorial team alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
