Best Premium Checking Accounts
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHCâ„¢
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHCâ„¢
Many people use a checking account to pay for day-to-day expenses and bills. If you keep high balances, you may benefit from a premium checking account. Premium checking accounts offer perks like higher interest, lower fees and special rewards.
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BEST PREMIUM ACCOUNTS
Bank/Institution
Ratings
Premium Checking APY
Key Highlights
Find Out More
Best For Premium Checking Accounts
Mobile App
Account Perks
Chase Private Client Checking Account
Best National Banks
N/A
Mobile App
Account Perks
Regular Checking Account Citigold® Tier
Best for Investment Services
Contact Bank
Low Monthly Fees
Loan Options
Comerica Platinum Circle Checking Account
Best for Premium Checking Accounts
Checking Accounts
Mobile App
Max-Rate Checking Account
Best for Premium Checking Accounts
Contact Bank
Personalized Service
In-Branch Banking
Santander Private Client Checking
More About the Best Premium Checking Accounts Winners
Where It Stands Out
National Banks
Premium Accounts
Branch Locations
Mobile App
Account Perks
Interest-Earning and Fee Waivers Available
Chase Premier Plus Checking offers interest-earning benefits and options to waive fees with qualifying balances or accounts, along with access to an extensive branch network.
Fees
$25, waivable
APY
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- Interest-earning
- Chase Ovedraft AssistSM
- No fees for money orders or cashier's checks
Cons
- High balance of $150,000 required to waive monthly fee
- May find higher rates elsewhere
Why We Like Chase
Chase's Premium Plus Checking boasts an extensive network, meaning you can find a branch to handle your premium banking needs whenever and wherever you need, as long as the fees or minimum balance requirements to waive that fee are within your budget.
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Where It Stands Out
National Banks
Checking Accounts
Premium/Wealthy Accounts
Mobile App
Account Perks
Unlimited Reimbursement on Non-Citi ATM Fees
Citi's Citigold® checking offers premium perks like ATM fee reimbursements and wealth management, so long as you maintain a combined $200,000 average balance.
Fees
No monthly service fee
APY
N/A
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- No foreign exchange fee
- Free checks
Cons
- High balance requirementÂ
- No interest earningsÂ
Why We Like Citi
The Citigold® Checking account is best for clients with large average balances. Online wire transfers, waived fees, and access to a dedicated wealth management team are other available perks.
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Best For
Premium Checking Accounts
Account Perks
Low Monthly Fees
Loan Options
Investment Services
Low Minimum Deposit
Comerica's Platinum Circle Checking is tailored for high-net-worth individuals, offering premium services like unlimited check writing and personal financial advice. It requires a $50,000 daily balance to avoid fees and provides access to benefits such as waived overdraft fees and higher ATM withdrawal limits.
Fees
No monthly service fee
APY
Varies by region
Min Opening
$50
Pros
- Higher ATM withdrawal limits
- Waived fees for overdraft protection transfers
- Rate discounts on selected loansÂ
- You have access to the High-Yield Money Market Account and Statement Savings Account without the monthly maintenance fees
Cons
- High balance requirement may not work for some individuals
- Limited geographic presenceÂ
Why We Like Comerica Bank
The Platinum Circle Checking account is a good fit for those who carry high balances and can maintain that amount. Account holders will have access to an exclusive customer service line, the ability to withdraw more cash from ATMs, and a comprehensive suite of premium banking services.Â
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Where It Stands Out
Online Banks
CD Accounts
Checking Accounts
Premium/Wealthy Accounts
Mobile App
High Yield, Waivable Fee
E*TRADE's Max-Rate Checking offers a competitive APY with a $15 monthly fee that's waived for balances of $5,000 or more.
Fees
$15, waivable
APY
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- Competitive APY for a checking account
- Unlimited ATM refunds
- Easy integration with brokerage services
Cons
- High monthly fee unless balance requirements are met
- Limited physical branches
Why We Like E*TRADE
E*TRADE's Max-Rate Checking account is a premium checking account and a solid choice for those maintaining a higher balance to maximize its APY and premium benefits like unlimited ATM reimbursements.
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Best For
Customer Service
Great Rates
Online Banking
Low Fees
Premium Checking
Personalized Service
Santander Private Client offers a premium checking experience designed for clients with higher balances, featuring personalized service and enhanced banking benefits.
Fees
Monthly fees vary
APY
Contact bank
Min Opening
$250,000
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Dedicated banker support
- ATM fee rebates
Cons
- High account balance required
- Primarily branch-based
Why We Like Santander
Santander Private Client is designed for customers with higher balances who want personalized service and premium banking benefits. While it requires a significant minimum relationship balance, it offers valuable perks like dedicated support and fee waivers.
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Where It Stands Out
National Banks
Premium Accounts
Branch Locations
Mobile App
Account Perks
Premium Perks and No ATM Fees Worldwide
Wells Fargo Premier Checking offers interest earnings, waived ATM fees globally and loan discounts -- ideal for those with higher balances seeking premium benefits.
Fees
$35 waivable monthly service fee
APY
Min Opening
$25
Pros
- Earns interest
- No ATM fees worldwide and unlimited reimbursements for non-Wells Fargo ATM fees
- Receive interest rate discounts on jumbo mortgages and home loans
Cons
- Requires $250,000 in linked accounts to waive the monthly fee
- Overdraft fees are high
Why We Like Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Premier Checking Account works for individuals who want to earn interest on their checking balance and receive loan interest discounts.
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Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Money Market Accounts
Research Methodology
To determine rankings GOBankingRates looked at the following factors from the most premier/costly checking product from the top ## banks (in terms of total assets): (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) minimum deposit to open an account; (3) monthly checking fee ratio (percent the minimum to avoid fee compared to the monthly fee itself); (4) APY on the checking account; and (6) associated and advertised benefits/perks from these premium products. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factor (1), (2), and (3) weighed 0.5 times, factor (4) weighed 2 times and factor (6) weighed 3 times. All data is up to date as of Jan. 22, 2026, rates and fees subject to change. All other information on accounts is accurate as of March 27, 2026.
Quick Take: What Is a Premium Checking Account?
Premium checking accounts offer exclusive perks like higher interest rates, free checks, ATM reimbursement and priority service. Like standard checking accounts, premium checking accounts are FDIC-insured, but they come with different monthly fees, higher balance requirements, various terms and conditions.
Premium checking accounts, such as Wells Fargo Premier Checking and Comerica Bank’s Platinum Circle, are designed for people with more complex financial needs. They can be a great tool for your overall financial plan, providing perks and services that help you reach your goals.
Best for: Fee waivers, free checking, higher interest rates, loan discounts and enhanced services 
Pros and Cons of Premium Checking Accounts
Before you switch over completely to premium checking options, it’s a good idea to review a few pros and cons. Here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Higher interest rates
- Higher transaction limits 
- ATM fee reimbursements
- Free checks
- Waived fees 
- Personalized customer service
Cons
- High minimum balance requirements — often $10,000 to $25,000
- Monthly fees if requirements aren’t met 
- Benefits may be tied to credit card use
- Could earn higher interest rates with other products 
Alternatives to Premium Checking AccountsÂ
Not sure if a premium checking account is the right fit for you? Here are alternatives to help weigh your options:Â
| Account Type | Features | Considerations | Best For  |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-yield savings account | -High interest rates  -No monthly fees  -No minimum balance requirements | -Designed for savings and not spending -May be a cap on withdrawals  | Emergency funds or saving for a large purchase  |
| Online-only checking account | -No monthly fees  -No minimum balance requirements -Access to strong digital tools | -May lack access to checks -No local bank presence  | Everyday banking with minimal fees |
| Cash management account | -High interest rates -No fees or minimums -Can be linked to a brokerage account | -Cash insured by FDIC -Not a typical bank account  | Integrated banking and investing |
How To Qualify for a Premium Checking Account
Eligibility for a premium checking account will depend on the financial institution where you do your banking. To qualify for a premium checking account and avoid monthly fees, you typically need to maintain a minimum balance.
- This balance may be anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000.
- Some banks require you to keep that balance for a period of 60 to 90 days.
- You may also be required to combine balances across accounts. 
- In some cases, you may need to show proof of meeting these requirements over several months.
- Your bank or financial institution may also require you to submit a formal application.
Do your due diligence to determine what your financial institution requires when you’re applying for a premium checking account.
How To Choose a Premium Checking Account
Premium checking accounts can be valuable if you keep a high balance or want extra perks. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 
1. Review Minimum Balance Requirements
These accounts generally come with a high minimum balance requirement, which you must maintain so you can waive the monthly fees. It may not be worth it if you don’t tend to keep a high balance in your checking account. 
2. Evaluate Fees vs. Benefits
 If you regularly use out-of-network ATMs and make withdrawals, premium checking can be a good option, as the bank usually covers those fees.
Make sure the amount you’re paying in fees doesn’t outweigh the premium benefits. Carefully compare the fee with other banks. 
3. Check for Relationship Perks
Premium checking accounts often offer lower interest rates on loans, enhanced personal service, waived fees and travel benefits. Ask which perks are being offered to make sure you’re not missing out.
5. Compare Interest Rates to Other Options
You want to check whether the perks — like higher interest — are worth more than you could earn by keeping the same funds in a savings account.
A high-yield savings account can earn high interest and provides liquidity, while CDs can earn higher interest, but aren’t a liquid investment. 
5. Confirm FDIC Insurance 
FDIC insurance is the hallmark of bank security in the United States. Since premium checking accounts typically have high balances, it is important to make sure your bank is FDIC-insured. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.
FAQs About Premium Checking Accounts
Got questions about premium checking accounts? Here’s what you need to know.- What's the difference between a premium checking account and a regular account?
- A premium checking account offers high interest, free checks, dedicated personal service and other account perks. Unlike a traditional checking account, a premium checking account requires a high minimum balance. A traditional checking account is best for day-to-day expenses and paying bills. You often can’t earn interest with a traditional checking account.
- What are the benefits of a premium checking account?
- Perks include rewards for transactions, financial planning tools, higher interest rates, discounted loan rates and more.
- Are there minimum balance requirements for premium accounts?
- Yes. Premium checking accounts typically require a higher minimum balance. Minimum balances range from $10,000 to $25,000.
- Who should consider upgrading to a premium account?
- If you keep a high balance in your checking account that can earn interest and prefer banking in one place, consider upgrading to a premium account.
- Can premium checking accounts replace a savings account?
- No. A savings account may have limitations on withdrawals and typically has no checks or debit cards.
- What happens if your premium checking balance drops below the minimum?
- You may owe fees, and your perks may be suspended.
More Resources for Banking
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Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Money Market Accounts
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, Chase won’t charge an insufficient funds fee 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 you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 p.m. ET, or 8 p.m. PT, to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNEMENT AGENCY • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
