A checking account shouldn’t cost you money just because your balance drops or your paycheck arrives late. For Washington residents, the right choice depends on whether you need nearby branches, easy fee waivers, ATM reimbursements, or an account you can manage entirely online.
We compared checking costs, deposit requirements, account features, and access to banking services for Washington residents. These nine options include local credit unions, regional and national banks, and online banking services. Each recommendation explains the main benefit and the tradeoff you should consider before you apply.
10 Best Banks and Credit Unions in Washington
Start with how you’ll use the account. A local branch may matter more than a savings promotion if you regularly deposit cash, while ATM rebates may be more useful if you travel throughout Washington or outside the state.
Rates and promotional offers can change. Review the terms through each institution’s link before you open an account.
1. SoFi
SoFi combines checking and savings without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
2. Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank has Washington locations in cities such as Bellevue, Bellingham, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Walla Walla.
3. Current
Current offers mobile account access, early direct deposit, and more than 40,000 fee-free in-network ATMs.
4. Banner Bank
Banner Bank serves Washington communities such as Bellingham, Kennewick, Olympia, Pullman, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Walla Walla.
5. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union offers High-Rate Checking without monthly maintenance fees or ongoing minimum balance requirements.
6. Chase
Chase has Washington branches in cities such as Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way, Kirkland, Lacey, Lynnwood, Redmond, Renton, Seattle, and Yakima.
7. WaFd Bank
WaFd Bank offers Free Checking with a $25 opening deposit, no monthly maintenance fee, and no ongoing minimum balance requirement.
8. Boeing Employees Credit Union
Boeing Employees Credit Union, or BECU, offers checking without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
9. Gesa Credit Union
Gesa Credit Union serves cities such as Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Spokane, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, and Yakima. Washington residents can qualify for membership.
10. Washington Trust Bank
Washington Trust Bank has Washington branches in cities such as Spokane, Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Vancouver, Pullman, Kennewick, Moses Lake, and Wenatchee.
How We Selected the Best Banks in Washington
We reviewed published account disclosures, fee schedules, product pages, and membership requirements. Our comparison focused on personal checking costs, opening deposits, ATM policies, digital features, and access for Washington residents.
We included institutions with local branches for readers who need in-person service, plus online options for readers who prioritize remote banking. These recommendations address different needs rather than one universal winner.
You can read more about our research standards in our editorial guidelines.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Washington
Start with the services you use each month, then compare what those services will cost. A temporary promotion shouldn’t outweigh recurring fees or an inconvenient deposit process.
These factors can help you narrow the list:
- Branch access: Check locations near your home, workplace, and usual errands. Confirm whether each location provides teller service, especially if you regularly handle cash.
- Monthly fees: Choose an account whose waiver requirements you can meet during an ordinary month. Separate the opening deposit from any ongoing minimum balance requirement.
- ATM costs: Compare the machines you’ll actually use. Check both the bank’s out-of-network charge and the ATM owner’s surcharge, along with reimbursement limits.
- Cash deposits: Confirm where you can deposit cash and whether there’s a fee. Online banking may be less convenient if you receive cash regularly.
- Interest and rewards: Check balance caps, deposit conditions, debit purchase requirements, and promotion deadlines. An advertised rate may apply to only part of your money.
- Membership: Credit unions may require eligibility and a separate savings account. Confirm both before you apply.
- Deposit insurance: Check federal insurance and the ownership rules that apply to your accounts. For financial technology services, identify the partner bank that holds your deposits and review the insurance conditions.
If you travel frequently or expect to move, compare local institutions with national banks. Broader branch access may help, but only if you’ll use it.
Before you apply, review what you need to open a bank account. If you prefer a remote application, our guide explains how to open a bank account online.
Keep your old account open until direct deposits and automatic payments work through the new account. Once outstanding transactions have cleared, follow the steps to close your previous bank account.
Compare Banks in Other Western States
If you’re considering a move to another Western state, these guides can help you compare banking options before you relocate:
