Personal Finance
Written by Laura Grace Tarpley, CEPF and Sophia Acevedo; edited by Sarah Silbert; reviewed by Evelyn He
- Best Mobile Banking Apps of July
- Best Mobile Banking App Reviews
- What Makes a Great Mobile Banking App?
- How to Choose the Right App
- Safety Tips
- FAQs
- Why You Should Trust Us
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate banking products to write unbiased product reviews.
It doesn't matter if you prefer to bank in person or if you're comfortable banking online — you're probably going to use mobile banking apps at least occasionally. Strong banking apps let you do the basic things you'd expect to do at an in-person bank branch — deposit checks, speak with a representative, and see your account balances, for example. Many banks and credit unions offer mobile and online banking, but only some of them rate high in mobile app customer satisfaction.
Featured Offer
Chime® Checking Account
On Chime's website
Perks
Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposits
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- No minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
- Receive your paycheck up to 2 days early
- Rounds debit card purchases up to the nearest dollar and puts spare change in your Chime Savings Account
- No overdraft fees for overdrafts up to $200 with SpotMe®, if you qualify
- No foreign transaction fees
- Request checks be sent to recipients online
- Can deposit cash at select retailers
Cons
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
- No overdraft protection for overdrafts exceeding $200
- No physical checkbook
Insider’s Take
Chime has one of the best checking accounts out there, but it doesn't offer joint accounts or pay the best savings rate. Its strongest feature is that it's great for people who might not qualify to open accounts elsewhere — it doesn't check your credit score or banking history when you apply for a checking account, savings account, or credit card. It also provides several credit-building tools.
Chime Checking Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposits
- 60,000+ free ATMs nationwide through MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance
- Free cash deposits at Walgreens; May deposit cash at other select retail locations but you may be charged a fee
- Rounds debit card purchases up to the nearest dollar and moves spare change into your Chime Savings Account
- Qualify for SpotMe® overdraft protection by receiving $200 in direct deposits per month
- Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
Top Mobile Banking Apps for September 2024
- Ally
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Charles Schwab Bank
- Chase
- M&T Bank
- Synchrony Bank
These are our top picks for mobile banking apps. If you're also interested in other useful apps, consider going through our best budgeting apps guide.
Best Mobile Banking App Reviews
The best banking apps have easy-to-use interfaces that make it easy to manage your account. With just a few taps, you should be able to view your account balances, deposit checks, and contact customer support. With some apps, you can also do things like see your balance without logging in or track your credit score.
We have top picks from both brick-and-mortar and online financial institutions, so you have different possibilities to explore.
Ally
Ally Spending Account
Start banking
Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.75/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.10% to 0.25%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- Spending buckets to manage expenses
- Competitive APY
- No initial deposit
- No minimum account balance
- No monthly service charge
- Connect your account with Zelle
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Early direct deposit
- Reimburses up to $10/month in out-of-network ATM fees
- Online bill pay
- 24/7 customer service
- No overdraft fees
- Overdraft protection
Cons
- No physical branch locations
- No way to deposit cash
Ally Spending Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- You can deposit checks right from your smartphone
- Manage expenses by creating spending buckets
- Ally reimburse's up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged at other ATMs nationwide
- Transfer money with your voice through Ally Skill™ for Amazon Alexa
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Through the Ally mobile app you can set up savings or spending buckets that let you save for separate goals, like an "Emergency fund" and "Travel Account." You can also use the Surprise Savings feature to evaluate how much you can afford to save in your checking account, then automatically transfer extra money into savings up to three times per week.
Ally offers 24/7 live customer support, both over the phone and via chat. You can also find nearby ATM locations while using the app.
Some of our other top picks also have better average scores in the Google Play store.
Ally Bank Review
Bank of America
Bank of America Advantage Plus Checking Account
Start banking
Bank of America, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
3.75/5
Perks
Earn $200 bonus for new customers who open a new eligible personal checking account online with qualifying activities (offer expires September 30, 2024)
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$100
Bonus
New Bank of America customers may receive a $200 bonus when you open a new eligible personal checking account online using offer code TWA200CIS, and set up direct deposit for $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening the account (offer expires September 30, 2024)
$200
Pros
- Multiple ways to waive monthly service fee
- Link to savings for free overdraft protection
Cons
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- $12 monthly service fee
- $10 overdraft fee
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Bank of America Advantage Plus review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- New Bank of America customers may receive a $200 bonus when you open a new eligible personal checking account online using offer code TWA200CIS, and set up direct deposit for $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening the account (offer expires September 30, 2024)
- Access to over 3,900 branches and 15,000 ATMs
- Waive $12 monthly service fee by doing one of the following: receive $250/month in direct deposits, keep $1,500 minimum daily balance, enroll in Preferred Rewards, or be a student under age 25
- If you use Balance Connect and link your checking account to a backup account, there's a $0 overdraft protection transfer fee
- FDIC insured
Bank of America is an excellent national banking option for avid mobile users. The brick-and-mortar bank ranks second in banking mobile app satisfaction, according to the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Bank Mobile App Satisfaction Study.
The mobile app has numerous security features. For example, the app has a security meter that visually represents how to increase the level of protection in your account. You can also receive mobile app alerts for your account balance, or order to replace your debit card if it is lost.
Keep in mind Bank of America checking and savings accounts have monthly service fees unless you meet certain requirements. If you want bank accounts that do not charge any monthly service fees the best online banks may be more appealing for you.
Bank of America Review
Capital One
Capital One 360 Checking
Capital One, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.5/5
Perks
Earn $250 when you open a checking account using the code CHECKING250 and receive at least 2 direct deposits, each of $500 or more, within 75 days of account opening
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
See website for details
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
Earn $250 when you open a checking account using the code CHECKING250 and receive at least 2 direct deposits, each of $500 or more, within 75 days of account opening
Earn $250
Pros
- Earn interest on all account balances
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly service fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Range of overdraft protection options
- Processes direct deposits up to 2 days early
Cons
- Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
- Limited access to customer service by phone
Insider’s Take
Capital One is a strong bank overall. You'll earn competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs.
Capital One 360 Checking review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Earn $250 when you open a new account with promo codeCHECKING250 and receive at least 2 direct deposits, each of $500 or more, within 75 days of account opening
- Over 70,000 free ATMs nationwide
- Branches in NY, LA, TX, MD, VA, NJ, and Washington, DC
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
The Capital One mobile app is rated the highest in mobile app customer satisfaction among national banks, according to 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Bank Mobile App Satisfaction Study. You can use the bank's app to deposit checks, track your credit score, or monitor your bank account.
If you're also set on earning a high interest rate on a bank account, bear in mind that other online banks may have more competitive savings or CD rates right now.
Capital One 360 Review
Charles Schwab
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account
Start banking
Charles Schwab, FDIC Insured
Insider’s Rating
4.5/5
Perks
Earn 0.45% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $0 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
0.45%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Pros
- No opening deposit
- No minimum account balance
- Unlimited out-of-network ATM reimbursem*nts
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free overdraft protection
Cons
- No way to deposit cash
Insider’s Take
Charles Schwab Bank is one of the best banks for international travelers, because it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. It also refunds all fees charged by ATMs worldwide. But if you want to earn high interest rates, you're better off looking elsewhere.
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- 24/7 live online chat
- When you open a checking account, you automatically open a Charles Schwab brokerage account, too
- No ATM network, but unlimited ATM fee reimbursem*nts
- Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
- FDIC insured
Charles Schwab lets you invest, save, and spend in the same app. You can use the app to deposit checks or make lists to help monitor market trends.
Some of our other top picks have better Google Play ratings. You must also invest with Charles Schwab to open a checking account.
Charles Schwab Review
Chase
Chase Total Checking®
On Chase's website
Insider’s Rating
3.5/5
Perks
Earn $300 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires on 10/16/2024)
Fees
$12 monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
Earn $300 bonus when you open an account using a coupon code and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment (offer expires on 10/16/2024)
$300
Pros
- No required opening deposit
- Over 4,700 branches
- $300 sign-up bonus
- Free overdraft protection when you link to savings for automatic transfers
Cons
- $12 monthly fee unless you meet direct deposit or minimum balance requirements
- Fees for non-Chase ATMs
- $34 overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees (no fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day)
Insider’s Take
There are several Chase checking accounts, and Chase Total Checking® is the bank's most popular choice. It offers several ways to waive the monthly fee, and you may qualify for a $300 bank account bonus. But if you want perks like early direct deposit or waived out-of-network ATM fees, one of Chase's other options could be a better fit.
Chase Total Checking review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees 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 bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Through the Chase mobile app, you can manage your bank accounts, investments, and credit card/card points. You may track your credit score or deposit checks.
The Chase mobile app allows you to set up automatic savings transfers and create folders for separate savings goals, like "Vacation Fund" or "College Savings." The mobile app is rated highly in customer satisfaction among national banks, according to the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Bank Mobile App Satisfaction Study.
While Chase offers strong mobile banking, you'll need to be mindful of monthly service fees. Most of the accounts have ways to waive fees, but if you would prefer a fee-free bank account you might prefer another bank.
Chase Bank Review
M&T Bank
M&T Bank EZChoice Checking
Start saving
M&T Bank, FDIC Insured
Insider’s Rating
4/5
Perks
Earn $100 bonus when you make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 10/31/2024)
Fees
None
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Opening Deposit
$25
Bonus
Earn $100 bonus when you make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500 within 90 days of account opening (offer expires 10/31/2024)
$100
Pros
- You may qualify for a $100 sign-up bonus
- $25 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly fees
- Free paper and electronic statements
- Unlimited check writing
- Only charges 1 overdraft fee per day
- No overdraft protection fee if you set up a savings account for overdraft transfers
Cons
- $3 out-of-network ATM fee
- $15 overdraft fee
- $8 overdraft protection fee when you use funds from your M&T credit card or an overdraft line of credit
Insider’s Take
M&T Bank is a solid option if you live near a branch and prefer in-person banking to online banking. It also offers CDs with fixed and variable rates.
Product Details
- Around 1,000 branches in 12 US states and DC
- Over 1,600 free ATMs
- To receive $100 bonus, open a new account by 10/31/2024 and make at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits in the first 90 days; funds will appear in your account within 90 days of meeting the requirements; visit website or branch for promo code
- Link to a Relationship Savings account, and you won't pay a monthly fee on savings
- Member FDIC
M&T Bank ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction for a regional bank, according to the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Bank Mobile App Satisfaction Study.
M&T mobile banking lets you track spending and make budgets with M&T Money Smart. You'll also have access to many standard banking features. For example, you'll be able to view your account balances, make mobile check deposits, use Zelle, and manage any debit or credit cards.
The bank has over 700 branches in the U.S. but its locations are primarily on the East Coast.
Synchrony
Synchrony Money Market Account
Start banking
Synchrony Bank, Member FDIC
Insider’s Rating
4.75/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.25%
Minimum Opening Deposit
$0
Bonus
N/A
Pros
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- No monthly service fee
- Comes with an ATM card and paper checks
Cons
- No physical branch locations
- Earn a higher interest rate with other online banks
- Only reimburses $5/month in out-of-network ATM fees
Insider’s Take
Synchrony Bank's money market account stands out because it has paper checks and an ATM card, which give you easy access to your savings. But the interest rate is just so-so.
Synchrony Money Market Account review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Access your cash online, by phone, or via ATM
- No opening deposit or minimum account balance
- Comes with a debit card and paper checks
You can your credit cards and bank accounts in the same app. Synchrony also has mobile check deposit and offers tips to help you learn about personal finance and managing your money.
Synchrony doesn't have a checking account.
Synchrony Bank Review
What Makes a Great Mobile Banking App?
User Interface and Experience of Mobile Banking
Top-rated mobile banking apps are easy to navigate. You should be able to view your current account balance on your bank accounts and cards either right when logging in or through a widget feature. A strong mobile app will also let you manage your accounts and reach out to customer support with just a few taps. The app's interface should be organized, with tabs or a table of contents that clearly outlines where everything in the app is.
Security Features of Mobile Banking
Most mobile banking apps have multi-factor authentication. You can set up this feature by checking your app's settings. Mobile banking apps also have encryption so you can securely send money between bank accounts and to external bank accounts from other financial institutions. If you lose a debit or credit card, many mobile apps allow you to lock your card so it cannot be used.
Budgeting and Savings Tools of Mobile Banking
Budgeting and savings tools are another perk for many mobile banking apps.
Some banks, like Ally, have the features incorporated in the bank accounts. For example, some savings account have buckets so you can set individual savings goals.
Other banks offer tools to help see the bigger picture of your budgeting and spending. You might be able to create a monthly budget or get analysis of your monthly spending and cash flow.
Customer Support on a Mobile App
Many mobile banking apps will allow you to contact customer support straight through the app. You'll be able to send a secure message and a representative will reach out to you promptly. Some banks even have 24/7 customer service.
How to Choose the Right Mobile Banking App for You
When you're switching banks or opening a new bank account, a bank's mobile app can be important factor that can help you distinguish whether a bank is the right fit for you.
When you're evaluating a mobile app, it's important to see what features are available and which aren't. For example, not every bank app has a mobile check deposit feature. It helps to figure out which features you prioritize most in your mobile banking experience. You can use that to narrow down some banking options. Then, think about your overall banking experience — which bank accounts and services you want — to help you find the best bank for you.
Tips for Using Mobile Banking Apps Safely
Enabling Security Features
To increase your mobile banking apps safety, make sure you review all the app's security features so you are familiar with how they work. If possible, use multi-factor authentication so that you can verify your login identity when you're signing into your account.
Monitoring Account Activity
Reviewing your bank account balance is also important so you can detect any instances of fraud. Bank account fraud can happen if someone gets your account or card information and uses it to make unauthorized purchases.
It's important to notify your bank immediately when fraud happens, so that the bank can conduct an investigation. Timeliness can also impact how much money you may be liable for when an unauthorized transaction takes place.
Best Mobile Banking Apps FAQs
What are the best features to look for in a mobile banking app?
The best features to look for in a mobile app include user-friendly app structure, strong security features for cards and accounts, money management and budgeting tools and a secure message method to contact to customer support.
Are mobile banking apps safe to use?
Yes, it is safe to use a mobile app for banking as long as the financial institution you're using is trustworthy. Your money is still FDIC- or NCUA-insured no matter where you bank from, and reputable banks have security protocols that apply to mobile banking too.
Can I use multiple mobile banking apps?
Yes, you can use multiple mobile banking apps if you bank with several different financial institutions.
Do mobile banking apps have fees?
Most banking apps are free when you have an account with the bank. But keep in mind that the accounts themselves could come with some fees. Some banks charge monthly service fees, unless you qualify to waive them. You could also pay fees for overdraft fees, ATM fees, or foreign transaction fees.
How do I ensure my data is secure on a mobile banking app?
You can ensure your data is secure on a mobile app by using multi-factor authentication and setting a strong password. To make sure your accounts and cards are secure, also regularly review your mobile app so you can quickly respond to any instances of fraud.
What can I do on a banking app?
At the very least, you should be able to use your banking app to check your account balances, transfer money between your own bank accounts, deposit paper checks with the app's camera, and find customer service contact information. The top banking apps have even more robust features, such as showing all of your financial information in one place, 24/7 live chat, or automatic savings tools.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on the Best Mobile Banking Apps
We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best mobile banking app for your needs.
- Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider
- Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, BoujieBudgets.com
Here's what they had to say about mobile banking apps. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
What should I look for in a mobile banking app?
Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, BoujieBudgets.com:
"What kind of push notifications do they offer? Do they offer push notifications for when you swipe your card or if money is deposited into your account? Also, what's the customer support like? Do they have a 24/7 phone number available? Emails? Do they have a chat box?"
Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider:
"I think it's important for a mobile banking app to have mobile check deposit and features that help you understand your spending. Maybe there's a feature that can help you save for specific goals or track your cash flow."
What makes a strong mobile banking app?
Sophia Acevedo:
"I think strong mobile app should be as straightforward as possible. You should be able to easily navigate the app and utilize the features without running into any technical difficulties."
Mykail James, MBA, CFEI:
"One thing that I love for banks to do is when they offer a virtual debit card or credit card. Sometimes I don't always have a physical card with me. "
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Mobile Banking Apps
To choose our favorite banking apps, we only looked at apps with at least 5,000 reviews in both the Apple and Google Play stores. Then we narrowed it down to apps with strong average ratings in both stores.
We selected apps for banks that are available in a large chunk of the United States. This could mean that a bank has branches in multiple states, or that it operates online.
Our top picks have competitive products that set them apart from other institutions. For example, a bank may pay high interest rates, have tools to help you save money, or offer early direct deposit. Where applicable, we also looked at customer satisfaction ratings on J.D. Power surveys.
Personal Finance Reviews Editor
Laura Grace Tarpley (she/her) is an expert in mortgage rates, refinance rates, lenders, bank accounts, and borrowing and savings tips for Personal Finance Insider. She worked on Business Insider's "The Road to Home" series, which won a Silver award from the National Associate of Real Estate Editors.She has written about personal finance for over seven years. Before joining the Business Insider team, she was a freelance finance writer for companies like SoFi and The Penny Hoarder, as well as an editor at FluentU.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Banking Editor
Sophia Acevedo is a banking editor at Business Insider. She has spent three years as a personal finance journalist and is an expert across numerous banking topics.ExperienceSophia leads Personal Finance Insider's banking coverage, including reviews, guides, reference articles, and news. She edits and updates articles about banks, checking and savings accounts, CD rates, budgeting, and general saving. Sophia was also a part of Business Insider's 2024 series "My Financial Life," which focused on telling stories that could help people live and spend better.Before joining Business Insider, Sophia worked as a journalist at her college newspaper and was a freelance writer. She has spent seven years writing and editing as a journalist.Sophia was nominated for an Axel Springer Award for Change in 2023 for her coverage of ABLE accounts, tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities. She was also a winner of a 2018 California Journalism Awards Campus Contest for her photography.She loves helping people find the best solutions for their unique needs and hopes that more people will find the tools to solve their financial problems. She’s inspired by stories of everyday people adapting to their financial circ*mstances and overcoming their fears around money.ExpertiseSophia's expertise includes:
- Bank accounts
- Savings and CD rate trends
- Budgeting
- Saving
- How banks operate
EducationSophia graduated from California State University Fullerton with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science.Sophia is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.She is an avid reader across a variety of genres, and she started running in 2021. She ran in the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon.
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