Capital One review: Everything you need to know

Capital One is one of the biggest names in US banking. It’s known for competitive rates, accounts with no monthly fees, and digital tools that make managing money easier. Customers can also access more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs and visit Capital One Cafés in select cities.¹

In this review, we’ll walk you through how Capital One works, its accounts, fees, and what customers have to say about it.

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Capital One: general overview

Capital One is one of the 10 largest banks in the US by assets, serving millions of customers across personal, business, and credit products.² It built its reputation on credit cards but has since grown into a full-service bank with checking, savings, and CD accounts.

Customers can bank entirely online or through the Capital One mobile app, while still having access to branches and Capital One Cafés (part bank, part café) in select states.

Accounts usually have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. With tools like the Eno virtual assistant, Capital One makes it easy to manage money while keeping banking simple and low-cost.

Here are the main products you can open with Capital One:

• 360 Checking
• 360 Performance Savings
• Kids Savings Account
• Certificates of deposit
• Credit cards
• Auto loans and refinancing
• Spark business accounts and cards

Capital One no longer offers money market accounts, mortgages, or home equity loans. For most customers, it’s best known for simple fee-free accounts and a wide range of credit card options.

Capital One checking account reviews

Capital One’s Checking account is built for simplicity. You can manage it entirely online, set up direct deposits, and move money easily with Zelle. Cash deposits are also supported at Capital One’s ATMs, select Allpoint machines, and retailers like CVS and Walgreens.

The account works well for everyday use, especially since you can choose how overdrafts are handled. You can link a savings account to cover shortfalls or have Capital One pay overdrafts without charging a fee. Wire transfers, on the other hand, are pricey, so this account suits those who do most of their banking digitally.

Capital One savings account reviews

The 360 Performance Savings account is designed to help your balance grow without account charges. It earns one of the strongest APYs available from a major bank and has no opening deposit requirement. It’s a flexible account for customers who are starting small as well as those moving over larger balances.

It’s managed through the Capital One mobile app or website, where you can set up recurring transfers, monitor your progress, and keep your savings separate from spending. If you want quick access to funds, you can transfer money to a linked checking account.

Capital One CD

Certificates of deposit (CDs) from Capital One offer fixed rates across a range of terms, from 6 months to 5 years. There’s no minimum deposit, so you can open a CD with any amount, making it more accessible than some banks that require several hundred or even thousands of dollars to get started.

Rates are competitive, especially on 1-year terms, and funds are FDIC-insured up to standard limits. If you need to withdraw early, you’ll face an interest penalty, which is common for CDs.⁶ These accounts are best suited for savers who can set aside money and want predictable growth without market risk.

Capital One customer experience

Capital One balances digital convenience with in-person options. The mobile app is highly rated and lets you deposit checks, move money, and use Eno, the bank’s digital assistant, to check balances or track payments.

For those who prefer face-to-face service, Capital One operates branches and Cafés in select states where you can open accounts or get support.

Customers can also reach phone support every day, and the website has FAQs for quick answers. In J.D. Power’s 2024 study, Capital One earned the top spot for customer satisfaction, reflecting its strong mix of tools and support.⁸

Capital One overdraft fees

Capital One does not charge overdraft fees on its checking accounts.⁹ If your balance drops below zero, you have a few options to manage it. You can set your account to automatically decline transactions that would overdraw, or link a savings account to cover the difference with a free transfer.

There’s also an overdraft coverage program that allows Capital One to approve transactions at no cost, as long as you make regular deposits. You’ll need to bring the balance back above zero quickly to keep using this feature.

Capital One comparison

Not sure if Capital One is the right fit? Here’s how it stacks up against similar products from other major US banks. You can also click through on the provider links to see more details about each account.

Capital One pros and cons

Capital One can be a good choice if you want flexible accounts with competitive rates and no monthly fees. But like any bank, it has a few drawbacks to keep in mind.

Pros

• No monthly fees on checking, savings, or CDs
• Interest on checking balances
• Competitive rates on savings and CDs
• Early direct deposit available
• Strong mobile app and digital tools

Cons

• Limited branch network in the US
• Wire transfers can be costly
• Higher rates are sometimes available at online-only banks

Frequently asked questions about Capital One

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about banking with Capital One.

Is Capital One a good bank?

Capital One is often considered a good choice for people who want low-cost banking with strong digital tools. Accounts generally have no monthly fees or minimum balances, and features like early direct deposit and mobile check deposits make everyday banking easier.

Capital One has also been recognized in J.D. Power’s National Banking Satisfaction Study, where it has scored highly in recent years.

What is the rating for Capital One?

Ratings can vary depending on the product and the source. Capital One earned a 4.6 out of 5 overall score from Bankrate in 2025.¹⁷ NerdWallet rated its 360 Checking account 4.8 out of 5 and its Performance Savings account 4.5 out of 5.¹⁸

These ratings reflect the bank’s competitive APYs, lack of fees, and strong customer experience.

Is Capital One a safe bank?

Yes. Capital One is FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type.¹⁹ The bank also uses encryption, fraud monitoring, and account alerts to help keep your money secure.

For extra peace of mind, customers can lock and unlock their cards directly in the Capital One mobile app.

Capital One offers fee-free checking and savings accounts, competitive CD rates, and a user-friendly app, making it a strong option for everyday banking. The trade-offs are limited branch coverage and savings rates that sometimes trail online-only competitors.

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Sources

1. Capital One – Bank on the go with fee-free ATMs
2. Bank Rate – Biggest banks in America
3. Nerd Wallet – Checking account
4. Capital One – Sending a wire transfer
5. Capital One – 360 Performance Savings
6. Nerd Wallet – More details about Capital One CDs
7. Capital One – Online CDs APY %’s
8. Capital One – Capital One small business banking earns JD Power top spot
9. Capital One – Avoid overdraft fees and keep your cash
10. Bank of America – Rates
11. Chase – Account details include
12. Chase – APY %’s
13. Chime – Chime Savings Account vs. national banks
14. Citibank – Savings Account standard APY
15. PNC Bank – What you need to know
16. TD Bank – Standard APY for all tiers
17. Bank Rate – At a glance
18. Nerd Wallet – Capital One ratings
19. Capital One – Here’s how FDIC insurance works\

Sources checked 09/23/2025