Checking Accounts from Morgan Stanley
Private Bank, National Association

Choose the best checking account for you

Whether you want simple, no-fee everyday banking or a high-yield checking account that grows your cash, you can find a solution that helps meet your goals.

Get $300 for a limited time

Open a Checking or Max-Rate Checking Account by December 31, 2025 with qualifying deposits.* Learn how

Terms apply. Use promo code: CHECKING25

Open an account

Compare our checking accounts

Max-Rate Checking

High-yield checking with even more value

  • APY1, 28X the national average2
  • No transaction fees
  • ATM and foreign transaction fee refunds worldwide3,4
  • Maintain an average monthly account balance of $5,000 to waive the $15 monthly account fee.5

Checking

Everyday banking with no monthly fees and no minimums

  • 0.05% APY6
  • No transaction fees for online wire transfers, stop payments, and more. See rates and fees
  • Access cash from ATMs nationwide
  • No minimum deposit7

Rated Best Checking Account 2025

For a second year in a row, our Max-Rate Checking Account from Morgan Stanley Private Bank is rated “Best Checking Account” by U.S. News and World Report.8

Best Checking Account 2025 rated by U.S. News & World Report

Benefits offered with every checking account


Safe and secure

Your money is FDIC-insured, up to applicable limits.9


Worry-free banking

Enjoy peace of mind when enrolled in free Coverdraft Protection.


Easy money movement

Enjoy unlimited online wires, money transfers and mobile check deposits.


Integrated account view

View your checking, savings and investing in one place.


24/7 banking access

Manage your money, pay bills and more with our best-in-class mobile app or online.10


Debit card

Add to your mobile wallets and use your debit card wherever Mastercard® is accepted.4 Learn more

Essential tips for smart banking

Frequently asked questions about checking accounts

Choose the method that works best for you:

  1. Transfer money electronically: Use our Transfer Money service to transfer within 3 business days.
  2. By check: You can easily deposit many types of checks.
  3. By wire transfer: Wire transfers are fast and secure.
  4. Transfer an account: Move an account from another firm.
  5. Direct deposit: Automatically deposit your paycheck and other recurring income to your Morgan Stanley Private Bank checking or savings accounts or your E*TRADE brokerage account.

Go now to fund your account.

As of , the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of the Max-Rate Checking Account is 1 and 2 APY for Checking.

Please visit etrade.com/ratesheet for information regarding this account's current interest rate and corresponding APY.

Yes, all Morgan Stanley Private Bank accounts are insured. See below for details.

Bank Yields Premium Savings Account Certificates of Deposit Max-Rate Checking Checking
FDIC Insurance

At least $500,000*

At least $250,000

At least $250,000

At least $250,000

*Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association ("MSPBNA”)’s Premium Savings Account offers an enhanced Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") coverage feature (“Enhanced FDIC Coverage Feature”, or, the “Feature”) which gives MSPBNA the ability to transfer any amount held on deposit in your Premium Savings Account (“PSA Deposits”) to other depository accounts at FDIC member banks (“Program Banks”) with the purpose of providing you additional FDIC insurance coverage. The Feature is designed to offer up to $500,000 in FDIC coverage for individual accounts and up to $1,000,000 for joint accounts. Learn more.

You will need to set up a direct deposit directly with your employer or payment provider (e.g., Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Treasury). They will need your Checking account number and routing number and may also ask for your account type, which is Checking, and the name of the financial institution.   

If your employer will accept a direct deposit form, you can also download one from our website. If you need more information or want to download the direct deposit form, visit www.etrade.com/directdeposit or contact our customer service team at 800-387-233.

The most convenient way to deposit a check is through the E*TRADE Mobile check deposit feature. Make sure the check is payable to you (in the same name that appears on your account), or to Morgan Stanley Private Bank. Note: The E*TRADE Mobile check deposit maximum is $250,000 per day.

Have additional questions on depositing a check? Learn more.

Get $300 for a limited time

Open a Checking or Max-Rate Checking Account by December 31, 2025 with qualifying deposits.* Learn how

Terms apply. Use promo code: CHECKING25

Open an account