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Personal Finance Insider has reviewed dozens of banks, credit unions, and banking products. We regularly update our reviews so you can use the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about your banking needs.
Here are all our bank reviews. To make our hub easier to navigate, we've split our articles into two sections: brick-and-mortar banks and online banks.
Brick-and-mortar banks




Reviews of brick-and-mortar banks.



iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider


Brick-and-mortar banks are good for people who prefer banking face-to-face, because you can walk into a branch to speak with a customer service agent.
You'll probably want a bank with branches and ATMs near your home or office. You also may want one that offers more than just bank accounts, including loans or credit cards. Here are our reviews:
Bank of Hope (Member FDIC) — This bank has branches in eight US states, the majority being in California. You might like using Bank of Hope if you value banking with a company that helps its community. Bank of Hope offers a scholarship program and donates to affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income people.
BBT Bank (Truist Bank, Member FDIC) — BBT could be good for residents of the East Coast or Midwest. It has a low-fee savings account and a variety of CD options.
BMO Harris (Member FDIC) — There are over 500 BMO Harris branches around the US. It could be a good choice if you're looking for a CD, because it pays higher rates than most brick-and-mortar banks.
Charles Schwab (Member FDIC) — You may like Charles Schwab if you're a frequent traveler. The bank doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, and it reimburses any fees charged by ATM providers worldwide.
Chase checking accounts — Chase has three checking accounts, each with its own pros and cons. Chase checking accounts are worthwhile options if you want a cash sign-up bonus or unlimited out-of-network ATM refunds.
Chase vs. Bank of America — Chase (Member FDIC) and Bank of America (Member FDIC) are two of the biggest banks in the US. They can both be good banks for people who want robust technology, large branch networks, and numerous ATM locations. Find out which one is the better fit for you.
Citibank (Member FDIC) — Citibank has a "package" system. You can open a checking and savings account in one package, and you may earn some perks if you bundle them together. For example, you could earn interest on your checking account if you open it as part of a package.
First Republic Bank (Member FDIC) — This bank pays higher interest rates than many brick-and-mortar banks, but you'll need hefty minimum deposits to open accounts.
Huntington Bank (Member FDIC) — Huntington has branches in seven US states in the South and Midwest. It has a variety of checking accounts and CD term lengths to choose from.
MT Bank (Member FDIC) — You might like MT if you live along the East Coast and want a savings account with no minimum opening deposit. Unfortunately, MT doesn't release all of its interest rates online — you'll have to contact your local branch to learn what it pays.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) — This is a credit union, not a bank. Credit unions require you to become a member to bank with them, and PenFed's requirements are much more lenient than most. It also pays competitive rates on both checking and savings balances, earning it a spot on our best credit unions guide.
PNC Bank (Member FDIC) — You might like banking at PNC if you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest. The bank pays some competitive cash sign-up bonuses, and it has plenty of CD terms to choose from.
Santander Bank (Member FDIC) — Santander has locations in the US Northeast, and it's a good option if you're looking for low monthly fees. Many of its monthly fees are also easy to waive. You'll want to keep an eye on other charges, though, such as ATM and overdraft fees.
TD Bank checking accounts — TD Bank (Member FDIC) ranks as our favorite national bank in the Northeast. Many branches are open seven days per week. You don't need a minimum deposit to open any of its three checking accounts, and it's relatively easy to waive monthly service fees on some of its accounts.
Third Federal Bank (Member FDIC) — You may like Third Federal if you live in Ohio or Florida. The bank pays higher interest rates than many brick-and-mortar banks — but it compounds interest less frequently. 
Wells Fargo (Member FDIC) — Wells Fargo has a large national presence, making it a worthwhile option if you travel domestically and want access to branches and ATMs all over the US. However, Wells Fargo has received an F in trustworthiness from the Better Business Bureau.




Reviews of online banks.



iStock; Alyssa Powell/Insider



Online banks typically don't have to maintain any physical branches, so they can afford to pay higher interest rates and charge lower fees. You may prefer an online bank, as long as you're comfortable banking digitally. Here are our reviews:
Acorns Spend (Deposits are FDIC insured) — Acorns is primarily an investment platform. With its checking account, each debit card purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar and invested. You can also automatically invest a certain percentage of your direct deposits.
Alliant Credit Union (Federally insured by the NCUA) — We've listed Alliant as one of our favorite credit unions. It has over 80,000 free ATMs, and if an out-of-network ATM charges you a fee, Alliant will reimburse up to $20 per month. Most importantly, it's easy to qualify for this credit union membership.
Ally (Member FDIC) — Ally pays competitive rates on savings and CDs. It also has tools that make it easier for you to save, including "buckets" to save for different goals and "surprise savings" to save extra money you didn't realize you had. These features have earned it a spot on our list of best high-yield savings accounts.
American Express (Member FDIC) — American Express' high annual percentage yield (APY), no minimum deposit, and no monthly fees have landed it on our list of the best high-yield savings accounts. The bank also provides 24/7 customer support over the phone. But you probably won't like American Express if you prefer to bank from your phone, because there's no mobile app.
Aspiration (Deposits are FDIC insured) — This banking platform focuses on environmental sustainability. Use the mobile app to track your own environmental impact, as well as the impact of the businesses you shop with. You'll also earn cash back on environmentally conscious purchases.
Axos Bank (Member FDIC) — Axos offers a variety of checking accounts. It pays high interest rates and is generous about refunding out-of-network ATM fees. The bank even ranks as one of our top online banks. Just check that you can afford the minimum opening deposits and qualify to earn the highest APYs.
Barclays (Member FDIC) — Barclays pays a competitive rate on savings, and you don't need any minimum deposit to open a savings account or CD. However, the bank doesn't have a checking account.
Betterment Checking (Deposits are FDIC insured) — You may know Betterment primarily as an investment company, but it also offers banking services. The checking account refunds 100% of out-of-network ATM fees and foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for travelers.
Capital One 360 (Member FDIC) — Capital One has earned spots on our best checking accounts and best high-yield savings accounts round-ups. Although it's considered an online bank, it does have branches in certain parts of the US. It may be useful if you want a hybrid online/in-person banking experience.
Chime (Deposits are FDIC insured) — This banking platform has one of our favorite high-yield savings accounts and favorite checking accounts. You can receive your paycheck early, set up automatic savings plans, earn a competitive APY on savings, and use your debit card abroad for free.
Comenity Direct (Member FDIC) — Comenity Direct pays high interest rates on its savings account and CDs, but there's no checking account. This bank doesn't charge monthly service fees.
CIT Bank (Member FDIC) — CIT Bank offers a variety of accounts and pays good rates. It also reimburses up to $30 per month in out-of-network ATM fees. However, you'll need at least $100 to open a savings, checking, or money market account, and $1,000 to open a CD.
Citi Accelerate Savings Account — Citibank (Member FDIC) is a brick-and-mortar bank, but it has an online high-yield savings account specifically for people who don't live near a branch. This account pays a high interest rate and doesn't require an opening deposit.
Digit (Deposits are FDIC insured) — Link a regular bank account to your Digit app, and Digit assesses how much you can afford to save. Then it transfers money into your Digit savings account. You can also use the app to invest and save for retirement. The first 30 days are free, then you'll pay $5 per month.
Discover (FDIC insured) — Discover is on our best high-yield checking accounts and best checking accounts lists. Its savings account pays a high interest rate, and its checking account provides generous cash-back rewards on debit card purchases.
GoBank (Member FDIC) — You may like the GoBank Checking Account, which lets you receive your paycheck up to two days early. But GoBank doesn't have a savings account or most of the robust banking features other banks offer.
HSBC Direct Savings Account — HSBC Direct (Member FDIC) doesn't charge monthly service fees on its savings account, and you only need $1 to get started. However, its interest rate isn't as competitive as it once was.
Live Oak Bank (Member FDIC) — This bank pays high rates on savings and CDs, but it doesn't have a checking account. You don't need any money to open a savings account, and you'll need $2,500 to open a CD.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs (Member FDIC) — This bank offers a variety of CDs and has a strong high-yield savings account with no monthly fee. There's no checking account, though.
MAX — MAX is a company that links your bank account to eight high-yield savings accounts so you can earn the highest rate possible on your money. MAX also offers its own checking account that pays 0.20% APY and gives you free access to ATMs around the world.
NBKC Bank (Member FDIC) — NBKC pays competitive interest rates on its accounts, and it's a great low-fee option. If you want to open a CD, beware that unlike most banks, NBKC may change your rate after you've opened an account.
One (Deposits are FDIC insured) — One pays high interest rates on its hybrid checking/savings account, and you can receive direct deposits up to two days early. There are no overdraft fees, but if you overdraw your account, you'll automatically tap into an overdraft line of credit.
PNC Bank (Member FDIC) — Yes, PNC is primarily a brick-and-mortar bank. But it has a couple online accounts available for people who don't live near a branch. Its high-yield savings account pays a good rate, and its Virtual Wallet product helps you budget.
Radius Bank (Member FDIC) — Radius is a solid bank for earning good rates and cash back. But Radius doesn't

compound interest
as frequently as most other banks.
Robinhood Cash Management Account (Deposits are FDIC insured) — Travelers may like this hybrid checking/savings account, because Robinhood doesn't charge any foreign transaction fees. But you must have a Robinhood brokerage account to qualify for a cash management account.
Sallie Mae (Member FDIC) — You may like Sallie Mae for a savings or money market account, and its CD rates are fine. Just know that Sallie Mae doesn't have a checking account.
Simple (Deposits are FDIC insured) — We've written a review of banking platform Simple, but as of January 2021, the Simple banking platform is shutting down. Any existing Simple accounts will be transferred to its partner bank, BBVA.
SoFi Money — SoFi (Member FDIC) has a hybrid savings/checking account, but its checking features are what make it stand out. If you can deposit at least $500 per month into your SoFi Money account, you'll earn a higher interest rate and cash back on debit card purchases.
Synchrony Bank (Member FDIC) — Synchrony pays high rates on CDs, savings accounts, and money market accounts — but there's no checking account. But unlike most banks, Synchrony sends you a debit card when you open a savings account, making it easier to access your money.
TAB Bank (Member FDIC) — This online bank has a strong savings account and CDs, but its checking account is just so-so. There's no free ATM network, so you'll pay a fee each time you withdraw funds at a machine.
TIAA Bank (Member FDIC) — TIAA pays competitive rates on all types of accounts, and it has low fees. Its strongest product is probably its high-yield checking account.
Venmo (Deposits are FDIC insured) — You may know Venmo as an app for transferring money between family and friends, but your Venmo balance is also a place to deposit your checks. Although money received from other people within the app isn't FDIC insured, funds from direct deposits and mobile check deposits are insured.
Wealthfront Cash Account (Deposits are FDIC insured) — Wealthfront is more than just a digital investing tool — it also provides an account for saving and spending money. The Cash Account is a high-yield checking account that lets you receive direct deposits up to two days early.
WebBank (Member FDIC) — WebBank offers a savings account and CDs. You might like banking with WebBank if you already use other products with the company, but high minimum deposits and no mobile app mean it's not for everyone.
Laura Grace Tarpley is the associate editor of banking and mortgages at Personal Finance Insider, covering mortgages, refinancing, bank accounts, and bank reviews.

Source: Business Insider

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