These days, working with a bank is much more than just depositing and saving money. Instead, the best banks offer perks to keep their members loyal and innovate their services to stay on the cutting edge.
Working with banks that serve customers across the nation can definitely make it easier to interact, but sometimes there are caveats to this partnership.
If you’re looking to open a new bank account or even switch banks, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide includes 15 of the best national banks you can work with, all available in the majority of the 50 states.
These banks offer several services to new members, some of which may not be listed under your current (local) bank’s directory. Plus, you won’t be left hanging if you travel outside of your hometown.
Are you ready to see which best national banks are available to you? Let’s get started!
What is a National Bank?
National banks, as the name might suggest, service the nation in several (if not all) states. Their services are available nationwide, compared to local banks that only offer services to residents of that immediate area. In addition, national banks oftentimes work from streamlined processes and regulations. This helps to take advantage of offers and promotions without having to worry about exclusivity clauses.
Most national banks are also FDIC-insured, most often to a $250,000 limit. Customers prefer national banks because they are convenient and have plenty of options to choose from for ATMs and local branches. Plus, their customer service is often much better than you’d find with a smaller bank or even credit union.
Pros
- Convenient access to branches and ATMs
- Many offer new account bonuses and promotions
- Nationwide promotions won’t carry residential restrictions
- Great for both personal and business accounts
- A wealth of financial products to choose from
Cons
- Higher fees and lower interest rates for their savings accounts
- Customer service may not be as personable
- Eligibility can still vary from one location to the next
- Not as agile in taking advantage of locality benefits or unique customer base
15 Best National Banks
There are dozens of national banks to choose from. Some of them even offer bank promotions without direct deposit requirements, which is rare. However, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best national banks you can work with to achieve your financial goals. Which one will you choose to bank with?
Ally
Ally is an online-only bank that offers customers no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balances. You’ll also receive free access to Allpoint ATMs across the nation. If you happen to use an ATM that’s not in the system, Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement period.
Unfortunately, Ally doesn’t allow you to deposit cash. However, you can deposit checks through the app or by mailing them in. Ally also offers customers a 2.35% APY on savings accounts and up to 0.25% on eligible Ally checking accounts.
Bank of America
As the second-largest national bank in the country, Bank of America has begun the transition to move their focus to online banking. This national bank offers a comprehensive approach to many of the most common banking needs. For instance, you can earn up to 0.04% APY on Bank of America savings accounts and 0.02% APY on eligible checking accounts.
Bank of America holds over 4,100 physical locations and 17,000 ATMs. Plus, their customer service representatives are available 7 days a week via online chat or Twitter.
Related: Bank of America Promotions – $100, $200, $500 Checking Offers
Barclays
Though Barclays only offers savings accounts, credit cards, and certificates of deposit (CDs), it’s a great option if you’re looking for a national bank without borders. This national bank is not based in the United States but does have 12 locations in the states dedicated to helping members invest. Barclays does offer 2.4% APY on their savings accounts.
Capital One
This national bank is mainly online but scores with one of the best banking apps. Financial products from Capital One include credit cards and investment products. Capital One has also partnered with CVS to allow for cash deposits. You’re limited to 5 transactions per month, at a limit of $999 in deposits each day, but it can be a great option if you need to deposit cash.
Capital One also hosts several cafes, which reward customers who have a Capital One account with 50% off beverages. You can also speak to Ambassadors and Money & Life Mentors for free with one-on-one sessions. There are also charging stations and free WiFi here as well.
With a Capital One account, you’ll have access to over 70,000 ATMs and 3% APY on savings accounts. Even checking accounts earn 0.1% APY. Capital One is also known for its low fees and customer satisfaction as well.
Chase Bank
Chase Bank is one of the largest national banks, with over 4,700 physical branches and nearly quadruple that amount of ATMs. You can also use Chase’s mobile app to take advantage of the several financial products this national bank offers.
For example, you may qualify for a sign-up bonus if you’re a new customer. Chase credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses and many other perks. Plus, there are plenty of cards to choose from to suit your needs. In addition, Chase offers a 0.01% APY rate on their savings and checking accounts.
Related: Chase Bank Promotions and Bonus Offers
CIT Bank
CIT Bank recently merged with First Citizens Bank but continues to offer clients standard checking and savings accounts, as well as money market accounts and CDs. In fact, a CIT Bank money market account can earn you a high interest rate of nearly seven times the national average.
With an eChecking account from CIT Bank, you can also earn up to 0.25% APY. There are no ATM fees and you’re reimbursed for non-network ATMs up to $30 per month. Savings accounts also earn a 3% APY interest rate, which competes with some of the high-yield savings accounts out there.
Related: The Best CIT Bank Bonuses and Promotions of 2022
Citi
Not to be confused with CIT Bank, Citi offers an Accelerate Savings plan that offers customers 2.2% APY and requires only $1 to open the account. You’ll have access to year-round sign-up bonuses as well that are tiered accordingly. Citi boats 961 branches and 60,000 ATMs across the nation. A Citi checking account also earns 0.03% APY on corresponding balances.
Discover Bank
This online bank has a single physical location in Delaware, but it can offer customers nationwide some of the best in terms of personal banking products. For instance, this national bank offers both checking and savings accounts, in addition to money market accounts, CDs, retirement accounts, and loans.
You’ll never pay a monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fee, or insufficient funds fee with a Discover account. However, you do have access to rewards-earning debit cards that allow you to earn up to $360 per year. There are over 60,000 Discover ATMs to work with and a 2.35% APY on savings accounts isn’t too shabby either.
Huntington Bank
Open an Asterisk-Free Checking account with Huntington Bank to avoid a monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement. Though this basic checking account from Huntington Bank doesn’t have all the bells and whistles others might, it does offer above-average customer service. There’s even a mobile app you can use to manage your money.
This national bank does charge overdraft fees after a 24-hour grace period. However, you can earn up to 0.06% APY on savings accounts. It’s not much compared to some of the other national banks on our list, but it’s better than nothing.
PNC Bank
Based out of Pittsburgh, PNC Bank is available in 21 states nationwide in 2,000 locations. This national bank acquired BBVA in June of 2021 and continues to offer customers several perks. For instance, you can open a PNC Bank Virtual Wallet, which holds a bundle of accounts in your name, such as checking and savings.
PNC Bank offers three savings accounts: Spend, Reserve, and Growth. While Spend accounts are more like your typical checking account, the Reserve account does offer a low APY and is best for emergency funds. The Growth account, however, is ideal for high-yield savings at 1% APY.
nbkc
Known properly as the National Bank of Kansas City, this bank has four branches and is also available online. Open an nbkc Everything Account without maintenance or overdraft fees. Plus, there’s no minimum account balance to worry about and you earn 1.01% APY on this account. This national bank also offers business accounts and home loans, in addition to tools that can help you manage money and make better financial decisions.
TD Bank
Known for customer satisfaction and convenience, TD Bank offers both in-person and online banking. Most locations are open seven days a week, making banking easy and convenient. However, most of the 1,100 locations are located on the East Coast. If you are a resident eligible for opening an account, you do have access to up to 0.05% APY on TD Bank savings accounts.
Truist
Like many other national banks on our list, Truist offers a wealth of financial products. This includes a handful of checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, credit cards, home/auto/personal loans, and small business financial products. However, you will find Truist lacking when it comes to high-yield savings accounts.
Notably, Truist offers the Premium Rewards account, which is an interest-bearing checking account that comes with a debit card. You can earn Delta Skymiles with this card, though there is a $94 annual fee. You can reduce that fee if you have an account balance of $100,000 or more or are a Truist Wealth client. There is also a $20 monthly fee for this account that’s only waived if you have $3,000 or more in direct deposits or a loan/credit card on file.
Truist’s credit card earns anywhere from 10-50% rewards on credit card purchases every day. You can also earn 0.01% on both checking and savings accounts. Truist offers 2,100 locations and ATMs for use as well.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank holds over 500 locations in California alone. There are just over 2,000 locations nationwide, with nearly 5,000 ATMs to choose from. U.S. Bank also offers a top-rated mobile app and 24/7 phone support to address your needs.
Though U.S. Bank savings and checking accounts only earn 0.01% APY, the CD rates offered by this national bank are higher than most others at 1.5% APY. There are many accounts to choose from when it comes to U.S. Bank, including savings, checking, and CDs such as the Step Up and Trade Up CDs.
Related: U.S. Bank Promotions and Bonuses
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is one of the few national banks that continues to support over 4,000 physical branches even as it supplements them with mobile banking options. The list of services Wells Fargo can offer clients includes bank accounts, credit cards, loans, retirement planning, and wealth management. Wells Fargo also has over 12,000 ATMs to choose from.
Unlike some of the other national banks on our list, Wells Fargo does have higher-than-average account fees and suboptimal interest rates. You will only earn 0.01% APY on checking and 0.02% on savings as well.
FAQs
The majority of the banks listed above are in all 50 states. However, you should check the fine print to see if you’re eligible for an account with a specific national bank before you sign up.
Yes, national banks are safe to use. Many people consider national banks safer than local banks because they operate on such a large scale.
US.. Bank is one of the few national banks to offer low fees. Some national banks may rival U.S. Bank in terms of fees to compete, but you should look beyond this particular characteristic to find the right national bank for you.
Take Advantage of Banking Across the Nation
Working with a national bank can help open doors for you and your business. With any of the 15 national banks above, you’re sure to find great account perks and loyalty rewards for becoming a member. Plus, these national banks are typically active in communities near you, bringing that local sense of purpose and pride to the mix. Will you open a bank account with any of these national banks?
- Get spotted up to $250 without fees
- Join 10+ million people using the finance super app
- Banking with instant discounts on gas, food delivery, groceries and more
- Start investing, saving, and budgeting for free
