Ally Bank Interest Checking is a better choice if you want to earn interest and avoid monthly fees and overdraft fees. Chase Total Checking is better if you prefer in-person banking and can meet the requirements to waive the monthly fee, and if you want more overdraft protection options.
| Attribute | Ally Bank Interest Checking | Chase Total Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate (APY) | Tiered interest rates based on daily balance. 0.10% for balances less than $15,000 and 0.25% for balances of $15,000 or more (as of July 24, 2025). Variable and may change after the account is opened. | The Chase Total Checking account does not earn interest. |
| Minimum Balance to Open | No minimum balance required. | You can open a Chase Total Checking account with a minimum deposit of $0. However, another source indicates a $25 minimum opening deposit. |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | No monthly maintenance fees. | The monthly service fee is $12 but will increase to $15 on August 24, 2025. |
| Fee Waiver Requirements | Not applicable, as there are no monthly maintenance fees. | You can waive the monthly fee by meeting one of the following requirements each statement period: Have electronic deposits totaling $500 or more made into the account; Maintain a beginning daily balance of $1,500 or more in the checking account; Keep an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of the checking account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances. |
| ATM Access (Network) | Access to Allpoint and MoneyPass ATM networks (over 75,000 ATMs in the U.S.). Reimbursement of up to $10 per statement cycle for fees charged at other ATMs nationwide. | Chase provides access to over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches. |
| Mobile Banking Features | Check balances, make transfers, deposit checks, pay bills, find ATMs, lock debit card, send/receive money with Zelle. | The Chase Mobile App allows you to: View transaction history and account balances; Deposit checks remotely with Chase QuickDeposit; Transfer funds between accounts; Pay bills; Send and receive money with Zelle; Set up alerts; Lock your debit card if misplaced; Access Spending and Budgeting tools. |
| Overdraft Fees | No overdraft fees. | The overdraft fee is $34 per transaction, with a maximum of three fees charged per day, totaling $102. |
| Overdraft Protection Options | Overdraft Transfer Service (transfers from linked Ally savings or money market account in $100 increments). CoverDraft (up to $250 in temporary overdraft coverage). | Chase offers several overdraft protection options: Chase Overdraft Assist: No overdraft fee if the account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day, or if the balance is brought to $50 or less overdrawn by the end of the next business day; Overdraft Protection: Link a Chase savings account to cover overdrafts. There is no fee for the transfer; Debit Card Coverage: Choose to have transactions declined if there are insufficient funds to avoid a fee. |
| Bill Pay Features | Free online bill pay service. Recurring payments can be set up. | Chase Online Bill Pay allows you to schedule and pay bills online or via the mobile app. You can set up one-time or recurring payments. |
| Direct Deposit Availability | Direct deposit is available. May get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit. | Direct deposit is available. Setting up direct deposit can help waive the monthly service fee. |
| FDIC Insurance | FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor for each qualifying account ownership category. | Deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, for each account ownership category. |
| Customer Service Channels | 24/7 by phone at 1-877-247-2559. Live chat and email also available. | Chase offers 24/7 telephone service and in-person assistance at over 4,700 branches. |