Best Checking Accounts in Virginia for 2025
Some of the nation’s first banks are in Virginia, but there are also plenty of newcomers, especially online banks. Here’s what to expect from online and local banks as you look to find the best checking accounts in Virginia to house your hard-earned money.
Compare Virginia and Online Checking Accounts
Online banks have pros and cons, just as local banks do. Which one will work best for you? To determine that, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you more comfortable with banking in person or online?
- Do you prefer a mobile app or visiting a branch?
- Do you need an ATM card to access your money?
- How often do you withdraw money?
- Do you ever need to deposit cash?
- Are you willing to pay bank fees?
- Does strong customer service matter to you?
- Do you want to earn interest on your money?
Compare Local Virginia and Online Checking Accounts
Best Checking Accounts in Virginia
To find the best checking accounts for you, it’s best to compare the options out there. Here are some of the best banks in Virginia to take your hard-earned money.
Virginia Credit Union
Virginia Credit Union offers five checking account options, all designed to serve different types of customers.
Regular Checking has no fees, no minimum balance, and can be opened with just $20. Extra Credit Checking is for those who are between the ages of 13 and 22; it earns interest on as little as $1 in the account.
Checking Plus and Advanced Benefit Checking provide interest-bearing accounts for those who want more bells and whistles. Encore Checking is available for those who are starting over with their financial lives. It costs $9.95. After one year, those with accounts in good standing can convert their accounts to a more typical option.
Oak View National Bank
Customers at Oak View National Bank can enjoy one of several types of checking accounts.
The Free Kasasa Cash Checking earns competitive interest and provides refunds for foreign bank ATMs. There are no maintenance fees.
Other accounts include Cash Back Checking, which gives cash back on debit card purchases, and Premier Checking, which requires a $2,500 daily balance to avoid the $10 monthly fee. Oak View Free Checking is the basic account that can get you started, with no fees, free bill pay, a robust mobile app, and free ATM use on the MoneyPass and Pulse networks.
Dollar Bank
Created for those in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia, Dollar Bank offers three checking accounts. The first is Free Checking, which requires nothing to open. The use of any ATM that isn’t Dollar Bank branded results in a $2.50 fee. The next step up is No Overdraft Checking, which has a $5 fee but offers free ATMs at the AllPoint network. Last but not least is the Everything Checking. This one earns interest on your money while requiring no fees if you have an average $2,500 collected balance among all accounts. All ATM usage is free, and you get discounts on a variety of things from bank partners.
Compare Checking Accounts & Find the Best Offers
Find a variety of checking account promotions in the table below and get the best bank deal you qualify for.
Pros and Cons of Local Banks
Local banks provide a wealth of convenience and hometown pride. But there are some downsides, too.
Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of local banks in Virginia.
Pros
- Local banks have abundant branches and often have strong websites, too.
- Expect to find a full suite of services here, including auto loans or money market accounts.
- You’ll find a big network of fee-free ATMs that are in convenient locations around town.
- The local area benefits when banks give back to the community.
Cons
- Interest rates at local banks will likely be lower than what you can find with online banks.
- Branches are open during normal business hours; that’s tough for those who work 9 to 5.
- Customer service is robust in person, but perhaps not so much via phone or email.
Online Checking for Virginia Residents
Virginia residents looking to bank online have a wide variety of options. Reading reviews about the many banks available can help you make an informed decision.
Read on to learn more about your options.
Current
Current is a modern banking platform offering a feature-rich spending account designed for convenience and financial control. It includes a Visa debit card with no minimum balance requirements or hidden fees. Users can access direct deposits up to two days early and enjoy fee-free withdrawals at over 40,000 ATMs.
The account stands out for its advanced money management tools. Its savings feature, “Savings Pods,” helps users set goals and automatically save with round-ups. Real-time spending notifications and budgeting insights provide financial clarity.
Current also supports mobile wallet integration and offers unique features like gas hold refunds. However, it lacks traditional banking services such as physical branches and cash deposits outside select retailers.
Overall, Current is ideal for tech-savvy individuals seeking a streamlined, low-cost banking experience with robust savings tools and early access to paychecks.
Greenlight
Greenlight is a banking platform designed specifically for families. It offers financial tools to help kids learn money management. The account includes a debit card for kids with parental controls, real-time notifications, and spending limits.
Parents can set allowances, automate savings, and assign chores through the app. Kids can save toward goals and invest with parental approval, promoting financial literacy from an early age. Greenlight’s educational features, including financial lessons, make it a standout choice for families.
The account charges a monthly fee based on the plan selected, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious families. However, the platform’s robust features and family-focused tools provide significant value.
Overall, Greenlight is ideal for parents looking to teach their children financial responsibility while maintaining oversight and encouraging positive money habits through a hands-on, interactive platform.
One
One is a digital banking platform that combines spending, saving, and borrowing into a single account. It features a debit card with no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or overdraft charges. Users can receive direct deposits up to two days early and access a network of fee-free ATMs.
One’s standout feature is its “Pockets” system, which organizes money into separate categories for budgeting, saving, and paying down debt. Its high-yield savings Pocket offers competitive interest rates, helping users grow their savings faster. The “Credit Builder” feature also supports credit score improvement through on-time payments.
While One excels in money management and credit-building tools, it lacks physical branches and certain traditional banking services.
One is an excellent choice for those seeking an all-in-one digital banking experience with innovative budgeting and saving features, credit-building support, and early paycheck access.
Pros and Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Online checking accounts have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages.
Here are some pros and cons when looking for an online checking account in Virginia.
Pros
- You can often find higher interest rates at online banks.
- There are often perks for new signups that might be better than what you find at local banks.
- Mobile apps must be very strong, as they are required for banking online.
- Customer service is often very good and available 24/7 via chat, email, phone, and text.
Cons
- Some online banks have branches in retail centers in large metro areas; otherwise, banking is entirely virtual.
- Online banks don’t often have a full suite of services available.
- Automated systems are the norm but make it hard to get in touch with a real person.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Virginia
Are you ready to sign up for a checking account in Virginia? Here are some points to remember.
Monthly Fees
Though you can find free checking, most banks charge a monthly fee. However, it’s quite easy to waive that fee in most cases — sometimes, you can even waive the fee by opting for paper statements.
Decide if waiving the fee is something you can easily do, and if not, are you willing to pay the monthly fee imposed by the bank?
Other Checking Fees
Even free checking comes with fees related to other bank options. For instance, you might pay a fee for a cashier’s check, wire transfer (incoming or outgoing), paper statements, overdrafts, and the like. Read the fine print to determine what checking fees are required and whether you are okay with them.
ATM and Branch Access
Most local and online banks will offer a vast ATM network. Some will provide reimbursement for a certain amount of ATM fees charged by foreign banks. If you usually bank via ATM, having a fee-free ATM nearby can save you hundreds in fees over a year.
Interest Rates and Bonuses
Look for banks that offer good interest on your checking account. Keep in mind that interest is usually awarded on savings accounts and not on checking, so the rates might be lower than the most competitive rates.
However, there is also the opportunity to actually earn money by simply staying in good standing with your bank. These perks are usually spelled out for you when you sign up.
Mobile Banking Apps
Banking online requires a strong app and website presence. If you want to bank online, even if you have chosen a local bank, ensure a good app is in place. It should be intuitive, offer all the features you need on a day-to-day basis, and allow you to check on your money at any time.
What to Know About Virginia Checking Accounts
Still curious about checking and savings accounts in Virginia? Here are some interesting facts.
Banks in Virginia are not required to honor checks older than six months. However, some banks will honor an older check if the depositor’s account is in good standing.
New laws in 2024 allow banks in Virginia to report if they believe a third party is taking advantage of an elderly person’s financial life. Reporting financial abuse can help ensure that Virginia’s senior residents remain safe and solvent.
Those who are under the age of 15 must have a custodian on their account; however, with the permission of a parent or guardian, those over the age of 15 can handle their account on their own.
