Best Banks in America for 2023-2024

For the 2023 edition of Best Banks, Money evaluated 293 financial institutions, including national banks, direct or online banks, and credit unions. We looked at hundreds of data points covering minimum deposits, rates, fees, and other features like customer service and convenience.

Of those 293 institutions, we established Money's top picks in the following categories: best national banks, best online banks, best credit unions, best banks for students, best banks for seniors, and best military banks and credit unions.

We also looked at four regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and West. Finally, we examined California, Texas, Florida and New York in this year's edition.

Data analyzed was provided by Curinos in summer 2023.

Money's Best Banks is one of the publication's oldest franchises, providing readers an annual analysis of the institutions best for everyday banking needs.

By Leslie Cook, Adam Hardy, Brenden Rearick, Bryant Guardado, Mary Ellen Cagnassola and Jill Cornfield
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
TOP PARTNER
Our Partner

Savings Account with up to 3.60% APY* (read their website to see terms)

Savings Account with up to 3.60% APY* (read their website to see terms)

  • Cash Bonus up to $300 with direct deposit set up (Terms apply)
  • No monthly fees 
  • Up to 2-day-early paycheck
  • FDIC Insured up to $250k plus up to $3M in supplemental insurance

*Rate as of 1/24/2025

* Interest rates are subject to change at any time. Terms and conditions may apply.

1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered Disclosure

New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.


2. APY disclosures

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet


3. Fee Policy

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incomingwire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.


4. Additional FDIC Insurance

SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured
Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

5. ATM Access

We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.


6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds

Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.


7. Overdraft Coverage

Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at
https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.

8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost

Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/sofi-plus SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

 

Our Partner

Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit

Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit

Get Paid Up To 2 Days Early with Direct Deposit Set Up

  • No minimum balance fees
  • 47k+ Fee-free ATMs³ at Walgreens®, 7-Eleven®, CVS® & more**
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 24/7 live support

*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.

**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

Our Partner

Earn 3.75% APY* with CIT's Savings Connect Account

  • $100 minimum balance for APY

  • No account opening or monthly service fees
  • Deposit checks online with the CIT Bank mobile app
  • FDIC Insured

*Rate as of November 20, 2025 1See Site For Details

*For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures

1APY — Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of November 20, 2025. Interest Rates for the Savings Connect Account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Savings Connect account is $100. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.

2Based on comparison to the national average Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings accounts as published in the FDIC National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of November 20, 2025.



 

Slide Table to Compare
Bank
Category
Best For
Minimum Opening Deposit
Annual Percentage Yield
Monthly Service Fees

Alliant Credit Union

Credit Union Membership Fees Yes 0.25%-3.1%* $0

Ally Bank

Online Bank Customer Service Yes 4.25% $0

Axos Bank

Online Bank Relationship Rewards, Seniors Yes 0.1%-3.3% $0

Bank of America

National Bank Mobile Banking, Seniors, Students Yes 0.01%-0.04%* $8-$12^

Bank5Connect

Online Bank High Yield Checking Yes 2.7% $0

Barclays

Online Bank Low Fees Yes 4.5% $0

Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Credit Union Mobile Banking, Students Yes 0.1%-0.4%* $0

Bread Financial

Online Bank High Yield Savings Yes 5% $0

Capital One

National Bank Overall, Students, Military Yes 4.3%-4.85%* $0

Chase

National Bank Customer service, Students, Seniors Yes 0% $12^

Citibank

National Bank Relationship Rewards Yes 0%-4.35%* $12^

Citizens Bank

National Bank Low Fees Yes 0% $0

Comerica

National Bank Checking/savings Combo Yes 0% $13

Digital Federal Credit Union

Credit Union High Yield Savings Account Yes 3.56% $0

Discover

Online Bank Overall Yes 0%-4.3%* $0

EverBank (formerly TIAA)

Online Bank Best Interest Rates Yes 0.25%-5% $0

First Horizon Bank

National Bank Best Rate (Savings) Yes 0.3% $5^ (quarterly)

First Technology Federal Credit Union

Credit Union Best Checking/Savings Combo Yes 0.1%-4%* $0

Golden1 Credit Union

Credit Union Rates Yes 0.05%-3.5% $0

GreenState Credit Union

Credit Union Rewards Checking Yes 2% (5% introductory rate for first 6 months) $0

JP Morgan Chase

National Bank Customer Satisfaction Yes 0%-0.01%* $5-$12^

KeyBank

National Bank Promoted Savings Yes 0% $0

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Credit Union High Yield Checking Account, Seniors Yes 3% $0

Mountain America Credit Union

Credit Union High Yield Money Market Account, Seniors Yes 0.50%-4.25%* $0-$7

Navy Federal

Credit Union Overall Yes 0.05% $0

PenFed

Credit Union Overall, Military Yes 0.15%-4.90%* $0-$10^

PNC

National Bank Checking/Savings Account, Students Yes 0.01%-03% $7-$25^

Quontic

Online Bank Most Innovative Yes 1.1%-4.5%* $0

Regions Bank

National Bank Checking Perks, Students, Seniors Yes 0% $8^

Security Service Federal Credit Union

Credit Union Perks, Military Yes 0.05%-2.5%* $0-$9

SoFi

Online Bank Combo Checking/Savings Account Yes 0.5% checking, 4.6% savings $0

TD Bank

National Bank Conventional Checking Yes 0.01% $10^

U.S. Bank

National Bank Low Fees, Military Yes 0.01%-0.05% $4-$6.95^

USAA

National Bank Sign-up Bonus Yes 0.01% $0

Vio Bank

Online Bank Money Market Account Yes 5.25% $0

Wells Fargo

National Bank Best Rate (Checking) Yes 0.05%-0.10%* $5-$10^
No results match.
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* APY for deposit accounts varies depending on balance, type of account and/or area

# Membership in a credit union is obtained by opening a savings account with a $5 deposit in many cases. However, some credit unions may have higher or lower opening deposit requirements. The minimums quoted here are to become a member of the credit union.

^ Monthly fee can be waived

Note: APYs are valid as of 9/26/2023