--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Midwest for 2026 description: Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the 2026 best banks and credit unions in the Midwest. 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: '2025-10-15T13:43:05.000Z' modified: '2025-11-11T20:51:29.000Z' section: Banking tags: - Best - Best Banks 2025–2026 word_count: 846 canonical: https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/ 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 the Midwest for 2026](https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-Midwest.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![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/077ba046f9d0?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&bidid=4017082182&ptid=660698438&ptoken=116526c02cafbcefa91ed703918af436&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 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: Open SoFi Account Today\]** * * * ![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/b3b490cf80e2?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&bidid=4017082180&ptid=660698438&ptoken=5a82591f6395ad3bbc16ebf37c3f2738&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 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Barclays Offer\]** * * * ![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/93029c35f48c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&bidid=4017082184&ptid=660698438&ptoken=ef6c0becd2c1ea52108d5bc18deef76d&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. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![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/8abc63d7de69?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&bidid=4017082186&ptid=660698438&ptoken=7f92169fd815e96654289ba6ac87c4b6&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 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** Regional banks and credit unions may have a smaller physical footprint than big national financial institutions, but they can often be more flexible and provide better terms. They’re also familiar with the financial needs of residents in the areas they serve and can tailor their products to meet those needs. In some cases, they can offer surprising perks and a personal touch to banking. To help you find the right one in the Midwest, Money researched dozens of financial institutions in that region. Based on their offerings, fees and customer service, here are our choices for the best banks and credit unions in the Midwest for 2026: - [**MidWest America Federal Credit Union**](#midwest) - Best Overall - [**Gate City** **Bank**](#gate) - Best for CDs - [**Associated Bank**](#associated) - Best for Interest-Bearing Checking - [**Huntington Bank**](#huntingon) - Best for Free Checking - [******Old National** Bank****](#oldnational) - Best for Customer Satisfaction *\*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.* ## Best Overall: MidWest America Federal Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/32754/large_443f4c90-d822-4f05-a8d0-f75bcd233abd.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/r2bc1c29f6da?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&url=) [MidWest America Federal Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/b582f7ad8723?data-trk-company=midwest-credit-union-federal-credit-union&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=b582f7ad8723&encoded_id=) operates branches in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky with plans to expand their service area in the future. The credit union has an ATM network with 55,000 locations and offers various savings, checking and money market accounts, in addition to student and senior accounts, share certificates and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In order to receive the highest APY available for MidWest America's money market account, customers must have a minimum balance of $100,000. But the checking accounts offered by MidWest America are interest-bearing, with APYs up to 4.00% on balances up to $10,000. **Pros** - Network of 55,000 ATMs - Offers student accounts - Interest-bearing checking accounts **Cons** - Higher opening balance requirement for savings - Comparatively lower APY on savings - Balance caps for interest-bearing checking ## Best for CDs: Gate City Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/32755/large_da9a2995-d605-472a-aecc-9f704756c86a.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/h93240b10b8e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&url=) [Gate City Bank](https://money.com/pr/k8e67aced318?data-trk-company=gate-city-bank&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=k8e67aced318&encoded_id=) operates 45 locations in 23 communities across North Dakota and Minnesota. It has an ATM network with 85,000 locations and has a Trustpilot rating of 3.2 stars out of a possible 5. Gate City offers an interest-bearing checking account, but its APY is relatively low and requires a $50 minimum opening balance. The bank also offers IRAs and student accounts. The bank charges a monthly fee for its money market accounts, but it can be waived by meeting certain criteria. Where Gate City separates itself from other Midwest banks is with its CDs, with terms ranging from three months to five years and APYs up to 3.80%. **Pros** - Network of 85,000 ATMs - Competitive APYs for CDs - Money market monthly fee can be waived **Cons** - Monthly fee for money market account - $50 minimum opening balance for checking ## Best For Interest-Bearing Checking: Associated Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/32756/large_21a763a4-5956-4d47-965d-71964c7c2e8e.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/o4c2ae8e1b44?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&url=) With hundreds of locations throughout Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin as well as 24/7 online banking, [Associated Bank](https://money.com/pr/l5157f27a7dd?data-trk-company=associated-bank&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=l5157f27a7dd&encoded_id=) stands out for its strong Trustpilot rating (3.1 stars out of 5) and diverse account offerings that include health savings accounts (HSAs) and interest-bearing checking accounts (though the bank doesn't disclose its APYs on its website). There is minimum deposit requirement of $1,000 for CDs and money market accounts, as well as a $100 minimum opening deposit for its interest-bearing checking accounts. Associated bank also offers annuities and IRAs. **Pros** - High Trustpilot rating - Interest-bearing checking accounts - Health savings accounts available **Cons** - Low savings APY - Monthly fees for savings - $1,000 minimum deposit for CDs and money market accounts ## Best for Free Checking: Huntington Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25778/large_05ec63d4-6c1c-4fe4-8d88-225b9e50a019.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/x4574afbd1a7?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&url=) [Huntington Bank](https://money.com/pr/h65451fcdb24?data-trk-company=huntington-bank-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=h65451fcdb24&encoded_id=) operates branch locations in 13 states, including several in the Midwest. It offers various savings, checking, and money market accounts in addition to CDs. The bank's Premier savings account has a relatively low APY and a monthly maintenance fee; however, that fee can be waived by meeting certain requirements. The bank's free checking account — Asterisk Free Checking — does not charge monthly maintenance fees or requirement minimum opening balances. Additionally, the account's Standby Cash feature allows customers to qualify for emergency cash of $100 to $750 with no monthly interest and no credit check. However, Huntington has a limited ATM network with only 1,600 locations. **Pros** - Branches in 13 states - Standby Cash feature provides emergency savings at no interest - Fees can be waived for savings **Cons** - Limited ATM access - Low APY for savings - Monthly fees for savings ## Best for Customer Satisfaction: Old National Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/34136/large_2414c8db-045d-4125-bede-ba1d000c3d17.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/gfe2fe081b3a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest%2F&url=) [Old National Bank](https://money.com/pr/vf860f3bf43b?data-trk-company=bremer-bank-savings-account-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=vf860f3bf43b&encoded_id=) has a network of 25,000 ATM locations and receives an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The bank's Select Banking is a free checking account if you enroll in online statements. The bank has branch locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. If you can’t access one of its fee-free ATMs, Old National reimburses up to $15 per statement cycle for out-of-network fees. The bank charges monthly fees for its checking and savings accounts, but they can be waived by enrolling in paperless statements. Old National Bank has a positive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating for lending, investments and services. The bank also receives high marks for its customer service, mortgage lending services and its mobile app, which is currently receives 4.8 stars out of possible 5 on Apple's App Store and 3.6 stars out of 5 on the Google Play Store. **Pros** - Strong customer satisfaction ratings - Monthly fees can be waived - High mobile app rating **Cons** - Limited out-of-network ATM reimbursement - Low savings and money market APYs ## 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/e82083dfdf58?bidid=4017082170&ptid=660698436&ptoken=d2c60d6fe78485ecf5fa2aa8e1895e5f) ### 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/77fa099ba5b3?bidid=4017082168&ptid=660698436&ptoken=4c6d9798c0de7df8628118f31206a64f) ### 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/d33757a4eab8?bidid=4017082172&ptid=660698436&ptoken=de1a4ddd077765ceb345c568be7ffae1) ### $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/b0f57b0d3672?bidid=4017082173&ptid=660698436&ptoken=3da68018e79bedcb52b0251fee04a828) ## How we chose the Best Banks of 2026 To determine our list of best banks for 2026, Money staff evaluated hundreds of financial institutions. We then evaluated the interest rates offered, minimum required balances, fees charged, ATM accessibility and perks or rewards obtained by opening a specific account. You can read [our full methodology here](https://money.com/best-banks/methodology/). We researched leading regional financial institutions to identify the best banks and credit unions in the Midwest for 2026. We compared bank account options, rates, deposit minimums, fees and added benefits and features to select our top choices. We placed particular emphasis on banks with branch locations in midwestern states. We also prioritized banks with broad ATM networks and low fees. You can [read our full methodology here](https://money.com/best-banks/methodology/). ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Banking", "item": "https://money.com/banking/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Banks", "item": "https://money.com/banks/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Midwest for 2026" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/", "name": "Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Midwest for 2026", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2025-10-15T13:43:05.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2025-11-11T20:51:29.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Midwest for 2026", "articleSection": "Banking", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-Midwest.jpg?quality=85", "width": 2880, "height": 1920 } ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Money", "url": "https://money.com/", "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" }, "publisher": "https://money.com/#organization", "datePublished": "2025-10-15T13:43:05.000Z", "description": "Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the 2026 best banks and credit unions in the Midwest.", "abstract": "Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the 2026 best banks and credit unions in the Midwest.", "@id": "https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-midwest/", "inLanguage": "en-US", "dateModified": "2025-11-11T20:51:29.000Z", "editor": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jordan Chussler", "url": "https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/", "@id": "https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/#author", "description": "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.", "image": "https://img.money.com/2023/07/jordan.png?w=350&h=430&crop=1", "email": "jordan.chussler@money.com", "jobTitle": "Editor, Investing and Banking", "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "certification", "name": "Certified Personal Finance Counselor" } ], "alumniOf": "Lynn University", "subjectOf": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://weissratings.com", "name": "Weiss Ratings" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://247wallst.com/", "name": "24/7 Wall Street" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://betterinvesting.org", "name": "Better Investing" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://finance.yahoo.com/", "name": "Yahoo Finance" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://nasdaq.com", "name": "Nasdaq" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://investing.com", "name": "Investing.com" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://www.marketbeat.com/", "name": "Marketbeat" }, { "@type": "WebPage", "url": "https://www.msn.com/en-us/money", "name": "MSN Money" } ], "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chussler-b3597811/" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } } ], "wordCount": 846, "keywords": [ "Best", "Best Banks 2025–2026" ], "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bank", "sameAs": [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank" ] } ] } ] } ```