Max-Rate Checking account
A fee-free checking account, built to do more
No account minimums or fees, seamless money movement, and a leading rate to help you make the most of your everyday cash.1,2
Get $400 for a limited time3
Open a Max-Rate Checking account by 1/10/27 with qualifying deposits. Terms apply. Use promo code: MAXRATE26
Make the most of your everyday cash with Max-Rate Checking
No fees, no surprises
Say goodbye to fees—including monthly fees, wire transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and nuisance fees.
Get up to 2.00% APY4
Earn interest on your everyday cash with a competitive rate.
Easy money management
Manage your banking and investing in one convenient place.
Plus, access your money anytime, anywhere
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Move money online and with our award-winning mobile app5
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Instant transfers within E*TRADE
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Free debit card with ATM fee refunds worldwide6,7
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Request and send money with Zelle®8
Get $400 for a limited time3
Open a Max-Rate Checking account by January 10, 2027 with qualifying deposits. Terms apply. Use promo code: MAXRATE26
Always-on protection with a bank you can trust
Ongoing fraud monitoring
with alerts for suspicious activity
FDIC insured
up to applicable limits9
Card controls
with lock/unlock security features
Free Coverdraft Protection
if you accidentally overspend
2
Make a deposit
Choose from five simple ways to fund your account.
3
Transfer funds
Easily move money with instant transfers to and from E*TRADE brokerage accounts.
Get up to $400 for a limited time3
Open a checking account with qualifying deposits by 1/10/27. Terms apply.
Use promo code: MAXRATE26
Joint accounts
Checking that fits your life
Whether you’re combining finances with a partner, helping support a student, or coordinating household expenses, Max-Rate Checking is designed to help you manage your money across life’s changing needs.
Family banking with Greenlight
Help instill healthy financial habits. With a Max-Rate Checking account, you get complimentary access to the Greenlight debit card for kids.10
Awards and recognition
For a third year in a row, our Max-Rate Checking account from Morgan Stanley Private Bank is rated “Best Checking Account.”
U.S. News and World Report Best Checking Account 202611
Education and resources
Insights to stay informed and inspired
How compound interest can supercharge your savings
Three ways to manage your cash more strategically
Smart money moves when traveling abroad
Consider these tips when planning for foreign travel and perhaps save yourself time, money and headaches.
Cash management
We offer a variety of seamlessly integrated cash management features that let you access, move, and manage the cash sitting in your bank and brokerage account.
Frequently asked questions
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With Max-Rate checking, there are no fees and no surprises. You pay no monthly account fee, and we waive all transaction and nuisance fees, including those for outgoing wires, stop payments, and more. We also refund ATM fees charged worldwide, as well as foreign transactions made with your debit card.
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Yes. Max-Rate Checking provides ATM fee refunds worldwide for purchases and withdrawals made using your debit card. The ATM’s owner/operator may charge a fee at the time of the transaction, but we will refund the amount into your account.
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This offer is valid only for one individual or jointly owned Max-Rate Checking account newly opened from 10/20/2026 - 01/10/2027 and funded within 90 days of account opening.
You are not eligible if you have or had owned or co-owned (joint) a Max-Rate Checking or Checking Account within the last 12 months from when you enroll in this offer. View full offer eligibility details below.
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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.
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Yes, all Morgan Stanley Private Bank accounts are insured. See below for details.
Bank Yields Premium Savings Account Certificates of Deposit Max-Rate Checking FDIC Insurance At least $500,000*
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 to1,000,000 for joint accounts. Learn more.
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Greenlight is a third-party money app and debit card designed to help kids and teens build smart money habits (earning, saving, and spending), while giving parents tools like instant transfers, spending controls, and real-time alerts. Max-Rate Checking accounts are eligible for complimentary access to Greenlight when linked as a funding account. Greenlight is not a Morgan Stanley product or service. See full eligibility details below.
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Coverdraft helps prevent declined transactions by automatically transferring available funds from another eligible account when your Max‑Rate Checking balance is insufficient.
There is no fee for enrollment or use. Transfers are made between your accounts (not a loan) and will only occur if sufficient funds are available in your linked account.
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Throughout 2026, Morgan Stanley Private Bank will conduct a phased conversion of Checking accounts into Max-Rate Checking accounts. If affected, you will receive advance notice of the update via email or mail 60 days and 30 days before your account is converted. After conversion, your account number will stay the same, ensuring there is no disruption to existing auto-payments, recurring deposits, or direct deposit.