It’s not hard to see why today’s consumers are turning to digital banking services like Chime. They offer the best of both the digital and the tangible worlds: convenience, security, reporting, and valuable rewards. 

But just because Chime is heavily marketed doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fintech option there is. There are dozens of others that offer similar solutions and which you choose depends on your individual needs.

Here are some of the best online banks like Chime and their key features, so you can decide which online checking account meets your needs.

Accrue Savings is a crowdfunding savings account that makes it easier for consumers to save for the big-ticket items they need with the help of retailers, family, and friends. Our list of partnered retailers grows by the day and includes brands like Casper, Byte, Windmill, Friendly Diamonds, Stash Mall, and Bruce Piano. 

With Accrue Savings, account holders select the product(s) they’re interested in and create a campaign that can then be shared across social media. The more you save, the more you’re rewarded by the retailers whose items you’re working towards buying. And, people you share the campaign with can also donate to help you reach your financial goals.

Instead of using buy-now-pay-later to afford things that require you to make smaller payments over time, Accrue Savings makes it easy to do this upfront and then make your purchase free and clear.

Key features

• Get cash rewards for saving money for expensive products without taking on debt.
• Stay motivated to save with incremental rewards.
• Withdraw your savings at any point without penalty.
• Choose your deposit dates and set up a schedule to help you save money on a regular basis.

Best for:

• Savvy shoppers who want to keep their credit score clean and avoid making large purchases on a card

Aspiration is a digital financial services provider that offers consumers an alternative to traditional checking and savings accounts: a cash management account. 

With an Aspiration cash management account, you can manage your money, make payments out of your account, and earn rewards and interest quickly and easily without opening up a traditional bank account with more bells and whistles than you really need.

Unfortunately, customers can’t deposit cash into their Aspiration accounts — a major drawback considering the service is advertised as a cash management solution. And while there are 55,000 ATMs that are in-network with this bank, it’s not too clear how much account holders have to pay when they use out-of-network ATM machines.

Key features

• “Pay What’s Fair” fee structure
• Deposits are never used to fund fossil fuel production or exploration and are guaranteed to be climate-neutral
• Qualifying purchases made with honest brands (including TOMS and Blue Apron) earn account holders rewards between 5% and 10% cashback
• 1% to 3% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)

Best for:

• Environmentally conscious consumers who want to do their part to create a more sustainable, ethical planet

Axos Bank is a California-based online financial institution that offers various financial services, including ACH check deposits, personal loans, financing for small businesses, and wire transfers. 

Your Axos Visa debit card can be used anywhere debit and credit cards are accepted, and you can manage your transactions and available balance easily with the Personal Finance Manager.

While Axos Bank is considered low-fee, you will need at least $50 to open an account. But once you do, there are no minimum balances, and you can take the money back out without penalty if necessary. That said, the superior functionality of this bank’s finance management software makes it a great option for people who have trouble staying within budget.

Investment options are also available for consumers who want to start building their financial futures. Choose a managed portfolio if you want to set your own risk level and goals but let someone else make the decisions for you, or select the self-directed trading option if you want to be more hands-on with stocks and ETFs.

Key features

• No NSF or overdraft fees

• ATM fee reimbursements
• Earn up to 3.30% APY
• Up to $100 welcome bonus

Best for:

• Young adults and entrepreneurs
• Investment and stock market enthusiasts

Capital One 360 is arguably one of the best alternatives to Chime if you’re looking for a reputable online bank. It’s the highest-rated, FDIC-insured digital bank with no account fees, an extra-large network of ATMs, and a user-friendly mobile banking app that makes managing money simple.

Capital One Bank is also a traditional bank and the sixth-largest in America, with hundreds of locations spanning across the country. You can withdraw the money you need with your debit card daily without the same penalties you would face if your money was being kept in a high-yield savings account or Certificate of Deposit. However, consumers are limited to a maximum daily amount of $5,000 for ATM withdrawals, PIN and signature-based purchases, and cash advances.

You can open an account with no money, but you must make a deposit within 60 days or your account will be automatically closed. Unfortunately, there are overdraft fees with Capital One 360. If you opt into Next-Day Grace, the fee is $35, but you don’t have to worry about checks bouncing when you do.

Capital One also offers CreditWise, a credit builder that makes it easy to track your credit score and make improvements. You can sign up for alerts so you don’t have to worry about logging in to proactively check your score.

Key features

• No maintenance fees
• No minimum deposit to open the account
• 0.10% APY on all balances

Best for:

• No-frills consumers who want basic options from a national brand

Current offers basic banking products like checking and savings accounts, plus great perks like teen money management and gas station hold removal.

The teen banking plan enables parents to set chores to complete, automate allowance payments, block certain purchases, get transaction notifications, set spending limits, and more. This helps families prepare their growing children for their financial futures.

Another great feature is the “savings pod,” which allows you to set aside money for a specific goal — similar to a savings account but a little less formal. You can have multiple savings pods with different labels and can easily transfer money from your checking account to a savings pod. 

Current also features a points reward system that allows account holders to exchange points they’ve earned for cash. Earn as much as 15x points at national stores like Rite Aid, Subway, True Value, and more.

Current offers a 30-day free trial so you can decide if the service fits your needs without commitment. Note that you won’t be able to access Current on an internet browser or in person: There are no physical branches at this time, and the only access is available via mobile app for Android and iOS, or at one of the 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

Key features

• Overdraft protection up to $200
• No minimum balance
• No maintenance fees
• 4% APY on up to $6,000 in savings

Best for:

• Teens and parents

Discover Bank is an online-only bank operated by the major credit card brand Discover. Services include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and retirement accounts. 

Consumers earn 1% cash back rewards on all debit card purchases up to $3,000 in a month. When you bank with Discover online and select the direct deposit option, you can get your payroll checks up to two days early.

Discover Bank also offers investment account options like traditional and Roth IRAs. Other benefits include fraud protection, online privacy protection, and 24/7 customer support so you can get answers to your important finance questions whenever you need them.

Unlike other digital banking options, Discover Bank allows you to take out Certificates of Deposit, which is an affordable way to save large sums of money for the future. However, it’s important to note that this bank doesn’t offer consumers the ability to make cash deposits into their accounts.

Key features

• No monthly fees on checking and savings accounts
• Interest rates more than five times the national average

• No minimum balance

• Up to $200 bonus offer for depositing $15,000 to $25,000 in your account within the first 30 days

Best for:

• Individuals needing more robust banking, investment, and long-term savings options.

Varo Bank offers a simple and straightforward online checking and savings account option for consumers who want to bank digitally instead of at a physical branch. You can bank via browser or through the mobile app, and can complete many transactions in person at one of Varo Bank’s thousands of accessible Allpoint ATMs.

You don’t have to worry about paying fees that add up over time. With Varo Bank, there are no monthly fees to use the service, no overdraft fees, no transfer fees, and no foreign transaction fees. With no minimum balance, your initial deposit could be as low as $1, making it extremely easy to set up an account, even if you don’t have access to a lot of financial resources.

Customers get great benefits, including early direct deposit — up to two days ahead of your normal deposit schedule. This can help you make ends meet or better organize your budget so you can stay on top of your finances.

You can also earn a $30 referral bonus if you refer a friend who signs up for banking services and can make cash deposits to your account at popular retail locations like 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy.

Key features

• No minimum deposit
• No minimum balance requirement
• Up to 6% cash back on select purchases
• Access to more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide
• 3% to 5% APY on Varo Bank savings accounts

Best for:

• Consumers who want to simplify their finances
• Users who need a bank account but don’t have a lot of money to deposit

Saving money doesn’t have to be tough with these flexible online financial services. Coupled with other tips and tricks on cutting costs and managing your personal finances, you can start saving up now for the things you need — and want.

You don’t have to take out a loan or sign up for a credit card to make big-ticket purchases like furniture, exercise equipment, or high-tech electronics. And with the perks above, you can get even more back than you put in.

Get started with Accrue Savings today and get on track to flexible, savings-powered payment for the things you need!