Bank with an advantage.

Earn up to 7x the national average checking rate with an Interest Advantage Checking account.*

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Everything is better with an advantage.

Earn up to .50% APY**

Earn .50% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) – 7x the national average.*

55,000 Free ATMs

Access your cash easily with our nationwide network of ATMs.

Avoid the Fees

Pay no monthly service fee with a $500 monthly direct deposit or $1,000 minimum daily balance.

An account that always works for you.

Take advantage of all that comes with your Interest Advantage Checking account.

Account Features

  • Earn up to .50% APY**
  • Only $100 minimum to open
  • Instant-issue contactless debit card
  • Access to 55,000 free ATMs

Online & Mobile Banking

  • BayFirst Mobile Banking App
  • Online banking and bill pay
  • Mobile deposit and free eStatements
  • Bank-to-bank transfers
  • Get paid up to two days early with Forward Pay
  • Free credit score monitoring

Other Benefits

  • Get reimbursed up to $25 per month for out-of-network ATM fees
  • Free coin counting
  • Notary services
  • Up to $250,000 insured by the FDIC
  • Customer support through the BayFirst Call Center

Why BayFirst?

At BayFirst, we’re Here for What’s Next®, especially if you are interested in earning more interest. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped customers maximize their money to reach their goals by offering some of best high-interest checking accounts available. We promise an easy account opening process, all the features you want, and a local team of experts to help along the way.

What’s Next? Open online or in person.

Gather Your Information

We’ll just need your government-issued ID, proof of address, and a little more info to get started.

Open Your Account

Open your account online or in person in minutes with your initial deposit of only $100.

Bank as Usual

Bank with confidence knowing you have one of the best checking account rates around.

Get Started

Ready to open your account?

Have high interest in opening a high-interest checking account? Look no further than Interest Advantage Checking. Let the money you work hard for return the favor while you enjoy all the perks of banking with BayFirst, including online and mobile banking, nationwide ATM access, and a helpful team in your own backyard.

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Interest Advantage Checking FAQ

What is an interest-earning checking account?

An interest-earning checking account is one that offers accrued interest, which grows your money over time. In short, the more money you have in your account, the more you’ll earn in interest.

Are there any fees associated with a tiered-interest checking account?

There may be fees such as monthly maintenance fees, if the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement is not met. Additionally, some accounts may have fees for excessive transactions or other specific services.

Which bank pays the highest interest on checking accounts?

Interest rates can fluctuate based on federal rates and/or the amount of money in your account. Interest Advantage Checking offers one of the best rates around. Contact your local BayFirst banking center to learn more about our rates and how we compare to the competition.

What is compound interest?

Compound interest is the money that you earn on both the amount you’ve deposited into the account and the interest you’ve accumulated.

Is my money safe in an Interest Advantage Checking account?

Yes, this high-interest deposit account is FDIC insured up to the maximum allowable limit of $250,000. Open a checking account online today and enjoy the benefits of earning higher interest while having peace of mind knowing that your money is secure.

*Based on comparison to the national average Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on checking accounts as published in the FDIC National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of July 1, 2026.

**Interest Advantage Checking is an interest-bearing checking account. The account will receive .50% APY (Annual Percentage Yield).  Rates are variable and are subject to change at the bank’s discretion. Rates are calculated on a daily balance method.  Minimum $100 to open. Avoid $10 monthly service charge with $500 monthly direct deposit or $1,000 minimum daily balance. Rate is effective as of 7/01/2026. Fees could reduce earnings.