Tired of bank fees, clunky apps, or limited branch access? Choosing the right national bank can make managing your money easier—with better rates, stronger digital tools, and more flexible account options.
Whether you want to earn a sign-up bonus, avoid overdraft fees, or access your account from anywhere, the best national banks offer the tools and support you need to stay in control of your finances.
15 Best National Banks
We reviewed dozens of national banks and narrowed it down to 15 that stand out for low fees, great customer service, and nationwide accessibility.
1. Chase
Key Features:
- APYs: 0.01% APY on Premier Plus Checking
- Monthly fee: $12 for Total Checking; waived with $500 direct deposit, $1,500 daily balance, or $5,000 in linked balances
- ATM access: 15,000+ fee-free Chase ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: $200 sign-up bonus for Total Checking; up to $3,000 for new Chase Private Client customers
2. U.S. Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: Up to 4.00% APY on Elite Money Market with high balances
- Monthly fee: $6.95 for Smartly® Checking; waived with direct deposit ($1,000+), $1,500 average balance, or eligible U.S. Bank credit card
- ATM access: 40,000+ MoneyPass® ATMs with no surcharge fees
- Best perk: Up to $400 sign-up bonus with qualifying activities
3. SoFi
Key Features:
- APYs: Up to 3.80% APY on savings; 0.50% on checking (with direct deposit)
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 55,000+ fee-free ATMs via Allpoint® network
- Best perk: Up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit
4. Ally Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: 3.85% APY on savings; 0.25% on checking
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 43,000+ fee-free ATMs via Allpoint®; up to $10/month in out-of-network fee reimbursements
- Best perk: Automatic savings tools like round-ups and “Surprise Savings” transfers
5. Capital One
Key Features:
- APYs: 3.60% APY on 360 Performance Savings; 0.10% on 360 Checking
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 70,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: High savings rate with no balance minimums or fees
6. PNC Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: Varies by account and location
- Monthly fee: $7–$25 depending on account tier; waived with qualifying direct deposits or balance requirements
- ATM access: 60,000+ PNC and partner ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: Virtual Wallet® tools for budgeting, savings goals, and overdraft protection
7. Schwab Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: 0.45% APY on checking; 0.48% on savings
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide
- Best perk: No foreign transaction fees and seamless integration with Schwab investing
8. Discover Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: 1% cash back on checking; 3.70% APY on online savings
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 60,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: Cashback checking on debit purchases
9. Bank of America
Key Features:
- APYs: 0.01% APY on Advantage Relationship Checking
- Monthly fee: $12 for Advantage Plus; waived with $250 direct deposit, $1,500 minimum balance, or Preferred Rewards enrollment
- ATM access: 16,000+ Bank of America ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: Preferred Rewards program with credit card boosts and loan rate discounts
10. Chime
Key Features:
- APYs: None on checking; 2.00% APY on savings (with requirements)
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 60,000+ fee-free ATMs via Allpoint®, MoneyPass®, and Visa Plus Alliance
- Best perk: Early direct deposit and SpotMe® overdraft coverage
11. Current
Key Features:
- APYs: Up to 4.00% APY on savings pods (with requirements)
- Monthly fee: None
- ATM access: 40,000+ fee-free ATMs via Allpoint®
- Best perk: Credit building with debit purchases—no credit check required
12. Truist Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: Varies by account; not a strong rate driver
- Monthly fee: $12 for Truist One Checking; waived with $500 direct deposit, $500 average balance, or linked Truist credit product
- ATM access: 3,000+ Truist ATMs and access to partner networks
- Best perk: Long Game app for rewards-based savings and perks for relationship banking
13. TD Bank
Key Features:
- APYs: Low across most accounts
- Monthly fee: $4.95–$25 depending on account; waived with minimum balance or direct deposit
- ATM access: 2,600+ TD ATMs plus nationwide access via partner networks
- Best perk: Extended branch hours and live customer service 24/7
14. Citi
Key Features:
- APYs: Varies by account tier; generally low
- Monthly fee: $10–$30 depending on account; waived with minimum balance or direct deposit
- ATM access: 65,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: Up to $2,000 sign-up bonus based on deposit amount
15. Wells Fargo
Key Features:
- APYs: 0.15% APY on Way2Save® Savings; 0.01% on checking
- Monthly fee: $10 for Everyday Checking; waived with $500 direct deposit, $500 minimum daily balance, or age 17–24
- ATM access: 12,000+ Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide
- Best perk: Wide range of checking options for different life stages
Methodology: How We Chose the Best National Banks
To find the best national banks in America, we reviewed dozens of options based on the features that matter most to everyday banking customers. We focused on banks that offer:
- Low or no fees – including checking accounts with no monthly fees or easy ways to waive them
- High customer satisfaction – based on consumer reviews, mobile app ratings, and service availability
- Easy-to-waive requirements – like low direct deposit or balance minimums to avoid fees
- Mobile experience – highly rated apps with tools for transfers, budgeting, mobile check deposit, and alerts
- Interest rates – especially for savings, checking, and CDs that outperform traditional big banks
We also gave extra consideration to banks offering new account bonuses, overdraft protection, and wide ATM access.
Finding the Best National Bank
Not sure which national bank is the right fit? It depends on what you value most—branch access, interest rates, fees, or digital features. Here’s a quick look at how the three biggest banks in the U.S. stack up.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo
Chase has a massive footprint with over 4,700 branches and one of the best-rated mobile apps. It’s also a top pick if you want strong credit card rewards and multiple account options under one roof.
Wells Fargo matches Chase in branch access but makes it a little easier to waive monthly checking fees. It also pays a slightly higher interest rate on savings—though both fall short of what online banks offer.
Wells Fargo vs. Bank of America
Wells Fargo has more branches, but Bank of America offers a bigger ATM network. If you qualify for BofA’s Preferred Rewards program, you’ll unlock benefits like waived fees, credit card bonuses, and loan rate discounts.
Wells Fargo stands out for accessibility and straightforward banking. BofA may be the better fit if you keep higher balances and want an all-in-one bank that includes investing through Merrill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online bank or a traditional bank better?
Online banks usually offer higher interest rates and fewer fees. But if you prefer in-person service or need to deposit cash often, a brick-and-mortar bank may make more sense. The best banks in both categories offer strong mobile apps, fraud protection, and easy ways to waive monthly fees.
Is my money safer in a national bank than in a smaller bank or credit union?
Not really. Any FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union protects deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type. Some online banks spread deposits across partner banks to increase your coverage—sometimes up to $2 million. Always check the details before you open an account.
What’s the difference between big banks and smaller banks?
Big banks have more branches, more financial products, and larger tech budgets. Smaller banks may offer more personal service and fewer fees. Both types now offer features like fee-free ATMs, mobile banking, and early direct deposit.
Do national banks pay good interest rates?
Usually not. Most national banks offer low interest on checking and savings accounts. For higher APYs, look at online banks like SoFi, Capital One, or Discover—or compare CD rates if you’re willing to lock in your money.
Are national banks better than online banks or credit unions?
Not always. National banks offer name recognition, branch access, and a wide range of services. But online banks tend to have better rates, and credit unions often focus on member-friendly perks. The best choice depends on your banking habits.
