--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions of the West for 2027 description: Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the best banks and credit unions of the West for 2027. authors: - name: Kat Tretina role: Contributor url: https://money.com/author/kat-tretina/ education: B.A in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College, M.A. in Communications from West Chester University at_money_since: 2025 articles: 31 covers: - Banking - Insurance - Loans former_staff: true 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: 133 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: '2026-10-14T14:52:48.000Z' modified: '2026-10-14T17:48:13.000Z' section: Banking tags: - best banks word_count: 683 canonical: https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-west/ 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 of the West for 2027](https://img.money.com/2025/10/Best-Banks-2026-Western-States-mbci_9st04__8ot54y.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/077b4af80756?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658818&pmeta=p129-c561-u44175&ptid=683264403&ptoken=8dd5bae2a49168b9f98ac3c36b3cf933&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Up to 3.30% APY² with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period.** - Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.20% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.8  - $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/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/be5a540f4240?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658819&pmeta=p129-c561-u44175&ptid=683264403&ptoken=ed2bbbd055cb5bd58038c9b42d08ca61&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn 4.25% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance when you open a Platinum Savings Account** - $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 BOOST50 for APY bonus. Rate as of 9/29/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/b782e41aaf52?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658820&pmeta=p129-c561-u44175&ptid=683264403&ptoken=7c2673c731387aec4cef6ab081906171&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn Up to 4.35% APY (inclusive of 0.35% APY Boost)\*\*** - $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. Rates as of 10/14/2026 \*\*New Customers only. Terms Apply. Santander Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The APY Boost will apply for (6) months from the date the account is opened. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** ## Key Takeaways - U.S. Bank claims the top spot in Money's 2027 rankings of the best banks and credit unions in the West. Highly rated for retail satisfaction in California and the Northwest by JD Power, U.S. Bank combines a strong physical presence across 28 states with low-opening deposit checking options ($25 minimum) and cash-back rewards. - Other winners were recognized for delivering high yields and low fees. Golden1 Credit Union is highlighted for its high-yield savings accounts, while PNC was noted for extensive CD terms (seven days to 10 years) and BMO for its accessible money market accounts ($25 opening minimum). - Money's evaluation process prioritizes regional presence, above-average rates and customer satisfaction. The 2027 rankings evaluated leading traditional banks, regional institutions and credit unions based on account fee structures, APYs, physical footprints and JD Power regional retail satisfaction scores. If you live in the Western U.S., you have several excellent banking options, including national chains, regional banks and local credit unions. Choosing one can be overwhelming, which is why Money evaluated the leading financial institutions and identified the best banks and credit unions in the West. To help you find the best account, we researched bank account options, interest rates, fees, customer satisfaction ratings and deposit requirements. Here are the best banks and credit unions in the West for 2027: - **[U.S. Bank](#usb):** Best Overall - **[Golden 1 Credit Union](#golden):** Best for Savings Accounts - **[Chase](#chase):** Best for Checking Accounts - **[PNC](#pnc):** Best for CDs - **[BMO](#bmo):** Best for Money Market Accounts \**Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 9, 2026.* ## 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. [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/b6d40efa5682?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F) ## Best Overall: U.S. Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40501/large_0b2bb538-7a0b-45b9-9b15-7b69f2e544a9.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/t6f59d6b2d3e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&url=) [U.S. Bank](https://money.com/pr/c1c6ac6c2338?data-trk-company=us-bank-savings-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=c1c6ac6c2338&encoded_id=) operates physical locations in 28 states, primarily in the West and Midwest regions of the U.S. Although it has many of the features and benefits of a traditional bank, it also has robust digital banking services. JD Power rated U.S. Bank highly in the U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for the California and the Northwest regions. You can open a Bank Smartly Checking account with just $25, and it includes benefits like cash back deals on select purchases. **Pros** - Highly rated in the JD Power study - Special accounts for kids, teens and college students - Cash-back rewards on select checking account purchases **Cons** - Monthly fees apply to checking accounts - High balance requirement to earn higher rates on money market accounts - Limited CD terms ## Best for Savings Accounts: Golden 1 Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40478/large_ce4ca173-d1e9-40c6-8072-fd0eb516ca17.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/bdc12de81ec8?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&url=) [Golden 1](https://money.com/pr/oc3a365d5954?data-trk-company=golden1-credit-union&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=oc3a365d5954&encoded_id=) Credit Union serves customers in California. Although it has a small service area compared to other banks and credit unions, it's a standout choice for eligible customers, particularly for its savings accounts. Golden 1 has several savings account options, including specialty holiday savings accounts and accounts for kids and students. With its high-yield Growth Savings account, there are no minimum deposit requirements or monthly maintenance fees. On balances up to $1,000, you can earn up to 4% APY. **Pros** - No monthly fees on savings accounts - Higher-than-average APYs on most savings accounts - Specialty accounts for kids and students **Cons** - Limited service area - Limited share certificate options - Restricted membership criteria ## Best for Checking Accounts: Chase ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40459/large_31853ecb-e791-49bb-be96-bb2f04daa90d.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/jca9f6411c21?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&url=) Although [Chase](https://money.com/pr/i7be8f252370?data-trk-company=chase-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=i7be8f252370&encoded_id=) is a traditional brick-and-mortar bank that serves customers nationwide, it also has a strong presence in the western states. As a Chase customer, you can visit any of its 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs to withdraw or deposit cash. Chase has several checking account options to choose from. Although its checking accounts typically have monthly fees, there are multiple ways to qualify for fee waivers. Notably, the bank placed first out of seven financial institutions in JD Power's California banking study. **Pros** - Large network of branches and ATMs - Accepts cash deposits at Chase ATMs - Kid and teen accounts available **Cons** - Monthly fees apply to checking accounts - No rewards or added perks - No interest-bearing checking options ## Best for CDs: PNC ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/8109/large_334c78a9-8089-450d-af68-0348d02e39eb.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/ffa09335d7f9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&url=) [PNC](https://money.com/pr/yff9267a6af4?data-trk-company=pnc-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=yff9267a6af4&encoded_id=) operates physical branches in 28 states, including Arizona and California, but it also offers online banking to customers nationwide. For CDs, PNC offers some of the highest rates in the area. Depending on the term, you could earn up to 4.25%, but you will have to deposit at least $1,000 to take advantage of the highest APYs offered. While many regional and community banks and credit unions only offer CDs or share certificates with terms of five years or less, PNC Bank offers a broader range of options. You can choose a term between seven days and 10 years. **Pros** - Higher-than-average APY on CDs - Wide range of CD terms - Extensive branch and ATM network **Cons** - Poor Trustpilot reviews - Fees on some deposit accounts - Lower-than-average APYs on savings accounts ## Best for Money Market Accounts: BMO ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/27221/large_76542624-019d-4108-a323-6063273cd535.png) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/kac9ef2cf614?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&url=) At [BMO](https://money.com/pr/p435d4a99995?data-trk-company=bmo-savings-builder-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=p435d4a99995&encoded_id=), you can open a money market account with as little as $25 — a relatively low requirement. Currently, your account can earn up to 3.01% APY when you also have a BMO Relationship Checking account. The money market account does have a $10 monthly fee, but you can qualify for a fee waiver by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $5,000 or more. BMO operates branches in 23 states but is available in all 50 states via its online banking platform. **Pros** - Low minimum deposit requirement - Higher-than-average APY on money market accounts - Physical branches available **Cons** - Excess withdrawal fees on money market accounts - Monthly fees apply - Low APYs on savings accounts ### Up to 2-day-early paycheck ![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/6c1b7d756b0f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658824&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264404&ptoken=e520b1fa5a9113108bbd07b28ce96104&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### Open an account in 5 minutes ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/f0700400c999?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658827&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264404&ptoken=258d1a68810f12952b79d1f617b65984&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### $500 minimum opening deposit ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/a04c75d5d30c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-west%2F&bidid=4222658831&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264404&ptoken=9e91702a1bc18244f070e92e84efb5ab&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ## FAQs ### What is a regional bank, and how does it differ from a national or online bank? A regional bank operates within a specific geographic area or multi-state region, sitting in the sweet spot between small community banks and massive national institutions. Unlike national banks, which maintain thousands of branches across the country, regional banks focus their resources locally. Unlike online banks, which have lower overhead due to no physical locations, regional banks offer full-service physical branches alongside modern digital platforms. ### Why would I choose a regional bank over an online bank with higher interest rates or a national bank with branches across the country? Regional banks offer a balance of personalized service and competitive terms. Compared to national banks, regional banks feature localized underwriting, lower average account fees and bank officers who understand regional economic conditions. Compared to online banks, regional banks provide physical locations for cash deposits, notary services and face-to-face banking services, while still providing access to competitive APYs and modern mobile apps. ### Are my deposits as safe at a regional bank as they are at a giant national bank? Yes, your deposits are just as safe in a regional bank as they are in a national bank. Reputable regional banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. ## How we chose the best banks and credit unions of the West To decide which bank and credit unions made our list, Money researched leading financial institutions with a presence in the Western states. We evaluated each bank and credit union's account options, deposit requirements, fees, interest rates and customer satisfaction ratings. We also looked at banks' ATM and branch networks. For the best banks in the West, we prioritized banks with higher-than-average APYs on savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs, and low monthly fees. AI was not used in the sourcing of Best Banks data, the analysis of that data or the content subsequently produced by Money's editorial team. 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