Best Premium Checking Accounts of 2025

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 Accounts 

Not sure if a premium checking account is the right fit for you? Here are alternatives to help weigh your options: 

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.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

With Chase Overdraft Assist^SM, 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.

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