Axos Bank is a prominent financial institution celebrated for its customer-focused, digital-first approach to banking. With a suite of financial products designed to accommodate both personal and business needs, Axos Bank is an excellent choice for individuals seeking convenient online banking solutions and businesses needing robust, tech-friendly financial services. In this guide, we’ll explore Axos Bank’s offerings, fees, account options, and more, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your financial journey.
Why Choose Axos Bank?
With the rise of digital banking, Axos Bank has positioned itself as a leader in online banking solutions by eliminating the need for traditional branches. Here’s why Axos stands out:
- Low Fees: Unlike traditional banks that often charge monthly maintenance and ATM fees, Axos has minimized fees to keep banking affordable.
- High Interest Rates: Axos offers competitive interest rates on its accounts, helping you grow your savings faster.
- Ease of Access: Through a digital-first approach, Axos enables you to manage finances from anywhere, using either their website or mobile app.
High-Yield Savings Account
The Axos High-Yield Savings account features a tiered Annual Percentage Yield (APY) structure that exceeds the national average for savings accounts. Here’s a look at its benefits and requirements:
- APY Structure: Axos provides top-tier interest rates, especially for balances under $25,000.
- Minimum Deposit: Open the account with a minimum of $250.
- No Maintenance Fees: Enjoy fee-free savings growth without monthly maintenance costs.
- Optional ATM Card: Upon request, you can receive an ATM card for easy access to your funds.
This account is ideal for those looking to maximize savings without being bogged down by hidden fees.
Comprehensive Services Offered by Axos Bank
Beyond personal banking, Axos Bank caters to a wide range of financial needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Mortgages: Offering both standard and refinance mortgage options, Axos helps customers achieve homeownership with competitive rates.
- Home Equity Loans: Axos provides home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOCs), allowing homeowners to leverage their home’s value for various financial goals.
- Specialized Loans: Axos offers FHA and VA loans, expanding access to homeownership for diverse borrowers.
- Auto Loans: Axos Bank offers flexible-term auto loans with attractive rates for purchasing a new or used vehicle.
- Personal Loans: These loans provide a straightforward solution for financing major expenses or consolidating debt.
- Wealth Management: Axos extends managed investment portfolios to help you grow your wealth strategically.
- Business Banking: Catering to businesses of all sizes, Axos Bank provides commercial banking services, including lending options to fuel business growth.
Fee Structure at Axos Bank
Axos Bank has gained a reputation for its customer-friendly fee structure. Most of their deposit accounts come with no monthly fees, ATM fees, or overdraft fees. Here are some important fees to keep in mind:
- Excess Transaction Fee: $10 for exceeding the allowed number of transactions.
- Outgoing Domestic Wires: $35 per transfer.
- Outgoing International Wires: $45 per transfer.
- Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF): $25 fee per occurrence, capped at $75 per day.
- Stop Payment Requests (Online): $10 per request.
For Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Axos Bank charges an early withdrawal penalty if funds are withdrawn before the term ends. The penalty varies depending on the term but could be up to 24 months’ interest.
Axos Bank Account Options
Axos Bank offers various account types tailored to different financial needs. Here’s a breakdown of their popular accounts:
Checking Accounts
- Essential Checking: A straightforward, no-fee checking account with unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements.
- Rewards Checking: Offers up to 3.30% APY on balances under $50,000, making it a high-earning option if you meet specific conditions, like direct deposits.
- CashBack Checking: Earn up to 1% cashback on signature-based purchases. There’s no monthly fee, and it comes with unlimited check-writing privileges.
- Golden Checking: Tailored for customers aged 55 and older, this account offers 0.10% APY and $8 in monthly ATM reimbursements.
- First Checking: For young customers aged 13-17, offering 0.10% APY with up to $12 in monthly ATM reimbursements.
Savings Accounts
In addition to its High-Yield Savings account, Axos offers:
- High-Yield Money Market Account: Requires a $1,000 initial deposit, offers 0.25% APY, and includes both ATM access and check-writing privileges.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Axos Bank’s CDs have terms ranging from 3 months to 5 years, each currently set at 0.20% APY. A $1,000 minimum deposit is required to open a CD account, and there are no monthly fees.
Similar Online Banks
If you’re exploring other digital banks, here are five alternatives similar to Axos Bank:
- Chime: Known for fee-free checking and savings accounts, early direct deposit, and a user-friendly mobile app.
- Ally Bank: Offers competitive interest rates across various products, including checking, savings, money market, and CDs.
- Varo Bank: A mobile-only bank that simplifies banking with a fee-free structure and a high-yield savings account.
- Discover Bank: Known for its cashback checking account and competitive savings and CD rates.
- Capital One 360: Offers a range of banking options, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, and a robust mobile app.
Contacting Axos Bank
Need assistance? Axos Bank offers 24/7 support (except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Reach out via their mobile app, online secure messaging, or call 844-999-2967.
Opening an Account with Axos Bank
Ready to join? To open an account, you’ll need:
- A valid Driver’s License or State ID
- Social Security Number
- Valid U.S. mailing address (P.O. boxes not accepted)
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens aged 18 or older. For First Checking accounts, a parent or guardian who’s at least 18 years old must be a joint account holder.
How Axos Bank Operates
As a fully online bank, Axos Bank offers various digital banking options, including high-yield savings, money market, CDs, and several checking accounts. If you need assistance, Axos provides 24/7 customer service, and their mobile app has received positive reviews—4.7 out of 5 stars on Apple and 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play.
Additionally, Axos Bank is FDIC insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for joint accounts) are protected.
Pros and Cons of Axos Bank
Pros:
- No Monthly Fees: Essential Checking, Rewards Checking, and First Checking accounts are all fee-free.
- Competitive Interest Rates: Rewards Checking offers up to 3.30% APY.
- Unlimited ATM Reimbursements: Certain accounts offer unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements.
- Cashback Opportunities: CashBack Checking rewards 1% cashback on qualifying purchases.
Cons:
- No Physical Branches: Axos Bank is fully online, which may not suit those who prefer in-person banking.
- Higher Requirements for Best Perks: Some benefits, like high APY and cashback, require maintaining a specific balance or monthly direct deposits.
- Lower Savings Rates: Axos’s savings rates are lower than some competitors, with a maximum APY of 0.61%.
Final Thoughts
Axos Bank is an appealing option for those seeking a modern, low-fee banking experience. With its extensive suite of digital-first services, Axos has simplified banking for individuals and businesses alike. However, those seeking higher savings rates may find better options elsewhere. For many customers, though, Axos Bank’s ease of use, customer-focused policies, and competitive checking accounts make it a strong choice in the digital banking landscape.
This article provides a comprehensive look at Axos Bank, covering account types, fee structures, and alternatives in digital banking.