Our experts put popular financial institutions under the microscope to find 2024’s best banking experiences, rates and offers. While some winners may be partners, this didn’t influence our selection process.
Karen Bennett Matthew Goldberg
Written by
Marc Wojno
Edited by
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of.Read more about how we scored the 2024 Bankrate Awards winners in.
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Our methodology
You deserve the best in banking
Rising interest rates and high inflation have led millions of consumers to ask whether it’s a good time to look for a new bank or to move money around to a new type of account.
Finding the right mix of high annual percentage yields (APYs), low fees, time-saving digital tools, branch availability (if that’s important to you) and other features may require more time than you’re willing to spend. What’s more, the choices are numerous and can feel a bit overwhelming.
That’s where Bankrate can help. Our banking team compiled data from hundreds of banks and account types to help you find the right ones for you. Whether you’re looking for a new checking, savings or money market account or a certificate of deposit (CD) — or looking for an entirely new bank or credit union — this list can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision.
How we rated these banks
Bankrate evaluated the range of deposit products offered, along with fees, minimum balance requirements, availability of competitive APYs, extent of ATM network and key digital banking features.
We assigned a score to each type of account and its features, weighted them based on importance to account holders and combined them to derive an overall score.
Bankrate compared each bank and credit union’s overall rating against the ratings of all other banks and credit unions in the relevant Bankrate Awards category.
See our top picks
Best bank overall
Ally Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYsNo fees24/7 customer service
Why they won
Ally Bank offers many best-in-class products, all paying competitive yields. Ally doesn’t charge any fees (it even eliminated overdraft fees in 2021), and there are no minimum deposit or balance requirements on its accounts. The bank’s 24/7 phone customer service and call center wait-time updates on its website exemplify its commitment to customer service.
Top features
- Ally offers competitive yields on its products, so customers can keep all of their accounts at the same bank without compromising returns.
- Ally doesn’t charge any account fees, including overdraft fees.
- There’s no minimum deposit required to open any of the accounts.
Best big bank
Capital One
HighlightsHigh APYsNo feesNo balance requirements
Why they won
Capital One operates around 300 branches and cafés and also provides online banking services. This full-service bank’s savings accounts and CDs earn competitive yields for a big bank. Customers can access more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs from the Capital One, Allpoint and MoneyPass networks. The bank eliminated fees for overdrafts and nonsufficent funds in 2022.
Top features
- The Capital One 360 Performance Savings account and 360 CDs provide competitive APYs compared with other big banks.
- Capital One’s deposit products don’t charge monthly or overdraft fees, or require minimum balances.
- The bank offers a full range of online banking services and also operates around 300 branches, including café locations.
Best online bank
Ally Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYsNo feesNo balance requirements
Why they won
Ally Bank has become the gold standard of online banks. Ally offers savers nationwide consistent, competitive rates and supports a mobile banking app with useful features, such as the ability to set up savings buckets. Ally neither requires minimum balances to open accounts nor does it charge overdraft fees, and its partnership with Allpoint provides customers with access to more than 43,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Customers who use an out-of-network ATM are reimbursed up to $10 at the end of each statement cycle.
Top features
- Ally is consistently competitive with deposit rates.
- Savers won’t lose money on paying monthly fees because there are none.
- Ally offers a variety of CD terms and, more impressively, requires no minimum deposit to open any of them.
Earn more with a high-yield savings account
Compare our picks for the best high-yield savings accounts all in one place.
Compare top options
Best regional bank
Texas Capital Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYATM Fee RefundsFree Checking
Why they won
Texas Capital Bank’s main deposit accounts – checking, savings, money market and CDs – helped it earn the best regional bank title. The bank has 10 locations in Texas, according to the FDIC. It has locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, according to the bank’s website.
Its Star Plus Checking account doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement, and it offers four out-of-network ATM rebates and more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs. You get free checks with the account, and you’ll also earn some interest. The account also offers Zelle to send money.
But those looking for above-average yields will want to consider the bank’s Star Money Market and High-Yield Savings accounts. Some of Texas Capital Bank’s CDs also earn a very competitive yield.
It didn’t factor into this scoring, but Texas Capital Bank also has an online bank called Bask Bank for customers outside of Texas.
Top features
- Texas Capital offers competitive APYs on its Star Money Market, its High-Yield Savings account and some of its CD terms.
- Texas Capital Bank is an option that Texas residents near one of its branches should consider.
- At least one of Texas Capital Bank’s CDs had a very competitive yield during Bankrate’s review.
Best credit union
Alliant Credit Union
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsDigital leaderFree checkingHigh APYs
Why they won
Alliant Credit Union offers competitive CDs with terms ranging from three months to five years. It also offers a slightly higher APY on some of its CDs if you deposit more than $100,000. The Alliant High-Rate Savings account offers a yield that’s above the national average. Alliant offers access to thousands of ATMs that won’t charge you a fee.
The credit union’s High-Rate Checking is an interest-bearing account that doesn’t charge overdraft fees, and you get a free box of checks when you open the account.
Alliant Credit Union operates entirely online, and is the country’s 13th largest credit union, with more than 809,000 members as of June 30, 2023.
One way to qualify for Alliant Credit Union membership is by living or being employed in a listed community near the credit union’s Chicago headquarters. Those who don’t meet Alliant’s traditional membership requirements can make a one-time $5 payment and Alliant Credit Union will donate that money to Foster Care to Success.
Top features
- Alliant Credit Union makes it easy to become a member.
- It offers above-average yields on its savings accounts and CDs.
- Members have access to more than 80,000 fee-free ATMs.
Best savings account
HighlightsHigh APYsNo monthly feesLow minimum deposit to open
Why they won
EverBank, formerly TIAA Bank, offers its Online Savings account, which earns a highly competitive yield. The account also doesn’t require a minimum opening deposit or charge a monthly service fee.
The savings account also offers a one-year introductory APY for new customers. That could come in handy if the Federal Reserve lowers rates drastically in the next year, which may influence some banks to lower their yields, in turn. (Though the Fed isn’t expected to lower rates, no one 100 percent knows the future of rates.)
In August 2023, TIAA Bank started doing business as EverBank following the sale of TIAA bank to private investors.
Top features
- The account doesn’t have an opening deposit requirement.
- No monthly service fee is charged.
- Members can deposit checks via a mobile device with this account.
Best money market account
Quontic Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYsNo feesNo balance requirements
Why they won
Quontic Bank’s money market account offers a competitive yield and only requires a minimum opening deposit of $100. The account comes with a debit card, and it doesn’t charge a monthly service fee. It also comes with check-writing privileges.
Top features
- Quontic’s money market account pays a highly competitive yield.
- The account has a debit card and check-writing privileges.
- The account doesn’t have a monthly service fee.
Best CD
Ally Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYsNo minimum depositRange of terms
Why they won
Ally Bank offers seven standard CDs in a variety of term options, all of which earn yields that are well above national averages. Ally also offers a no-penalty CD and two raise-your-rate CDs. None of the CDs have a minimum deposit requirement, making them accessible to nearly anyone.
Top features
- Ally Bank offers a wide range of standard CD terms as well as specialty CDs.
- Its standard CDs earn competitive yields.
- None of Ally’s CDs have a minimum deposit requirement.
Best checking account
Ally Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsNo monthly service feesOffers 43,000 fee-free ATMsEarly direct deposit
Why they won
Ally Bank’s Spending Account is an interest-bearing checking account that requires no minimum balance, and you’ll earn a tiered yield based on your balance. There are no monthly service fees or overdraft fees, and you can get paid up to two days sooner with early direct deposit. Customers can access 43,000 in-network ATMs, and Ally doesn’t charge customers for using out-of-network ATMs. Moreover, it reimburses up to $10 each month in ATM surcharges imposed by other banks.
Top features
- Ally’s checking account requires no minimum balance, charges no maintenance or overdraft fees, and offers early direct deposit of your paycheck.
- Ally provides a large network of free ATMs as well as up to $10 per month in reimbursem*nt for ATM surcharges from other banks.
- The account offers a two-tiered yield structure, and all balances earn some interest.
Best bank for sign-up bonuses
Chase Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsConsistent offersSign-up bonusesReferral bonuses
Why they won
Chase Bank offers plentiful access to branches and ATMs, along with a robust mobile app and a website that allow for convenient digital banking. But the bank is also known for its sign-up bonuses when you open certain checking accounts or refer a friend who opens a qualifying account.
When we conducted our research, Chase offered cash bonuses between $100 and $300 for opening one of several personal or business checking accounts and meeting requirements (which can include making deposits, debit card purchases or online bill payments). Currently, Chase customers can also earn $50 for each friend who opens a qualifying bank account (up to $500 per calendar year).
Top features
- Chase Bank offers a cash bonus when you open one of various checking accounts and meet specified requirements.
- Chase customers can currently receive a $50 bonus for referring a friend who opens a qualifying bank account, for up to 10 friend referrals per year.
- It’s relatively easy to qualify for Chase bonuses.
Best bank for branch access
Chase Bank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsMost U.S. branchesIn all the lower 48 statesExtensive ATM access
Why they won
Chase offers more branches than any other bank in the U.S., with locations in all 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. In total, Chase maintains more than 4,900 branches, plus around 16,000 ATMs.
Top features
- Thousands of branches from coast to coast
- Banking presence in nearly every state
- High branch density in the most populated states
Best cash management account
Wealthfront
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh APYsNo monthly feesEarly direct deposit
Why they won
Wealthfront is an automated investment firm that also offers a compelling cash management account. The account earns a highly competitive APY on all balances, requires a minimum of just $1 to open, and charges no monthly fees. It also allows for unlimited withdrawals and transfers, and customers who set up direct deposit into the account can access their paychecks up to two days early. Your funds are protected up to $8 million by FDIC insurance because Wealthfront spreads deposits across multiple partner banks.
Top features
- The account pays a highly competitive yield that’s comparable to APYs offered by top online banks.
- Wealthfront offers fee-free access to 19,000 ATMs.
- The account requires just $1 to open and charges no monthly fee.
Best bank for atm access
Capital One
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsLarge ATM networkDoesn’t charge out-of-network fees
Why they won
Capital One offers its 360 Checking account customers fee-free access to more than 70,000 Allpoint, MoneyPass and Capital One ATMs, including those located in some CVS, Target and Walgreens stores. What’s more, Capital One doesn’t charge these account holders fees for using ATMs that aren’t in its network (although the bank that owns the ATM may impose a surcharge).
Top features
- Capital One 360 Checking account users have no-fee access to tens of thousands of ATMs.
- Capital One doesn’t charge 360 Checking account holders fees for using ATMs outside its network (although the ATM operator may impose a surcharge).
- Some in-network ATMs are located inside various Target, Walgreens and CVS locations.
Best mobile banking app
Citibank
Learn morein our Bankrate review
HighlightsHigh Google and iOS ratingRobust list of featuresUseful spending insights
Why they won
Citibank’s mobile banking app is highly rated on the Apple App and Google Play stores, where more than 4 million users have reviewed the app, collectively. The app makes it easy to perform all your basic banking tasks in one place, including sending money with Zelle, locking or unlocking a lost or stolen card, setting travel notices, opening new accounts and finding ATMs near you. It also provides useful spending insights and bill management features.
Top features
- Citibank’s app comes highly rated on the Apple App and Google Play stores.
- The app provides a wide range of banking services.
- It offers tools and insights on spending, budgeting and investing.
Explore the best of the best
Check out the 2024 Bankrate Awards winners across our top categories.
Winners for your wallet
2024 Awards•Visionaries
