Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (2024)

The best bank or credit union for you depends on what you’re in the market for: a savings account, a checking account or some other service. Whatever you're looking for, NerdWallet has you covered.

Here is an overview of the best overall institutions and accounts of 2024.

+ See a summary of NerdWallet's best banks and credit unions of 2024

Best-of 2024 Banking Winners:

  • Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union.

  • Ally Bank: Best bank; best CDs.

  • Charles Schwab Bank: Best for ATM access.

  • Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses; best for branch access.

  • Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience.

  • SoFi: Best checking account overall; best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance.

  • UFB Direct: Best savings account.

  • Vio Bank: Best money market account.

Best banks and credit unions

NerdWallet compared and rated 60 financial institutions, including banks, neobanks and credit unions, to pick winners across eight categories. Read on for more information about the institutions and accounts that took top honors this year.

Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union

  • More than 80,000 free ATMs; interest checking available.

  • 3.10% APY on savings.

  • Read more in our Alliant Credit Union review.

Ally Bank: Best bank and best CDs

  • No overdraft fees and more than 43,000 ATMs.

  • 4.20% APY on savings and 4.50% on 1-year CD; flexible and no-penalty CDs with competitive rates.

  • Read more in our Ally Bank review.

Charles Schwab: Best for ATM access

  • Unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursem*nts.

  • 0.45% checking APY.

  • Read more in our Charles Schwab Bank review.

Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and best for branch access

  • Minimum direct deposit requirement to earn cash bonus for new checking account.

  • More than 4,700 branches in 49 states.

  • Read more in our Chase review.

Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience

  • No monthly fees and 4.25% APY on savings.

  • Read more in our Discover Bank review. (Discover Bank is FDIC Insured.)

SoFi: Best for checking account overall and best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance

  • Up to 4.60% APY on savings balances and 0.50% APY on checking balances (APY is variable and subject to change).

  • No overdraft fees and no fee for overdraft coverage.

  • Read more in our SoFi review.

UFB Direct: Best savings account

  • 5.25% APY on all savings balances.

  • No minimum deposit requirement and no monthly fees.

  • Read more in our UFB Direct review.

Vio Bank: Best money market account

  • 5.30% APY on all money market balances.

  • No monthly fees.

  • Read more in our Vio Bank review.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (1)

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (2)

Learn More

Member FDIC

SoFi Checking and Savings

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (3)

APY

4.60%

Min. balance for APY

$0

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (4)

Learn More

Member FDIC

EverBank Performance℠ Savings

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (5)

APY

5.15%

Min. balance for APY

$0

EXPLORE MORE ACCOUNTS

» Looking for other excellent options? Browse our picks for best savings accounts and best checking accounts

Did you have something more specific in mind? If so, check out these articles:

Compare the best savings and money market accounts

Best high-yield online savings accounts

Best savings rates this month

Best money market accounts

Best high-interest accounts

Compare the best CD accounts

Best CD rates this month

Best 1-year CD rates

Best 3-year CD rates

Best 5-year CD rates

Compare the best checking accounts

Best online checking accounts

Best free checking accounts

Best rewards checking accounts

Compare the best banks, credit unions and cash management accounts

Best national banks

Best credit unions

Best banks to avoid ATM fees

Best banks for international travel

Best military banks and credit unions

Best online banks

Best socially responsible banks

Best banks for overdrafts

Best banks and credit unions for mobile banking

Best cash management accounts

Compare the best bank accounts for students and kids

Best savings accounts for kids

Best teen checking accounts

Best bank accounts for college students

Summary of the best banks and credit unions of 2024

Best-of 2024 Banking Award Winners

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (6)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best credit union overall.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (7)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best bank overall.

  • Best bank or credit union for CDs.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (8)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best bank or credit union for ATM access.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (9)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best bank or credit union for sign-up bonuses.

  • Best bank or credit union for branch access.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (10)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best online banking experience.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (11)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best checking account overall.

  • Best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (12)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best savings account.

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (13)

NerdWallet rating

  • Best money market account.

» Looking for the biggest banks in the country? See the list of largest banks in the U.S.

We took a close look at 60 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable and/or emerging players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.

Financial institutions and providers surveyed are: Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amalgamated Bank, American Express National Bank, Axos Bank, Bank of America, Bank5 Connect, Barclays, Bask Bank, BMO, BMO Alto, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Bread Savings, BrioDirect, Capital One, Charles Schwab Bank, Chase, Chime, CIT Bank, Citibank, Citizens, Citizens Bank ,Community First Credit Union of Florida, Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, Current, Discover Bank, E-Trade, EverBank (formerly TIAA Bank), First Tech Federal Credit Union, FNBO Direct, GO2bank, Huntington Bank, Ivy Bank, Lake Michigan Credit Union, LendingClub Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Navy Federal Credit Union, NBKC, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, PNC, Popular Direct, Quontic Bank, Revolut, Salem Five Direct, Sallie Mae Bank, Securityplus Federal Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, SoFi, Synchrony Bank, TAB Bank, U.S. Bank, UFB Direct, Upgrade, USAA Bank, Varo, Vio Bank, Wells Fargo and Zynlo Bank.

How we rate banks and credit unions

Methodology

Best Banks and Credit Unions - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

What are the best credit unions to bank with? ›

Here are some of the country's top credit unions:
  • Alliant Credit Union. Alliant offers an above-average interest rate for savings. ...
  • Consumers Credit Union. ...
  • Navy Federal Credit Union. ...
  • Connexus Credit Union. ...
  • First Tech Federal Credit Union.

Where can I get 7% interest on my money? ›

7% Interest Savings Accounts: What You Need To Know
  • As of May 2024, no banks are offering 7% interest rates on savings accounts.
  • Two credit unions have high-interest checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking with 7.50% APY and OnPath Credit Union High Yield Checking with 7.00% APY.

Is it better to bank with a big bank or credit union? ›

A credit union might be the better choice if you value high savings account rates and low fees, plus like the idea of being part of the ownership group. But if you need a bigger menu of banking products and services and want to be near a branch, then you may be better off at a traditional bank.

What is the most trustworthy bank in the United States? ›

Following one of the most successful years in United's long history, United Bank has been named the Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek for 2023.

What is the downside of banking with a credit union? ›

Credit unions tend to have fewer branches than traditional banks. A credit union may not be close to where you live or work, which could be a problem unless your credit union is part of a shared branch network and/or a large ATM network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass.

What is the number one credit union in the United States? ›

Navy Federal Credit Union

Where to put $10,000 for best interest? ›

The best way to invest 10K in individual stocks, ETFs, mutual and index funds, and stocks and shares ISAs. You can also use a robo-advisor to invest in stocks. How to invest 10k for the short term? You can invest the 100k in a high-interest savings account or a cash ISA for short-term goals.

How much interest will $100 000 earn in a year? ›

At a 4.25% annual interest rate, your $100,000 deposit would earn a total of $4,250 in interest over the course of a year if interest compounds annually. Annual total: $104,250.

Which bank gives 8% interest? ›

Top 20 Scheduled Banks offering Best FD Rates
BanksHighest FD rate (% p.a.)Additional interest rate for senior citizens (% p.a.)
RBL Bank8.000.50
AU Small Finance Bank8.000.50
Induslnd Bank7.990.26-0.50
IDFC First Bank7.900.50
16 more rows

Do rich people use banks or credit unions? ›

Bottom Line. When you have millions of dollars in the bank, you make different decisions when banking and investing. The rich use big banks and private banking institutions. They also tend to put their money into riskier investment vehicles, focusing on maintaining and expanding their wealth.

Should I move all my money to a credit union? ›

What Are the Major Advantages of Credit Unions? Credit unions typically offer lower closing costs for home mortgage loans, and lower rates for lending, particularly with credit card and auto loan interest rates. They also have generally lower fees and higher savings rates for CDs and money market accounts.

What is the best bank to bank with? ›

Best-of 2024 Banking Winners:
  • Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union.
  • Ally Bank: Best bank; best CDs.
  • Charles Schwab Bank: Best for ATM access.
  • Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses; best for branch access.
  • Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience.
May 10, 2024

Which bank is least likely to go bust? ›

Summary: Safest Banks In The U.S. Of May 2024
BankForbes Advisor RatingLearn More CTA text
Chase Bank5.0Learn More
Bank of America4.2
Wells Fargo Bank4.0Learn More
Citi®4.0
1 more row
May 20, 2024

What are the best credit unions to join? ›

Choosing the best credit union: Where to begin
Brand nameBest forAPY*
AlliantOverallUp to 3.10%
PenFedRewards credit cardUp to 3%
First Tech Federal Credit UnionLow-interest credit cardUp to 5%
Consumers Credit UnionDeposit account varietyUp to 3%
4 more rows
May 22, 2024

What banks are most at risk? ›

These Banks Are the Most Vulnerable
  • First Republic Bank (FRC) . Above average liquidity risk and high capital risk.
  • Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) . Above average capital risk.
  • KeyCorp (KEY) . Above average capital risk.
  • Comerica (CMA) . ...
  • Truist Financial (TFC) . ...
  • Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) . ...
  • Zions Bancorporation (ZION) .
Mar 16, 2023

What is the largest credit union in Arizona? ›

Celebrating more than 80 years in years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's largest and most trusted credit union.

Is my money safer in a credit union or bank? ›

Generally, credit unions are viewed as safer than banks, although deposits at both types of financial institutions are usually insured at the same dollar amounts. The FDIC insures deposits at most banks, and the NCUA insures deposits at most credit unions.

Which is the best credit union to join in Georgia? ›

Top 10 Credit Unions in Georgia - 2024 Sortable APR Guide
RankCredit UnionCar APR
1Peach State5.79%
2Atlanta Postal5.88%
3Delta Community6.03%
4Associated5.89%
6 more rows

What is the largest credit union in California? ›

SchoolsFirst FCU is the largest credit union in California, headquartered in Santa Ana, managing $28.72 billion and serving over 1.35 million members.
  • Main Office: 15332 Newport Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780.
  • Telephone: (800) 462-8328.
Apr 4, 2024

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6376

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.