Best Banks and Credit Unions in the West for 2026

Regional and community banks can provide excellent rates and service. In the western states, there are several excellent banks and credit unions that offer higher-than-average APYs, low account fees and added customer perks.

To help you find the best account, Money researched leading financial institutions in this region and identified the five best banks in the West for 2026:

• Bank of America - Best Overall
• Citibank - Best for CDs
• Banner Bank - Best for Interest-Bearing Checking
• BMO - Best for Free Checking
• Glacier Bank - Best for Customer Satisfaction

*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.

Bank of America is the second largest U.S. bank by assets and the third largest by branch locations with 3,857 supplemented with 15,000 ATM locations. The bank has a solid presence in the Northeast, and it offers checking accounts, savings accounts, student accounts and CDs, the latter of which offers terms ranging from 28 days to 10 years and APYs as high as 3.51%. Bank of America requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 for its CDs.

This year, Bank of America ranked highest in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Retail Banking Advice Satisfaction Study. However, it does not offer money market accounts and there are monthly maintenance fees for its checking and savings accounts. However, those fees can be waived if certain criteria are met.

Last year, Citibank was the highest-ranked financial institution in J.D. Power's U.S. Retail Banking Advice Satisfaction Study. Last year, the bank posted the highest score at 631 with a study average of 611 (only two other banks — Chase and Bank of America — finished above the average mark). Citibank also receives high marks for its 24/7 phone support and online chat availability.

On the downside, Citi charges a $4.50 monthly fee for its savings accounts and a $15 monthly fee for its regular checking. However, the bank's CDs currently provide up to 4.00% APY, which is among the best available. Citi operates branches in 13 states, but it is available to customers online in all 50 states and boasts a network of 60,000 ATMs.

When you open a new checking account with Banner Bank, you can qualify for unusual perks like identity theft monitoring and resolution services, cell phone protection and discounts on check orders and safe deposit boxes. The community bank serves California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and is highly-rated for customer satisfaction.

Where Banner Bank stands out is by offering interest-bearing checking accounts — currently up to 0.05% APY — as well as bonuses that come with those accounts. However, to qualify for the cash bonuses, customers must deposit at least $25,000 within 30 days of opening the account and maintain that minimum balance for 90 days. Additionally, its accounts typically have monthly maintenance fees.

BMO's Smart Advantage Checking account doesn't require a minimum balance, nor does it charge monthly maintenance fees. The bank also offers higher-tier checking accounts, including an interest-bearing option, but those accounts carry monthly fees. BMO's Savings Builder account rewards customers with an extra $5 for every month they grow their balance by $200 or more for the first year.

However, the bank's money market accounts and CDs currently offer APYs that comparatively lower, and customers must deposit at least $1,000 to open a CD at BMO. The bank's ATM network features more than 40,000 locations.

Based in Montana, Glacier Bank is a top-ranked financial institution for customer service. In fact, J.D. Power awarded the bank the top spot in the Northwest in its U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study last year. The bank has several interest-bearing checking options without monthly fees, and new customers can benefit from the bank's buy-back program. Glacier Bank will buy your old checks or debit card from another bank when you open a new account, and it will give you a $25 credit.

Glacier Bank doesn't disclose all of its rate details online, and the bank's savings and money market accounts charge monthly fees. You may be eligible for a fee waiver based on your balance, but it's important to keep the fee in mind when shopping for a new account.

How we chose the Best Banks for 2026

To determine our list of best banks for 2026, 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.

We selected the best banks and credit unions of the West for 2026 by researching financial institutions operating in western states and scrutinizing their account options, interest rates, minimum deposit requirements and fees. Special consideration was given to banks and credit unions who scored well for customer satisfaction.

You can read our full methodology here.

More from Money

Back to Best Banks

Best Online Banks

Best Banks for Digital Investing