It's easy to have an emotional reaction to bank failures. I've written about finances for decades, and still have a moment of low-level panic when news of a bank failure breaks. Fortunately, it doesn't last long because I know there are safety features in place, designed to protect us if our financial institutions go belly up.
To determine the safest banks, we looked for large, established institutions with FDIC protection, different types of security features, and 24/7 customer service. Here are our top picks for the safest banks in the United States.
The safest banks in the U.S. for April 2024
Bank | The Ascent's Rating | FDIC Insured? |
---|---|---|
Capital One | 4.50 | Yes |
American Express® National Bank | 4.50 | Yes |
Quontic | 4.50 | Yes |
Chase | 4.50 | Yes |
U.S. Bank | 4.50 | Yes |
PNC Bank | 4.50 | Yes |
Western Alliance Bank | 4.25 | Yes |
SoFi | 4.00 | Yes |
Wells Fargo | 4.00 | Yes |
Axos Bank | 3.50 | Yes |
Details on the safest banks
Below is a deeper dive on each of our safest banks, along with an account to consider at each bank.
American Express® National Bank
Read Review
American Express® National Bank
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
American Express doesn't offer a checking account, but it does offer above-average rates for savings accounts. Plus, there are no monthly fees and a minimum of just $1 to earn the full APY. It's a good choice for funds you won't touch, like emergency savings or college funds.
Pros
- Competitive APY (annual percentage yield)
- No monthly fees
- No minimums for CDs
- $1 minimum to earn full savings APY
- Good customer service
- Member FDIC
Cons
- No physical branches
- Does not offer a checking account
- No checks, ATM cards, or other physical withdrawal options
An account we love: American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC, one of the most trusted names in financial services, 24/7 service and support, and a 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) as of April 9, 2024.
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Show Best Offers Available in
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
American Express® High Yield Savings
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
APY
4.30%Rate info4.30% annual percentage yield as of April 10, 2024$1 Minimum to earn APY
Min. To Earn APY
$1
- Competitive APY
- No account fees
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
- Unlimited transfers and withdrawals
- 24/7 customer support
- FDIC insured
- No ATM access
- No branch access; online only
American Express may not have the highest APY on our list, but it still sports a well-above-average rate and a strong reputation. This is a good fit for those who prefer the comfort of a well-known company like American Express that isn't likely to play games with your APY.
Read Full Review
Capital One
Read Review
Capital One
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Capital One Bank offers all of the key features you'd expect to find with an online bank -- high APYs, no maintenance fees, and no minimum deposit requirements -- as well as some you don't. The bank has a reputation for great customer service, its mobile app consistently receives high marks from users, and its CD products are top notch.
Pros
- High APYs
- Branches in some states
- Variety of accounts
- Great customer service
Cons
- Some CD rates are low
An account we love: Capital One 360 Performance Savings
With no fees and no minimum deposit required, the Capital One 360 Performance Savings Account blows our hair back with an APY of 4.35%.
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Show Best Offers Available in
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
Capital One 360 Performance Savings
Read Review
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Read Review
APY
4.35%Rate infoSee Capital One website for most up-to-date rates
Min. To Earn APY
$0
- Competitive APY
- Branch access (if you live near one)
- No account fees
- Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
- 24/7 customer support
- FDIC insured
- No ATM access
Capital One 360 Performance Savings checks all the boxes we look for in a high-yield savings account. But it also offers branch locations and Capital One Cafés where customers can seek in-person support (if you live near one). This makes it a great fit for those who want to reap the rewards of online banking but aren't quite ready to cut ties with brick-and-mortar banks.
SoFi
2024 Award Winner
Read Review
SoFi
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Savers who want a high APY
Pros
- High APYs on checking and savings accounts
- Ability to earn a higher APY by setting up direct deposit
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Large fee-free ATM network
- SoFi relationship benefits
Cons
- No way to open a standalone checking or savings account
- No physical branch locations
- Cash withdrawals cost up to $4.95 at third-party retailers
An account we love: SoFi Checking and Savings
Not only does SoFi have standard FDIC backing, but customers can enroll in the SoFi Insured Deposit Program and get access to up to $2 million in FDIC coverage. And did we mention up to 4.60% APY on savings?
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Show Best Offers Available in
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
2024 Award Winner
SoFi Checking and Savings
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
Offer Alert
New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!
APY
up to 4.60%Rate infoYou can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. To Earn APY
$0
- Competitive APY on both Savings and Checking
- No account fees
- Welcome bonus up to $300 (direct deposit required)
- Early access to direct deposits
- Tools to help you track savings goals
- Unlimited number of external transfers (up to daily transaction limits)
- ATM access
- FDIC insured (up to $2M with opt-in to SoFi Insured Deposit Program)
- Combo account only; no stand-alone savings or checking
- Maximum Savings APY requires direct deposit
- Overdraft protection requires monthly direct deposit minimum
- No branch access; online only
For those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we thinkSoFi Checking and Savingsis hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns above-average, too — which is a rare perk. Plus, there’s the opportunity for an up to $300 bonus and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it’s the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.
You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.
Read Full Review
Axos Bank
Read Review
Axos Bank
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Axos Bank does its best to make managing your money flexible and easy, and its Rewards Checking product is a stand out option. It does this by offering fee-free accounts and a variety of checking account options. Additionally, Axos provides domestic ATM fee reimbursements (so you're not tied to a single ATM network). It's also one of the few banks to offer a free ATM card for its savings account.
Pros
- Variety of checking accounts
- Domestic ATM fee reimbursements on all checking and savings accounts
- No maintenance fees on any account
Cons
- Low APYs on CDs and savings accounts
- No branch locations
- Unimpressive customer satisfaction ratings
An account we love: Axos Bank Rewards Checking
FDIC insurance plus key security features like 2-step authentication, 128-bit SSL encryption, and anti-fraud account monitoring. Plus, 0.40% (up to 3.30%) APY.
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Show Best Offers Available in
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
2024 Award Winner
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Open Account for Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Open Account for Axos Bank Rewards Checking
offer alert
Use promo code AXOS300 and apply by June 30th, to earn up to a $300 bonus!
APY
0.40% (up to 3.30%)Rate infoTo earn the full APY, account holders must do all of the following: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling more than $1,500; make 10 transactions a month with your Axos debit card, or sign up for Axos's Personal Finance Manager; maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account; and use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer mortgage, personal, or auto loan payment.
Min. To Earn APY
Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500
- High checking account APY
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- No monthly maintenance, NSF, or overdraft fees
- No monthly balance requirements
- Cash back checking option
- ATM card for high-yield savings account
- Must meet certain requirements to earn the highest interest tier
- Higher savings and CD APYs available at other financial institutions
- No physical branches
A solid checking account with an APY that far outpaces the competition. The fact that it also has no maintenance fees and no overdraft or NSF fees are the cherries on top.
Use promo codeAXOS300and apply by June 30th, to earn up to a $300 bonus!
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the "AXOS300" $300 promotion, an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account that includes the promotional code "AXOS300" must be opened between November 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PST and June 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year, and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the "AXOS300" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After meeting the initial requirements mentioned above, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
To earn up to a $300 bonus, you must be approved for your new Axos Bank Rewards Checking account, fund it within 30 days of account opening, and have qualifying direct deposits that total at least $5,000.00 each calendar month during the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open as well as maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000. The minimum balance must be achieved and maintained through the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open including the month in which your account was opened. A cash bonus of up to $300 can be earned in the following manner during the first seven (7) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. A maximum of six (6) payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the Rewards Checking account is receiving the direct deposit and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 can be earned during the seven (7) statement cycles, and the bonus will be deposited into your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. Your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus, and your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must remain open for 210 days, or an early closure fee of up to $300 may apply, equal to the amount of the total bonus earned up to $300.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.
A statement cycle is defined as a period of time that starts on the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month.
Read Full Review
Quontic
Read Review
Quontic
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Quontic Bank offers high CD rates with low minimums and a variety of terms. While the bank doesn't offer 4-year CD terms, you can still build a CD ladder with shorter lengths, such as 6- and 12-month terms.
Pros
- Innovative Bitcoin Rewards Checking account
- Excellent customer service
- No monthly maintenance fees
Cons
- Missing some common CD terms
- Checking accounts not ideal for infrequent debit card users
An account we love: Quontic 1 Year CD
FDIC insurance, 4.50% APY, plus added security features like multi-factor authentication and mobile app TouchID.
Rates as of April 2, 2024
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Quontic CDs
Bottom Line
Quontic Bank offers CDs with terms ranging from six months to five years. It offers most of the terms one would expect, though it is missing a four-year CD, so it may not be ideal for those hoping to build a CD ladder. Its rates are competitive, especially on its longer term CDs, and its minimum deposit is more affordable than what you see with some other topbanks.
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $500
Open Account for Quontic CDs
6 Mo. APY | 1 Yr. APY | 2 Yr. APY | 3 Yr. APY | 5 Yr. APY |
---|---|---|---|---|
5.05% | 4.50% | 4.50% | 4.40% | 4.30% |
Western Alliance Bank
Open Account
Western Alliance Bank
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
While rates are higher than most, Western Alliance Bank does not operate like your traditional bank. All deposits are managed through a secure digital platform called Raisin. Raisin accounts are fairly bare-bones, without the features offered by other banks.
Pros
- Highly competitive APY
- No account fees
- FDIC insured
Cons
- All deposits and withdrawals must be conducted via ACH transfer to and from a linked external account
- Accounts cannot be linked to personal budgeting apps
- Online only
- No checking accounts
- Limited customer service hours
Western Alliance Bank CD 1 Year CD
FDIC insurance, a well-respected $65 billion bank, and a great 5.00% APY.
Rates as of April 2, 2024
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Western Alliance Bank CD
Bottom Line
Western Alliance offers some of the highest APYs we've seen across short-term CDs, low $1 minimums, and relatively low withdrawal penalties without any additional fees. But you will need to look elsewhere for terms longer than one year.
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $1
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank CD
3 Mo. APY | 5 Mo. APY | 6 Mo. APY | 9 Mo. APY | 1 Yr. APY |
---|---|---|---|---|
5.26% | 5.25% | 5.23% | 5.00% | 5.00% |
Chase
2024 Award Winner
Read Review
Chase
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Chase offers one of the largest branch networks in the nation, without neglecting the online experience, offering simple online and mobile tools to manage your funds. If you have one account with Chase, there's a good incentive to open up one or two more, with the bank's relationship benefits. What's more, the bank shines with its overall customer service.
Pros
- Large, nationwide branch network
- Rewards for customer loyalty
- User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
- Good customer service ratings
- Multiple checking and savings accounts options
Cons
- Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
An account we love: Chase Total Checking®
The Chase Total Checking® account is a great option for those who place a premium on customer service, easy access to their funds, and a large branch network. As long as you keep enough money here to avoid the maintenance fee, you shouldn't have any problems with this account.
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
Show The List [+]Hide The List [-]
- 4.30% APY:American Express® High Yield Savings(Member FDIC.)
- 4.35% APY:Capital One 360 Performance Savings(Member FDIC.)
- up to 4.60% APY:SoFi Checking and Savings(Member FDIC.)
- 0.40% (up to 3.30%) APY:Axos Bank Rewards Checking(Member FDIC.)
- 0% APY:Chase Total Checking®(Member FDIC.)
Show Best Offers Available in
Ratings Methodology
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
Chase Total Checking®
Open Account for Chase Total Checking®
Member FDIC.
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Open Account for Chase Total Checking®
APY
0%
Min. To Earn APY
N/A
- Largest bank in the U.S. in terms of assets
- More than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 physical locations
- Wide range of financial products
- User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
- No minimum deposit to open
- Chase Overdraft Assist
- Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
- $12 monthly maintenance fee waived only with qualifying activity
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
Read Full Review
Wells Fargo
Read Review
Wells Fargo
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Wells Fargo offers a variety of banking accounts and relationship benefits, including rare perks like loan discounts to those with multiple accounts. It's also one of the few banks to offer a debit card to savings account customers, and its branch network shines with a large national footprint.
Pros
- Variety of checking accounts
- Relationship benefits for loyal customers
- Debit card with savings accounts
- Ability to bank all in one place
Cons
- Checking account fees
- Low APYs
- Poor customer service ratings
- No long-term CDs
- High overdraft fees
U.S. Bank
Read Review
U.S. Bank
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
U.S. Bank offers strong relationship rewards to customers who open multiple accounts. It also offers a variety of checking accounts and some rare CD and loan options. Those interested in money market accounts will also appreciate that U.S. Bank has several to choose from.
Pros
- Excellent selection of products
- Relationship benefits for opening multiple accounts
- Rare CD and loan options
Cons
- Low APY on deposit accounts
- Mixed reviews on customer service
PNC Bank
Read Review
PNC Bank
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
PNC Bank seems to go the extra mile to ensure its customers have a good experience. It offers relationship benefits that reward customers for opening multiple accounts and keeping large sums in the bank, and it's also earned a lot of praise from third parties for its excellent customer service. PNC's APY is competitive and the bank offers some impressive banking options for students.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Better APYs for customers who meet certain criteria
- Sign-up bonuses on select accounts
- Budgeting tools
- Gig-quality mobile app
- Flexible CDs with some unusual options
Cons
- High overdraft fees
- No standalone checking accounts
TIP
Protection from bank failure
If your main concern is bank failure, look for a bank with FDIC insurance. This insurance guarantees that you won't lose any money even if the bank fails -- up to $250,000. There are lots of other security and safety features you can look for, but FDIC insurance is the main feature that will protect you during a bank failure.
Featured accounts from the safest banks
Show The List [+]Hide The List [-]
- 4.30% APY:American Express® High Yield Savings(Member FDIC.)
- 4.35% APY:Capital One 360 Performance Savings(Member FDIC.)
- up to 4.60% APY:SoFi Checking and Savings(Member FDIC.)
- 0.40% (up to 3.30%) APY:Axos Bank Rewards Checking(Member FDIC.)
- 0% APY:Chase Total Checking®(Member FDIC.)
Show Best Offers Available in
Rates asof Apr 11, 2024
Offer | APY | Minimum to Earn APY | Rating | Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Express® High Yield Savings Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars. 4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | 4.30% Rate info4.30% annual percentage yield as of April 10, 2024$1 Minimum to earn APYMin. to earn: $1 | Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars. 4.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | $1 | Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings | |
Capital One 360 Performance Savings Read Review Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | 4.35% Rate infoSee Capital One website for most up-to-date ratesMin. to earn: $0 | Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | $0 | Read Review | |
2024 Award Winner SoFi Checking and Savings Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | up to 4.60% Rate infoYou can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.Min. to earn: $0 | Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars. 4.75/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | $0 | Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings | |
2024 Award Winner Axos Bank Rewards Checking Open Account for Axos Bank Rewards Checking Member FDIC. Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars. 4.25/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. Disclaimer | 0.40% (up to 3.30%) Rate infoTo earn the full APY, account holders must do all of the following: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling more than $1,500; make 10 transactions a month with your Axos debit card, or sign up for Axos's Personal Finance Manager; maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account; and use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer mortgage, personal, or auto loan payment.Min. to earn: Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500 | Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars. 4.25/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500 | Open Account for Axos Bank Rewards Checking | |
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the "AXOS300" $300 promotion, an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account that includes the promotional code "AXOS300" must be opened between November 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PST and June 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year, and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the "AXOS300" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After meeting the initial requirements mentioned above, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below: To earn up to a $300 bonus, you must be approved for your new Axos Bank Rewards Checking account, fund it within 30 days of account opening, and have qualifying direct deposits that total at least $5,000.00 each calendar month during the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open as well as maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000. The minimum balance must be achieved and maintained through the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open including the month in which your account was opened. A cash bonus of up to $300 can be earned in the following manner during the first seven (7) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. A maximum of six (6) payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the Rewards Checking account is receiving the direct deposit and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 can be earned during the seven (7) statement cycles, and the bonus will be deposited into your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. Your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus, and your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must remain open for 210 days, or an early closure fee of up to $300 may apply, equal to the amount of the total bonus earned up to $300. A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit. A statement cycle is defined as a period of time that starts on the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month. | To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the "AXOS300" $300 promotion, an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account that includes the promotional code "AXOS300" must be opened between November 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PST and June 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year, and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the "AXOS300" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After meeting the initial requirements mentioned above, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below: To earn up to a $300 bonus, you must be approved for your new Axos Bank Rewards Checking account, fund it within 30 days of account opening, and have qualifying direct deposits that total at least $5,000.00 each calendar month during the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open as well as maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000. The minimum balance must be achieved and maintained through the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open including the month in which your account was opened. A cash bonus of up to $300 can be earned in the following manner during the first seven (7) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. A maximum of six (6) payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the Rewards Checking account is receiving the direct deposit and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 can be earned during the seven (7) statement cycles, and the bonus will be deposited into your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. Your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus, and your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must remain open for 210 days, or an early closure fee of up to $300 may apply, equal to the amount of the total bonus earned up to $300. A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit. A statement cycle is defined as a period of time that starts on the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month. | ||||
Chase Total Checking® Open Account for Chase Total Checking® Member FDIC. Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars. 3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. Disclaimer | 0% Min. to earn: | Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars. 3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Open Account for Chase Total Checking® | ||
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts. | *With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts. |
What are standard bank security features?
Before handing your hard-earned cash over to a bank for safekeeping, you want to know that the bank is safe. Although there's not one single quality that marks the safest bank, there are a collection of features that can help you rest easy.
Here are the most common security features you should look for in any bank:
- FDIC protection against loss
- Large, established bank
- Security features like two-factor authentication
- Cards with EMV chips in place
- 24/7 customer service
We'll go into these in more detail below.
What are extra bank security features?
If you're looking for a bank that's especially locked down, you may want to keep an eye out for some more unusual security features. Here are some of the features that are considered "extra":
- Debit card blocking: Allows you to access your account and freeze your debit card before a pickpocket has time to make it down the block.
- Guarantee to return stolen money: This guarantee promises to make you whole if someone messes with your account. It's like having a financial insurance policy in your back pocket.
- Single-use card numbers: Some banks have begun to offer one-time virtual account numbers that allow you to shop online while keeping your actual card number away from the eyes of fraudsters.
- Next-day cash reimbursement: If you're the victim of theft or fraud, next-day cash reimbursement puts money in your account by the next business day.
These extra layers of protection are great to have, but may not be available -- even at a strong bank. For example, a bank may be solid as a rock, FDIC insured, and offer a great APY, but not be available 24 hours a day.
If a bank does not offer a particular feature, ask yourself how directly it will impact the security of your deposits.
Are credit unions safer than banks?
Not necessarily.
You may hear someone say that credit unions are "safer" than banks (or vice versa). The reality is that a financial institution is as safe as its security measures.
Just as a secure bank is FDIC insured, a secure credit union is insured by the government-backed National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The point is not whether it's a bank or credit union that houses your money. It's how serious that institution is about protecting your funds.
While bank failures are rare, 75 bank collapses have been reported in the last decade. There are laws in place to make banks more secure, but as consumers, we still play a role. Before parking our money anywhere, we need to do our due diligence to make sure the bank in question has enough security in place to help us rest easier at night.
How Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) works
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal government agency that protects depositors like you against the loss of deposits. The FDIC is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Deposits in certain account types are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, and per ownership category. In other words, if you have both a checking account and savings account, each would be insured for up to $250,000 because they're considered different categories.
Checklist: Questions to ask before opening a bank account
Protecting your money comes down to asking questions, lots and lots of questions.
Go through the list below and ask the bank how it handles these issues. The answers will give you a better picture of the measures a bank takes to protect its customers.
1. Is this bank FDIC insured?
First and foremost, look for a bank that is FDIC insured. FDIC insurance covers $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. If you're not sure if a bank has this coverage, the FDIC BankFind Suite will let you know. You type in the financial institution's name and where it's located, and BankFind provides your answer.
2. What's included in this bank's standard security features?
At a minimum, ask about the seven safety features discussed above:
- FDIC insurance
- Bank size
- Online and mobile security factors, like two-step authentication and automatic logout
- Ability to block debit card
- Guarantee Against Unauthorized Access
- EMV chips in cards
- 24/7 customer service
Even the most secure bank can be vulnerable to problems. You need a bank that not only works to prevent problems but also works to fix problems quickly if they arise.
3. Should I also look at credit unions?
Just as most banks are insured by FDIC, the majority of credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). And like FDIC coverage, NCUA insures up to $250,000 per customer (called a "share owner"), per insured credit union, for each account ownership category.
FAQs
Yes, as long as a bank is FDIC insured or a credit union has NCUA insurance in place, up to $250,000 per customer (per account) is safe. You want to see that sticker on the front door that reads "Member FDIC" or "Member NCUA," or find it listed on the FDIC or NCUA website.
Not necessarily. What determines a financial institution's safety is the number of security features it has in place and whether the federal government insures its deposits.
Not necessarily. If a financial institution has a solid plan to protect your money, it doesn't matter whether it's a regional bank or national bank. The level of security that a bank has in place determines how safe it is.
Most online banks offer the best of both worlds -- they're FDIC-insured like your local bank, and they operate with less overhead, meaning they don't need to nickel and dime you with ridiculous junk fees. Before committing yourself to an online bank, make absolutely sure that it is FDIC insured. There are two ways to check:
- Call the FDIC toll-free to ask: 1-877-275-3342
- Use the FDIC BankFind tool to access detailed information about all FDIC-insured banks, including the online bank under consideration.
Read More: Are Online Banks Safe?
Our Banking Experts
By:Dana George
Writer
Dana George has a BA in Management and Organization Development from Spring Arbor University. For more than 25 years, she has written and reported on business and finance, and she's still passionate about her work. Dana and her husband recently moved to Champaign, Illinois, home of the Fighting Illini. And though she finds the color orange unflattering on most people, she thinks they'll enjoy Champaign tremendously.
Fact CheckedNathan Alderman
Fact checker
Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.