See all our bank reviews – from brick-and-mortar to online institutions – in one place

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Personal Finance Insider has reviewed dozens of banks, credit unions, and banking products. We regularly update our reviews so you can use the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about your banking needs.

Here are all our bank reviews. To make our hub easier to navigate, we've split our articles into three sections: brick-and-mortar banks, online banks, and minority-owned banks.

Brick-and-mortar banks

Brick-and-mortar banks are good for people who prefer banking face-to-face, because you can walk into a branch to speak with a customer service agent.

You'll probably want a bank with branches and ATMs near your home or office. You also may want one that offers more than just bank accounts, including loans or credit cards. Here are our reviews:

• Bank of America (Member FDIC) – You might like Bank of America for its large branch and ATM presence. But you'll want to look elsewhere for high interest rates.
• BB&T Bank (Truist Bank, Member FDIC) – BB&T could be good for residents of the East Coast or Midwest. It has a low-fee savings account and a variety of CD options.
• BMO Harris (Member FDIC) – There are over 500 BMO Harris branches around the US. It could be a good choice if you're looking for a CD, because it pays higher rates than most brick-and-mortar banks.
• Charles Schwab (Member FDIC) – You may like Charles Schwab if you're a frequent traveler. The bank doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, and it reimburses any fees charged by ATM providers worldwide.
• Chase checking accounts – Chase has three checking accounts, each with its own pros and cons. Chase checking accounts are worthwhile options if you want a cash sign-up bonus or unlimited out-of-network ATM refunds.
• Chase vs. Bank of America – Chase (Member FDIC) and Bank of America (Member FDIC) are two of the biggest banks in the US. They can both be good banks for people who want robust technology, large branch networks, and numerous ATM locations. Find out which one is the better fit for you.
• Citibank (Member FDIC) – Citibank has a "package" system. You can open a checking and savings account in one package, and you may earn some perks if you bundle them together. For example, you could earn interest on your checking account if you open it as part of a package.
• First Republic Bank (Member FDIC) – This bank pays higher interest rates than many brick-and-mortar banks, but you'll need hefty minimum deposits to open accounts.
• Huntington Bank (Member FDIC) – Huntington has branches in seven US states in the South and Midwest. It has a variety of checking accounts and CD term lengths to choose from.
• M&T Bank (Member FDIC) – You might like M&T if you live along the East Coast and want a savings account with no minimum opening deposit. Unfortunately, M&T doesn't release all of its interest rates online – you'll have to contact your local branch to learn what it pays.
• Navy Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – Navy Federal is a good credit union for people affiliated with the military. It has 24/7 live customer support and refunds out-of-network ATM fees for most checking accounts.
• Pentagon Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a credit union, not a bank. Credit unions require you to become a member to bank with them, and PenFed's requirements are much more lenient than most. It also pays competitive rates on both checking and savings balances, earning it a spot on our best credit unions guide.
• PNC Bank (Member FDIC) – You might like banking at PNC if you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest. The bank pays some competitive cash sign-up bonuses, and it has plenty of CD terms to choose from.
• Santander Bank (Member FDIC) – Santander has locations in the US Northeast, and it's a good option if you're looking for low monthly fees. Many of its monthly fees are also easy to waive. You'll want to keep an eye on other charges, though, such as ATM and overdraft fees.
• TD Bank checking accounts – TD Bank (Member FDIC) ranks as our favorite national bank in the Northeast. Many branches are open seven days per week. You don't need a minimum deposit to open any of its three checking accounts, and it's relatively easy to waive monthly service fees on some of its accounts.
• Third Federal Bank (Member FDIC) – You may like Third Federal if you live in Ohio or Florida. The bank pays higher interest rates than many brick-and-mortar banks – but it compounds interest less frequently.
• Wells Fargo (Member FDIC) – Wells Fargo has a large national presence, making it a worthwhile option if you travel domestically and want access to branches and ATMs all over the US. However, Wells Fargo has received an F in trustworthiness from the Better Business Bureau.

Online banks

Online banks typically don't have to maintain any physical branches, so they can afford to pay higher interest rates and charge lower fees. You may prefer an online bank, as long as you're comfortable banking digitally. Here are our reviews:

• Acorns Spend (Deposits are FDIC insured) – Acorns is primarily an investment platform. With its checking account, each debit card purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar and invested. You can also automatically invest a certain percentage of your direct deposits.
• Alliant Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – We've listed Alliant as one of our favorite credit unions. It has over 80,000 free ATMs, and if an out-of-network ATM charges you a fee, Alliant will reimburse up to $20 per month. Most importantly, it's easy to qualify for this credit union membership.
• Ally (Member FDIC) – Ally pays competitive rates on savings and CDs. It also has tools that make it easier for you to save, including "buckets" to save for different goals and "surprise savings" to save extra money you didn't realize you had. These features have earned it a spot on our list of best high-yield savings accounts.
• American Express® (Member FDIC) – American Express' high annual percentage yield (APY), no minimum deposit, and no monthly fees have landed it on our list of the best high-yield savings accounts. The bank also provides 24/7 customer support over the phone. But you probably won't like American Express if you prefer to bank from your phone, because there's no mobile app.
• Ando (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This is a good platform if you care about the environment. Ando only uses your deposits to invest in sustainable business. You can track your environmental impact in the app.
• Aspiration (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This banking platform focuses on environmental sustainability. Use the mobile app to track your own environmental impact, as well as the impact of the businesses you shop with. You'll also earn cash back on environmentally conscious purchases.
• Axos Bank (Member FDIC) – Axos offers a variety of checking accounts. It pays high interest rates and is generous about refunding out-of-network ATM fees. The bank even ranks as one of our top online banks. Just check that you can afford the minimum opening deposits and qualify to earn the highest APYs.
• Barclays (Member FDIC) – Barclays pays a competitive rate on savings, and you don't need any minimum deposit to open a savings account or CD. However, the bank doesn't have a checking account.
• Betterment (Deposits are FDIC insured) – You may know Betterment primarily as an investment company, but it also offers banking services. The checking account refunds 100% of out-of-network ATM fees and foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for travelers.
• Capital One 360 (Member FDIC) – Capital One has earned spots on our best checking accounts and best high-yield savings accounts round-ups. Although it's considered an online bank, it does have branches in certain parts of the US. It may be useful if you want a hybrid online/in-person banking experience.
• Chime (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This banking platform has one of our favorite high-yield savings accounts and favorite checking accounts. You can receive your paycheck early, set up automatic savings plans, earn a competitive APY on savings, and use your debit card abroad for free.
• Comenity Direct (Member FDIC) – Comenity Direct pays high interest rates on its savings account and CDs, but there's no checking account. This bank doesn't charge monthly service fees.
• CIT Bank (Member FDIC) – CIT Bank offers a variety of accounts and pays good rates. It also reimburses up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees. However, you'll need at least $100 to open a savings, checking, or money market account, and $1,000 to open a CD.
• Citi Accelerate Savings Account – Citibank (Member FDIC) is a brick-and-mortar bank, but it has an online high-yield savings account specifically for people who don't live near a branch. This account pays a high interest rate and doesn't require an opening deposit.
• Digit (Deposits are FDIC insured) – Link a regular bank account to your Digit app, and Digit assesses how much you can afford to save. Then it transfers money into your Digit savings account. You can also use the app to invest and save for retirement. The first 30 days are free, then you'll pay $5 per month.
• Discover (FDIC insured) – Discover is on our best high-yield checking accounts and best checking accounts lists. Its savings account pays a high interest rate, and its checking account provides generous cash-back rewards on debit card purchases.
• GoBank (Member FDIC) – You may like the GoBank Checking Account, which lets you receive your paycheck up to two days early. But GoBank doesn't have a savings account or most of the robust banking features other banks offer.
• HMBradley (Deposits are FDIC insured) – HMBradley offers a hybrid checking/savings account that rewards you for saving a high percentage of your direct deposits. If you put 20% of your deposits into savings, you'll earn 3% APY.
• HSBC Direct Savings Account – HSBC Direct (Member FDIC) doesn't charge monthly service fees on its savings account, and you only need $1 to get started. However, its interest rate isn't as competitive as it once was.
• Lili (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This banking platform is specifically for freelancers. You can use it either as a business account or as a hybrid business/personal account. Lili has tools to help you save for tax season, separate business and personal expenses, and create expense reports.
• Live Oak Bank (Member FDIC) – This bank pays high rates on savings and CDs, but it doesn't have a checking account. You don't need any money to open a savings account, and you'll need $2,500 to open a CD.
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs (Member FDIC) – This bank offers a variety of CDs and has a strong high-yield savings account with no monthly fee. There's no checking account, though.
• MAX – MAX is a company that links your bank account to eight high-yield savings accounts so you can earn the highest rate possible on your money. MAX also offers its own checking account that pays 0.20% APY and gives you free access to ATMs around the world.
• NBKC Bank (Member FDIC) – NBKC pays competitive interest rates on its accounts, and it's a great low-fee option. If you want to open a CD, beware that unlike most banks, NBKC may change your rate after you've opened an account.
• One (Deposits are FDIC insured) – One pays high interest rates on its hybrid checking/savings account, and you can receive direct deposits up to two days early. There are no overdraft fees, but if you overdraw your account, you'll automatically tap into an overdraft line of credit.
• OnJuno (Deposits are FDIC insured) – OnJuno has a strong high-yield checking account, and you can earn cash-back rewards. It's a worthwhile option for many people, but the website specifies it's easy for immigrants to qualify for an account.
• PNC Bank (Member FDIC) – Yes, PNC is primarily a brick-and-mortar bank. But it has a couple online accounts available for people who don't live near a branch. Its high-yield savings account pays a good rate, and its Virtual Wallet product helps you budget.
• Porte (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This banking platform pays a high savings rate, lets you earn cash back, and matches a percentage of your purchases to donate to charities.
• Quontic Bank (Member FDIC) – Quontic pays high interest rates overall. Just make sure you're eligible to earn the highest rates on its checking and money market accounts.
• Radius Bank (Member FDIC) – Radius is a solid bank for earning good rates and cash back. But Radius doesn't compound interest as frequently as most other banks.
• Robinhood Cash Management Account (Deposits are FDIC insured) – Travelers may like this hybrid checking/savings account, because Robinhood doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees. But you must have a Robinhood brokerage account to qualify for a cash management account.
• Sallie Mae (Member FDIC) – You may like Sallie Mae for a savings or money market account, and its CD rates are fine. Just know that Sallie Mae doesn't have a checking account.
• Simple (Deposits are FDIC insured) – We've written a review of banking platform Simple, but as of January 2021, the Simple banking platform shut down. Any existing Simple accounts will be transferred to its partner bank, BBVA.
• SoFi Money – SoFi (Member FDIC) has a hybrid savings/checking account, but its checking features are what make it stand out. If you can deposit at least $500 per month into your SoFi Money account, you'll earn a higher interest rate and cash back on debit card purchases.
• Synchrony Bank (Member FDIC) – Synchrony pays high rates on CDs, savings accounts, and money market accounts – but there's no checking account. But unlike most banks, Synchrony sends you a debit card when you open a savings account, making it easier to access your money.
• TAB Bank (Member FDIC) – This online bank has a strong savings account and CDs, but its checking account is just so-so. There's no free ATM network, so you'll pay a fee each time you withdraw funds at a machine.
• TIAA Bank (Member FDIC) – TIAA pays competitive rates on all types of accounts, and it has low fees. Its strongest product is probably its high-yield checking account.
• Varo Bank (Member FDIC) – Varo pays high savings rates and lets you receive your paycheck early. But you must have a Varo Checking Account to qualify for a savings account.
• Venmo (Deposits are FDIC insured) – You may know Venmo as an app for transferring money between family and friends, but your Venmo balance is also a place to deposit your checks. Although money received from other people within the app isn't FDIC insured, funds from direct deposits and mobile check deposits are insured.
• Vio Bank (Member FDIC): This online bank pays good rates on savings and CDs. But you'll need to look elsewhere for a checking account.
• Wealthfront Cash Account (Deposits are FDIC insured) – Wealthfront is more than just a digital investing tool – it also provides an account for saving and spending money. The Cash Account is a high-yield checking account that lets you receive direct deposits up to two days early.
• WebBank (Member FDIC) – WebBank offers a savings account and CDs. You might like banking with WebBank if you already use other products with the company, but high minimum deposits and no mobile app mean it's not for everyone.

Minority-owned banks

Minority-owned banks serve communities with large minority populations. They are great tools for providing banking to the underserved and for employing minority workers. Here are our reviews of minority-owned banks around the US:

• ABD Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – ABD is a minority-led credit union in Michigan and Illinois. It's primarily for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles facility employees.
• Alamerica Bank (Member FDIC) – Alamerica is a Black-owned bank in Birmingham, Alabama, that refunds up to $10 per month in ATM fees.
• Andrews Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This Black-owned credit union has low minimum deposits. It also doesn't charge monthly service fees on most accounts.
• Bank of Hope (Member FDIC) – This Korean-American-owned bank has branches in eight US states, the majority being in California. You might like using Bank of Hope if you value banking with a company that helps its community. Bank of Hope offers a scholarship program and donates to affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income people.
• Carver Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank in New York pays low interest rates, but it has a free checking account.
• Carver State Bank (Member FDIC) – Carver State Bank is a Black-owned bank in Savannah, Georgia. It pays high rates on CDs, but its savings rate is low. The bank also doesn't have a mobile app.
• Cheese (Deposits are FDIC insured) – This online banking platform is a great option for immigrants and Asian Americans. You may also like it if you want to support Asian-American communities.
• Citizens Trust Bank (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank has branches in Alabama and Georgia. It has several checking accounts to choose from, but its interest rates are nothing special.
• City First Bank (Member FDIC) – You could like this bank if you live in the Los Angeles area. It's a Black-owned institution that pays better rates than most brick-and-mortar banks, and it's easy to waive monthly service fees.
• Citizens Savings Bank and Trust (Member FDIC) – This is a Black-owned bank in Memphis and Nashville. It refunds all domestic and international ATM fees, so it's a good bank for travelers.
• Columbia Savings and Loan Association (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank in Wisconsin only has CDs and IRA CDs.
• Commonwealth National Bank (Member FDIC) – Commonwealth is a Black-owned bank in Alabama that has free overdraft protection. It pays low interest rates on savings, though.
• Credit Union of Atlanta (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This minority-led credit union is mostly limited to employees of certain organizations around Atlanta and members of some churches.
• Democracy Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a Black-owned credit union in the DC area, and it doesn't charge monthly service fees on any accounts.
• East West Bank (Member FDIC) – This bank has branches in seven US states and parts of China. You may like it if you want a variety of checking account to choose from and qualify to waive monthly service fees. It isn't technically Chinese-owned, but it originally opened to serve Chinese Americans in the Los Angeles area.
• First Independence Bank (Member FDIC) – This is a Black-owned bank in the Metro Detroit area, and it has strong checking accounts.
• First Security Bank and Trust Company (Member FDIC) – First Security is a Black-owned bank in Oklahoma City that has free savings and checking accounts.
• GN Bank (Member FDIC) – This is a Black-owned bank in Chicago with a large free ATM network.
• Hope Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – Hope is a minority-led credit union that pays higher interest rates than most brick-and-mortar institutions. It's a good option if you live in the South.
• Industrial Bank (Member FDIC) – Industrial is a Black-owned bank in the DC area. It's a good option if you can afford the minimum deposits.
• Jackson Area Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a minority-led credit union in Mississippi that doesn't charge monthly service fees.
• Liberty Bank and Trust (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank pays competitive rates on savings and CDs, especially compared to other brick-and-mortar banks.
• Lone Star National Bank (Member FDIC) – Lone Star is a Hispanic American-owned bank with 33 branches around South Texas.
• Mechanics & Farmers Bank (Member FDIC) – This is the only Black-owned bank in North Carolina, and it has a competitive high-yield checking account.
• Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This minority-led institution offers competitive perks on savings and checking to people who qualify.
• One Detroit Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – The minority-led credit union has a free checking account that offers rewards when you set up direct deposits.
• OneUnited Bank (Member FDIC) – This is the largest Black-owned bank in the US, and it holds events to teach people in its communities about finance. There are branches in Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami, and you can bank online from around the country. It's probably more competitive as an in-person bank, though.
• Optus Bank (Member FDIC) – Optus Bank is a Black-owned bank in South Carolina that has CD terms up to 10 years.
• Palmetto Health Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a minority-led credit union in South Carolina that doesn't charge monthly service fees. Membership is available to Richland County residents and Prisma Health employees.
• Securityplus Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – Securityplus is a minority-led institution for people in Baltimore and employees of certain companies.
• St. Louis Community Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a Black-owned credit union in Missouri, and it has a large shared branch and ATM network around the US so you can access your money when you travel.
• The Harbor Bank of Maryland (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank has a free checking account, but it doesn't compound the interest you earn on accounts.
• Transit Employees Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) – This is a minority-led credit union in the Washington, DC, area. It pays higher interest rates than most brick-and-mortar institutions.
• Tri-State Bank of Memphis (Member FDIC) – This is a Black-owned bank in Memphis. Liberty Bank and Trust is acquiring Tri-State Bank of Memphis, and the merger should be complete by the end of 2021.
• United Bank of Philadelphia (Member FDIC) – This Black-owned bank has low minimum opening deposits, but you'll earn higher interest rates elsewhere.
• Unity National Bank (Member FDIC) – Unity is a Black-owned bank in Texas and Atlanta. It has low minimum deposit requirements, but it charges monthly fees on most accounts.

About the author

Laura Grace Tarpley is an editor at Personal Finance Insider, covering bank reviews and guides. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). Over her five years of covering personal finance, she has written extensively about ways to save.

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