Best banks for early direct deposit of December 2025
Key TakeawaysOur top picks for best checking accounts with early direct deposit in December allow you to receive your paycheck up to two business days early.Some of these checking accounts may also offer new customers a chance to earn a bonus with qualifying activity.Our top choices either charge no monthly maintenance fee or offer opportunities to get the monthly fee waived if there is one.An account with early direct deposit lets you access your paycheck up to two days early. For those living paycheck-to-paycheck this feature can mean the difference between paying your bills on time and incurring late fees. And even if you’ve got more of a safety net than that, being able to access your funds sooner rather than later empowers you to make your money work for you. We’ve compiled our top picks for banks offering early direct deposit access, considering factors including fees, accessibility, overdraft protection and more.Editor’s Picks: Best banks for early direct deposit of December 2025BankAccountLearn moreSoFi®Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)View offerat SoFiFifth Third BankMomentum CheckingView offerat MoneyLionTD BankComplete CheckingView offerat MoneyLionWells FargoEveryday CheckingView offerat MoneyLionCapital One360 CheckingView offerat MoneyLionSoFi®View offerat SoFiAccountChecking and Savings (Member FDIC)Fifth Third BankView offerat MoneyLionAccountMomentum CheckingTD BankView offerat MoneyLionAccountComplete CheckingWells FargoView offerat MoneyLionAccountEveryday CheckingCapital OneView offerat MoneyLionAccount360 CheckingBank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.ADVERTISEMENTAdvertiser DisclosurePrivacy policyPowered byThe best savings account rates from our partners for December 9, 2025Account Type Savings & MMAsSavings & MMAsMMAs OnlySavings OnlyZIP Code Deposit Amount $FEATURED OFFERSAPYMIN. BALANCE FOR APYEST. EARNINGSLoading...3.75 %December 9, 2025$ 100$ 938Over 1 YearSavings AccountCIT BankMember FDICPromoted Offer Earn up to $300 cash bonus with minimum deposit. Terms apply.OPEN ACCOUNTOFFER DETAILSQUICK LOOKCIT Bank is an online institution that offers competitive annual percentage yields (APYs) on its Savings Connect savings account. It also offers a checking account, a money market account and CDs. CIT Bank offers a competitive yield with its Savings Connect account. It also offers an assortment of CDs to choose from. But some of these CDs, such as the one-year term, weren’t paying a competitive yield during Bankrate’s review.READ BANK REVIEW4.35 %December 2, 2025$ 0$ 1088Over 1 YearSavings AccountNewtek BankMember FDICQUICK LOOK4.20 %December 9, 2025$ 0$ 1050Over 1 YearSavings AccountLendingClubMember FDICEarn our LevelUp rate with $250 in monthly deposits, plus no fees.OFFER DETAILSQUICK LOOKLendingClub Bank is an FDIC-insured online bank known as Radius Bank until it was acquired by LendingClub in February 2021. Consumers looking for an online bank that offers competitive yields, low fees and ample ATM access might consider LendingClub Bank a solid option.READ BANK REVIEW12345...67SoFi Checking and SavingsSoFi® Checking & SavingsMember FDICMinimum opening deposit$0Monthly maintenance fee$0Advertiser DisclosureView offerat SoFiCompany insightsYear Founded: 2011Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CACEO: Anthony NotoFee policy We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/. View offerat SoFiWhat we like about this bank accountSoFi offers the ability to get your paycheck up to two days early and all you have to do to qualify is set up direct deposit to your SoFi Checking and Savings. Plus, this account charges no fees and requires no minimum balance and customers earn 0.50% APY. There’s also an opportunity to earn a new account bonus of $50 or $300 1 when you sign up and set up eligible direct deposit. It’s worth noting SoFi offers one of our top picks for a high-yield savings account to stash funds you’re saving for an emergency fund or toward a goal such as a down payment on a house. Finally, SoFi covers you with up to $50 of overdraft protection for debit card purchases as long as you receive at least $1,000 in eligible direct deposits per month2. Earn an even higher APY for a limited timeNew customers who open both a checking and saving account with SoFi, member FDIC—along with enrolling in SoFi Plus—by Jan. 31, 2026 have an opportunity to earn a 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on their savings. This represents a 0.70% APY boost on top the standard up to 3.60%% rate. The maximum time period for the boosted APY is six months. (Terms apply. Rates are variable and subject to change.)SoFi Plus is available at no extra cost for customers with eligible direct deposit. Otherwise, the cost of membership is $10 per month as of this writing.Benefits for Plus members include a 10% boost on cash-back rewards earned with certain SoFi credit cards, a 1% match on recurring deposits to SoFi Invest (paid in rewards points) and unlimited one-on-one planning sessions from SoFi Wealth.What you should knowBetween the time your first direct deposit hits and the end of the ensuing 25-day period, you must direct deposit $5,000 or more into the account to earn the full $300. Otherwise, customers who direct deposit $1,000 or more in that period will earn a $50 bonus, and those who don’t hit $1,000 will not earn a bonus.Also, as SoFi is an online institution, those who prefer physical bank branches might not find this account the best fit for their lifestyle.Bank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.Fifth Third Bank Momentum CheckingFifth Third: Momentum CheckingMinimum opening deposit$0Monthly maintenance fee$0View offerat MoneyLionCompany insightsYear Founded: 1858Company Headquarters: Cincinnati, OHCEO: Tim SpenceFortune Rankings#321on the 2025 Fortune 500 list#231on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies listHonorable mentionon Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies listWhat we like about this bank accountSet up an eligible direct deposit with your Fifth Third Momentum account and the Early Pay feature will apply automatically, letting you get paid up to two days early. The account charges no monthly service fee and has no minimum deposit requirement. And, the Extra Time feature can help you avoid overdraft fees. The way it works is that you set up account alerts so you’re notified if you overdraw the account—and when you receive an alert, you have until midnight Eastern Time on the business day after the day your account was overdrawn to make a deposit that’s large enough to bring the balance up to at least $0.What you should knowIf your account is dormant for a period of 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals, you may be charged a $5 monthly fee. Also, know that Fifth Third Bank only has branches in 11 states:FloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyMichiganNorth CarolinaOhioSouth CarolinaTennesseeWest VirginiaBank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.TD Complete CheckingTD Bank Complete CheckingMinimum opening deposit$0Monthly maintenance feeUp to $15View offerat MoneyLionCompany insightsYear Founded: 1955Company Headquarters: Cherry Hill, NJCEO: Leo SalomFortune Rankings#47on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces in Fiancial Services and Insurance list#48on Fortune’s 2023 America’s Most Innovative Companies listWhat we like about this bank accountTD Early Pay is automatic for qualifying direct deposits and can allow you access to your funds up to two days early. Plus, as of this writing, new account holders have the opportunity to earn a $200 checking account bonus (with qualifying activities). There’s also a grace period through TD Overdraft Relief if customers overdraw their account by $50 or less. This allows you to make a deposit and bring your account up to at least a $0 balance by 11 p.m. Eastern Time the following business day and get the overdraft fee refunded.Finally, there’s no minimum opening deposit.What you should knowThere’s a $15 monthly maintenance fee but you have three options to get it waived: have at least $500 in direct deposits each statement cycle, maintain a minimum daily balance of at least $500, or have a $5,000 minimum daily balance combined across your linked personal TD Bank accounts.To earn the new account bonus, you’ll need to open the account, set up direct deposit, and have at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits post within 60 days. Assuming you’ve met the requirements, your bonus should post within 180 days of account opening.Lastly, know that TD Bank has physical branches in these states (as well as Washington, D.C.):ConnecticutDelawareFloridaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaVermontVirginiaBank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.Wells Fargo Everyday CheckingWells Fargo Everyday CheckingMinimum opening deposit$25Monthly maintenance feeUp to $15View offerat MoneyLionCompany insightsYear Founded: 1852Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CACEO: Charles W. ScharfFortune Rankings#33on the 2025 Fortune 500 list#80on the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list#6on Fortune’s 2024 Fortune Sector Leaders: Financials listWhat we like about this bank accountWells Fargo offers an Early Pay Day feature which provides access to eligible direct deposits up to two business days early. Also, Wells Fargo has branches in 36 states and Washington, D.C., giving it a broader physical footprint than some of the other institutions on our list.If you overdraw your account, there’s a grace period allowing you to bring the account to a positive balance by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the following business day and avoid an overdraft fee. But note that if you don’t bring the account current by that deadline, you’ll be facing a $35 fee per overdraft (up to a maximum of three). What you should knowYou’ll need to deposit at least $25 to open this account. Also, there is a $15 monthly service fee that can be waived if you maintain at least a $500 daily balance or receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits each month. Bank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.Learn moreCheck out our roundup of Wells Fargo CD rates.Capital One 360 CheckingCapital One: 360 CheckingMinimum opening deposit$0Monthly maintenance fee$0View offerat MoneyLionCompany insightsYear Founded: 1994Company Headquarters: McLean, VACEO: Richard FairbankFortune Rankings#82on the 2025 Fortune 500 list#15on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies listHonorable mentionon Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list#20on Fortune’s 2024 Financial Sector Leaders list.#36on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For list.#23on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces for Parents list.#4on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance.#304on Fortune’s 2024 Global 500.#36on Fortune’s 2024 100 Best Large Workplaces for Millenials.#70on Fortune’s 2023 100 Best Large Workplaces for Women.What we like about this bank accountWith no monthly fees, no minimum balance and no overdraft fees, there’s a lot to love about this checking account. And, as of the time of writing, there’s a $250 bonus for new customers who take steps to qualify. The main feature for this list of course is the early paycheck feature, which lets you get paid up to two days early when you set up direct deposit. We also like that the debit card you get with this checking account does not charge foreign transaction fees. What you should knowTo qualify for the bonus you’ll need to apply with the offer code and receive two direct deposits of $500 or more each—within 75 days from account opening.Also, as Capital One is an online bank, those who like to visit physical branches may not find this the right institution for their needs. Bank details checked Dec. 3, 2025.Pro tipCheck out our full review of Capital One 360 roundup of Capital One 360 CD rates.How early direct deposit worksWhen you have direct deposit set up through your bank or credit union, money passes through the ACH network before it goes to your banking institution. Once your employer processes payroll, this information passes from them through the ACH network to your bank prior to your payday. As soon as your bank receives your direct deposit information, they can choose to give you access to this money before they receive the actual funds from the employer. This early access to your money provides you with more flexibility and, in some cases, can help you reduce the chance of an overdraft or late payment fee.Eligibility criteria for early direct depositWhether you’re eligible for an early direct deposit will depend on a few factors. The first is your employer. If they run payroll late and rely on same-day deposits, you won’t get paid early. Second, your bank may not allow for early deposits, which is a common practice with small banks and credit unions. Some banks even require a minimum number of direct deposits from the same employer before early access is allowed. Additionally, some banks require your account to be in good standing to qualify for an early direct deposit. This means your account can’t be overdrawn or have recent NSF fees. However, this isn’t always the case, so check with your bank or credit union for their specific requirements.Getting maximum benefit from early direct depositThe ability to access your paycheck up to two days earlier can be a useful budgeting tool. For example, if your paycheck is every other Friday, it may not sync up with a rent payment due on the first of the month.Choosing a bank that offers early direct deposit can allow for smoother budgeting and reduce the likelihood of bounced checks, potential overdraft fees or late fees incurred by the bill you were trying to pay. However, there are a lot of other features to consider when choosing the right bank for you, even if early direct deposit is the main feature you’re searching for.Make sure you’re aware of any minimum balance requirements the bank may have, such as a minimum balance to waive monthly fees or to even be eligible for an early direct deposit account. Overall access to your account, such as proximity to ATMs or other features you’re likely to use, should also factor into how you decide on the right bank for you. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the early direct deposit feature, especially if you’re timing bill payments based on when you anticipate receiving the funds. Many banks offer early paycheck access “up to two days” but that could mean only one day early in some cases.Pros and cons of early direct depositN/AProsAccess to your money sooner:With early direct deposit, you’re getting your money up to two days before your actual payday. This can help reduce the risk of late payments or NSF fees.Reduced overdraft fees:Getting paid early gives you a positive balance so you can avoid fees for overdrafting your account.Peace of mind:While regular employment often ensures timely payments, freelance payments are notorious for being delayed. Early direct deposit can provide peace of mind by ensuring you receive your funds as soon as they are available, allowing you to manage your money more effectively.Improved cash flow:When you get your paycheck early, you can better plan and manage cash flow. This means you can pay bills, make purchases, or save for future expenses as soon as your paycheck comes in.ConsDependent on employer payroll schedule:If your employer doesn’t submit payroll on time or relies on last-minute payroll processing that allows them to pay same-day, early direct deposit might not be available to you. You can overspend:If you get access to your paycheck early, this could encourage bad financial habits. You could be tempted to spend your money as soon as it hits your account, and if this is habitual, getting paid early could worsen the problem further rather than encouraging good budgeting practices.No actual increase in income:When you have access to your paycheck early, you could come to rely on early access, which isn’t always guaranteed. This could put you in a tighter financial situation as there are more days between paychecks.Bank-specific policies:Your bank might not offer early direct deposit, as these policies vary by financial institution. You may need to switch to a different bank or credit union. Alternatives to early direct depositIf your bank or credit union doesn’t offer early direct deposit, there are other avenues for you to access money. Personal loans:A loan from a bank or credit union can be a smart way to borrow money for a large purchase. These typically will come with lower interest rates than over types of loans, like payday or cash advances, and usually have multi-year pay back terms, making repayment more manageable.Overdraft protection:It can be worthwhile to see if your bank or credit union offers overdraft protection on your account. There is sometimes a fee involved—typically less than $30, although many of the nation’s largest banks have stopped charging overdraft fees. Having this protection can prevent your transaction from getting declined.Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending:There are P2P lending platforms, such as LendingClub and Prosper, that connect borrowers with individual lenders. You usually need a good credit score to qualify, but it can be a great way to get quick access to money. If you have not-so-great credit, expect to have much higher fees or interest rates if you’re approved.Other alternatives exist, like cash advance apps and payday loans, but these generally come at a significant cost. Cash advance apps may let you access a portion of your paycheck prior to payday, but they charge a small fee or tip in exchange.Payday loans are notoriously expensive, charging fees that can significantly eat away at your funds. 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font-weight: 600; } }Frequently asked questionsDoes early direct deposit cost extra?No, early direct deposit doesn’t cost extra, though individual bank rules may differ. Most banks and credit unions offer this feature as an extra free benefit to their members and customers, and it’s typically not something you can opt into or out of if it’s available. Be sure to review your banking institution’s individual policies.Is my money insured if I receive early direct deposit?Do I have to ask for early direct deposit?Most banks include this feature when you set up direct deposit. Having regular direct deposit of your paycheck is not automatic, you’ll have to arrange it with your employer or anyone who wants to pay you via ACH deposit. But once you’re enrolled in direct deposit, you’ll typically be given early access if this is a feature your bank offers.Can early pay affect my account balance?Early direct deposit will affect your account balance by increasing it up to two days earlier than you would otherwise receive those funds.However, it could affect your spending habits. If you typically receive your paycheck early, you could spend the money sooner, resulting in financial strain if your employer’s payroll is delayed in a subsequent pay period.MethodologyFactors we took into consideration include:Monthly service fee:With so many checking accounts being completely free, you should only pay a service fee if the account is really worth it. APY:While not a primary consideration, earning interest on your checking account funds is a positive factor.Minimum to receive APY:Earning APY on accounts where it’s offered shouldn’t take a million hurdles—lower minimum deposits required to earn APYs did better on our list.Minimum opening deposit:Banks with no or low minimum deposits to open the checking account earned a higher placement.Mobile app rating:You should have simple, easy access to your money. Banks with highly rated mobile apps (considering both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) did well for this criterion.Branch and ATM locations:Institutions with more physical locations and a larger ATM network scored better on our list.Overdraft fee:No one wants to pay extra fees, especially when funds are already low. Banks with no or low overdraft fees ranked higher.Cash back opportunities:Some checking accounts may come with extra bonuses and chances to earn cash back. Customer service:It shouldn’t be difficult to reach a real person if you have an issue with your bank account. Banks with easy-to-reach customer service ranked higher, with phone service carrying the most weight.Sign-on bonus:Why not earn free money when you open a new checking account? Direct deposit required for bonus:While the potential for a bonus is great, the requirements to earn the bonus should be realistic and achievable, otherwise there’s not much point.SoFi disclaimers1:New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not receiveda cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults)and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.2:Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-ratesheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.3: 0.70% Savings APY BoostEarn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/sofi-plus SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.Fortune Brainstorm AIreturns to San Francisco Dec. 8–9 to convene the smartest people we know—technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and the brilliant minds in between—to explore and interrogate the most pressing questions about AI at another pivotal moment. Register here.
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