Best Checking Accounts in Oklahoma for 2024

Written by Kenya McCullum

Financial Expert

Edited by Kristin Marino

Managing Editor

Small business is the lifeblood of any community and many consumers prefer to buy goods and services that keep money circulating close to home.

Similarly, local banks in Oklahoma are a good choice for community-minded consumers who like businesses that contribute to the areas they live in.

If you’re looking for a home for your money, you may want to consider one of the best checking accounts in Oklahoma for this reason.

Continue reading for information about specific banks that call the Sooner State home. Also, if you’re curious about what it’s like to do business with an online bank, we provide a look at that experience.

Compare Oklahoma and Online Checking Accounts

Are you considering what type of bank account you want? As more and more people are becoming open to virtual banking, you may be interested in giving it a try. But you still want to compare the experience of online banks to that of brick-and-mortar options.

Below we compare and contrast Oklahoma and online checking accounts to illustrate how they both stack up.

Best Checking Accounts in Oklahoma

Are you not sure which of the best checking accounts in Oklahoma you want to open? Let’s look at the options below.

Oklahoma Fidelity Bank

All checking account customers at Oklahoma Fidelity Bank have access to online banking and bill pay, mobile banking (including check deposits), electronic statements, cashback for debit card purchases, and unlimited check writing. If you want a basic account, you may get the free checking account, which can be opened with $25.

If you want an interest-bearing option, the bank offers its relationship checking account, which is for those who maintain $10,000 in their account. The minimum opening deposit is also $25.

First National Bank of Oklahoma

For consumers who are at least 55 years old, First National Bank of Oklahoma offers the Freedom Checking account. This account provides free checks and cashier’s checks, unlimited check writing, eStatements, a debit card, and free online and mobile banking services.

The bank’s First Checking account also offers some of the same services, such as unlimited check writing, free checks, a debit card, and access to free online and mobile banking. However, customers are subject to a minimum opening deposit requirement and monthly fees.

City National Bank

City National Bank offers a Personal Checking account that includes access to a debit card, online banking, fraud alerts, and unlimited check writing. For those who open the Elite Checking account, they also receive these benefits along with bill pay, early pay, and refunds for ATM withdrawals that are made out of network. With both accounts, a monthly fee is charged if the balance falls below a certain amount.

Which Banks Have the Best Checking Accounts?

Find a variety of checking account promotions in the table below and get the best checking account deals.

Pros & Cons of Local Banks

Local banks can provide a wonderful experience for consumers, but like any other type of business, they come with benefits and drawbacks.

Online Checking for Oklahoma Residents

Although local banks have a lot to offer, you shouldn’t write off the possibility of doing business with an online bank.

Online banks can also be a good choice for your needs, especially if you are already comfortable doing business online regularly.

Below are some of the best online checking accounts for Oklahoma residents to give you an idea of how they can help with your financial goals.

Bank5 Connect Checking

The Bank5 Connect checking account offers a competitive APY with no monthly maintenance fees, requiring only a $100 minimum balance to earn interest.

Benefits include free ATM access with up to $15 in monthly reimbursements, cash back rewards, and early access to direct deposits.

Users can manage their account through online and mobile banking, including features like bill pay and Zelle transfers. However, there is a $1 fee for mailed paper statements, which is waived for eStatements, and the account may lack the comprehensive features of larger banking institutions.

Schwab Bank Online Checking

Charles Schwab’s online checking account, designed for travelers and investors, offers unique features like no monthly fees or account minimums and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.

This account pairs seamlessly with a linked Schwab One® brokerage account, which is necessary to open it, and includes FDIC insurance up to $250,000.

It offers free standard checks and access to mobile banking, making it especially appealing for those who value easy cash access and investing flexibility.

SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account offers high interest rates, zero fees, and fee-free access to 55,000 ATMs. The account also include features like overdraft protection, early access to direct deposits, and access to SoFi’s integrated tools for spending, budgeting, and saving.

SoFi members gain exclusive benefits such as career coaching, financial planning, and rewards through SoFi’s debit card and automated savings tools, making these accounts both versatile and supportive for short-term and long-term financial goals.

While SoFi’s Checking and Savings account offers high interest and useful features, it lacks branch access, which may not appeal to customers who prefer in-person banking. Additionally, customer support is primarily online and through mobile, which may not suit those who need in-depth assistance.

Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts

Chances are, you already do a lot of your business online, so you’re aware of the ups and downs that come with it.

What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Oklahoma

Not all banks are created equally, so just offering accounts isn’t enough.

Consumers will weigh their options to decide which type of checking account is the right choice for them, and the following are some of the criteria they consider.

Access

Storing your money is great, but you also want to have access to your funds when you need them. You don’t want to go through a lot of steps to get your money, so the best checking accounts in Oklahoma provide multiple options.

You want a bank that provides debit cards and a large network of ATMs that allow you to make transactions when it’s most convenient for you, no matter where you happen to be. Also, having access to different types of transfers — whether you want to move money between accounts within your bank or get transfers from another bank — you want as many options as you can get.

Fees

Checking account fees add up, so you don’t want to lose your money to exorbitant charges that may accrue on your account.

One type of fee to think about is the monthly fee that a bank may charge to maintain your account. Some banks charge no monthly fees, or very low ones. Also, in some cases, you may be able to get these fees waived if you keep a certain amount of money in your bank account.

Another type of fee to look at is for ATM transactions. If your bank has a lot of ATMs in its network, then you don’t have to worry about being charged fees when you make withdrawals. However, when you do get charged ATM fees for making withdrawals outside of the network, the best banks will waive them a certain number of times per month.

Perks

Having a great place to hold your money is why you want one of the best checking accounts in Oklahoma. However, the perks make the experience much, much better.

If you’re interested in mobile banking, you want a bank with an app that allows you to do as much with your account as possible. Some apps are very basic, so you may only be able to view your balances or make transfers from one internal bank account to another. If you want more features, the best banks will have an app that allows peer-to-peer transfers, and even provide access to financial management tools.

Also, if you’re interested in an account that maximizes your money, the best checking accounts in Oklahoma will offer interest, which is not common for these products. Some other perks may include signing bonuses for opening an account and the ability to earn rewards for purchases on debit cards.

What to Know About Oklahoma Checking Accounts

• Oklahoma banks are not obligated to cash a check that is not certified if it’s presented six months after the issue date.
• When someone is an authorized user of a bank account, they’re able to sign checks made on that account. They can also make deposits, get account information, and obtain copies of the checks they sign.
• If a bank closes on a weekday that is not a legal holiday, it is still responsible for paying checks or returning them. This must be done by midnight.
• Minors are allowed to open checking accounts, and can have their checks cashed by that bank. However, parents can give the bank written notice to deny this service if they don’t give the minor permission to cash checks or make withdrawals.