If your banking needs are fairly straightforward and you can’t remember the last time you stepped foot in a bank, you may want to consider an online-only bank. Ally currently operates the biggest online-only bank in the country, and its checking and savings accounts offer competitive rates and easy access.
Compare Ally with leading bank accounts
Compare checking, savings, and CDs accounts by monthly fee, opening deposit and APY. Select Compare to see up to four accounts side-by-side.
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Ally Bank Savings Account. This high-interest savings account offers a 4% APY with no monthly fees or balance requirements, making it easier to save.
Interest Checking account. Earn up to 0.25% interest with this free, easily accessible checking account.
Money Market Account. Get APY or more with this low-fee money market account that’s designed to help maximize your savings.
With headquarters in Riverwoods, Illinois, Ally operates entirely online. It offers its customers several key savings options, including savings accounts, interest checking accounts, CDs, money market accounts, mortgages and credit cards.
Ally Bank holds over $100 billion in deposits, making it the 20th-largest FDIC-insured institution in the country. That number pales in comparison to the amounts held by the Big Four banks but makes it the largest online-only institution in the country.
Checking accounts
Pros
Earns interest. You earn 0.10% APY on account balances up to $15,000 and 0.50% on balances over $15,000.
Large ATM network. Use your debit card for free at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide.
Non-network ATM reimbursements. Ally reimburses up to $10 in non-network ATM fees a month.
Cons
Withdrawal limits. Ally’s checking account has a $1,000 daily withdrawal limit.
One account option. Ally only offers one checking account, so your options are limited if you choose this bank.
Savings accounts
Pros
Strong APYs. Ally Bank Savings Account earns 4% and its Money Market account earns 4% APY.
Savings tools. Save for specific goals, set up recurring transfers, or let Ally analyze your checking account and move your money to your savings a little at a time.
Cons
No ATM card. The Savings account doesn’t come with an ATM or debit card, so you can’t easily withdraw cash. But the Money Market account comes with one.
Excessive transaction fee. Regulation D is temporarily suspended, but usually you can expect a $10 fee each time you make more than six outgoing transactions a month. If you go over this limit repeatedly, Ally reserves the right to close your account. Contact Ally to find out its current policy.
CDs
Pros
High interest rates. Earn anywhere from 3% to 3.9% depending on the CD type and term length.
10-day best rate guarantee. If CD rates increase within 10 days of opening and funding your account, Ally will automatically bump you up to the higher rate.
Several CD options. Ally has four CD options — High Yield CDs, No Penalty CDs, Raise Your Rate CDs and IRA CDs — and terms range from three months to five years.
Cons
No partial withdrawals. If you need to access your money before your CD matures, you’ll have to withdraw your full balance.
High withdrawal fees. You could pay a fee equal to 60 to 150 days of simple interest if you need to withdraw your money early.
Delayed interest postings. Some banks credit interest to your account each month, but not Ally. If your CD term is 12 months or less, you’ll receive your interest at maturity. If your term is more than 12 months, you’ll receive interest annually each year.
Overall banking
Pros
Security. Ally keeps your money safe with FDIC deposit insurance, a mobile and online security guarantee and free security software.
Financial education. Ally offers a comprehensive learning center to educate customers on responsible financial behavior.
No minimum deposits. Many of Ally’s accounts don’t require a minimum deposit, meaning you can start saving earlier.
Competitive rates. Ally offers higher interest rates than most of its competitors and it compounds daily.
Minimal fees. Ally doesn’t charge fees to open or maintain accounts, giving you more control of your money.
Cons
No branches. Ally operates entirely online, so if you prefer to do your banking in person, it might not be for you.
Limited product selection. While Ally does offer essential products like checking and savings accounts, you’ll have to go elsewhere for loans, business accounts and other services.
Difficult deposits and withdrawals. Since there are no branches, you might have a bit more trouble making deposits or withdrawals.
Ally Financial is FDIC insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 are covered by FDIC deposit insurance. It isn’t accredited on the BBB website, but it holds an A- rating and 1 out 5 stars in customer reviews.
Many customers have complaints about communication issues, overcharging, inaccurate statements and more. Keep in mind that many people don’t bother to leave positive reviews online, which is why negative reviews are often more common.
Bottom line
Ally is an online-only bank with no branches, allowing it to cut overhead costs and pass down savings to its customers. This business model allows it to offer a strong lineup of basic financial products with competitive rates, low fees and almost no minimum deposit requirements.
However, if you’re looking for loans, business accounts or in-person service, you might be better off with another bank.
Common questions about banking at Ally
Does Ally charge ATM fees?
No. You will not be charged when using Allpoint ATMs in the US, and Ally will reimburse up to $10 per statement for fees charged at domestic ATMs outside this network.
Can I open a bank account at Ally if I am not a US citizen?
Yes. To open an account, you must be either a US citizen or a legal permanent resident with a valid Social Security number and US street address.
What is the Ally Bank routing number?
The Ally routing number is 124003116.
Does Ally have student banking options?
Ally doesn’t have any accounts that are specifically designed for students, but there’s nothing stopping students from opening a checking or savings account.
How do I access my money?
Access your accounts on the Ally website or mobile app. If you need to make a withdrawal, you can make an electronic transfer, visit an ATM, request a cashier’s check, use online bill pay, get cash back at a retailer or merchant and submit a wire transfer request.
Does Ally Bank offer overdraft protection?
Yes. However, you must have a linked Ally account with a balance of at least $100 for the overdraft transfer to go through. You can set up overdraft protection by logging into your account, visiting the account details page, then selecting Overdraft Transfer Service.
Peter Carleton is a freelance writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading. See full bio
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