Best Checking Accounts In Mississippi 2025: Fees, APY, Rewards
Find the best checking accounts in Mississippi with low fees and great features.
Best Checking Accounts in Mississippi
Finding the right checking account is an important financial decision, especially when you have numerous options to choose from. In Mississippi, residents have access to several excellent checking accounts offered by regional and local banks, each with distinct features, fee structures, and benefits. Whether you’re looking for minimal fees, rewards programs, or competitive interest rates, understanding your options will help you select the account that best suits your banking needs.
Top Checking Accounts in Mississippi
BankPlus – Carefree Checking
BankPlus stands out as a premier banking option in Mississippi, offering the Carefree Checking account as one of their most popular choices. This account is designed for customers who want straightforward banking without unnecessary complications or hidden fees.
The Carefree Checking account requires a minimum of $100 to open, with no ongoing minimum balance requirement. The monthly service fee is waived entirely if you select online statements, or you can maintain the account with a $5 monthly fee if you prefer paper statements.
Key features of BankPlus Carefree Checking include:
- Free online banking with integrated bill pay services
- Free mobile banking with mobile check deposit capability
- Complimentary debit card
- Unlimited transactions without restrictions
Planters Bank – Essential Checking
Planters Bank offers the Essential Checking account, which provides an excellent option for those seeking straightforward banking services with minimal fees. This account requires only $50 to open, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
One of the main advantages of this account is the absence of a monthly maintenance fee. However, if you prefer to receive paper statements mailed to your address, there is a $3 monthly charge.
The Essential Checking account comes equipped with:
- Free online banking access
- Free bill pay when used monthly, with a $5 monthly fee if unused
- Complimentary debit card
- Free telephone banking support
- Unlimited check writing privileges
PriorityOne Bank – PriorityPurchase Account
The PriorityOne Bank PriorityPurchase Account offers a distinctive rewards component that sets it apart from standard checking accounts. This account is particularly appealing for customers who regularly make purchases through major retailers.
A unique feature of this account is the ability to earn $10 in reimbursements for qualified purchases through Apple, Amazon, and Google when you maintain at least 15 debit card transactions that post and settle each monthly qualification cycle. Additionally, the account provides up to $15 in reimbursement for domestic ATM fees, with individual transactions up to $4.99 each refunded per monthly cycle.
The account structure includes:
- No monthly service charge
- No minimum balance requirement to earn rewards
- Unlimited check writing
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- E-statements at no charge ($5 per month for paper statements)
- Complimentary debit card
- Minimum $50 to open the account
Bankfirst – Kasasa Cash Checking
Bankfirst’s Kasasa Cash Checking account represents a modern approach to banking with interest-earning potential and ATM fee reimbursement. This rewards-based checking account requires a minimum initial deposit of $100 with no monthly service charge.
One of the standout features is the refund of up to $15 in nationwide ATM withdrawal fees per month. The account also offers interest earnings with a tiered structure: customers can earn 1.25% APY on balances up to $10,000.99 when they have one direct deposit or ACH payment posted and settled each month along with 18 debit card purchases posted and settled monthly. Balances above $10,000.99 earn 0.15% APY, while accounts not meeting qualification requirements earn 0.01% APY.
Additional features include:
- Interest-earning capability
- Free online banking
- Free bill pay
- Free mobile banking with mobile deposit
- Free electronic statements
- Complimentary debit card
- Unlimited check writing
First State Bank – Kasasa Cash Checking
First State Bank also offers a Kasasa Cash Checking account with a different reward structure than Bankfirst’s version, providing flexibility for various banking patterns. This account requires a $100 minimum initial deposit with no ongoing minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees.
The account allows you to earn 1.00% APY on balances up to $20,000 by making 12 check card purchases per qualification cycle and receiving at least one direct deposit or making an automatic ACH payment each cycle. Balances exceeding $20,000 earn 0.10% APY, while months that don’t meet qualifications result in a 0.05% APY earning rate.
The account provides up to $25 in nationwide ATM fee reimbursement per month, along with these additional benefits:
- Free online banking with bill pay
- Free mobile banking
- Free electronic statements ($6 per month for paper statements)
- Complimentary debit card
Premium Banking Options in Mississippi
Woodforest National Bank
Woodforest National Bank, with over 40 years of community-focused service, maintains a strong presence in Mississippi with several hundred branches across 17 states. The bank is recognized for providing excellent branch access and personalized service to its customers.
Woodforest distinguishes itself through competitive interest rates, with savings accounts offering tiered APYs up to 3.25%. The bank’s checking accounts include three options that earn interest, with rates starting significantly above the national average. With over 700 total branch locations and a highly-rated mobile app (4.8 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play), Woodforest provides comprehensive banking services including checking, savings, CDs, home loans, auto loans, and personal loans.
BankPlus Comprehensive Services
BankPlus operates over 80 branches across Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, making it a significant regional banking presence. Beyond the Carefree Checking account, BankPlus offers seven different checking account types, providing customers with multiple options to suit their specific needs.
The bank’s ValuePlus Checking requires only a $100 minimum deposit and includes distinctive perks such as shopping discounts, roadside assistance, and cell phone protection. BankPlus also offers a money market account with competitive APY and provides comprehensive business banking and personal loan services. With a mobile app rated 4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 on Google Play, the bank emphasizes digital banking convenience.
Hancock Whitney Bank
Hancock Whitney Bank operates over 200 branch locations and offers three distinct checking accounts alongside savings accounts with competitive APY rates. The bank is recognized for its top-notch mobile banking app, rated 4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 on Google Play.
Although each checking account includes a service fee, Hancock Whitney provides the flexibility to waive fees through qualifying activities. The bank distinguishes itself through an extensive range of deposit accounts and loan products, including mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards. Hancock Whitney focuses on community development, small business investment, and homeownership programs for low-income buyers, making it an excellent choice for customers who value local support and comprehensive financial services.
Comparison of Key Features
| Bank | Account Name | Minimum to Open | Monthly Fee | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BankPlus | Carefree Checking | $100 | $0-$5 | Free online/mobile banking |
| Planters Bank | Essential Checking | $50 | $0 | Free bill pay when used monthly |
| PriorityOne Bank | PriorityPurchase | $50 | $0 | $10 cash back rewards + ATM refunds |
| Bankfirst | Kasasa Cash | $100 | $0 | 1.25% APY + $15 ATM refunds |
| First State Bank | Kasasa Cash | $100 | $0 | 1.00% APY + $25 ATM refunds |
How to Choose the Right Checking Account
Selecting the best checking account depends on your individual banking habits and priorities. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Fee Structure: Evaluate both monthly service fees and requirements to waive them. Some accounts offer fee waivers through direct deposit or e-statement selection.
- Minimum Balance Requirements: Determine if you can comfortably meet the minimum deposit and ongoing balance requirements.
- Interest Rates: If interest earnings are important to you, compare APY rates across available accounts, particularly the qualifying requirements.
- ATM Access: Consider the convenience of ATM networks and any associated fees or reimbursements.
- Additional Features: Look beyond basic banking for benefits like mobile check deposit, bill pay, rewards programs, and purchase protections.
- Branch Access: Evaluate whether you prefer digital-only banking or want access to physical branch locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Mississippi bank offers the best interest rates on checking accounts?
A: Bankfirst’s Kasasa Cash Checking offers 1.25% APY on balances up to $10,000.99 when qualification requirements are met, making it one of the most competitive rates available. First State Bank’s Kasasa Cash provides 1.00% APY on balances up to $20,000.
Q: Are there checking accounts in Mississippi with no monthly fees?
A: Yes, several banks offer fee-free checking accounts. Planters Bank’s Essential Checking, PriorityOne Bank’s PriorityPurchase Account, Bankfirst’s Kasasa Cash, and First State Bank’s Kasasa Cash all have no monthly service charges.
Q: What is the lowest minimum deposit required to open a checking account in Mississippi?
A: Planters Bank’s Essential Checking requires only $50 to open, making it the lowest minimum among the featured accounts. PriorityOne Bank’s PriorityPurchase Account also requires $50.
Q: Do any Mississippi banks offer ATM fee reimbursement?
A: Yes, several accounts provide ATM fee refunds. PriorityOne Bank reimburses up to $15 monthly, Bankfirst refunds up to $15 nationwide ATM fees, and First State Bank reimburses up to $25 per month.
Q: Which banks in Mississippi have the most branches?
A: Woodforest National Bank operates over 700 branches across 17 states, while Hancock Whitney Bank has over 200 branch locations in Mississippi and surrounding areas.
Q: Can I earn cash back rewards with a Mississippi checking account?
A: Yes, PriorityOne Bank’s PriorityPurchase Account offers unique rewards, allowing you to earn $10 in reimbursements for Apple, Amazon, and Google purchases when you meet the monthly debit card transaction requirements.
References
- The Best Checking Accounts in Mississippi for 2026 — MyBankTracker. 2026-01-12. https://www.mybanktracker.com/checking/reviews/best-checking-accounts-mississippi-335363
- 2025 Guide To Best Banks in Mississippi — GOBankingRates. 2025. https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/banks/best-banks-in-mississippi/
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