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APY Calculator
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Essential Checking
Fee-free checking with all the perks.
All your banking essentials – for free. Early direct deposit.* Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. No overdraft, non-sufficient funds, or monthly maintenance fees.
Say goodbye to bank fees for good.
Top 20 Checking Accounts 2023
GOBankingRates
Among the Best Online Banks 2023
Forbes Advisor
Best for Online Account Options
Business Insider
Essential Checking is anything but basic.
Direct Deposit Express
Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
No overdraft, non-sufficient funds, or monthly maintenance fees
Exclusive Visa® offers and perks
Ready to open a no-fee Essential Checking account?
Direct Deposit Express
Get paid up to two days early*
Simple, fast, and free
Included for Essential Checking customers with direct deposit
Helpful Banking Features
Invite Friends
Help a friend bank smarter. When they meet our welcome bonus requirements, we’ll deposit $50 into your account – and theirs!
Peer-to-Peer Payments
Pay your friends directly from your account. All you need is their mobile number or email. It’s fast, easy, and secure.
Account Alerts
Stay up-to-date on your activity. Turn on alerts and get real-time updates on your account activity.
Opening an Account Is as Easy as 1-2-3
Step 1: Select Open an Account.
Step 2: Have your ID, Social Security number, and address handy.
Step 3: Complete your application in less than 15 minutes.
Manage Essential Checking With the Axos App
View your transactions and spending history.
Get answers 24/7 with Evo, our virtual assistant.
Set up auto alerts for any strange activity you don’t recognize.
Move money to other accounts or send money to friends.
Enable security measures to keep your money safe.
Why bank with Axos?
Low-to-No Fees
When we say free, we mean it. Take your money further with zero monthly fees.
Innovative Tools
We make banking easier with early direct deposit, online wire transfers, biometric identification, and more.
Over 90K ATMs
Enjoy the freedom to withdraw cash from thousands of ATMs across the nation –without worrying about fees.
Security You Can Count On
2-Step Authentication
For identity verification, we ask questions that only you know the answer to or we'll send a security code to your registered device.
Automatic Logout
Inactive sessions are automatically logged out to prevent unauthorized data collection or use of your accounts.
SSL Encryption
Our 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption ensures your data remains private and secure.
Account Monitoring
All accounts are regularly monitored for potential fraud.
Anti-Virus and Malware Protection
We execute regular updates to detect and prevent viruses and malicious software.
Usernames and Passwords
We do not and will not share your usernames or passwords.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to open your free Essential Checking account? All you need is a valid ID, your Social Security number, and 15 minutes.
Essential Checking FAQs
What is an online checking account?
An online checking account is an account which is open at an online bank and is therefore managed completely online. Typically, these accounts allow you to deposit money, transfer money, and check your balance – all online.
Is an Essential Checking account free?
An Essential Checking account at Axos Bank is a free account. There are no minimum opening or daily balance requirements and no fees. There are also no overdraft or non-sufficient fund fees.
Is my free checking account really free?
Not all free checking accounts are created equal. Be sure to read the fine print and disclosures to familiarize yourself with any fees or penalties associated with your free checking account.
That said, the Essential Checking account at Axos Bank is completely free. No fees, no balance requirements, no hoops.
What happens if I overdraw my Essential Checking account?
There are no overdraft or non-sufficient funds fees with an Essential Checking account.
Do I get a debit card with my Essential Checking account?
To get a debit card with your Essential Checking account, just select the debit card option when applying for the account.
Already applied? No worries. Just log in online or in the mobile app and send us a secure message asking for a debit card. We’ll get right on it!
How do I manage my Essential Checking account?
You can deposit, withdrawal, pay bills, and send peer to peer payments from your Essential Checking account all from the palm of your hand. Sign in or download the mobile app to get started.
Is my Essential Checking account secure?
At Axos Bank, your security is our priority. As a member of the FDIC, all deposit accounts, including Essential Checking accounts, are insured up to $250,000 individual and $500,000 joint.
Concerned about cybersecurity? So are we. We employ state-of-the-art technology to detect and prevent cyber intrusions. Learn more about how Axos keeps you safe on our Security Center.
What if I want to earn interest on my checking account?
If you’re looking to earn interest on checking, explore our interest bearing checking account, Rewards Checking, for up to 3.30% APY1.
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