Best National Banks
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There are over 5,000 FDIC-insured banks in America. How do you choose a good national bank to keep your money safe?
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National banks offer some big perks that smaller banks don't. They're more convenient and usually have more features and services.
You've probably heard of some big ones like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Which one is best? How do you choose between them?
This article will cover the best banks in America (there are some gems in here that you may not know of). We'll go over what's unique about each one so you can find the right bank for you.
The best national banks in the United States are:
- Chase for Checking Accounts
- CIT Bank
for Savings Accounts - Bank of America
for Mobile Banking - Citibank
for International Branches - Wells Fargo
for Mortgage and Loans - PNC Bank
for East and Southwest - TD Bank
for East Coast - US Bank
for West and Midwest - Huntington Bank
for North Central - Ally Bank
for Online Banking - Capital One
for Young Adults - Discover Bank for Fee-Free Banking
- Alliant Credit Union
is the Best National Credit Union Best Banks in America in September 2023
We picked the best national banks based on their reputation, fees (must be easy to waive), range of services, bonus offers, and overall customer satisfaction.
Here's a quick overview of the best banks in the U.S.:
States Branches ATMs Chase 48 4,700+ 15,000+ Wells Fargo 39 4,500 12,000+ Bank of America 37 3,800+ 16,000+ U.S. Bank 26 2,200+ 37,000+ PNC Bank 28 2,600+ 60,000 TD Bank 16 1,100+ 700+ Huntington Bank 11 1,200+ 1,700+ Ally Bank N/A N/A 43,000+ Chase Bank: Best for Checking Accounts
Why it stands out: Chase has generous bonus offers, strong customer service, and unique checking options for different needs.
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Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 48 Number of branches 4,700+ Number of ATMs 15,000+ Domestic assets held $2.52 trillion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.4 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Chase is the largest bank in the U.S. by assets. It has more locations than anyone else with 4,700 branches and 15,000+ ATMs. It's the only nationwide bank to be in all 48 contiguous states.
Chase has lots of checking account options. The most popular Total Checking account (don't forget to get the bonus if you apply) lets you waive the monthly fee with just $500 in direct deposits each month.
There are also a few premium accounts, including the elite-tier Chase Private Client.
It even has accounts that many other banks don't offer. Like a college student account, debit card for kids, and a Secured Checking option for those who have trouble opening bank accounts.
And as a bonus (literally), new customers can earn some extra cash with one of Chase's many welcome offers. Check out the current promotions.
Chase Bank is also known for their extremely popular rewards credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Freedom Unlimited. Having a good banking record with Chase will help you get approved.Chase Bank Pros and Cons
- More than 4,700 branches
- Generous promotions
- Easy to waive fees
- Fewer branches in some states
- Low savings interest rates
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Chase is the top pick if you're looking for checking accounts, but their savings accounts are nothing special.
Find out which bank is offering the best savings rates below.
CIT Bank: Best for Savings
Why it stands out: CIT Bank offers some of the highest savings interest rates in the nation. All of CIT's bank accounts have no monthly service fees.
Number of states N/A Number of branches None (online-only bank) Number of ATMs No ATM network; up to $30/mo ATM fee rebates Domestic assets held $109 billion (First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company) Mobile app ratings 4.6 (App Store), 3.3 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes CIT's Savings Connect savings account offers 4.65% APY on your entire balance. You only need $100 to open, but there's no balance requirement after that. But if you can maintain $5,000, CIT's Platinum Savings is the best option. You earn 5.05% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more.
They also offer a money market account and CDs with competitive APYs. They even have a unique no-penalty CD that lets you withdraw funds early with no penalty if needed.
CIT is an online bank. This means everyone nationwide can apply and start earning with their high rates.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, which has over 120 years of history. It's the largest family-controlled bank in America with over $100 billion in assets. Because of CIT's merger with First Citizens Bank, you can now also bank at any First Citizens Bank location.
CIT Bank Savings Connect - 4.65% APY
- Earn 11x the national average
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
CIT Bank Term CDs - Up to 5.00% APY
- Up to 5.00% APY
- $1,000 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
Term CD Rates 6 Month 5.00% APY 1 Year 0.30% APY 13 Month 4.65% APY 18 Month 4.60% APY 2 Year 0.40% APY 3 Year 0.40% APY 4 Year 0.50% APY 5 Year 0.50% APY Bank of America: Best Mobile Banking
Why it stands out: Bank of America has one of the best and most user-friendly mobile apps - perfect if you often bank on the go.
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Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 37 Number of branches 3,800+ Number of ATMs 16,000+ Domestic assets held $2.28 trillion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.6 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Bank of America has thousands of ATMs and financial centers in 37 states. Similar to other big national banks, you can find a range of checking and savings accounts, loan options, and credit cards.
It has a unique flexible checking account. Bank of America knows that people's financial situations don't stay the same. So you can upgrade or downgrade your account as you need (to more premium or more basic version).
Unlike other banks, you're not stuck with the checking account you opened.
Bank of America won #1 for banking mobile app satisfaction, in a recent J.D. Power study.[1]. The app has a cool Spending and Budgeting tool that tracks your money habits so you have more control over your spending. Erica, the virtual assistant, can also help you manage bills, track FICO score, lock debit card, and more.
It also has a Preferred Rewards program with good perks (for accounts $20,000+). You can get higher savings rates, banking fee waivers, loan discounts, and more.[2]
Bank of America Pros and Cons
- Top-tier banking app
- Flexible account options
- Wide range of products
- Monthly service fee
- Miscellaneous banking fees
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Bank of America Business Advantage Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
Earn a cash bonus in three steps:- Open a new eligible business checking account by December 31, 2023
- Make Qualifying Deposits* of $5,000 or more in new money within 30 days of opening the new eligible business checking account
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 for the next 60 days (day 31-90) during the maintenance period**
**The maintenance period begins thirty-one (31) days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
Member FDICMost big banks charge monthly fees because they have high overhead costs. But #8 on our list actually has a free checking account. Keep reading.
Citibank: Best Big Bank with International Branches
Why it stands out: Citibank has an international presence, fee-free ATMs, and a savings account with a high APY.
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Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 13 Number of branches 600+ Number of ATMs 65,000 Domestic assets held $1.038 trillion Mobile app ratings 4.9 (App Store), 4.8 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Citibank, a CreditDonkey advertiser, has a smaller footprint in America (mostly in California and New York), but it has a huge global presence. In addition to almost 700 bank branches in the U.S., there are 1,800 overseas locations. If you travel a lot, you'll still have access to branches and ATMs.
In the U.S., you get fee-free access to more than 65,000 Citi, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs, as well as participating machines in popular stores like Target, CVS, and Rite Aid.
Citi's bank accounts come in packages with a checking and savings combo. It offers some of the biggest sign-up bonuses (see current promotions) if you can meet the higher deposit requirements.
It also offers an Accelerate High-Yield Savings account with 4.35% Annual Percentage Yield in select markets. Citi is the only large brick-and-mortar bank to offer a high savings rates in line with online banks.
Citibank Pros and Cons
- Perks for high-balance customers
- Many fee-free ATMs
- Global presence
- Not a lot of branches in the US
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Citi Priority - Earn up to $2,000 Cash Bonus
- Earn up to $2,000 when you open a new eligible Citi checking account and enroll in the offer the same day
- New to Relationship customers can choose their Relationship Tier.
- Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds.
- Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day.
- If your balance falls to a lower Balance Level at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes.
- Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
- Restrictions apply.
Citigold® - Earn up to $2,000 Bonus
- Earn up to $2,000 when you open a new eligible Citi checking account and enroll in the offer the same day.
- New to Relationship customers can choose their Relationship Tier.
- Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds.
- Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day.
- If your balance falls to a lower Balance Level at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes.
- Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
- Restrictions apply
Citibank has one of the highest-rated mobile apps. Its personal finance tools are open to everyone, even non-Citi customers. You can link all your financial accounts to get an overview of your financial life. Tools include budgeting, spending analysis, goal tracking, and investment tracking.Wells Fargo: Best for Mortgage and Loans
Why it stands out: Besides banking, Wells Fargo is known for being one of the biggest lenders for home loans and auto loans in America. It's a good choice if you want banking and lending with one bank.
![]( "Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/14634894961/in/photolist-oieEpc-noEXac-noF7fh-oikhyu-noEY2m-oikh1W-oiwipX")
Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 39 Number of branches 4,500+ Number of ATMs 12,000+ Domestic assets held $1.68 trillion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.8 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Wells Fargo has over 4,500 brick and mortar locations and 12,000 ATMs spread across the US. You get convenient access to branches if you need help opening an account or with the loan process.
For checking, Wells Fargo offers specialty checking accounts, like a second-chance account and a teen checking account.
It has very reasonable requirements to waive monthly fees for its checking and savings accounts.
Wells Fargo Pros and Cons
- Wide range of services and less-common offerings
- Large mortgage lender
- 24/7 fraud monitoring
- Suboptimal interest rates
- Overdraft protection fees
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Personal Checking Account - $2,500 Bonus
Open a new Premier Checking account or upgrade your existing checking account to a Premier Checking account. Use promo code at account opening. Offer code can be obtained by providing your email address. Deposit $250,000 or more to qualifying linked accounts within 45 days of account opening or upgrade. Maintain a balance of $250,000 or more in the qualifying linked accounts for at least 90 days after account opening or upgrade.
Personal Checking Account - $325 Bonus
Open a new qualifying consumer checking account. Receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the new checking account within 90 calendar days from account opening (qualification period). Bonus will be deposited to the account within 30 days after the qualification period. This offer is for new checking account customers only.
Are big banks better than smaller banks?
Big national banks are good if you want lots of branches. They also tend to offer more financial services and have better mobile banking apps. But smaller banks (like local banks and credit unions) can give you more personalized service.A regional bank could be a good middle ground. They serve a large region so you still get convenient access, but often have better service. Keep reading for the best regional banks.
PNC Bank: Best in East and Southwest
Why it stands out: PNC offers a unique checking and savings combo with lots of digital tools to help you manage your finances in one place.
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Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 28 Number of branches 2,600+ Number of ATMs 60,000 Domestic assets held $551 billion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.4 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes PNC Bank was a large regional bank on the East Coast. With their acquisition of BBVA in 2021, it extended its footprint to the south and west as well.[3] It's now one of the largest national banks in America, with over 2,600 bank branches in 28 states.
PNC's most popular product is the Virtual Wallet. It comes with a Spend account (for everyday needs), a Reserve account (for short term planning), and a Growth account (for long term savings goals).
Plus, it has lots of tools to help you take control of your money. You can create a budget, set savings goals, know how much is free to spend, get low cash alerts, and more.
PNC often offers cash bonuses for opening a new account. Check them out below.
PNC Bank Pros and Cons
- Virtual Wallet tools
- Easy to waive fees
- Free student account
- Not in some regions
- Low APY
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Virtual Wallet with Performance Select Checking - $400 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select checking account and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus will be awarded within 60-90 days of meeting the requirements.
Virtual Wallet Checking Pro - $200 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet Checking Pro online. Set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 60 days of account opening.
Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend Checking - $200 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend checking account and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus will be awarded within 60-90 days of meeting the requirements.
TD Bank: Best on the East Coast
Why it stands out: TD Bank offers extended banking hours when many banks don't, including on some national holidays. It also has a variety of specialty checking accounts.
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Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 16 Number of branches 1,100+ Number of ATMs 700+ Domestic assets held $394 billion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.3 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes TD Bank is one of the largest banks on the East Coast, with over 1,100 branch locations from Maine to Florida.
TD Bank calls itself "America's Most Convenient Bank." Most TD Bank locations are open on weekends and even some holidays, and offer drive-thru and curbside delivery services.
You can call customer service 24/7 and always reach a real, live person.
The most popular TD Convenience Checking account lets you waive the monthly fees with just $100 daily balance. If you're looking for something else, there are also special bank accounts for teens, seniors, and premium checking.
TD Bank Pros and Cons
- Extended banking hours
- Low requirement to waive fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- No free checking
- Only on east coast
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U.S. Bank: Best in the West and Midwest
Why it stands out: U.S. Bank offers an attractive checking account plus high rates for their CD special.
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Lorie Shaull (CC BY 2.0)via Flickr Number of states 26 Number of branches 2,200+ Number of ATMs 37,000+ Domestic assets held $582 billion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.7 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes U.S. Bank has more than 2,200 branches in the West and Midwest. Even if you don't live near a branch, you can do all your banking on the highly rated mobile app. It also charges no surcharge at over 37,000 MoneyPass ATMs throughout the country. So you'll never be far from ATM access.
US Bank offers a US Bank SmartyTM Checking account that gives you more rewards the higher your balance is. It comes with features like overdraft benefits, interest on checking, and automated budgeting tools.
There are lots of ways to waive the monthly fee. The account is free for teens, young adults 24 and under, and seniors 65+.
US Bank also frequently offers large sign-up bonuses for new customers. Check it out below.
U.S. Bank Pros and Cons
- Promo CD with high APY
- Free student account
- 24/7 customer service
- Very limited east coast presence
- Low savings APY
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U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and Standard Savings - Up to $1,000 Bonus
Earn up to $1,000 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through October 31 2023. Member FDIC.Earn up to $500 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s)* totaling $5,000 to $9,999.99 to earn $300 or $10,000 or more to earn $500
Earn up to $400 with a new Standard Savings account.
- Make new money deposit(s) totaling $25,000 to $49,999.99 to earn $200 or $50,000 or more to earn $400 by November 30, 2023
- Maintain that balance until May 31, 2024
Earn an additional $100 for opening both!
Applicant must reside in AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY to be eligible for Checking account
- Minimum Deposit to Open: $25
- Monthly Fee: Waive the $6.95 Monthly Maintenance Fee with one of the following:
- Are 24 and under, 65 and over or a member of the military (must self-disclose), OR
- Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000+, OR
- Keep average account balance of $1,500+, OR
- Hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card, OR
- Qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards™ tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle)
Huntington Bank: Best in North Central
Why it stands out: Huntington has a free checking account, which is rare among big banks. You don't have to worry about keeping a certain balance.
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Tim Evanson (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 11 Number of branches 1,200+ Number of ATMs 1,700+ Domestic assets held $179 billion Mobile app ratings 4.8 (App Store), 4.6 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Based in Ohio, Huntington Bank has a large presence in the North Central region, with over 1,200 branches spread across 11 states.
It has a great Asterisk-Free Checking free checking account with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirements. It's loaded with awesome features too, like $50 free overdraft protection and up to 2 days early direct deposit. [4]
Huntington personal checking customers also get access to Standby Cash. This feature lets you borrow up to $500 line of credit instantly. You just pay it back over 3 months. And it's free when you set up automatic payments. Terms and conditions apply.[5]
Huntington Bank Pros and Cons
- Free checking account
- Deposit checks via mobile app
- All-day deposit
- Mostly in the Midwest
- Low savings APY
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Ally Bank: Best Online Bank
Why it stands out: Most online banks have limited products, but Ally is a full-service online-only bank. It has better interest rates than traditional banks.
Number of states N/A Number of branches None (online-only bank) Number of ATMs 43,000+ Domestic assets held $178 billion Mobile app ratings 4.7 (App Store), 3.9 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Ally is the best online bank if you're looking for the full spectrum of banking products. Ally offers checking and savings accounts, personal loans, and mortgages.
All deposit accounts have no monthly fees and no balance requirements. They also have higher interest rates than traditional banks, so you can grow your money faster. Even their checking account offers some interest.
You get free access to over 43,000+ Allpoint ATMs. And if you go out-of-network, Ally will rebate up to $10 in ATM fees per month.[6]
Ally consistently gets high ratings for customer satisfaction. It offers 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat. You'll always speak to a real person.
Ally Pros and Cons
- No monthly fees or min. balance
- Wide range of services
- Highly-rated mobile app
- No physical locations
- ATM reimbursement capped at $10
Interest Checking
- 0.10% APY for daily balances less than $15,000
- 0.25% APY for daily balance over $15,000
- $10/month rebate for ATMs outside of Ally Network
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- No fees to open or maintain account
- FDIC insured
- Daily compounding interest
Capital One 360: Best for Young Adults
Why it stands out: Capital One is a great choice for young adults because their checking and savings accounts have no monthly fees and higher-than-average interest rates.
![]( "Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/50923083313/in/photolist-2kzU7x4-Kt64Bu-2j6Kuh9-4YjhMe-MZ4uKV-2khKquk-2kD4rR")
Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr Number of states 8 Number of branches 298 Number of ATMs 70,000+ Domestic assets held $391 billion Mobile app ratings 4.9 (App Store), 4.6 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Other cool features include getting paid up to 2 days early, no overdraft fees, and free access to over 70,000 ATMs. The debit card also has no foreign transaction fees, so it's great for young adults studying abroad or traveling.
Depositing cash can be an issue with online banks, but Capital One makes it easy. You can make cash deposits at any CVS store for free. Just hand the cash to the cashier and confirm the deposit on the mobile app.
If you need help, you can pop into any of the Capital One cafes. You can meet with financial advisors and engage with the community while getting a cup of coffee. In fact, you don't even need to be a Capital One customer.
If you want to get a head start on banking, Capital One even offers a MONEY Teen Checking account. It can be transferred to the regular 360 Checking later once you're an adult.Capital One Pros and Cons
- No account minimums
- Interest on your checking account balance
- No monthly fees
- Few cafes and physical branches
- Higher wait times for customer support
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360 Checking Account
- Minimum Deposit Required: $0
- Balance Requirement: $0
- Monthly Fee: $0
- APY: 0.10% APY
- ATMs: 70,000+ Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATMs
- Perks: Free first set of checks
Discover Bank: Best Fee-Free Banking
Why it stands out: Discover has a great cashback checking account and credit cards with no annual fee.
Number of states N/A Number of branches None (online-only bank) Number of ATMs 60,000+ Domestic assets held $120 billion Mobile app ratings 4.9 (App Store), 4.7 (Google Play) FDIC insured Yes Discover Bank is another popular online bank. It offers traditional products like checking, savings, money market accounts, CDs, and a variety of loans.
You get 24/7 customer support and free access to over 60,000 ATMs nationwide.
The Cashback Debit checking account gives you 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. There are no monthly fees and no minimum balance. See website for details.
It's as close to fee-free checking as you can get. You pay $0 for standard checks, stop payments, insufficient funds, and incoming wires. The only costs you may encounter are for using out-of-network ATMs and sending wire transfers.
Online Checking Account - Earn Cash Back
- Minimum Deposit Required: $0
- Balance Requirement: $0
- Monthly Fee: $0
- APY: N/A
- ATMs: 60,000+ Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs
- Perks: 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in purchases each month. See website for details
Discover is best known for its lineup for credit cards. You can choose between cashback or travel rewards. All credit cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.
Discover Bank Pros and Cons
- Higher yields than other banks
- No fees
- 24/7 customer service
- No interest checking
- Higher deposit for CDs
Discover Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To get your $150 or $200 Bonus: What to do: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, online, in the Discover App or by phone. Enter Offer Code CY923 when applying. Deposit into your account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Deposit must be posted to account within 30 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers or existing or prior customers with savings accounts that are co-branded, or affinity accounts provided by Discover. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is interest and subject to reporting on Form 1099-INT. Offer ends 12/14/2023, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. See advertiser website for full details.
- APY: 4.30%
Discover Online Savings - $150 Cash Bonus
To get your $150 or $200 Bonus: What to do: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, online, in the Discover App or by phone. Enter Offer Code CY923 when applying. Deposit into your account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Deposit must be posted to account within 30 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers or existing or prior customers with savings accounts that are co-branded, or affinity accounts provided by Discover. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of the account qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is interest and subject to reporting on Form 1099-INT. Offer ends 12/14/2023, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. See advertiser website for full details.
- APY: 4.30%
Discover Cashback Checking – Up to $30/Month Cashback
Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month, for a total of up to $30 cashback per month. Discover Cashback Debit checking account has no minimum balance requirement, no fees, and free online bill pay. See website for details.
Discover also offers personal loans and student loans at competitive interest rates.Instead of a bank, you can also consider a credit union, like Alliant below. Credit unions are nonprofit financial institutions owned by its members. So they're more committed to giving back to their members.
Alliant: Best National Credit Union
Why it stands out: Alliant is a digital credit union, so it's open to everyone nationwide. It offers high interest rates, good customer service, and extra perks.
Number of states N/A Number of branches None (digital credit union) Number of ATMs 80,000+ Domestic assets held $17 billion Mobile app ratings 4.7 (App Store), 4.4 (Google Play) NCUA insured Yes Alliant Credit Union is one of the nation's largest credit unions with over 700,000 members.
Anyone is eligible to join by becoming a member of Foster Care to Success (FC2S). Alliant will even pay a $5 membership fee to FC2S on the member's behalf.[7]Alliant's High-Rate Checking account has no monthly fee. To earn interest, you must opt for eStatements and have a recurring monthly electronic deposit. You get access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs, plus up to $20 in ATM fee refunds per month.[8]
You can pair that with a High Rate Savings account, which gives you 3.10% APY if you maintain a $100 average daily balance.
Alliant also offers personal finance tools to help you manage your money. You can add your external financial accounts to see your finances all in one place.
Alliant Credit Union Pros and Cons
- Competitive APYs
- Personal finance management tools
- Good customer service
- Requires credit union membership
- No physical branches
Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Checking
- 0.25% APY when you opt in to eStatements and have at least one monthly electronic deposit to your account
- No monthly service fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- Up to $20/month in ATM fee rebates
Are credit unions as safe as banks?
If the credit union is backed by NCUA, your money is safe. Just like the FDIC, the NCUA insures your money up to $250,000.[9]Other Banks to Consider
BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $400 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking online and get a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
Rewards Checking - Up to 3.30% APY
- Use promo code SUNNYBONUS and apply by December 31st, to earn up to a $300 bonus!
- Up to 3.30% APY
- Zero monthly maintenance fees
- Zero overdraft or NSF fees
- Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
- Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
- Online debit card management
- Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
- Only $50 to open an account
OneCard with Rewards Checking - $200 Bonus
- 3% cash back on everyday expenses (up to $500 in rewards per calendar year); 2% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Choose to Pay Now with no interest, or Pay Later
- $200 bonus when you also open and fund a new Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account and make 3 qualifying purchases on your Upgrade OneCard and/or Rewards Checking Plus debit card within 60 days
Key Select Checking℠ - $200 Bonus
- Earn a $200 cash bonus when you open a Key Select Checking account by 12/8/23 and make one direct deposit of at least $500 within 60 days.
- Convenient banking at 40,000+ KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs.
- Key Select Checking℠ is a premium checking account that earns interest and a $100 annual cash bonus with qualifying activities
- Set custom alerts so you can receive text or email updates about the account information that's important to you.
- Move money easily with Zelle, mobile check deposit, online banking and more.
- Enjoy chip security, Tap & Go technology and all benefits of Mastercard.
- FDIC Insured. Up to the maximum allowable limit.
What are National Banks?
A national bank is a bank that is regulated by the US federal government. National banks usually offer services throughout the entire country, but some may operate in just certain regions.
Not all national banks are brick-and-mortar banks. Some of the best national banks on this list are online banks that let you bank from anywhere.
National banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. This means if the bank were to fail, the federal government insures your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.
Are brick-and-mortar banks or online banks better?
A brick-and-mortar bank is better if you prefer in-person customer service. However, these banks tend to have more fees and lower savings interest rates.On the other hand, online banks are better if you want higher savings APYs, fewer fees, and lower balance requirements. But they often have limited services and it can be hard to deposit cash.
How to Choose the Best Bank
Banks usually offer the same features (such as online bill pay, mobile deposits, Zelle®, alerts, etc.).
To decide on the best bank for you, carefully compare accounts, fees, and customer reviews. Here are some things to consider:
- Monthly fees
Brick-and-mortar banks usually charge monthly fees. To avoid the fee, you must meet certain direct deposit or minimum balance requirements. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if the bank fits your needs and you can easily meet the requirements. - Locations
If you prefer face to face banking, you'll want to find a nationwide bank or regional bank with a large number of branches where you live and work.If you're okay with online banking, then national online banks can help you save on fees and even offer higher savings rates. They partner with nationwide ATM networks so you still have convenient access with no ATM fees.
- Overdraft fees
Americans pay billions in overdraft fees every year. You can avoid this by seeing what kind of overdraft services the bank offers. Many online banks don't even charge overdraft fees. - Additional services
A lot of banks also offer credit cards, loans, small business products, and investment tools. If you might want any of these in the future, having a good banking relationship could help. It's also good if you want to do everything under one roof. - Customer service
How can you contact the bank if you have a problem? What are their hours? Also read reviews from existing customers to get an idea of their experience with the bank. - Sign up bonuses
If all other features are similar, this may be the final deciding factor.
Which among these considerations do you think is the most important?How We Chose The Best National Banks in America
We came up with this list of the best national banks by looking at several factors:
- National footprint and reputation of the bank
- Range of services and products offered
- Banking fees and if they are easy to waive
- Welcome bonuses
- Customer reviews and satisfaction
- Mobile banking app satisfaction
It's important that the bank offers a lot of services (like checking, savings, credit cards, loans). We don't believe in paying to bank, so account fees and minimums must be reasonable and easy to waive. And with 41% of banking customers going digital-only,[1] it's more vital than ever to have a good mobile app.
We also considered J.D. Power's studies for the US retail banking satisfaction and best banking mobile app satisfaction.
Common Questions
- What is the number 1 bank in America?
Chase is the top bank in America by assets and number of branches, with $2.57 trillion in domestic assets and over 4,700 locations. The second largest bank is Bank of America, with $2.31 trillion in assets.[10] - What banks give you money for opening an account?
Banks that frequently offer cash bonuses to new customers include: Chase, Bank of America, PNC Bank, Huntington Bank, and TD Bank. Typically, you need to deposit a certain amount of money or make a certain qualifying direct deposit. - Which bank is safest in USA?
In general, a financial institution is considered safe if it's covered by FDIC insurance, has strong security measures, and is a large established bank. Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, US Bank, and all the other banks on our list meet these requirements.FDIC insurance protects your deposits up to $250,000 if the bank defaults. This gives you peace of mind that your money is safe.
- Which bank is in every state?
Chase Bank is the first and only bank with physical branches in all 48 states in the contiguous US. Plus, it's the only bank to accept government deposits in all 50 states. With over 4,700 locations, it's the national bank with the most number of branches.
What the Experts Say
As part of our series on banking and saving, CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said:
Bottom Line
Going with a national bank is a good choice if you're looking for convenience. They often offer nationwide access and more products and services.
If you don't need to visit a physical branch, consider an online bank. These usually provide higher interest rates and have fewer fees.
References
- ^ Big Bank Investments in Mobile Apps Pay Dividends as Customer Volume Shifts to Digital, J.D. Power Finds, Retrieved 1/17/22
- ^ Bank of America. Preferred Rewards, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ PNC. PNC Completes Acquisition of BBVA USA, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Huntington. Asterisk Free Checking Account Personal Account Charges Form, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Huntington. Standby Cash, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Ally. ATMs & withdrawals FAQs: What are your ATM fees?, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Alliant. Who is eligible to join Alliant?, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Alliant. Does Alliant rebate fees if I use an out-of-network ATM?, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ NCUA. Deposits Are Safe in Federally Insured Credit Unions, Retrieved 3/1/2022
- ^ Federal Reserve. Large Commercial Banks, Retrieved 11/11/2022
Anna G is a contributing writer at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Anna G at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.
This content is not provided by Citi. Any opinions expressed are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Citi.
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CreditDonkey is a bank comparison website. We publish data-driven analysis to help you save money & make savvy decisions.Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
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