--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions in California for 2025 description: To find the best banks and credit unions in California, Money looked at a total of 17 financial institutions. editors: - name: Jordan Chussler role: Editor, Investing and Banking url: https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/ bio: Jordan is an investment editor who specializes in topics ranging from traditional equities, retirement savings and income investing to alternative assets and commodities, specifically focusing on gold and other precious metals. He combines his personal interests and professional experience in finance and education to help readers increase their financial literacy and make better investment choices. Jordan is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. education: Lynn University certifications: Certified Personal Finance Counselor at_money_since: 2023 articles: 130 covers: - Banking - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - Weiss Ratings - 24/7 Wall Street - Better Investing - Yahoo Finance - Nasdaq - Investing.com - Marketbeat - MSN Money social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chussler-b3597811/ published: '2024-10-08T14:59:15.000Z' modified: '2024-12-26T14:43:14.000Z' section: Banking tags: - Best Banks 2023-2024 word_count: 633 canonical: https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-california/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![Best Banks and Credit Unions in California for 2025](https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-CA.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/682d4b76c33f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&bidid=4027926795&ptid=662093970&ptoken=3ba6aabc1fa89b92298d9a8e80eb54ed&zip=20149) **Earn up to 3.80% APY\* & up to $50 or $400 with direct deposit\*** - Limited Time Offer - New accounts earn a 0.70% APY boost to 3.80% for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit\* - $0 min. balance to earn APY - Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up - Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3 - Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M on deposits4 - No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6 \*Terms Apply **\[AFFILIATE LINK: Open SoFi Account Today\]** * * * ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7510/medium_8a6feaaf-bb2a-4668-a20d-603241767f86.png) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/680525bfffee?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&bidid=4027926792&ptid=662093970&ptoken=0c6ad0a7fb031de23928de3b98b5b8e4&zip=20149) **Earn up to 3.65% APY\* on qualifying balances with a Barclays' Tiered Savings account** - $200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply. - No monthly maintenance fees - Easy direct deposits & online transfers - Member FDIC \*Rate as of 6/24/2026 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Barclays Offer\]** * * * ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/38558/medium_9a7de13e-ef66-4a9d-9afd-0d742334c0be.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/adfd3852743a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&bidid=4027926799&ptid=662093970&ptoken=9b81095c281adf388514e91ca1e4ed8c&zip=20149) **Earn 4.10% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance** - $5,000 min. balance to earn top APY - $100 minimum deposit to open an account - No account opening or monthly service fees - Member FDIC \*Boosted rate for 6 months; 3.75% APY after. Enter promo code CITBOOST for APY bonus. Rate as of 07/01/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/35396/medium_03f248f6-d7f4-4da6-8f13-322fce5d1be2.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/88497eb503cf?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&bidid=4027926801&ptid=662093970&ptoken=5dd46c30a3c1999a659206f077b31eef&zip=20149) **Earn 3.80% APY\* with an Openbank High Yield Savings account** - $500 minimum opening deposit - Keep more of your money with no fees - Trusted device security with quick face or fingerprint login - Member FDIC, Santander Bank, N.A. \*Rate as of 8/24/2026 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** California is the largest state in the country based on population, so it's no surprise that there are thousands of banks and credit unions operating within the state. To help you identify the best banking option for you, Money researched leading financial institutions. By evaluating their bank account options, annual percentage yields (APYs) and fees, we selected the best banks and credit unions of California for 2024-2025: - [**Golden 1**](#golden1) - Best Overall - [**Bank of America**](#boa) - Best for Low Fees - [****BMO****](#bmo) - Best for Checking - [****U.S. Bank****](#usb) - Best for Money Market Accounts - [****Wells Fargo****](#wellsfargo) - Best for Promotional Offers \**Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 8, 2024.* ## Open a High-Yield Savings Account today and start earning interest ### Take advantage of an FDIC insured, High-Yield Savings Account from SoFi®. Click on your state and find out more. [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/b6d40efa5682?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F) ## Best Overall: Golden 1 ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/21931/large_38c8b02c-3981-43f3-b3f4-86c1e7074b41.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/h7761094e213?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&url=) [Golden 1 Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/oc3a365d5954?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%252F) is a top credit union in the Golden State. It offers low-fee deposit accounts, including free checking options and high-yield savings accounts. And, it offers higher-than-usual APYs on CDs. As a credit union, Golden 1 is also a good option for seniors and minors; it has special account options with low fees and added perks. However, you must live in an eligible county, work for a partnering employer or have a family member who belongs to Golden 1 Credit Union to qualify for membership. **Pros** - Free checking accounts available - Benefits for seniors - Higher-than-average rates on CDs **Cons** - Interest-bearing checking accounts have monthly service fees - Lower APYs on larger savings account balances ## Best for Low Fees: Bank of America ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15558/large_3b8c7d29-f50d-4548-8856-8527c92de14a.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/gdacdada1aaf?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&url=) Although many of [Bank of America](https://money.com/pr/b3971a6f5097?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%252F)'s savings and checking accounts have monthly fees, the bank has several ways to qualify for fee waivers. The waiver requirements are attainable; for example, you can qualify for a fee waiver on a checking account by maintaining a balance of just $500. You can open an account with as little as $100, and Bank of America offers higher-than-usual rates on CDs. However, to qualify for the best rates, you need to have a combined balance of $20,000 or more in Bank of America accounts. **Pros** - Multiple ways to qualify for fee waivers - Low minimum deposit requirements - Multiple CD terms **Cons** - Lower APYs on savings accounts - Most perks require large combined balance ## Best for Checking: Bank of the West ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22991/large_2dbcf13f-127c-4e47-a8c3-ff10ce34e6b2.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/d1a0979d85cc?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&url=) In 2023, Bank of the West, a leasing bank in California, was acquired by [BMO Harris](https://money.com/pr/s30e7ac0f258?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%252F). With its savings accounts, you can qualify for added rewards. For every month you save $200 or more during the first 12 months of opening an account, BMO Harris will reward you with $5. There are hundreds of bank branches within the state, and it gives its customers access to over 40,000 ATMs. You can open an account with as little as $25. Many of its accounts have monthly fees, but there are multiple ways to qualify for fee waivers. **Pros** - Savings reward - Broad branch and ATM network - Low opening deposit **Cons** - Monthly fees apply - Lower rates on savings accounts ## Best for Money Market Accounts: U.S. Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22137/large_1efece9c-e00d-4b3c-b55f-c3aedb2359a8.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/n862e02eb783?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&url=) For those who want to open a money market account, [U.S. Bank](https://money.com/pr/c1c6ac6c2338?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%252F) is an excellent choice. It offers significantly higher-than-usual rates, and it's a top-ranked bank for customer satisfaction. You can qualify for a waiver of monthly fees on money market accounts by maintaining a balance of $10,000 or more. However, to qualify for the best-possible rate, you'll need to have a balance of $25,000 or more. **Pros** - Top-ranked for customer satisfaction - High APYs on money market accounts - Multiple fee waivers **Cons** - Highest APY requires a high balance - Checking accounts have monthly fees ## Best for Promotional Offers: Wells Fargo ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15436/large_ebc5ac0e-e430-4b72-91d8-df618c939e52.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/bd1e22dfca48?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%2F&url=) If you open a new checking or savings account with [Wells Fargo](https://money.com/pr/n5cbf468790b?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-california%252F), you could be eligible for hundreds in promotional offers. The balance or deposit requirements are relatively low, so the bonuses are fairly easy to get. However, be aware that Wells Fargo accounts have monthly fees. Additionally, the bank offers comparatively low APYs on its savings accounts. **Pros** - Valuable bonus offers - Budgeting and spending tools - Fee waivers available **Cons** - Accounts have monthly fees - Low APYs on savings accounts ## Compare Savings Accounts rates today ### Up to 2-day-early paycheck ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/619e15396469?bidid=4027926814&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=662093974&ptoken=4f49fa1a94f60dacfdfe6424b9c8aa6e) ### No monthly maintenance fees ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7510/medium_8a6feaaf-bb2a-4668-a20d-603241767f86.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/8dc1e1c57336?bidid=4027926812&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=662093974&ptoken=9502092007012700fad9cce2cc5a23af) ### Open an account in 5 minutes ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/38558/medium_9a7de13e-ef66-4a9d-9afd-0d742334c0be.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/3c754c4b97db?bidid=4027926815&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=662093974&ptoken=bba79893510a34f00f5e8ef8f27999dd) ### $500 minimum opening deposit ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/35396/medium_03f248f6-d7f4-4da6-8f13-322fce5d1be2.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/7723ce224a58?bidid=4027926816&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=662093974&ptoken=424561c45fce6a63559f5c411e2878c8) ## How we chose the Best Banks of 2024-2025 To determine our list of best banks for 2024-2025, Money staff evaluated hundreds of the largest retail banks, online banks, credit unions, regional and state banks ranked by assets. We then compared opening balance requirements, interest paid, fees and features to determine our top picks. To identify the best banks and credit unions in California, we researched leading financial institutions operating within the state. We looked at the banks' accounts, deposit minimums, rates and fees, as well as the number of branches each institution operates in California. 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