NEW YORK–Nine of the 10 highest-yielding checking account deals in the country can be found at credit unions, according to a new analysis.
While the average rate on an interest-earning checking account is 0.07%, the accounts highlighted in a new ranking by MarketWatch are paying up to 100 times the average, even if the accounts come with some “hurdles,” according to Bankrate, which noted the checking accounts below have yields that rival the top online savings account yields.
According to MarketWatch, the 10 best rates for checking accounts in September 2025 include (with commentary by MarketWatch):
BCU PowerPlus Checking: Up to 8.00% APY
“New members at BCU can earn up to 8.00% APY on balances of up to $15,000 with a PowerPlus Checking account. At the highest available checking account rate this month, this offer does come with some stipulations. That’s because while you will need to make monthly direct deposits of at least $3,000, you’ll also have to make 30 qualifying transactions and enroll in e-statements.
“This offer is also only good for the first three months from initial enrollment. That said, membership here is only extended to those who work for a qualifying employer, or who live or work in select Wisconsin counties or Puerto Rico. Immediate or extended family members of BCU members may also join.”
OnPath Credit Union Rewards High Yield Checking: Up to 7.00% APY
“Qualified OnPath Credit Union members can earn up to 7.00% APY on checking account balances of up to $10,000. Anything beyond that still earns above the industry average at 0.50% APY. This checking account refunds up to $10 in out-of-network ATM fee and does not have any minimum balance requirements. To continue earning this rate each month, checking customers must make 15 debit card purchases, sign onto the credit union’s mobile banking app at least one time and enroll in e-statements.
“To become a member, customers here must either live, work, worship, attend school or do business in select Louisiana counties; or, for those interested outside of that narrow region, access here is extended to those who make a $5 donation to the OnPath Foundation.”
Century Next Bank Priority Checking: Up to 7.00% APY
“Meet the requirements and you can earn up to 7.00% APY on balances of up to $30,000 with a Century Next Bank Priority Checking account. Here you will need at least 12 debit card transactions per month, receive monthly e-statements and have at least $500 in aggregate ACH credit transactions. Not meeting these requirements lowers the earned APY to just 0.05%.”
AmeriCU Credit Union High Rate Checking: Up to 7.00% APY
“As part of AmeriCU’s 75th anniversary celebration, the credit union is offering a promotional 7.00% APY on the first $10,000 in a qualifying high rate checking account. Required steps here include making 12 or more debit card transactions per monthly cycle, enroll in e-statements and have a minimum $5,000 loan with the credit union.
“Membership here is only available to those who live, work, worship or attend school in one of 24 New York counties, or to members or family members of active duty, retired, reserves or veterans of the U.S. military. Family members of an existing member, members of the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation or those employed by a business partner, trade group or other association of the credit union may also qualify for a membership.”
Genisys Credit Union High Yield Checking: Up to 6.75% APY
“There are no minimum balance requirements for members opening a high-yield checking account at Genisys Credit Union. That said, balances of up to $7,500 earn a high 6.75% APY, with those over that amount earning just 0.05% APY. Also, members must enroll in e-statements and use the credit union’s Genisys Debit Mastercard on purchases of $5 or more at least 10 times per month.
“Although this is a traditional credit union, requiring members who live in qualifying locations in Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania to join, anyone can access this account by donating to various associations, including the Arthritis Foundation and Paint Creek Center for the Arts.”
First South Financial High Yield Checking: Up to 6.25% APY
“Checking account balances of up to $10,000 stand to earn this high 6.25% APY at First South Financial (Credit Union). To qualify, depositors here must have monthly direct deposits set up, have an average daily balance of at least $500, regularly use your debit card for everyday purchases and opt in for e-statements. To join this credit union, members here must either live, work, worship or attend school in select Tennessee or Mississippi counties, or have a family member who is already a member.”
Rave Financial Checking: Up to 6.10% APY
“Checking accounts with $1,000 to $35,000 at Rave Financial can indeed earn up to 6.10% APY for the balance. Anything beyond that amount, however, earns just 0.50% APY. To qualify for the highest rate, account holders here will need to make $1,500 in direct deposit transactions each month, post 20 debit card or credit card transactions per month, log into the company’s mobile app at least once and set up e-statements.”
Credit Union of New Jersey Kasasa Cash Checking: Up to 6.00% APY
“Balances of up to $25,000 earn a highly competitive 6.00% APY for both new and existing Credit Union of New Jersey members who open a Kasasa Cash Checking account. There are no monthly maintenance fees and ATM fees are refunded. To qualify, members each month must make at least one direct deposit, ACH credit, ACH payment or bill pay transaction; 12 debit purchases and receive e-statements. Balances over the $25,000 limit earn 0.75%.
“Membership here is only extended to state employees, retirees and their families in New Jersey.”
La Capitol Federal Credit Union Choice Checking: Up to 5.75% APY
“Balances of up to $10,000 earn up to 5.75% APY with a La Capitol Federal Credit Union Choice Checking account. Members here must make the $50 required opening balance, make 15 debit card transactions of $5 or more and hold a $5 balance in a primary savings account to qualify. Balances over that cap earn just 0.66% APY. To join, customers here must live, work, worship or attend school in select Louisiana counties. Qualifying relatives of eligible members may also join.”
Affinity Federal Credit Union High-Yield Checking: Up to 5.50% APY
“Balances of up to $15,000 in a high-yield checking account at Affinity Federal Credit Union earn up to $5.50% APY, with those above that amount earning just 0.50% APY. There is a $5 minimum deposit required to open an account and a required membership eligibility account, which also requires $5 to open. That said, existing members with an active Cash Back Plus account may not qualify. You’ll also have to make at least 12 debit card transactions and make one direct deposit or ACH transaction of $250 or more in a monthly period, as well as enroll in e-statements to qualify.
“Membership here is only extended to employees of participating businesses, associations and clubs and their families. Branch locations are only available in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.”
