Arizona is a great place to call home. It offers gorgeous desert landscapes, friendly people, a robust job market, and plenty of attractions. Plus, it’s on the border of California, Nevada, and New Mexico, making it an attractive state if you like to road trip.
Whether you’ve lived in the Grand Canyon state your entire life or consider yourself a transplant, you may be in search of the best banks. Fortunately, we’re here to help.
14 Best Banks in Arizona
We did the heavy lifting for you to create this list of the best banks in Arizona. Keep in mind that the ideal banking option depends on your unique situation, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare the pros and cons of each bank.
1. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in the U.S. It’s home to branches in 28 states, and 62 of those branches are in 24 different cities in Arizona.
2. SoFi
Among the top online banks, SoFi stands out as one of the most popular. With its Checking & Savings account, customers can benefit from no monthly fees while enjoying a remarkable 4.60% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on the checking account.
3. First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank is a family owned bank with roots that date back to more than 120 years ago. It recently acquired CIT Bank and has physical branches in 21 states, including several in Arizona.
4. Chase Bank
Chase Bank is a large national bank with its main office in New York City. It has a significant presence in Arizona, boasting over 200 branches. This strong network positions it as one of the best banks in Arizona for many individuals and businesses.
5. Bank of America
With a solid presence in Arizona through over 40 branch locations, Bank of America is a familiar and reliable option. It offers a rich array of services, including checking and savings accounts with specialized options for children.
6. Arizona Bank u0026 Trust
Arizona Bank & Trust is a notable community bank with branches strategically located throughout the Valley in cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.
7. WaFd Bank
WaFd Bank is one of the smaller banks on our list and headquartered in Seattle. It has about 30 brick-and-mortar branches in Arizona as well as more than 200 branches that span eight states in the western part of the U.S.
8. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is an online bank that’s headquartered in Utah but serves customers in every state, including Arizona. If you feel comfortable doing all your banking online, Ally might be a good fit as there are no physical branches.
9. BMO Harris Bank
Although headquartered in Illinois, BMO Harris Bank has a significant presence in Arizona with around 45 branches. It offers a broad range of personal banking services including deposit accounts, credit cards, and loans, alongside retirement planning, and business services to cater to the diverse financial needs of its clientele.
10. PNC Bank
PNC Bank is a major bank that used to operate under BBVA in Arizona. It was founded in 1845 and provides a full suite of digital banking tools and products.
11. BOK Financial
BOK Financial is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma but operates in Arizona. Its wide range of personal checking account products include the free checking account, select new checking account, premier checking account, and free student checking account.
12. Foothills Bank
Foothills Bank, established in 1997 and headquartered in Yuma, has rapidly become one of the best banks in Arizona. It also has branches in Prescott, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Tucson, Flagstaff, and more.
13. National Bank of Arizona
National Bank of Arizona (NBAZ) is a renowned local bank that has been serving the state since 1984. Headquartered in Phoenix, NBAZ operates over 50 branches across the state.
14. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is considered one of the oldest banks in the U.S. It was founded in 1852 and has about 170 branch locations in Arizona along with a highly rated mobile app.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Arizona
With so many options available, finding the best banks in Arizona can feel a bit overwhelming. However, by comparing each bank and considering your needs, you will find the right one. Here are some things to consider:
- Products: Choose a bank that offers all the products you’re seeking. These may include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, loans, investment, and retirement accounts. You’ll notice some banks offer a more extensive selection than others.
- Rates: If saving money is a priority, interest rates are likely to be a top priority. Choose a bank that prides itself on competitive interest rates. Typically, online banks excel with rates because their overhead costs are lower.
- Fees: Common bank fees include monthly maintenance fees, service fees, and overdraft fees. If possible, go with a bank with minimal fees or one that makes it easy to weave them. Fees can take away from your financial goals so it’s best to avoid or minimize them if you can.
- Locations: You may prefer to bank in-person. If this is the case, opt for a full service community bank with brick-and-mortar branches near your home or workplace. Otherwise, you may have to perform all your banking online.
- Digital tools: If you prefer digital banking from an online bank or brick and mortar bank, look for digital tools like online account access, mobile apps, and virtual assistants. Fortunately, most banks offer them these days.
- Customer service: Customer service is crucial, especially if you plan to bank there for a long time. Make sure the bank you go with offers reliable and prompt customer service. This may be via phone, email, live chat, or social media.
- Reputation: Typically, larger banks have excellent reputations, especially if they’ve been around for a while. However, you should read reviews and ratings before you commit to any bank.
Bottom Line
Arizona’s banking options are diverse so you’re bound to find one or a few that work for you. You can always test out a bank and move on to a different option if you need to. Also, don’t forget that you may have multiple acorns at several banks as long as you can manage them well. Good luck with your search for the best bank in Arizona!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bank in Arizona?
There is no hard and fast answer to this question. The best bank in Arizona is based on your particular needs. If you prefer an online banking experience, for example, SoFi or Ally Bank will likely be a great fit. However, if in-person customer support is important to you, you may be better off with Chase Bank, WaFd Bank, or BMO Harris as these financial institutions have brick-and-mortar locations throughout the state.
What are some national banks in Arizona?
Arizona has plenty of large, national banks you can explore. These include but are not limited to Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and PNC Bank. Remember, while national banks typically offer a wide range of products, you may not be able to receive personalized customer service like you would if you chose a regional bank or local bank.
What are the largest banks in Arizona?
Compared to all the banks in the state, Chase has the largest physical presence, with more than 200 locations so it’s a great option if your priority is easy branch access and in-person service. Wells Fargo has over 170 locations, making it the second-largest bank in Arizona.
MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks in Arizona, and also in the U.S.
How many banks are in Arizona?
There are about 100 banks in the Grand Canyon state. However, you can also choose from online banks, which service customers in all states, including Arizona. Just make sure you’re okay with online and mobile banking.
What are the best smaller banks in Arizona?
If you like the idea of banking with a smaller financial institution, rest assured there are plenty of options in Arizona. Several examples include Scottsdale Community Bank, Republic Bank of Arizona, Canyon Community Bank, National Bank of Arizona, Alliance Bank, and West Valley National Bank.
Are Arizona banks FDIC insured?
Most local banks and large banks in Arizona are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This can give you the peace of mind of knowing the funds in your personal account or business account will be protected in the event of a bank failure. Arizona credit unions are usually insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
