Nebraska is packed with culture and beauty, from the diversity of its music to the vast farmland that brings income to the state. The best banks in Nebraska offer the amenities you need, while also keeping fees to a minimum so that you can make the most of your hard-earned money.
10 Best Banks in Nebraska
Whether you’re looking for a local bank or a national bank with a Nebraska presence, there’s a bank for you. The below list can help you find the right checking and savings accounts to meet your banking needs.
1. Pinnacle Bank
Although Pinnacle Bank is a local bank, there are branches in Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. The free checking account requires a $100 minimum deposit, but there are no fees or balance requirements.
One downside to Pinnacle’s free checking accounts is that the ATM presence is limited, but students, seniors, and military can get up to $10 in out-of-network ATM fees rebated each month.
Fees:
- No monthly service fee
- $32 overdraft fee ($10 if the returned item is $10 or less)
Balance requirements:
- $100 minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirement
ATMs:
- Fee-free at Pinnacle Bank ATMs
Interest on balance:
- 0.86% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 2.08% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
- Real-time teller access at select ATMs with ATM LIVE
- $10 refund on out-of-network ATMs for seniors, military, and students on free checking account
2. First National Bank of Omaha
Headquartered in Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a regional bank with branches in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. First National Bank has multiple checking accounts, including a free option that has no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
Not only do you get fee-free ATM access at First National Bank and Allpoint ATMs, there’s also no fees for using out-of-network ATMs. You will, however, be responsible for any fees charged by the third-party ATM owner.
Fees:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirement
ATMs:
- Fee-free at First National Bank of Omaha ATMs
- Fee-free at Allpoint ATMs nationwide
- No fees for non-First National Bank ATMs
Interest on balance:
- Up to 0.08% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
- Personal banker available through mobile banking app
- Rate discount on auto, home equity, and personal loans
3. GO2bank
One of the best things about online banking is that it often comes with high-yield savings accounts. That’s definitely the case with GO2bank, an online bank that pays 4.50% APY on its savings accounts.
But the best thing about GO2bank is its cash accessibility. Not only can you withdraw funds from any Allpoint ATM nationwide, but you can also deposit funds at participating retailers across the country using your debit card.
Fees:
- $5 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
- $15 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Fee-free at Allpoint ATMs nationwide
- $3 for each out-of-network ATM withdrawal
Interest on balance:
- 4.50% APY on savings
Additional perks:
4. Chime
Chime is another online banking option that includes all its features in its app. You can access cash at more than 60,000 ATMs nationwide, but deposits can be more challenging.
Mobile check deposit is available, but Chime has no easy way to make cash deposits to your account. Chime’s online savings account offers competitive interest rates at 2.00% APY.
Fees:
- No maintenance fees
- No overdraft fees
Balance requirements:
- No opening deposit
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Fee-free at 60,000+ ATMs nationwide
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM transaction fee
Interest on balance:
- 2.00% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
- SpotMe covers overdrafts up to $200
- Access to paycheck up to two days early
5. Union Bank & Trust
Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned bank headquartered in Lincoln. You’ll get access to branches and ATMs throughout Nebraska, along with free access to cash while traveling at any MoneyPass ATM.
One thing that sets UBT apart from other Nebraska banks is its bonus of up to $250 for new checking accounts. If you go with the free checking, you’ll only receive $150, but if you’ll have at least $2,500 in electronic deposits within the first 90 days, you can go with a higher-tier account and earn a $250 bonus.
Fees:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- $34 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- $50 minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
- Fee-free at Union Bank & Trust ATMs
- Fee-free at MoneyPass ATMs
Interest on balance:
- 0.50% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 4.63% APY on CDs/IRAs
- Up to 3.30% APY on money market account
Additional perks:
6. Wells Fargo
One of the top national banks in Nebraska is Wells Fargo, which has locations and ATMs throughout the state. You can enjoy fee-free checking as long as you meet the requirements. For the Everyday Checking account, you’ll merely need to maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or have at least $500 in electronic deposits each month.
Wells Fargo is also currently offering a $300 bonus for new checking accounts. You’ll need at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days to get your bonus.
Fees:
- $10 monthly service fee (waived with requirements)
- $35 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- $25 minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance requirement
ATMs:
- Fee-free at Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Interest on balance:
- Up to 2.51% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 4.51% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
- $300 bonus on new checking accounts
- Comprehensive mobile banking features
7. American National Bank
American National Bank is one of the best banks in Nebraska if you’re looking for a local bank experience with an extended service area. You’ll find 37 locations in Eastern Nebraska, Western Iowa, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The fee-free checking accounts come with a $50 minimum opening deposit and no minimum daily balance requirements.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
Balance requirements:
- $50 minimum deposit to open
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Fee-free at American National Bank ATMs
Interest on balance:
- Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Personal and home loans available
- Small business banking options available
8. Ally
There are some disadvantages to going with an online bank. One of the biggest is access to cash. Ally works to overcome that by offering free ATM withdrawals at any Allpoint ATM across the country.
Ally also doesn’t charge a fee for out-of-network ATMs, and you’ll get up to $10 reimbursed monthly. But one of the biggest benefits of Ally is its highly competitive interest rates on online savings accounts and CDs. You’ll even earn 0.25% on your checking account.
Fees:
- No maintenance fees
- No overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
- Fee-free at 53,000+ Allpoint ATMs nationwide
- No out-of-network ATM fee
- Up to $10 in out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed monthly
Interest on balance:
- 0.25% APY on checking
- 3.85% APY on savings
- Up to 4.80% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
- Avoid overdrafts with CoverDraft℠
- Spending buckets help you budget
9. Cornerstone Bank
Cornerstone Bank started as First National Bank of York in the 1800s. It’s a great bank if you’re interested in traditional banks with a strong community connection, but its focus is local. ATMs are limited to Nebraska, and you’ll pay a $3 fee for each out-of-network ATM you use.
Fees:
- No service fees
- $33 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- $100 opening deposit
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Fee-free at all Cornerstone Bank ATMs
- $3 out-of-network ATM transaction fee
Interest on balance:
- Interest rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Wealth management services available
- Home and auto loans available
10. Platte Valley Bank
Regional banks can be a great compromise between large, national banks and small community banks. Platte Valley Bank has branches across Nebraska and Wyoming, with a mobile app that includes most of the features you’ll need.
One downside to Platte Valley is its ATM profile, since you’ll only have fee-free cash access at ATMs in its service area.
Fees:
- No service fees
- $30 overdraft fee
Balance requirements:
- $100 opening deposit
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Fee-free at all Platte Valley Bank ATMs
- Out-of-network fees reimbursed
Interest on balance:
- Interest rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Agricultural loans available
- Robust business banking options
How we picked these accounts
The most important feature of a bank is that it’s insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Beyond that, it’s simply a matter of highlighting the features that are most important to you.
We considered all that while curating the above list of bank account options. The list combines a bit of everything, from great interest rates on savings accounts to in-person service at branches throughout the state. Here are the features we prioritize in looking for the best financial institution in Nebraska.
In-Person Customer Service
These days, you can do the majority of your banking through apps and ATMs. But there’s something about that local bank experience that makes it stand out. If you prioritize personal service, branch access may be most essential for you.
But when looking at financial institutions, keep in mind that brick-and-mortar banks come in a variety of formats. Local Nebraska banks tend to have more of a community focus, but national banks with local branches will give you branch access while you’re traveling. Once you’ve narrowed down the options, you can pick the one with other features you need.
Online Banking Features
Banking online has brought convenience to the experience. You can deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills, and keep an eye on your accounts. Some banking apps even allow you to interact with a live teller for that personal customer service you’d typically get at brick-and-mortar locations.
Look for an online bank with fee-free withdrawals both locally and while you’re traveling. Also, make sure you’ll have a way to deposit cash if it ever becomes necessary.
Cost and List of Fees
Banks need to make money, and often this comes through interest. However, they also earn a little on the fees they charge for deposit accounts.
To compete, banks sometimes waive monthly fees. However, you’ll be expected to maintain a minimum amount in the account. This is where some online accounts can win over traditional banks. They’ll waive these requirements and give you a truly fee-free banking solution.
From the largest banks in the country to community banks, Nebraska has plenty of options when it comes to storing your money. Thanks to banking apps and online access, you can go with a bank that doesn’t even have physical branches. Take a look at all the features and choose the best Nebraska bank for you.
Source: crediful.com