🏦 Banking & Financial Services

Discover the best banks for your financial needs

Compare traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions with comprehensive reviews. Find the perfect banking partner with the best rates, lowest fees, and services that match your lifestyle and financial goals.

✓ All major banks covered
✓ Real-time rate updates
✓ Fee transparency
🏦 50+ Banks Reviewed • 📊 4 Bank Types • 👥 75K+ Accounts Opened
🏛️
Big 4 Banks
★★★★☆
Full service
💻
Online Banks
★★★★★
Higher rates
🌎
Regional Banks
★★★★☆
Local focus

TL;DR: Best Banks 2025

Last Updated: December 2025 | Data Verified: FDIC & Federal Reserve

Average Savings APY 4.25% Online Banks (FDIC Q4 2025)
Average Checking Fee $15.47/mo Big Banks (Bankrate 2025)
FDIC Insurance Limit $250,000 Per Depositor, Per Bank

Quick Recommendations by Category:

  • Best Overall Online Bank: Ally Bank - 4.25% APY savings, no fees, 24/7 support
  • Best Traditional Bank: Chase - 16,000 ATMs, comprehensive services, strong mobile app
  • Best for High-Yield Savings: Marcus by Goldman Sachs - 4.50% APY, no minimum
  • Best for Students: Bank of America - Student accounts, campus banking, budgeting tools
  • Best Credit Union: Alliant - 3.10% APY checking, 80,000+ ATMs, low fees

Our Methodology: We analyze FDIC call reports, Federal Reserve economic data, J.D. Power banking satisfaction scores, and verified customer reviews. All rates are updated weekly and institutions are FDIC or NCUA insured. Learn more about our methodology

🔍
Showing 0 of 0 banks
Largest U.S. Bank

JPMorgan Chase Bank

★★★★☆
4.3/5 (15,420 reviews)
🏛️ FDIC #628 📊 J.D. Power: 829/1000 💰 $3.4T Assets

Key Features:

  • 4,700+ branches nationwide
  • 16,000+ ATMs
  • Comprehensive financial services
  • Award-winning mobile app
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Extensive branch network
  • Full-service banking
  • Strong mobile app
  • Multiple account options
Cons:
  • Low savings rates
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • High minimum balances
Open Account Full Review
Second Largest

Bank of America

★★★★☆
4.1/5 (12,850 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 4,300+ branches nationwide
  • 17,000+ ATMs
  • Preferred Rewards program
  • Erica virtual assistant
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Large ATM network
  • Preferred Rewards benefits
  • Strong digital banking
  • Investment integration
Cons:
  • Low interest rates
  • Complex fee structure
  • High balance requirements
Open Account Full Review
Third Largest

Wells Fargo

★★★☆☆
3.8/5 (9,240 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 4,700+ branches nationwide
  • 12,000+ ATMs
  • Relationship Banking benefits
  • Digital wallet integration
Monthly Fees: $10 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Wide branch coverage
  • Multiple product offerings
  • Relationship discounts
  • Student-friendly options
Cons:
  • Past regulatory issues
  • Low savings rates
  • Fee-heavy structure
Open Account Full Review
Global Reach

Citibank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (7,680 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 700+ branches in major cities
  • Global ATM network
  • Citigold premium banking
  • International banking services
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Strong international presence
  • Premium banking options
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Global ATM access
Cons:
  • Limited branch network
  • High balance requirements
  • Complex fee structure
Open Account Full Review
Fifth Largest

U.S. Bank

★★★★☆
4.2/5 (8,920 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 2,200+ branches
  • 4,000+ ATMs
  • Strong mobile banking
  • Business banking focus
Monthly Fees: $6.95 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Competitive rates
  • Strong customer service
  • Good mobile app
  • Business-friendly
Cons:
  • Regional limitations
  • Monthly fees
  • Limited online features
Open Account Full Review
Tech Forward

PNC Bank

★★★★☆
4.1/5 (6,540 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 2,300+ branches
  • 9,000+ ATMs
  • Virtual Wallet technology
  • Low Cash Mode alerts
Monthly Fees: $7 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Innovative technology
  • Virtual Wallet features
  • Good customer service
  • Educational resources
Cons:
  • Limited geographic reach
  • Low savings rates
  • Monthly maintenance fees
Open Account Full Review
Merger Success

Truist Bank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (5,230 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 2,000+ branches
  • 3,000+ ATMs
  • Relationship banking benefits
  • Strong Southeast presence
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $50
Pros:
  • Large branch network
  • Competitive rates
  • Relationship benefits
  • Good mobile app
Cons:
  • Primarily Southeast coverage
  • Monthly fees
  • Still integrating systems
Open Account Full Review
Digital First

Capital One

★★★★☆
4.3/5 (4,680 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 280+ branches (cafes)
  • 70,000+ free ATMs
  • 360 Performance Savings
  • No minimum balance
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • No fees or minimums
  • Competitive savings rates
  • Innovative branch design
  • Strong digital experience
Cons:
  • Limited branch network
  • Primarily digital focus
  • Limited business banking
Open Account Full Review
Convenient Hours

TD Bank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (3,820 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,100+ branches (East Coast)
  • 2,600+ ATMs
  • Extended hours (some 7 days)
  • Penny Arcade coin machines
Monthly Fees: $15 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Extended banking hours
  • Good customer service
  • Convenient locations
  • Free coin counting
Cons:
  • Limited to East Coast
  • High monthly fees
  • Low interest rates
Open Account Full Review
Global Banking

HSBC USA

★★★☆☆
3.7/5 (2,140 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 150+ branches (limited)
  • Global banking network
  • Premier banking services
  • International transfers
Monthly Fees: $15 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $1
Pros:
  • Global banking access
  • International expertise
  • Premier banking options
  • Multi-currency accounts
Cons:
  • Very limited U.S. presence
  • High balance requirements
  • Complex fee structure
Open Account Full Review
Best Online Bank

Ally Bank

★★★★★
4.8/5 (18,420 reviews)

Key Features:

  • High-yield savings (4.25% APY)
  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 43,000+ free ATMs
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Competitive interest rates
  • No fees on most accounts
  • Excellent customer service
  • User-friendly mobile app
Cons:
  • No physical branches
  • Limited cash deposit options
  • ATM fee reimbursement limits
Open Account Full Review
Tech-Forward

SoFi Bank

★★★★☆
4.5/5 (12,680 reviews)

Key Features:

  • High-yield checking & savings
  • No account fees
  • 55,000+ free ATMs
  • Financial planning tools
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • High rates on checking
  • No fees or minimums
  • Comprehensive financial app
  • Investment integration
Cons:
  • No physical branches
  • Limited cash deposit options
  • Newer banking presence
Open Account Full Review
Cashback Rewards

Discover Bank

★★★★☆
4.4/5 (9,340 reviews)

Key Features:

  • High-yield savings account
  • Cashback debit card
  • No monthly fees
  • 60,000+ free ATMs
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Cashback on debit purchases
  • Competitive savings rates
  • No fees
  • 24/7 U.S. customer service
Cons:
  • No physical branches
  • Limited checking options
  • No business banking
Open Account Full Review
High-Yield Savings

Synchrony Bank

★★★★☆
4.3/5 (7,560 reviews)

Key Features:

  • High-yield savings (4.75% APY)
  • No minimum balance
  • ATM fee reimbursements
  • CD ladder options
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Top-tier savings rates
  • No fees or minimums
  • ATM fee reimbursements
  • Variety of CD terms
Cons:
  • No checking accounts
  • No physical branches
  • Limited account types
Open Account Full Review
Mobile-First

Varo Bank

★★★★☆
4.1/5 (5,890 reviews)

Key Features:

  • High-yield savings (up to 5% APY)
  • No monthly fees
  • Early paycheck access
  • 55,000+ free ATMs
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • Very high savings rates
  • No fees or minimums
  • Early direct deposit
  • Mobile-optimized experience
Cons:
  • Requirements for high rates
  • No physical branches
  • Limited account options
Open Account Full Review
Fee-Free Banking

Chime

★★★★☆
4.2/5 (14,520 reviews)

Key Features:

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Early paycheck access (2 days)
  • Automatic savings features
  • 60,000+ fee-free ATMs
Monthly Fees: $0
Minimum Deposit: $0
Pros:
  • No hidden fees
  • Early direct deposit
  • Automatic savings tools
  • Large ATM network
Cons:
  • Limited account types
  • No physical branches
  • No interest on checking
Open Account Full Review
Midwest Leader

Fifth Third Bank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (4,230 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,100+ branches
  • 2,400+ ATMs
  • Early Pay feature
  • Momentum Banking rewards
Monthly Fees: $11 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $50
Pros:
  • Strong Midwest presence
  • Early Pay feature
  • Momentum rewards program
  • Good business banking
Cons:
  • Limited geographic reach
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Low savings rates
Open Account Full Review
Southeast Strong

Regions Bank

★★★★☆
3.9/5 (3,680 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,300+ branches
  • 2,000+ ATMs
  • LifeGreen program
  • Online & mobile banking
Monthly Fees: $11 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $50
Pros:
  • Strong Southeast coverage
  • LifeGreen savings program
  • Good customer service
  • Full-service banking
Cons:
  • Limited to Southeast
  • Monthly fees
  • Low interest rates
Open Account Full Review
Relationship Focus

KeyBank

★★★★☆
4.1/5 (3,120 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,000+ branches
  • 1,400+ ATMs
  • Relationship rewards
  • HelloWallet financial wellness
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Relationship banking benefits
  • Financial wellness tools
  • Good mobile app
  • Business banking focus
Cons:
  • Limited geographic coverage
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Low savings rates
Open Account Full Review
Canadian Heritage

BMO Bank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (2,840 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 600+ branches
  • 1,300+ ATMs
  • Smart Advantage program
  • International banking
Monthly Fees: $12 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • International banking expertise
  • Smart Advantage rewards
  • Good customer service
  • Competitive CD rates
Cons:
  • Limited U.S. presence
  • Monthly fees
  • Low savings rates
Open Account Full Review
Northeast Focus

Citizens Bank

★★★★☆
3.9/5 (2,560 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,000+ branches
  • 3,000+ ATMs
  • One Deposit feature
  • Student banking options
Monthly Fees: $11 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $50
Pros:
  • Strong Northeast presence
  • One Deposit convenience
  • Student-friendly options
  • Good mobile app
Cons:
  • Limited geographic reach
  • Monthly fees
  • Low interest rates
Open Account Full Review
Community Focus

M&T Bank

★★★★☆
4.0/5 (2,190 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 700+ branches
  • 1,800+ ATMs
  • MyChoice checking
  • Community banking focus
Monthly Fees: $14.95 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $25
Pros:
  • Strong community focus
  • MyChoice checking options
  • Good customer service
  • Local decision making
Cons:
  • Limited to Mid-Atlantic
  • Higher monthly fees
  • Lower interest rates
Open Account Full Review
Overdraft Protection

Huntington Bank

★★★★☆
4.2/5 (3,470 reviews)

Key Features:

  • 1,000+ branches
  • 1,500+ ATMs
  • 24-Hour Grace overdraft
  • Standby Cash advance
Monthly Fees: $13 (waivable)
Minimum Deposit: $50
Pros:
  • 24-Hour Grace protection
  • Standby Cash feature
  • Good customer service
  • Strong Midwest presence
Cons:
  • Limited geographic reach
  • Monthly maintenance fees
  • Low savings rates
Open Account Full Review

Banking Comparison

Bank Category Monthly Fee Branches Best For Rating
JPMorgan Chase Big 4 $12 4,700+ Full-service banking ★★★★☆ 4.3
Bank of America Big 4 $12 4,300+ Large network ★★★★☆ 4.1
Wells Fargo Big 4 $10 4,700+ Branch coverage ★★★☆☆ 3.8
Citibank Big 4 $12 700+ International banking ★★★★☆ 4.0
Ally Bank Online $0 0 High-yield savings ★★★★★ 4.8
SoFi Bank Online $0 0 Tech-forward banking ★★★★☆ 4.5
Capital One National $0 280+ Digital-first banking ★★★★☆ 4.3
U.S. Bank National $6.95 2,200+ Business banking ★★★★☆ 4.2
PNC Bank National $7 2,300+ Technology features ★★★★☆ 4.1
Fifth Third Bank Regional $11 1,100+ Midwest banking ★★★★☆ 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Banking

Expert answers to common banking questions, backed by FDIC data and Federal Reserve research.

What are current savings account interest rates in 2025?

According to FDIC data from December 2025, savings account rates vary significantly by bank type:

  • Online banks: 4.00% - 4.75% APY (average 4.25%)
  • Traditional big banks: 0.01% - 0.10% APY
  • Regional banks: 0.30% - 2.00% APY
  • Credit unions: 0.50% - 3.00% APY

The Federal Reserve's federal funds rate of 4.50% continues to support higher yields at online banks.

Source: FDIC Weekly National Rates and Rate Caps (December 2025)

Which banks have the highest customer satisfaction scores?

According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study:

  1. USAA - 860/1000 points (members only)
  2. Capital One - 847/1000 points
  3. Charles Schwab Bank - 841/1000 points
  4. Ally Bank - 839/1000 points
  5. Discover Bank - 837/1000 points

The industry average is 820/1000. Digital banks consistently outperform traditional banks in customer satisfaction due to better rates and lower fees.

Source: J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study

Is my money safe in online banks?

Yes, online banks are just as safe as traditional banks when they have FDIC insurance. Key safety facts:

  • FDIC insurance: Protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank
  • Same regulations: Online banks follow identical federal banking regulations
  • Enhanced security: Often use advanced encryption and fraud monitoring
  • No physical risk: No branch robberies or check fraud exposure

Always verify FDIC membership using the FDIC's BankFind tool before opening an account. Since 2000, no depositor has lost FDIC-insured funds.

Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC.gov)

What's the average monthly fee for checking accounts?

According to Bankrate's 2025 Checking Account Survey:

  • Average monthly fee: $15.47 at traditional banks
  • Average balance to waive: $7,281
  • Free checking availability: 45% of traditional banks, 99% of online banks
  • Average overdraft fee: $35 per transaction

Online banks typically offer free checking with no minimum balance requirements, while 78% of credit unions offer free checking accounts.

Source: Bankrate 2025 Checking Account and ATM Fee Study

How many bank accounts should I have?

Financial experts recommend a multi-account strategy for optimal money management:

  • Checking account: For daily expenses and bill payments
  • High-yield savings: Emergency fund (3-6 months expenses)
  • Secondary savings: Short-term goals and sinking funds
  • Money market: Higher balance savings with check-writing

The average American has 5.3 bank accounts across all institutions. Consider using different banks to maximize FDIC coverage and take advantage of the best rates for each account type.

Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2025

What's the difference between APY and APR?

Understanding these terms is crucial for comparing bank accounts:

  • APY (Annual Percentage Yield): What you earn on deposits, includes compound interest
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): What you pay on loans/credit, simple interest

Example: A 4.50% APY savings account earning monthly compound interest has an APR of 4.40%. The APY is higher because it includes the effect of earning interest on your interest. Always compare APY for savings accounts and APR for loans.

Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Banking Definitions