Best Checking Accounts in Missouri for 2024
Finding the right checking account is no small order, but if you look around, you can find the best banking experience.
For many consumers, doing business with a local bank adds up because of the community benefits these organizations offer.
To find out what local banks can provide, continue reading this page. You’ll discover some of the best checking accounts in Missouri and good reasons to do business with a community bank.
Also, if you’re interested in trying online banking, we provide information on what you can expect.
Compare Missouri and Online Checking Accounts
Is an online bank the best choice for you? What about a local bank?
Both have a lot to offer, but there are some notable differences, which are detailed below.
Best Checking Accounts in Missouri
If you’re interested in banking close to home, we can help. Below are among the best checking accounts in Missouri to give you a glimpse of what’s available.
First Federal Bank of Kansas City
First Federal Bank of Kansas City offers checking accounts that can be opened with a $25 initial deposit. Customers also have access to free mobile banking and e-statements.
For basic services, the First Free Checking account provides unlimited check writing, and you’re not required to have a minimum balance to maintain the account.
If you want to get interest on your balance, First Federal Bank of Kansas City’s Premier Interest Checking account provides unlimited check writing and waives monthly fees when you maintain at least a $500 daily balance or receive monthly direct deposits.
Mid-Missouri Bank
Mid-Missouri Bank offers checking accounts that work best for your needs.
If you’re interested in receiving interest on your checking account, the bank’s Free Kasasa Cash® Checking account provides a healthy interest rate and refunds on ATM withdrawal fees up to $25 per month.
This account has no monthly service fee and can be opened with a $25 initial deposit. If you want to earn rewards, the Free Kasasa Cash Back Checking account allows you to receive money on debit card purchases with no category restrictions.
HOMEBANK
If you want interest checking, HOMEBANK offers E-Premier Checking accounts that qualify to earn the annual percentage yield with just a $0.01 minimum balance.
These accounts can be opened with a $50 minimum deposit, and customers receive free online and mobile banking services and bill pay.
For those who maintain higher balances, the Preferred Checking requires a $500 balance to bear interest, and customers must maintain this amount to avoid the $10 monthly balance fee.
Where to Find the Lowest Checking Account Fees
You could be paying too much in checking account fees each month.
Check out some of our top checking account picks for those who want to save on checking account fees and enjoy the convenience of online banking.
Pros & Cons of Local Banks
Doing business with local banks may sound like a great idea, but it’s essential to have a realistic picture of what it’s like.
The following are some pros and cons of opening a checking account at local banks in Missouri.
Pros
- Local banks prioritize the needs of the community, so you’re able to receive more customized service.
- Local banks invest in businesses in the community, which helps to create jobs and boost the economy.
- If you’re applying for a loan or credit card, local banks may decide faster than national banks because there is less red tape for applicants.
Cons
- Local banks may not have the same cutting-edge financial service options that bigger banks may offer.
- Local banks may have a limited number of ATMs available in their network, which can mean you are charged fees for making withdrawals.
- In some cases, local banks may not provide access to banking apps.
Online Checking for Missouri Residents
Just as there are some really good local banks, there are also online banks that may be just as good to do business with.
Review the examples below to get an idea of the online checking accounts available to Missouri residents.
Axos Checking
Axos Bank offers a range of checking accounts designed to cater to various customer needs.
Their primary accounts include Essential Checking, Rewards Checking, CashBack Checking, and Golden Checking.
Essential Checking is a standard checking account with features no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. Rewards Checking pays interest, contingent on meeting specific direct deposit and transaction requirements.
CashBack Checking allows customers to earn up to 1% cash back on signature-based purchases.
Golden Checking, targeted at those aged 55 and older, provides interest on balances and various fee waivers.
All accounts boast convenient online and mobile banking services, with features like bill pay, mobile check deposit, and personal finance management tools.
However, some accounts have minimum balance requirements and transaction stipulations to qualify for benefits, which might be restrictive for some users.
One Banking
One Finance’s One Mobile Banking offers a modern, app-based banking experience.
The primary features include a high-yield APY on savings balances and no monthly maintenance fees, making it appealing for cost-conscious consumers.
Users can also earn a competitive APY on “Auto-Save” balances, which are funds automatically set aside from direct deposits.
The account includes a unique “Pockets” system for budgeting, allowing users to allocate funds into separate categories for better financial management.
One Mobile Banking supports early direct deposit, providing access to funds up to two days earlier than traditional banks.
The account includes fee-free overdraft protection and cashback offers on debit card purchases.
However, One Finance lacks physical branches, which may be a drawback for those who prefer in-person banking services.
Additionally, while the app is robust, it may require a learning curve for users new to digital-only banking.
Found Checking
Found Business Checking offers a streamlined, digital banking solution tailored for freelancers and small business owners.
This account emphasizes simplicity and efficiency with no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees.
Found integrates robust expense tracking and tax tools directly into the account, automatically categorizing expenses and calculating tax estimates, which can be a significant advantage for self-employed individuals.
The account includes unlimited transactions and free ACH transfers, enhancing its appeal for active business users.
Found also offers a Visa business debit card, allowing for seamless spending and withdrawals. However, the lack of physical branches may be a drawback for those who prefer traditional banking interactions.
Additionally, while the account provides essential business banking features, it may lack some advanced services required by larger businesses, such as credit lines or more complex financial products.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Now that you’ve seen some examples of online banks, you may think you’re ready to start a checking account.
First, you should know precisely what it’s like to do your banking online.
Look at the pros and cons below before opening an account at any online bank.
Pros
- Online banks often have no fees, or when they do, these charges tend to be low.
- The interest rates offered by online banks are likely to be higher than those offered by traditional banks.
- If you’re looking for robust online services, you may be able to get more from an online bank, such as mobile apps with more features.
Cons
- There are no branches, so that won’t be an option if you prefer face-to-face banking.
- Service may be more impersonal from an online bank.
- If you make frequent withdrawals, you may incur a lot of fees.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Missouri
Everyone wants the best checking account in Missouri they can find. However, what one consumer considers to be the best may not be the best for another.
Do you make a lot of withdrawals, so you’re concerned about ATM fees?
Are you looking for an account that bears interest?
Is mobile banking important to you?
These are all factors to consider, and we discuss each of them and more below.
Monthly Fees
Monthly maintenance fees may not be avoidable, depending on which bank you choose.
However, the best banks will either not charge fees or allow you to waive those fees through habits like maintaining a certain account balance.
Other Fees
Other fees that banks charge can add up. However, there are some ways to mitigate those costs.
For example, limiting the number of withdrawals you make from the ATM network is an excellent way to keep fees down.
In some cases, banks may waive ATM fees up to a certain amount, so be sure to keep an eye out on how many withdrawals you make each month.
Other charges may include insufficient funds, overdraft, or paper statement fees.
ATM and Branch Access
You want to have as much access to your money as possible.
The best checking accounts in Missouri will give you the most access to ATMs and branches. Short of that, you want to have a checking account at a bank that doesn’t charge fees for using ATMs outside of their network, which can become quite expensive if you make a lot of withdrawals.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
Typically, you won’t earn interest on a checking account, though more and more banks, especially online banks, are offering this benefit.
This may be available to customers who have high balances, for example.
Certain bonuses, such as referring friends and family when they open a bank account, may be available. Cash-back bonuses may be available for purchases made on debit cards.
Mobile Banking
If you’re interested in mobile banking, then the best checking accounts in Missouri will offer apps with the most features. From account management to funds transfers to alerts, banks that provide the most convenience with their apps will be a good choice for anyone comfortable with virtual banking.
What to Know About Missouri Checking Accounts
- In Missouri, a checking account is considered inactive when it has not been used for at least twelve months. Banks are required to notify customers about their inactive account status, and fees may be charged on these accounts.
- When a checking account has been inactive for five years, it’s considered abandoned, and the funds are transferred to an abandoned fund account.
- Banks are not required to cash a check that is more than six months old unless it is a certified check.
