--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions in Illinois for 2025 description: Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the best banks and credit unions in Illinois. 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: '2024-10-08T15:08:10.000Z' modified: '2024-12-26T14:41:50.000Z' section: Banking tags: - Best - Best Banks 2024-2025 word_count: 685 canonical: https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois/ 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/). ![Illustration of the state of IL](https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-IL.jpg) ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![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/4191cf5226cf?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&bidid=4019469220&ptid=661012345&ptoken=f0b748c18abd76b42c5dd9c9a50b1307&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/27b7cd92014e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&bidid=4019469217&ptid=661012345&ptoken=752da70bc6d5a051becf5b81e6f062fa&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/fb98c24acb27?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&bidid=4019469222&ptid=661012345&ptoken=03f83434290e873aacfa051ea5b7315f&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/e17aedd78dd8?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&bidid=4019469224&ptid=661012345&ptoken=2eee1595e3f66795440ca50a1bb08b83&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 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** In many states, local banks are popular options for their tendency to offer higher interest rates, more flexible terms and lower fees than larger national institutions. Bank officials often live within the communities they serve, giving them specific knowledge and understanding of their customers’ needs. That's also the case for the Prairie State, where many banks — including community and regional banks — operate in the Prairie State. Money researched leading financial institutions based on their account options, fees and annual percentage yields (APYs) to identify the best banks in Illinois for 2024-2025: - [****WinTrust****](#wintrust) - Best Overall - [****BMO Harris****](#bmo) - Best for Money Market Accounts - [****Citi****](#citi) - Best for CDs - [****Old National****](#old) - Best for Students - [**PNC**](#pnc) - Best for Savings Accounts \**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-illinois%2F) ## Best Overall: Wintrust ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22061/large_76d95e4f-008c-460c-a90b-5877aadd4b5a.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/fedf0c93207f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&url=) [WinTrust](https://money.com/pr/h5e8974d4a93?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%252F) is a community bank that operates over 75 branches in Illinois. It has a variety of account options, including free checking accounts, CDs and even accounts for children with low monthly fees. Through WinTrust, you can also take advantage of free financial education resources, safe deposit boxes and other perks. WinTrust does require a minimum deposit of $100 for checking accounts, which is higher than some banks. Additionally, it doesn't disclose its APYs online; you have to contact a branch for details. **Pros** - Broad branch and ATM network - Checking accounts without monthly fees - Special accounts for children and seniors **Cons** - Checking accounts have a higher account minimum - Rates not listed online ## Best for Money Market Accounts: BMO Harris ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25769/large_d909e7aa-d234-4ece-962a-644b5a4308cf.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/sf8ee5875c4c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&url=) [BMO Harris](https://money.com/pr/s30e7ac0f258?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%252F) offers APYs on its money market accounts that are significantly higher than the national average. While some banks require you to deposit thousands to open a money market account, BMO Harris has a minimum opening deposit requirement of just $25. BMO Harris operates hundreds of branches in Illinois, so you can easily find a branch or ATM near you. However, the bank tends to offer lower-than-usual APYs on savings accounts, and most of its deposit accounts have monthly fees. **Pros** - Broad branch and ATM network - Higher-than-average APY on money market accounts - Low minimum deposit requirement **Cons** - Lower APYs on savings accounts - Monthly fees apply ## Best for CDs: Citi ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25772/large_971fc783-c9cf-4086-96ae-cd74beba79c7.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/y4080b06f05e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&url=) While many banks have CDs, [Citi](https://money.com/pr/r30962eb44b8?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%252F) offers several different types of CDs, including fixed-rate, step-up and no-penalty options. Plus, its promotional-rate CDs have higher-than-average APYS. The bank requires just $500 to open a CD — a lower-than-usual minimum — and you may qualify for a higher interest rate if you're an existing Citi customer. However, the maximum CD term is five years, which is a shorter maximum than some other banks offer. Citi's rates for savings accounts tend to be on the low end, but rates vary by location. **Pros** - Higher-than-average APYs on select CD terms - Multiple CD options - Low minimum deposit requirement **Cons** - Maximum CD term is five years - Lower APYs ons savings accounts - Rates vary by ZIP code ## Best for Students: Old National ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25766/large_32cdca1c-2334-4671-92cf-4185ebfcbd96.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/x61669ca58ea?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&url=) High school and college students can take advantage of Old National's student accounts to get access to checking accounts without a monthly fee. Plus, they'll be able to access their money at ATMs and banking centers located near over 100 colleges and universities. Through Old National, students can also use the bank's budgeting tools to establish strong financial habits and better their money management skills. Be aware, though, that the student account does have a monthly fee if the student opts for a paper statement, and unlike other banks, Old National doesn't have a special savings account for students. **Pros** - Free checking option for students who opt for e-statements - No minimum balance requirement - Free budgeting tools **Cons** - Paper statements require a monthly fee - No special savings accounts for students ## Best for Savings Accounts: PNC ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/8109/large_334c78a9-8089-450d-af68-0348d02e39eb.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/fc381207de83?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%2F&url=) With [PNC's Virtual Wallet](https://money.com/pr/yff9267a6af4?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-illinois%252F), you can take advantage of a checking account, reserve checking account and savings account all in one. And as a new customer, you can qualify for hundreds of dollars in promotional offers. Although PNC has monthly fees on most deposit accounts, its fees are fairly low. Also, the bank offers higher-than average APYs on certain CD terms, helping you grow your money over time. However, PNC has lower APYs on its savings and money market accounts. **Pros** - Special promotional bonuses - Budgeting and money management tools - Higher-than-average APYs on CDs **Cons** - Low APYs on savings and money market accounts - Monthly fees apply ## 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/b0eb5323f11d?bidid=4019469200&ptid=661012344&ptoken=49829686ee2c8ec9ded4932acd299fb2) ### 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/21fcca057567?bidid=4019469199&ptid=661012344&ptoken=41140b55a27c0fc082138fe1dde0787e) ### 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/0b80d9bf29bd?bidid=4019469202&ptid=661012344&ptoken=fbd3a250d9f9c5aa2a26a2c3efe2d2f3) ### $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/d3aa7a91ad4f?bidid=4019469204&ptid=661012344&ptoken=1ba33e8ddd9d3f6fd91b73265655870c) ## How we chose the Best Banks of 2024-2025 To determine our list of best banks for 2024-2025, Money evaluated hundreds of the largest retail banks, credit unions, regional and state banks and online 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 Illinois, we researched leading financial institutions operating within the state. We researched account offerings, deposit minimums, rates and fees, as well as the number of branches each institution operates in the state. 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