Closing a bank account and opening a new one can be tricky.
Banks like to keep customers, so they make the closing process complicated.
The “hassle factor,” or the million-and-one little things you have to do before a task is complete, is one of the biggest reasons people don’t switch banks. Another reason is that people don’t feel like they know enough about other account options.
Breaking the process down into steps can help. Overall, it’s easier than you think. And the savings, in money or convenience, will usually be worth it.
Follow the three steps and you’ll be able to switch banks with as little stress as possible.
What’s Ahead:
1. Find a new bank account first
Open the new account before closing the old one. That way your automatic transactions can continue smoothly without a gap in between.
If you haven’t already picked a new bank, do some research on different banks’ requirements, perks, and fees. Here’s what you want to look for:
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Services the new bank offers that your old one doesn’t. These could be simple tweaks, like an easier-to-use mobile app, or major financial services like CDs and retirement accounts.
Interest rates. If you’re switching savings accounts, compare the interest rate you’re getting on your current account versus what you might get with a new account. Some banks offer interest-bearing checking accounts, too.
The convenience factor. Can you navigate the new bank’s website? How easy is it for you to find and use their ATMs? How quickly can you set up autopay or other day-to-day transactions?
Customer assistance options. Ideally, you’re looking for a bank or credit union that makes it easy to contact a representative if you need help, and gives you contact options you’ll actually use. If you hate talking on the phone, for instance, maybe the new bank has an email or live chat feature.
Other factors will vary from person to person, like:
Your future needs. If you’re hoping your new bank will give you a mortgage loan or help you set up investment accounts down the line, find a place that offers these services.
Your banking style. Some people love online-only banking. Others want to meet with an actual person at a brick-and-mortar branch for big transactions.
Your local options. Many people prefer joining a local credit union, which is customer-owned, over signing up for a national bank. Credit unions and smaller banks have other perks, too, like better interest rates on loans for members.
Another perk of switching banks is that banks will often reward new customers. This means you may be eligible for cash rewards, temporary interest rate reductions, or other bonuses when you open a new checking or savings account.
See our current picks for the best checking account promotions and savings account promotions.
Go into the bank in person if you can, rather than opening an account over the phone (unless your bank is online). You’re more likely to get all your questions answered and you can ask directly about those potential bonus opps.
Although requirements vary depending on the bank, you’ll want to bring:
An official photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Your Social Security number (you may not need your Social Security card, unless the bank specifically asks for it).
Cash, check, or payment info (routing and account number) for the opening deposit.
The minimum you’ll need to deposit will depend both on the bank and the type of account you’re setting up.
If you’re looking for a low minimum amount, or no fee required to open an account, your best bet is an online checking or savings.
Read more: Online banking vs. traditional banking
2. List and reroute any automatic transactions from your old bank
Now that you have a new bank account, it’s time to transfer your regular deposits and withdrawals. Start as soon as possible: this part may take a while if you have a lot of automatic transactions. It’s a good chance to review which services you’re spending money on (like video streaming services or memberships you forgot you had).
Here’s where your old bank statements come in handy. Get a list of your statements from the past year. Statements should be available online at your bank’s website if you don’t have paper copies.
This is a two-step process.
Step 1: Look over the past 12 months of transactions
Some automated transactions may be annual, so you might miss them in less than a year’s worth of statements. Note when deposits show up in your account and when payments are automatically withdrawn.
Keep some cash in the old account until this step is complete. You want to avoid missing scheduled payments or getting hit with overdraft fees. If you’ve written checks recently or if payments are pending, keep the old account open and funded until those payments clear.
Step 2: Switch over your deposits and payments
Once you know which deposits and payments to transfer, you can start switching them over to your new account.
If you get direct deposit from your employer, submit your new bank info (via a canceled check or just a routing and account number).
Reroute any automatic payments to your new account as soon as you can, since the change may take a few days or weeks to finalize. Some billers require notice up to a month in advance for new payment info.
Read more: How to set up direct deposit
3. Close the old account for good
Read up on your bank’s procedures for closing an account first. Some banks will let you close an account by mail, online, or over the phone; some require you to show up in person.
This list collects info on how consumers successfully closed accounts at multiple American banks. But since procedures may change, your best bet is to ask the bank directly how it’s done.
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Close the account in person, if possible
I recommend closing the account in person if time and convenience allow.
A bank visit makes it easier for you to get the transaction in writing. “Zombie accounts” sometimes come back from the dead — a closed account might get reactivated if you forgot to reroute an automatic payment or if there’s a billing error. To minimize the risk of a zombie account haunting you, ask for a letter from the bank stating you closed the account.
Even if you have no funds in the account, you still need to formally close it. You may be able to close an empty account online by following the instructions on the bank’s website.
Make sure you get all the money from your account
If you have funds in the account you’re closing, the bank will usually write you a check for the amount of the balance, or just transfer funds to your new account.
Your bank may require a formal written request (such as a notarized letter) to close an account with an open balance. You may also have to go to the bank in person to pick up the check. Give the money one to two business days to transfer. A wire transfer’s faster, but it costs more.
Make sure closing the account won’t affect your credit score!
If you owe money on the account you’re closing, you won’t be able to shut it down until you pay the balance and any fees.
The bank might close an account with a negative balance after a month or so, but don’t wait for this to happen — it will negatively impact your credit. You want a neat, clean closure.
When should you switch bank accounts?
You’re merging finances with a partner
In a committed relationship where you have decided to split expenses, a joint bank account can save you money and time (many people merge accounts after marriage or entering into a domestic partnership).
You might combine finances in a brand new account, or join your partner’s existing account if their bank has more of the services you need.
Read more: How to merge bank accounts after marriage
The fees are too high
With so many banks offering fee-free checking accounts and dropping fees from high-yield savings accounts, you don’t need to stick with a bank that piles on fees.
For example, if you keep getting hit with overdraft charges despite your best intentions, look for a bank with minimal (or zero!) overdraft fees (or one without minimum balance requirements). Similarly, if you use cash frequently, pick a bank with no ATM fees.
Read more: How to stop paying ATM fees
Another bank’s features work better for your needs
Source: Giphy.com
It’s normal for financial situations and priorities to change, and your banking needs might change with them.
Whether you want an account that connects to a budgeting app, offers a significantly higher interest rate over time, rewards you for better credit, works with poor credit, or lets you complete all your transactions online, there are plenty of options if your current account lacks features you need.
The bank isn’t FDIC-insured
Most banks and other financial institutions have insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which protects your money up to $250,000 in case the bank fails. (They’ll mention FDIC coverage somewhere on their website, or you can see which banks are covered here). A lack of FDIC coverage is a security red flag.
You’re relocating
If you’re moving and your current bank doesn’t have physical branches near your new location, it’s often more convenient to switch — either to a big-ticket bank with branches all over the world, a local community bank in your new area, or an online-only bank.
You don’t agree with your bank’s values
Social responsibility is a big deal to a lot of consumers, and if your bank supports a cause or makes a decision you don’t agree with, you may want to put your money where your values are.
I switched from a national to a local bank for this reason with no issues (it wasn’t even awkward when I told the teller at my former bank why I was switching).
Read more: What you should know about socially responsible banks
Pros and cons of switching bank accounts
Pros
Potential cost savings. Your new bank may offer a higher interest rate for a savings account, or lower fees than your old bank. After some time, you’ll start to see the savings add up.
Possible sign-up bonuses. You can take advantage of any one-time bonuses or financial rewards your new bank offers as a “thank you” to new customers.
A better fit for your needs. Maybe you finally made the switch to an all-online bank (no branch visits!) or a local bank near where you live (fewer out-of-network ATM fees!). In any case, a bank that fits your lifestyle and preferences is the best choice.
Cons
Transferring direct deposits and autopays. This part of changing bank accounts takes some time and energy, especially if you have lots of monthly bills on autopay.
Less familiarity. You know less about the new bank’s procedures, and they know less about you — like your credit history, for instance. This means the approval process might take longer if you want a loan or additional account at your new bank.
Finding fees in the fine print. Banks and credit unions should be upfront about any fees they charge. But when you open a new account or close an old one, you’re getting a lot of information at once. Info on fees could be easy to miss if you’re not looking out for it.
The bottom line
Closing your bank account and opening a new one can be a pain, but if you take the right steps and make sure you do everything correctly, it doesn’t have to be a huge hassle.
Featured image: Lemon Tree Images/Shutterstock.com
We have been analyzing many of our expenses over the past several months. We experienced a little bit (okay, a lot) of lifestyle inflation as our income has increased.
There were many things we were wasting money on that we realized we didn’t need. We were being lazy, not saving as much as we should, paying for items that were a waste of money, and so on.
I don’t think I’m alone either. There are probably things you’re wasting your money on too.
Instead of wasting money, you could be putting your hard earned dollars towards your next vacation, a retirement fund, a college fund, or something else.
With this post I hope to help you analyze your expenses and see where you may be possibly wasting your money. I understand that there are plenty of reasons for why a person may spend money on some of the things below, however, the point is to see if YOU should be. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong answer. I am a firm believer that money should be enjoyed and everyone enjoys spending their money on different things. However, that doesn’t mean you may not be wasting your money.
Below are seven things you may be spending too much money on.
1. Bottled water.
There’s a lot of waste that comes with purchasing bottled water. You are wasting money by buying water and the plastic that the water is in is a huge waste as well.
Yes, I understand there are times that come up where you may want water when you’re on the go. I also understand that some areas do not provide the cleanest water either. However, buying huge cases of small bottles of water is most likely not needed.
What you can do: You could buy refillable water containers and fill them up if the water you have access to is not the cleanest. In towns where the city water is no good, I have seen water fill up stations so that no plastic is wasted. You could also buy a water filter (this is the one we have) and clean your own water that way.
Related articles:
2. Expensive cell phones.
The average person spends a few hundred dollars on their cell phone bill each month and that adds up to a few thousand dollars each year. Is your cell phone really worth that much extra money or is it just a waste of money?
What you can do: There are many cheaper cell phone options out there such as Republic Wireless (plans start at just $5 a month), Ting, and so on. You could also not upgrade to the latest cell phone every time one comes out, downgrade your current plan, and more.
3. Food.
Okay, so food is a need, but what I’m talking about here is that you are probably spending too much money on it.
I’ve talked about our food spending a lot here on Making Sense of Cents. It’s an area where we’ve had a lot of problems. However, since traveling in the RV we have noticed a dramatic change in our food spending. We are eating in more than ever, eating even healthier, and more.
This is something we will probably have to actively work on for decades and probably even the rest of our lives.
I know there are many others who are experiencing the same food spending problems as well. It can be so easy to let your food spending get out of control, but I recommend you look at your food spending and see if you can cut down even further.
What you can do: To lower your food spending you could meal plan, shop sales, use coupons, cook from scratch, eat out less, prep your meals, and more.
I recommend you check out Personal Capital (a free service) if you are interested in gaining control of your financial situation. Personal Capital is very similar to Mint.com, but 100 times better as it allows you to gain control of your investment and retirement accounts, whereas Mint.com does not. Personal Capital allows you to aggregate your financial accounts so that you can easily see your financial situation, your cash flow, detailed graphs, and more. You can connect accounts such as your mortgage, bank accounts, credit card accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and more, plus it’s FREE.
4. Cable.
Several months ago, we made the decision to eliminate our cable bill. We weren’t spending an outrageous amount on cable, but it did add up to several hundred dollars a year that we did not need to be wasting money on.
Plus, we haven’t missed cable one bit. I wish we would have eliminated it sooner! We now have Netflix and a digital antenna, however, we are thinking about eliminating Netflix and just having the digital antenna for free TV.
Sadly, the average person who has cable spends a lot more money than what we used to. I know many who spend anywhere from $100 to $300 a month on their cable bill and that is a significant expense in a person’s budget!
Related: 16 Alternatives To Cable TV That WILL Save You Money
What you can do: There are two main things you could do – either eliminate your cable or satellite bill completely or downgrade your package. You most likely do not need all of those extra channels anyways.
Related article: How To Live On One (Or 50% Of Your) Income
5. Extra warranties.
Everyone has been hit with warranties when they purchase a particular item. Sometimes they are useful, but I have come to realize that for the most part they are not and they are just a waste of money.
Personally, I have bought numerous extra warranties that were not honored because of one ridiculous excuse after another.
What you can do: Before you purchase your next warranty, you should analyze the agreement and see if it is worthwhile. In many cases, a warranty is not worth it because of strict rules, expensive deductibles, and more. Also, check to see what kind of free warranty already comes with the product. In many cases, it is enough.
6. Bank accounts with fees.
Sadly, I know a few who still pay monthly fees for their bank accounts and this is what I believe to be a huge waste of money. This is something I’ll never understand though as there are plenty of free bank accounts out there. You should never have to pay for ATM fees either.
What you can do: Shop around and see what banks and/or credit unions can offer you and your situation free banking. Trust me, they are out there!
7. Debt.
You are wasting your money if you have high-interest rate debt. This is due to interest charges you are paying that will just keep building up until you are able to pay it off.
If you have never done so, I want you to add up how much in interest you are paying each day and each month towards all of your debt. I bet you will be shocked!
What you can do: Yes, there are strategic reasons to keep debt, but if you do not have a strategic reason, then paying it off is most likely your best bet as interest charges can be a waste of money.
Do you spend money on any of the above? Why or why not? What do you think people are wasting money on?
If you are looking for other ways to save and/or make money, below are some things I recommend:
Start a blog. Blogging is how I make a living and just a few years ago I never thought it would be possible. I made over $150,000 last year by blogging and will make more than that in 2015. You can create your own blog here with my easy-to-use tutorial. You can start your blog for as low as $3.49 per month plus you get a free domain if you sign-up through my tutorial.
Sign up for a website like Ebates where you can earn CASH BACK for just spending like how you normally would online. The service is free too! Plus, when you sign up through my link, you also receive a free $10 gift card bonus to Macys, Walmart, Target, or Kohls!
Pay bills on time. This way you can avoid late fees.
Shop around for insurance. This includes health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, home insurance and so on. Insurance pricing can vary significantly from one company to the next.
Save money on food. I recently joined $5 Meal Plan in order to help me eat at home more and cut my food spending. It’s only $5 a month (the first four weeks are free too) and you get meal plans sent straight to you along with the exact shopping list you need in order to create the meals. This allows you to save time because you won’t have to meal plan anymore and it will save you money as well!
Fuel savings. Combine your car trips, drive more efficiently, get a fuel efficient car, etc.
Learn to have more frugal fun. We don’t spend anywhere near the same amount of money on entertainment as we used to. There are plenty of ways to have frugal fun.
Rent an extra room in your home. If you have extra space in your home, then you may want to rent it out. Read A Complete Guide To Renting A Room For Extra Money.
Answer surveys. One survey company I recommend is American Consumer Opinion. It’s free to join and free to use! You get paid to answer surveys and to test products. Pinecone Research is another company I use to complete surveys. They pay you for each survey you complete and they also occasionally send free products to review!
Learn how to avoid a Craigslist rental scam.
Use Swagbucks for your online searches. Swagbucks is something I don’t use as much, but I do occasionally earn Amazon gift cards with very little work. Swagbucks is just like using Google to do your online searches, except you get rewarded points called SB for the things you do through their website. Then, when you have enough points called SB, you can redeem them for cash, gift cards, and more. You’ll receive a free $5 bonus just for signing up today!
InboxDollars is an online rewards website I recommend. You can earn cash by taking surveys, playing games, shopping online, searching the web, redeeming grocery coupons, and more. Also, by signing up through my link, you will receive $5 for free!
The FHA insures mortgages that are issued by banks, non-banks, credit unions, and other lenders. The main reason for this insurance is to protect lenders if there is a default on the loan. Because of this setup, FHA lenders can offer more favorable terms to borrowers who would otherwise have more difficulty qualifying for a … [Read more…]
When you choose a bank for your daily checking and savings needs, you can choose between a national bank, a smaller regional bank, credit unions of varying sizes, and even online banks and financial technology companies.
Since early 2023, when Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank both experienced failures after customers pulled out large amounts of money during bank runs, banking customers may feel more comfortable choosing a national bank.
Although the U.S. government took extraordinary measures to protect the assets of SVB and Signature Bank customers, and deposits held in the accounts were FDIC insured, many customers were still rightfully concerned about gaining access to their money in a timely manner.
After the banking crisis of 2008, the Federal government declared banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo as “too big to fail.” But these aren’t the only national banks or credit unions available.
You might think that smaller online banks may have lower fees, while small local banks are known for friendly and responsive customer service. But the national banks on this list blend the best of all worlds: low fees, high marks for customer satisfaction, ways to avoid overdraft fees, convenient ATM networks, and a variety of banking products.
16 Best National Banks
Here are the 16 best national banks that offer exceptional services, excellent customer support, and innovative banking solutions to meet all of your financial needs.
1. SoFi – Best for Digital Banking & High Yields
SoFi became a nationally chartered online bank in 2022, after acquiring Golden Pacific Bancorp, Member FDIC. Originally known for its vast array of loan products, including private student loans, today SoFi has a combination checking and savings account, or a cash management account, with no monthly service fee.
SoFi also has no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fee, and overdraft protection up to $50 with qualifying direct deposits each month. You can bank for free at any of 55,000+ fee free Allpoint ATMs nationwide.
As an online bank, SoFi offers higher interest rates than you may find at brick and mortar banks. Earn up to 4.20% APY on your savings account balance and 1.20% on money in your checking account. When you use your SoFi debit card at select local businesses, you can earn up to 15% cash back.
SoFi offers two tiers of accounts: SoFi and SoFi Plus. To qualify for the “freemium” SoFi Plus membership, bank customers must have qualifying direct deposits. Plus, when you sign up before December 31, 2023, you can earn a cash bonus of $250 when you set up direct deposits of $5,000 or $50 with a direct deposit as low as $1,000.
SoFi Plus members receive loan rate discounts, bonus rewards, access to special entertainment events and more, making SoFi a unique company when it comes to online banks.
2. Discover Bank – Best for Cash Back
Discover may be best known for cashback and rewards credit cards. But its online banking products are some of the best you’ll find among national banks.
With no monthly fees and no minimum balance, your Discover Cashback checking account pays 1% cashback on up to $3,000 worth of debit card purchases monthly. You’ll never pay overdraft charges, and you can withdraw cash at a network of 60,000+ fee free ATMs.
You can qualify for overdraft protection by linking your Discover Bank savings account. Discover Savings pays a high 3.90% APY with no minimum deposit required.
Other Discover Bank deposit accounts include CDs with terms from 3 months to 10 years, and a money market account that pays 3.80% APY for balances under $100,000 and 3.85% on balances $100,000 and up.
For questions or help with your account, you can reach a U.S.-based customer service representative for Discover Bank by phone, 24/7/365.
3. Chase Bank – Best for Credit Card Rewards & Referral Bonuses
As the world’s largest national bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank doesn’t need to do much to entice customers. People will choose Chase based on its name, reputation, and more than 4,700 convenient branch locations across the U.S.
However, Chase happens to have one of the best bonuses for new customers and a generous referral bonus program when existing customers refer their friends. This, coupled with a robust and easy-to-use mobile app and a variety of checking, savings and investment services, puts Chase on our list of top national banks in the U.S.
Chase is currently offering new Chase Total Checking customers a $200 bonus when they open a new account and set up direct deposit within the first 90 days.
New or upgrading Chase Private Client customers can earn a $3,000 bonus with a deposit of $500,000 or more within the first 45 days of account opening. Deposits of $150,000 to $249,999 earn $1,000 and cash deposits of $250,000 to $499,999 earn $2,000. You must keep the money in your J.P. Morgan Wealth Management or JPMorgan Chase deposit accounts for 90 days to qualify.
In addition to Chase Total Checking, the bank’s most popular checking account, and Private Client services, Chase also offers other checking and savings accounts.
Chase Secure Banking has a $4.95 monthly fee and no overdraft fees. Chase Premier Plus Checking offers a few added benefits beyond Chase Total Checking, including ATM fee rebates up to four times per statement cycle, a linked personal checking account with no monthly fees, and a 0.01% interest rate on balances.
Chase also offers bank accounts for kids, teens, and college students, as well as CDs, savings and money market accounts, mortgages, loan products, and a full array of top-rated rewards credit cards.
If you have multiple Chase accounts, it’s easy to manage them all within the mobile app.
4. Chime – Best for Building Credit
Chime is a financial technology company backed by Stride Bank, Member FDIC, and Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC. It is not a bank, itself, but offers some of the same features, including online banking, a debit card, and direct deposit up to two days earlier than some other banks.
Chime has no monthly service fee, no overdraft fee, and no minimum balance requirements. For customers who need a little boost to make it from paycheck to paycheck, Chime offers fee-free overdraft up to $200 through the SpotMe5 program and a credit builder secured Visa credit card with no annual fees, interest or minimum security deposit.
Use your Chime debit card at any of 60,000+ fee free1 ATMs in the Allpoint, MoneyPass or Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks. Out of network ATM fees may apply, otherwise.
You can qualify for Chime’s SpotMe program with a single direct deposit of $200 or more during any monthly statement period. If you process a transaction that would put you into overdraft, Chime will accept the transaction even if it puts your balance into the negative by up to $200.
The Credit Builder Secured Visa card carries the same requirements of a $200 monthly minimum direct deposit. You can build your credit and raise your credit score with responsible use of the card.
5. Citi® – Best for Large Cash Deposits
The third of the four largest national banks in the U.S. based on assets, Citi, owned by Citigroup, is best for high net worth customers or those with large cash deposits divided among Citi checking, savings, and other accounts.
Currently, you can earn a generous cash bonus of $200 to $2,000 when you open a qualifying Citi checking account and meet specific minimum opening deposit requirements. Your bonus will be determined by your account balance on the 20th day after opening the account. Funds must remain in the account for an additional 60 days after the 21st day.
Citi offers multiple checking accounts to meet various customers’ financial needs, all with monthly fees that are easy to waive if you hold the required minimum balance. The bank accounts include:
Citibank
Citi Priority, which includes travel perks and access Citi Personal Wealth Management advisors
Citigold, relationship banking and investment services
Basic Banking and ATM access
Access Account, a debit account with no paper checks
For the Basic Checking account, you’ll need to maintain a $1,500 minimum balance to waive the fees. The other accounts have larger minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly maintenance fees and take advantage of other perks, up to $200,000 for a Citigold account.
All accounts provide access to personal banking at Citi branches and access to more than 65,000 fee free ATMs across the U.S. All accounts except for Basic and Access accounts also have no fees at ATMs outside the Citi network.
Like all the larger national banks on this list, Citi has a full gamut of rewards credit cards, savings and money market accounts, and high-yield CDs.
6. CIT Bank – Best for High Interest Rates
CIT Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, has earned awards and accolades for customer satisfaction, rated by American Banker as #1 for “delivering the most humanized experience in banking.”
You should be aware that deposits in First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, are not separately insured. This only matters if you hold more than $250,000 in any single account type, such as checking or savings, in both First Citizens Bank and in CIT Bank.
CIT is the online only banking arm of First Citizens Bank, with high-yield savings accounts, CDs, money markets, and eChecking, all with no monthly fees and no overdraft fees. You won’t pay any ATM fees at CIT Bank machines, and CIT Bank reimburses up to $30 per month when you use out-of-network ATMs.
CIT offers 0.25% APY on checking when you hold more than $25,000 in your account, and 0.10% APY on balances under $25,000. The bank has high interest rates for savings, offering customers a 4.85% APY on balances of $5,000 or more with the Platinum Savings account.
CIT Bank has two other savings accounts as well:
Savings Connect, with a 4.60% APY
Savings Builder, which requires a minimum balance of $25,000 or a $100 monthly deposit to earn 1.00% APY
You’ll need a $100 minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account at CIT Bank.
7. Bank of America – Best for College Students
As the second largest of the best national banks, behind Chase, Bank of America has the full gamut of banking products, with three checking accounts plus a student account, savings, CDs, and investment products.
It’s easy to waive monthly maintenance fees on a checking account with a minimum daily balance, direct deposits, combined balances across eligible linked Bank of America accounts, or by enrolling in their Preferred Rewards programs.
We like the Advantage SafeBalance banking for kids, teens, and college students under 25 years old. They have no monthly fee and no overdraft fees. Teens ages 16+ can have sole ownership of the account.
For everyone else, the bank offers Advantage Plus and Advantage Relationship checking accounts with easy ways to waive the monthly fees with direct deposit or a minimum daily balance.
When you open a new checking account, you can qualify for a $100 bonus when you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $1,000 within 90 days of opening the account.
Of course, Bank of America also has CDs, and a savings and money market account. Plus you can invest with Merrill. All of these deposit accounts count toward your Preferred Rewards membership.
When you have a combined average daily balance of at least $20,000 for three months, you’ll qualify for the rewards program.
8. U.S. Bank – Best for Military Members & High Balance Savings
U.S. Bank offers the Bank Smartly checking account so you can earn interest on your money. The current interest rate is just 0.01% APY on all checking balances. You’ll pay a $6.95 maintenance fee, but this is waived if you meet minimum deposit requirements or if you are a member of the U.S. military.
You can link your Bank Smartly checking account to a standard savings account or Elite Money Market to earn even more. To avoid fees on your savings account, you’ll want to keep a $300 minimum daily balance or a $1,000 average monthly collected balance. If you are already a Bank Smartly customer, you can enroll in Smart Rewards to waive savings account fees.
The Elite account is better for those with high balances. You can earn up to 4% APY on balances from $25,000 up to just under $500,000.
The appeal of U.S. Bank is in its high ratings for banking satisfaction across the board from customers. U.S. Bank earned accolades for having the best mobile app, the best digital mortgage tools, the best customer service features, and best mobile check deposit capabilities. These factors all contribute to its ranking as a best national bank.
9. Axos Bank – Best Online Bank
Axos is an online only bank with a rewards checking account that delivers up to 3.30% APY, with no fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates for out-of-network ATMs.
To earn the maximum APY, you’ll need to set up direct deposit and Axos Bank’s free Personal Finance Manager for 0.70% interest. Then, open an investment account and take out an Axos personal loan or auto loan and earn another 2.60% annual percentage yield on your checking account balance.
Axos also offers an Essential Checking account with early direct deposit and no fees, and a Cashback Checking account, which gives you 1% cash back on debit card purchases, along with no maintenance fees and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements.
Voted the best online bank by many top personal finance sites, Axos Bank offers more than just high interest, no fee checking.
Axos Bank offers CDs with terms between 3 and 60 months and a savings account with 0.61% annual percentage yield, with interest compounded daily. You can also find personal loans, car loans, mortgages, and investment products.
Like other national banks, Axos Bank provides FDIC insurance up to $250,000 or $500,000 for joint account holders. But you can expand your coverage up to $150 million with Axos Bank InsureGuard+ Savings from IntraFi Network Deposits.
Axos splits up your large deposit into multiple accounts across several banks, each covered up to $250,000. If you are dealing with a substantial amount of cash and want your savings protected at a single bank, Axos may be a good choice for you.
New customers can earn a $100 welcome bonus by opening an account with just a $50 minimum opening deposit.
10. Truist Bank – Best for Relationship Banking & Innovative Savings Perks
Truist Bank is one of the top 10 largest national banks, formed as a merger between BB&T and SunTrust in 2019. Called “the biggest bank you’ve never heard of” by CNN Business, Truist holds assets of $574 billion and has been growing steadily since the merger.
Truist offers checking and savings accounts, CDs, and credit cards. Truist checking and savings customers can earn perks and benefits. This includes access to Long Game, a savings game app that lets you earn cash when depositing into your Truist savings account. It also includes bonus rewards on your Truist credit cards.
Truist has four levels of relationship banking in its Truist One checking account. This means the more you deposit, the more perks you will receive, up to a 50% loyalty bonus on Truist credit cards, and a discounted annual fee for a Delta SkyMiles debit card. Benefits for relationship banking begin at $10,000 in combined average monthly balances for Truist deposit accounts.
Your Truist checking account has a $12 monthly fee, which is easy to waive with $500 or more in direct deposits each month or a $500 minimum balance across all Truist deposit accounts. Truist personal loan, mortgage or credit card customers also pay no fees on their Truist checking account.
You can also waive the monthly fee with a linked Small Business checking account or if you are a student under the age of 25. You’ll need a $25 minimum opening deposit for a Truist One checking.
Customers with lower income or just getting started establishing their finances can benefit from Truist Confidence checking and savings accounts. The account has just a $5 monthly maintenance fee, which is easily waived.
11. Capital One – Best for High Interest Rates at a Brick and Mortar Bank
Like Chase Bank, Capital One is well known for its top-rated rewards credit cards. The company is also one of the best national banks with a savings account and CDs offering interest rates higher than the national average.
Capital One Performance 360 savings has a 3.90% APY, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum deposit to open your account. A Capital One 360 Performance checking account, similarly, has no monthly maintenance fee, overdraft protection through your linked savings account, and early direct deposit.
You can bank with no fees at a network of 70,000+ ATMs nationwide, and can deposit cash easily at CVS retail locations. Although you must open your Capital One Performance account online, you can receive personalized service and deposit cash at any Capital One bank branches or Capital One Cafes.
12. PNC Bank – Best in East and Southwest
PNC Bank is a large, national bank with branch locations across 29 states. Most branches are in the east, south, and southwest, although you will also find branch locations in some Midwest states.
PNC Bank’s online checking account is called Spend and it links to the PNC VirtualWallet. You can add a savings account, called Reserve, or upgrade to the Performance Select product with two tiers of savings and double layer overdraft protection.
When you set up your VirtualWallet with PNC Bank and open your Spend account, you can earn a $50 bonus.
Combining your Spend account with a PNC Bank Reserve account yields even more benefits. Earn a $200 bonus when you qualify. Finally, if you open a Performance Select VirtualWallet, you could earn $400.
Each account comes with a low monthly fee that is easily waived through qualifying monthly direct deposits or by meeting minimum balance requirements.
13. Wells Fargo – Best for Checking Account Options
Wells Fargo, one of the “big four,” is the fourth largest of the best national banks in the U.S. It is known for having many convenient bank locations, with 4,700 branch locations.
The vast number of branches across the country puts it top on our list for in-person banking and customer satisfaction.
Plus, we also rated it best for various checking account choices for everyone from children to retail investors.
Like the other national banks on this list, Wells Fargo has checking, savings, and CD accounts. The bank has four checking account options for consumers at various stages of their financial lives:
Clear Access Banking, with no overdraft fee and a low $5 monthly fee, waived for teens and young adults ages 13 to 24
Everyday Checking, the most popular bank account, with optional overdraft protection
Prime Checking, offering discounted interest rates for loans and higher interest rates for linked CDs and savings accounts
Premier Checking, a relationship banking service with 24/7 support and discounts on investing services
It’s easy to waive the $10 fee on Everyday Checking with a $500 minimum daily balance or $500 in monthly direct deposits. Waive the $25 fee on your Prime checking with $20,000 in linked balances. Similarly, your Premier Checking account will be free with $250,000 in linked balances, including investments with the bank’s Advisors.
You’ll need a $25 minimum opening deposit to open your account.
14. Ally Bank – Best Online Only Bank for Savings
Ally Bank is widely recognized as one of the best national online banks. It has very few fees, including no maintenance fee, no overdraft fee, and no ACH fee (even on expedited transfers). Plus, you’ll earn interest of 0.25% in your checking account and 3.85% APY on savings, including money you have allocated into various buckets.
We rated Ally Bank as the best online only bank for savings, not just because of the high interest rate, but because it offers so many ways to manage your money and ramp up your savings efforts.
You can set up recurring transfers into your savings account for specific goals or just to build up your emergency coffers. You can choose to round up transactions made with your Ally Bank debit card, or even electronic payments and checks. When Ally Bank finds at least $5 in “round-up” savings, it will be transferred automatically to your checking account.
Finally, Ally Bank analyzes your checking account periodically to reveal extra funds that are “safe to save.” Ally Bank automatically transfers that money for you. But you can transfer it back whenever you’d like.
In addition to these savings benefits, Ally Bank lets you access your money with your debit card with no fees at any of 43,000+ Allpoint ATMs. The online bank also refunds up to $10 in fees charged by out-of-network ATMs.
You can avoid stress and overspending with the Overdraft Transfer Service, which automatically transfers money from your Ally Bank savings account into checking. If you exceed six transfers or six savings withdrawals per month, Ally Bank will reimburse those fees, too.
You can also apply for CoverDraft℠ Coverage, which will cover up to $250 in charges that would put your account in the negative. You’ll qualify 30 days after you deposit at least $100 into your checking account. If you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $250 two months in a row, you can increase your coverage to $250.
15. TD Bank – Best for Overall Banking Satisfaction
TD Bank, deemed America’s most convenient bank for its number of branches, branch hours and excellent customer service, blends the best of brick and mortar banks with easy online banking.
Most TD Bank locations are open seven days a week, including Sundays, with extended hours beyond what most brick and mortar banks provide. Most TD Bank branches are located across the East Coast, with locations in 15 different states and Washington, D.C.
TD Bank is the 7th largest bank in the U.S. based on deposits, with 1,668 branch locations nationwide. You can also reach customer service by phone, 24/7/365, which earns TD Bank high marks for banking satisfaction.
TD Bank offers six checking accounts for customers in various life stages:
TD Essential Banking
TD Convenience Checking
TD Beyond Checking
TD Simple Checking
TD 60 Plus Checking
TD Student Checking (for ages 17 to 23)
Currently, TD Bank is offering sign-on bonuses for new customers who open a TD Beyond or TD Convenience bank account. You’ll need a qualifying direct deposit (or more than one) totaling $2,500 within the first 60 days to earn $300 with TD Beyond, and a direct deposit of just $500 within the first 60 days to earn $200 with TD Convenience.
16. Schwab Bank – Best for Investors
Schwab may be best known as an investment service, but the bank was rated highest in banking satisfaction with checking accounts from J.D. Power & Associates four years running.
If you have a Schwab investment account, or are considering opening one, Schwab could be the best choice in banking for you.
The Schwab Bank Investor checking account has no foreign transaction fees, no minimums, and unlimited ATM fee rebates. Plus, earn 0.45% annual percentage yield on checking. Schwab’s savings account offers 0.48% APY.
Schwab also offers exceptionally high interest rates for CDs, with up to 5.40% APY and terms as short as 30 days. You’ll receive FDIC protection exceeding the federal maximum because you can purchase CDs from multiple banks, all through Schwab investment.
Methodology: How We Chose the Best National Banks
We evaluated a variety of banks and credit cards, taking into consideration the:
Variety of products
Interest rates
Monthly fees
ATM fees and ATM fee reimbursement
Branch locations and number of branches
Minimum deposit requirements
Fraud protection and security
We also looked at consumer reviews, and drew on the general reputation of each bank to find the best national bank.
Finding the Best National Bank
Now that we’ve explored the specifics of the best online banks and brick and mortar banks nationwide, you probably still have questions about which one is really the best national bank.
Let’s compare the three largest in the U.S. based on number of branches, interest rates, and overall banking satisfaction.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo
For the largest nationwide bank, Chase offers excellent banking satisfaction with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, 4,800 branch locations, and an easy and intuitive mobile app. If you are shopping for a bank credit card, Chase also offers some of the best rewards cards available today.
Wells Fargo rivals Chase when it comes to number of branches, with roughly 4,700 locations across the U.S. It’s somewhat easier to waive the checking account fees at Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo offers higher interest rates for savings, with a 0.15% APY compared to Chase’s 0.01%.
Both banks have lower interest rates than you might find at online banks. However, if you are looking for national banks with a solid reputation, many branches, and high marks in banking satisfaction, either Chase or Wells Fargo would be a good choice.
Wells Fargo vs. Bank of America
Bank of America and Wells Fargo are the second and third-largest banks in the U.S. based on assets. BofA only has 4,000 branches compared to Fargo’s 4,700, but BofA boasts more ATMs nationwide.
BofA stands out when you join the Preferred Rewards program because you can waive the fees on your bank account and enjoy perks, bonus rewards on BofA credit cards, and rate discounts on loans.
If you have a large balance or are looking for an investing platform through your bank, BofA may be your best choice. On the other hand, Wells Fargo offers high interest rates on savings and convenient branch locations nationwide.
Common Questions
People have many questions related to whether an online bank is better than a traditional bank or whether a local bank is better than one of the largest national banks. We break it all down here.
Which is better, an online bank or a brick-and-mortar bank?
If you are looking for the highest interest rates and generous rewards programs, you are highly likely to find them at online banks. However, there are some advantages to a brick and mortar bank, including in-person service at local branches, the availability of paper checks, and easy ways to deposit cash in person or at branch ATMs.
You should expect the best national online banks and the best brick and mortar banks to have robust mobile apps, easy-to-waive fees, and fraud protection.
Make sure whatever bank you choose is “Member FDIC,” which means your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type. That means joint accounts have $500,000 worth of FDIC insurance protection.
Is my money safer in a national bank vs. a regional bank (or a national credit union vs. a regional credit union)?
All banks on this list are Member FDIC, which means they are insured to the maximum allowable limit of $250,000 per account holder, per account type. Credit unions are covered up to the same limits by the National Credit Union Administration.
Many online banks are insured up to $2 million or more. These financial institutions divide cash deposits among multiple partner banks. Each bank insures deposits up to the maximum limit allowed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Read the fine print to determine your coverage limits when you choose a bank.
Beyond that, your money should be equally safe in a national bank, a smaller bank, or a credit union of any size. Also look for features such as fraud protection, fraud alerts via text, email or in the mobile app, and enhanced website security measures. You should also be able to lock and unlock your debit card in the mobile app if you misplace it or believe it may have been stolen.
What makes big banks different from smaller banks?
By definition, big banks will have larger market capitalization, which represents the total value of a bank’s stocks. Big banks will also hold more assets. For instance, Chase, which is the world’s largest financial institution, holds $3.2 trillion in assets. The second-largest national bank, Bank of America, possesses $2.41 trillion in assets. Larger financial institutions may also have more bank branches.
In many other ways, big national banks and smaller banks are similar, especially today. Customers want specific features and are unwilling to compromise on things like fee-free ATMs, no monthly fees, early direct deposit, and an intuitive mobile app.
How much interest do the best big banks pay?
In general, some of the largest national banks do not have the highest interest rates for savings and very few offer interest earning checking accounts.
Capital One 360 and Discover are two of the best national banks that offer interest on checking. To earn a higher APY with one of the largest national banks, you might want to consider CDs.
Are national banks better than other kinds of banks?
National banks aren’t necessarily better or worse than other kinds of banks. They may have more convenient branch locations, a higher number of branches, and a greater variety of products, but they might also have higher fees. Decide what’s most important to you when you choose a bank.
If you’d prefer to trust your money with one of the largest national banks, with a large market capitalization, high value, and branches nationwide, consider opening your checking and savings accounts with one of the best national banks on this list.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
5. Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
With the average cost of college currently at $35,551 per year, most students have no choice but to take out student loans. Whether you go to a public or private university in or out of state, you’ll probably need at least a little help. And we’re here to help you get it.
Students might turn to private student loans instead of or in addition to federal student loans to help cover the cost of tuition and boarding. So how do you choose between the many private lenders — including banks, credit unions, and online marketplaces — out there? We’ve compared many of the top lenders to find those with the best rates, repayment terms, range of options, and more.
But enough suspense. Let’s dive into the best private student loans for you.
What’s Ahead:
Best private student loans
Best for flexible repayment terms: SoFi
Best for low rates: Credible
Best for no cosigner: Ascent
Best for cosigner: Earnest
Best for graduate students: Sallie Mae
Best for student loan refinancing: Splash Financial
Best for multi-year approval: Citizens Bank
Best for flexible repayment terms: SoFi
Fixed APR range – 3.99% – 8.24% APR (including auto-pay discount of 0.25%)
Variable APR range – 3.99% – 8.24% APR (including auto-pay discount of 0.25%)
Fees – None
Prepayment penalty – None
Minimum – Minimum $1,000
Maximum – Full cost of attendance
Loan terms – 5, 7, 10, or 15 years
Forbearance – Up to 12 months
Minimum credit score – 650
SoFi is a peer-to-peer lender offering private student loans for both graduate and undergraduate students. They also provide private and federal student loan refinancing for those who meet citizenship, employment, credit, and income requirements (minimum $5,000).
SoFi stands out for offering more repayment terms than most as well as the option to put membership points toward your loan balance. You have four repayment choices:
Defer monthly payments until six months after you graduate
Pay only interest while in school
Make fixed monthly payments of $25 while in school
Start making regular monthly payments toward the full balance right away
And should you need student loan relief, SoFi provides Unemployment Protection of up to 12 months to qualified borrowers.
There are two discounts available that can help reduce the cost of your loans. The first is a 0.25% interest rate discount when you schedule automatic payments and the second is a 0.125% rate discount for previous SoFi borrowers.
You’ll need at least fair credit to qualify for a private student loan with SoFi, or you can apply with a cosigner for a better chance of approval. We encourage you to check your rate with no effect on your credit. SoFi offers cosigner release after you’ve made 24 consecutive payments toward the principal and interest.
Read our full review.
Best for low rates: Credible
Interest rate range – starting at 4.44% fixed APR (with autopay)* and 4.74% Var. APR (with autopay), See Terms*
Fees – None
Prepayment penalty – None
Minimum – $1,000
Maximum – Full cost of attendance
Loan terms – 5 – 20 years
Forbearance – Varies by lender
Minimum credit score – Varies by lender
Though not a direct lender, Credible is a good place to go if you’re looking for a private student loan. Credible is an aggregator that partners with top lenders including Sallie Mae, Citizens, Ascent, and more to show you many student loan offers in one place. This is an especially great option if you don’t really know where to start because the platform begins by asking you questions to understand your needs, then shows you what you might qualify for.
To compare your options, you’ll fill out a single application to receive offers from up to eight different lenders. This will show you personalized rates you prequalify for to help you easily find the lowest ones. Although you won’t know your final rate until you actually apply to borrow with your chosen lender, this can give you a good idea of what you might pay. Using Credible to shop loans and check your rate does not affect your credit and the application takes just a couple of minutes to complete.
The Credible Best Rate Guarantee means that if you find a lower interest rate with another lender, you may be eligible for a $200 “Best Rate Reward.”
Credible’s partners do not charge origination fees or prepayment penalties. Also, all eight make it easy to apply with a cosigner and offer cosigner release to eligible borrowers.
Read our full review.
Credible Credit Disclosure – To check the rates and terms you qualify for, Credible or our partner lender(s) conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, when you apply for credit, your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies will be requested, which is considered a hard credit pull and will affect your credit.
Maximum – $200,000 ($20,000 for Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based loans)
Loan terms – 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years
Forbearance – Up to 24 months
Minimum credit score – Varies
Ascent is a unique private lender for those looking to avoid using a cosigner. They specifically cater to those who want to apply on their own by offering a couple of ways to qualify. There are two types of non-cosigned loans from this lender: credit-based loans and outcomes-based loans. You’ll need at least two years of credit history and an income of $24,000 or more to qualify for a credit-based loan, but you may be eligible for an outcomes-based loan without any credit at all.
Ascent’s outcomes-based private student loans take your future income, not your current income, into consideration. When you apply for this loan, Ascent looks at your GPA, anticipated graduation date, school, program, and more to determine your eligibility. The better your grades and higher-paying your career path, the better your chances. You must be a junior or senior attending school full-time to qualify.
Interest rates are higher for non-cosigned loans, but there are discounts available. These include a 0.25% autopay discount and a 1% cash-back graduation reward.
While in school, you can pay $25 each month or make interest payments only. Alternatively, you can defer payments for up to nine months after you graduate. You may qualify for up to 24 months of Temporary Hardship Forbearance if you find yourself unable to make payments.
Read our full review.
Ascent Disclosure:Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations; and terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent Terms and Conditions please visit: www.AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Rates are effective as of 4/17/2023 and reflect an automatic payment discount of either 0.25% (for credit-based loans) OR 1.00% (for undergraduate outcomes-based loans). Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. For Ascent rates and repayment examples please visit: AscentFunding.com/Rates. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan student must meet certain minimum credit criteria. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.
If you already know you want or need to apply for private student loans with a cosigner, Earnest has excellent cosigned loans. Earnest is a direct lender offering private student loans with low rates and forgiving terms to make repayment easier for student borrowers.
Applicants must have a credit score of at least 650, an income of at least $35,000, and U.S citizenship to qualify. These might be difficult requirements for a college student to meet, which is why Earnest encourages cosigners. In fact, 66% of Earnest borrowers use a cosigner. However, Earnest does not offer cosigner release, but you may qualify to refinance with this lender under only your name when you graduate.
If you have a great cosigner willing to help you out, Earnest will make it easier for you to hold up your end of the bargain with alternatives to the standard repayment plan. In addition to four different repayment options, they give all borrowers a nine-month grace period after graduation before monthly payments are due and the option to skip a payment once a year if needed. You may also qualify for one of the following assistance programs:
Rate Reduction Program – decreased rates and monthly payments for six months
Extended Term Program – loan term extension of up to 30 years to reduce payments
Earnest also has more generous loan forgiveness and discharge policies than most.
Read our full review.
Earnest SLR Disclosure – Actual rate and available repayment terms will vary based on your income. Fixed rates range from 5.21% APR to 9.24% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Variable rates range from 5.24% APR to 9.19% APR (excludes 0.25% Auto Pay discount). Earnest variable interest rate student loan refinance loans are based on a publicly available index, the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The variable rate is based on the rate published on the 25th day, or the next business day, of the preceding calendar month, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The rate will not increase more than once per month. The maximum rate for your loan is 9.13% if your loan term is 10 years or less. For loan terms of more than 10 years to 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.21%. For loan terms over 15 years, the interest rate will never exceed 9.24%. Please note, we are not able to offer variable rate loans in AK, IL, MN, NH, OH, TN, and TX. Our lowest rates are only available for our most credit qualified borrowers and contain our .25% auto pay discount from a checking or savings account.
Best for graduate students: Sallie Mae
Fixed APR range – 4.25% – 12.92% (for graduate loans, including 0.25% auto debit discount)
Variable APR range – 3.87% – 13.50% (for graduate loans, including 0.25% auto debit discount)
Fees – None
Prepayment penalty – None
Minimum – $1,000
Maximum – Full cost of attendance
Loan terms – Up to 15 years
Forbearance – Determined on a case-by-case basis
Minimum credit score – 650
Sallie Mae offers a variety of different loans for both undergraduate and graduate students, but this lender is especially great for graduate private student loans. Let’s get into what makes this option different than others for higher education.
First, Sallie Mae offers 100% coverage for all of your tuition and living expenses from classes to travel with no cap. After graduating, you can defer payments up to 48 months if you’re going right from school to a fellowship or internship. And unlike most loans of this type, you do not need to be enrolled full-time or even half-time to qualify to borrow.
You’ll have a 94% chance of being approved if you’ve already had a Sallie Mae student loan and you apply for a new one with a cosigner. And if you do use a cosigner, you may be eligible to release them after just 12 consecutive monthly payments made on time.
You can either defer your payments for six months after you graduate, make fixed monthly payments of $25 while you’re in school, or pay just the interest while you’re in school and during the six-month grace period after graduation. While Sallie Mae’s interest rates are a little higher than some, you can get a 0.25% rate discount for setting up automatic payments.
Read our full review.
Sallie Mae Disclosures: Borrow responsibly. We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan. Sallie Mae loans are subject to credit approval, identity verification, signed loan documents, and school certification. Smart Option Student Loans are for students at participating schools and are not intended for students pursuing a graduate degree. Graduate student loans are available for students at participating degree-granting graduate schools. Graduate Certificate/Continuing Education coursework is not eligible for MBA, Medical, Dental, and Law School Loans. Student or cosigner must meet the age of majority in their state of residence. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents must reside in the U.S., attend school in the U.S., apply with a creditworthy cosigner (who must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident), and provide an unexpired government-issued photo ID. Requested loan amount must be at least $1,000. 1 Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. Payments may be required during the grace/separation period depending on the repayment option selected. Variable rates may increase over the life of the loan. Undergraduate – Advertised variable rates reflect the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Advertised APRs assume a $10,000 loan to a borrower who attends school for 4 years and has no prior Sallie Mae loans. Associate & Trade School – Advertised APRs assume a $10,000 loan to a borrower who attends school for 1 year and has $10,000 in prior Sallie Mae loans. All Advertised APRs assume a $10,000 loan. Medical School Loan and Dental School Loan APRs assume 4 years in school. Law School Loan APRs assume 3 years in school. MBA Loan, Graduate School Loan for Health Professions, and Graduate School Loan APRs assume 2 years in school. 2 Loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance less financial aid received, as certified by the school. Sallie Mae reserves the right to approve a lower loan amount than the school-certified amount. Miscellaneous personal expenses (such as a laptop) may be included in the cost of attendance for students enrolled at least half-time. 3 Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 4-year in-school period, it works out to a 9.63% fixed APR, 51 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $172.95 and one payment of $121.42, for a Total Loan Cost of $21,977.47. For a borrower with $20,000 in prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.07% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $125.36 and one payment of $49.52 for a total loan cost of $23,163.96. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. Examples of typical costs for a $10,000 Smart Option Student Loan with the most common fixed rate, fixed repayment option, 6-month separation period, and two disbursements: For a borrower with no prior loans and a 2-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.02% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 119 payments of $153.59 and one payment of $108.14, for a Total Loan Cost of $19,060.35. For a borrower with $10,000 in prior loans and a 1-year in-school period, it works out to a 10.19% fixed APR, 15 payments of $25.00, 179 payments of $117.46 and one payment of $46.27 for a total loan cost of $21,446.61. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 10 years. 4 Example of a typical transaction for a $10,000 Graduate School Loan with the most common fixed rate, Fixed Repayment Option, and two disbursements. For borrowers with a 27-month in-school and separation period, it works out to 12.78% fixed APR, 27 payments of $25.00, 178 payments of $154.24 and one payment of $152.19, for a total loan cost of $28,281.91. Loans that are subject to a $50 minimum principal and interest payment amount may receive a loan term that is less than 15 years.
Best for student loan refinancing: Splash Financial
Refinancing your student loans is a good way to lock in a lower interest rate for your existing loans, reduce your monthly payments, and consolidate your debt. As a loan marketplace, Splash Financial offers some of the best refinancing options currently available.
To find a loan with Splash Financial, you’ll complete one application and compare your available offers from a variety of banks and credit unions. Using Splash Financial’s marketplace does not affect your credit or cost anything. If you see an offer you like, you can begin an application directly with a lender partner.
If you didn’t get the rates you wanted the first time around when applying for student loans as a new borrower, refinancing can help you save on interest and simplify repayment. It can also let you assume full responsibility for your loans if you originally borrowed with a cosigner. And if you’re recently married, you can refinance with a partner to combine your balances.
Read our full review.
Best for multi-year approval: Citizens Bank
Fixed APR range – 4.74% – 12.06%
Variable APR range – 3.75% – 11.21%
Fees – None
Prepayment penalty – None
Minimum – $1,000
Maximum – Full cost of attendance ($150,000 for all undergraduate and most graduate degrees)
Loan terms – 5, 10, or 15 years
Forbearance – Up to 12 months at a time
Minimum credit score – Not disclosed
If you like the idea of applying once for private student loans and not having to again, you might want to check out Citizens Bank.
This lender provides multi-year approval for between four and six years to eligible borrowers. If you qualify, you’ll be approved for all the money you need to complete your degree upfront. Instead of filling out a new application each year (and adding hard credit pulls to your report), you’ll request more funding when you need it and Citizens will use only a soft pull to confirm you’re still eligible. Citizens will let you know if you qualify for Multi-Year Approval after you submit your application.
You can enroll in autopay for a 0.25% interest rate discount. may also be eligible for a loyalty discount, an interest rate reduction of 0.25%, if you’re already a Citizens customer with a qualifying savings account, checking account, credit card, or loan (or if your cosigner is a customer).
99% of borrowers with Citizens use a cosigner. You can apply for cosigner release after you’ve made 36 on-time, full payments in a row if your credit profile is found to be satisfactory. Can defer payments until after graduation but Citizens does not offer income-based repayment.
Federal vs. private student loans
Federal student loans offer many benefits over private student loans and you should go with this option before you even consider private student loans.
But you may not end up choosing one or the other — in fact, it’s not uncommon for a person to have both federal and private student loans. You’ll want to make sure to understand the (many) differences between federal student loans and private student loans and how they work before applying for either.
Requirements to qualify
Overall, federal student loans are a lot easier to get than private student loans. Federal loans are administered by the federal government, not companies or lenders. They do not require a credit check at all when you’re applying, so it doesn’t matter how low your score is. To assess your eligibility, the U.S. Department of Education will determine your financial need and this will be used to create your loan offer.
In contrast, a lot of private lenders are looking for a credit score in the 670 range, which is considered good. It’s pretty hard to have good credit when you’ve never borrowed before, and by “pretty hard” we mean not possible. This is why so many students use a cosigner for private loans – because they need to.
Repayment and relief options
Federal student loans also provide more wiggle room than private loans by offering more opportunities for relief and support.
Both federal and private loans may qualify for forbearance if you’re unable to make payments due to financial hardship, but only federal loans can be forgiven completely.
Most private loans are not eligible for forgiveness or income-based repayment plans. Income-based repayment plans ensure that your monthly payments make sense for your financial situation and are widely available for federal loans.
Borrowing limits
One advantage of private student loans is higher borrowing limits. Federal loans are given based on your financial need, but you may not qualify to have the full cost of your education covered (even if you can’t pay). Many private loans do not have a maximum borrowing limit and will let you borrow up to the full cost of your education or certificated cost of attendance (COA).
Interest
Federal student loans always have lower interest rates. And because they don’t check your credit, you don’t need a perfect credit history to qualify for the best rates. Even the best private loans come with steep APRs by comparison.
Also, interest on federal loans is more likely to be tax deductible than interest on private loans.
Fees
This is one where private loans come out on top. Unlike federal student loans, many private student loans don’t charge origination fees. These are fees charged as a percentage of your loan and deducted from your total disbursement.
Should you get a private student loan?
The first question you should ask yourself when looking for ways to fund your education is not whether you should get a private student loan but whether you’ve taken full of advantage of (much cheaper) federal funding and alternatives.
Federal student loans are a better option than private loans for almost everyone due to the fact that they’re less expensive and more flexible. They don’t require a credit check so you can qualify without any credit, and you’ll spend less over the life of the loan.
With that said, you may need to take out a private student loan if you can’t get all the funding you need from federal loans. This is fairly common, especially if you’re attending a costlier college or university.
But student loans aren’t your only option.
Alternatives to student loans
Student loans are just one way to pay for college. If you’d like to avoid taking out a private student loan or want to reduce the amount of debt you’re taking on, look into these options first.
Financial aid
Maximizing your financial aid should be your first priority when you’re thinking of borrowing money for college. After all, avoiding student loan debt is the goal. With financial aid, you probably don’t have to pay the money back. The Federal Pell Grant, for example, given to students who show exceptional financial need, doesn’t need to be repaid.
You might qualify for federal student aid even if you don’t think you do.
You can apply for federal aid through the U.S. Department of Education by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA assesses your financial situation to determine if you are a good candidate to receive help from the government. This is also the form you’ll complete when applying to see how much you qualify to borrow in federal loans.
Unfortunately, international students are less likely to qualify for most financial aid.
Read more: How to read a financial aid award letter
Scholarships
Scholarships are just another way to get free money. Some student loan borrowers don’t know how to apply for scholarships or think they definitely won’t qualify and don’t bother. But the fact of the matter is that there are foundations just waiting for someone like you to come along so they can hand you money. True story.
Between merit-based and need-based scholarships, there’s usually something for everybody. There are also a variety of options specifically for different types of students such as graduate students, international students, or even those enrolled in particular programs like pre-med or education.
Many private lenders even have scholarship programs you can apply for when applying for a loan. This can help soften the blow a bit when applying for a loan.
Parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are a type of unsubsidized federal loan parents can take out on behalf of their dependents. Only biological or adoptive parents with clean credit histories (e.g. no delinquencies) can qualify.
PLUS loans are usually used alongside other forms of loans and funding, not as a primary source.
Work-study
If you qualify for federal financial aid, you may also qualify for Federal Work-Study.
Work-study is a well-named program through the Department of Education that lets you work while you study and earn money for college. Work-study jobs are often on campus and may even be in the academic buildings you’re already visiting, and they’re designed to be flexible for students. You can use the money however you need to, for the most part, and it does not count toward your financial aid. You also don’t have to pay it back – it’s yours free and clear.
How to choose a student loan
Student borrowers should consider the following factors when comparing different private and federal student loans.
Fixed vs. variable loans
Student loans can be either fixed for the entire term of the loan or variable. Fixed means that the interest rate is locked in for the length of the loan and variable means that the interest rate is subject to change.
Should you choose a fixed or variable interest rate?
This is an important question to ask yourself because it’ll ultimately determine how much you’ll pay in interest when all is said and done and your loan is paid off.
Generally speaking, variable rates on student loans are lower. But long-term, fixed-rate loans often carry less interest. Variable-rate loans will fluctuate over time and there’s the potential for rate hikes, making this the riskier choice.
Note that federal student loans only offer fixed rates while private loans might offer the choice between fixed or variable rates.
Maximum loan amounts
For federal student loans, the maximum loan amounts are between $31,000 and $57,500 for undergraduates and up to $138,500 for graduate students.
Private student loans can have maximum limits of anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000 or may allow you to borrow up to the full cost of your education (including tuition, boarding, and more).
As mentioned, many students require a mix of both federal and private loans.
Term lengths
For federal student loans, terms are typically available between 10 and 30 years. Most private loan terms are between five and 20 years.
While it might be tempting to just choose the shortest loan term available to get your student loans over with, you need to consider what monthly payments you can realistically take on when they come due.
Repayment terms
There are many different options for repaying your student loan debt. Most private lenders will let you choose to make interest-only payments, fixed payments of a certain amount (such as $25), or full payments while you’re still in school or wait until you’ve graduated to start making monthly payments.
Each type of repayment comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Interest-only payments, for example, will reduce the amount of interest you pay but will mean that it takes you longer to repay your loan than if you were making payments toward the principal too.
It’s important to consider all of your repayment options and take advantage of tools such as calculators to understand what you’ll be paying and when.
Read more: 20 terms for understanding student loan debt
Fees
Federal student loans require origination fees, which currently range between 1.057% and 4.228% of the loan amount taken. Origination fees are deducted from your total payout. Private student loans normally don’t charge origination fees or other types of application fees.
Neither federal nor private student loans charge prepayment penalties if you decide to make your payments early or pay more than what’s due each month.
APR
The annual percentage rate, or APR, is the effective rate on a loan. It includes both the base interest rate and any required fees added to the calculation.
For example, if you borrow $100,000 and pay a 2% origination fee, the net proceeds of the loan will be $98,000. When a 5% interest rate is calculated on the loan, the APR will be slightly higher due to the reduced net loan proceeds.
Your APR will depend on your credit history and the terms of your loan. You may qualify for a discount through some lenders for activities such as enabling autopay or having another account with a bank.
Deferment options
With private student loans, you might have anywhere from six months to a year after graduating before you’re required to start making repayments. With federal student loans, you don’t need to start making payments until six months after you graduate. When payments are due, you may need to defer or pause them if you’re not able to pay.
Student loans may come with a variety of deferment options. For example, federal student loans come with the option to defer payments if you graduate and have trouble finding a job. Private student loans may offer deferment on a case-by-case basis, but the deferment period will vary by lender.
Just note that interest may still continue to accrue during deferment and factor this into your repayment plan.
Forbearance and loan forgiveness policies
Federal student loans offer both forbearance and loan forgiveness. For example, under the Income-Driven Repayment plan, your monthly payment can be reduced to a small percentage — usually 10 or 15% — of your monthly income.
Under a Public Service Loan Forgiveness plan, your debt can be completely forgiven if you make 120 monthly payments while working full-time for either a government agency or a qualifying nonprofit organization.
With private student loans, loan forgiveness is not an option. However, some will provide forbearance if you experience economic hardship, such as unemployment. Your options depend on which lender you’ve chosen and it’s worth looking into this before borrowing.
Cosigner release terms
You probably won’t need to use a cosigner for federal loans because these don’t have credit requirements, so cosigner release doesn’t apply. However, cosigners are common with private student loans, and you may decide to use one.
If you decide to use a cosigner, they might not be stuck on your student loans until your debt is fully paid off. Many lenders provide a cosigner release option that lets you release your cosigner and continue on the loan alone. If a lender does provide the option for cosigner release, you’ll need to apply and qualify for it by meeting repayment and credit requirements.
Look into the cosigner release terms for any loan you think about taking out and be sure to have a conversation with your cosigner about this too.
How to qualify for a private student loan
If you’ve exhausted all of your options from federal loans to financial aid and scholarships, you might decide it’s time to apply for a private loan. Here’s what you need to know.
Your credit history and income will be used to determine your loan eligibility. If you have a really limited credit history — which is common for first-time student loan borrowers — you may not be able to qualify for a private loan on your own with the terms and interest rate you want. Lenders will also look at your income as a way of determining how risky it is to loan money to you and if you have the financial means to pay them back. Again, many new borrowers don’t meet minimum income requirements.
Some lenders will let you check to see if you prequalify for a loan and show you what rates you might receive with no effect on your credit. If you have this option, use it to avoid submitting more applications than you need to.
If you can’t qualify by yourself, you might want to think about using a cosigner.
When you use a cosigner, their credit history and income will count in your favor because lenders will look at this information as an extension of your application.
Should you use a cosigner?
Applying for student loans with a cosigner makes you look better to lenders. Using a cosigner means choosing a person with more credit than yourself — such as an older relative or parent — to assume responsibility for your loan along with you. This means that their credit profile will be used to determine your eligibility and interest rates.
A cosigner must be someone more creditworthy (i.e. less risky to lenders) than yourself. Someone with a good credit score and high income is a good candidate to cosign.
Your cosigner is only partially responsible for your loan when applying. But if you fail to pay your loan back, they become fully responsible for repaying the debt.
There are several factors to consider when you’re making the decision to use or not use a cosigner on your private student loans. Beyond the financial implications of signing their name to your debt, there are personal implications as well. Asking someone to be responsible for your debt is more than just a favor and a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly.
And if you do end up applying with a cosigner, you might want to have the option to release them as soon as possible. Cosigner release gives you the flexibility to assume full responsibility for your student loan after applying. To qualify for cosigner release, you usually need to make a certain number of consecutive monthly payments – such as 12 or 24 – toward both the principal and interest of your loan. Then, your eligibility as an individual can be reassessed.
Summary
Navigating the process of taking out a private student loan for the first time is a tricky business. But while it isn’t our idea of a good time, it’s definitely worth sitting down and comparing your options before signing your name to thousands of dollars of student loan debt.
If you start with these private lenders and take your time to make the right decision, you should be in good shape to get the loan you need and borrow responsibly.
Millions of Americans struggle to pay off their student loan balance, and our collective educational debt has now reached an officially-out-of-control $1.75 trillion. Yikes. But if you have a solid credit history and a consistent income, a good student loan refinance could cut down your debt stress in a major way. Student loan refinancing consolidates … [Read more…]
Everyone likes a discount, right, even if it’s on a small one-time purchase that equates to a nominal amount. For one reason or another, it just feels like a win.
It’s obviously even sweeter if you get a discount on a big-ticket item, as the savings will be much larger.
Better yet, how about a discount on something that you could be paying off for the next 360 months, like your home loan? Now we’re talking!
I did some research and came up with a list of mortgage lenders with the “best mortgage rates” to consider if you’re in the market to finance a new home purchase or refinance an existing mortgage.
There are literally thousands of mortgage lenders out there, so it’s easy to miss some along the way if comparison shopping.
Here are 10 that might offer a discount relative to other banks and lenders out there, not only because they seem to offer low mortgage rates, but also limited or no lender fees.
The one caveat here is no one mortgage lender can be the cheapest all of the time, for all borrowers.
So be sure to always take the time to shop around and get multiple quotes, even if it takes some additional legwork. Sure, it’s not fun but nor is spending more money.
Also, if you want the best mortgage rate, you’ve got to be a good borrower.
That means coming to the table with an excellent credit score, a decent down payment, and checking all the other boxes that affect mortgage rates.
You can’t expect the lender to do all the heavy lifting.
Better Mortgage
Aside from being a tech-savvy lender with a digital mortgage platform, Better Mortgage also prides themselves on not charging a loan origination fee. Or any lender fees or commissions for that matter.
Often, this fee can be 1% of the loan amount, so if you take out a $300,000, that’s $3,000 right there. Then there might also be additional fees for processing, underwriting, and so on.
They also openly advertise their daily mortgage rates right on their website, so they’re pretty transparent about their pricing as well.
In summary, you could get a discount and breeze through the home loan process thanks to their technology – they can fund 100%-digital loans without even a single phone call.
They’ve got a 4.6-star rating out of 5 on LendingTree with a 91% recommendation rating.
CIT Bank / OneWest Bank
If you choose to work with CIT Bank or OneWest Bank to get your home loan, they provide a number of discounts on top of their already low mortgage rates.
This includes a $525 cash back bonus if you have or open a CIT Bank or OneWest Bank deposit account before closing on your mortgage with them.
Additionally, they offer mortgage rate discounts if you make new deposits, including 0.10% off your rate with 10% of loan amount in new deposits, and 0.25% off if you can muster 25% of the loan amount in new deposits.
At last glance, they had a 4.5/5 on Zillow based solely on their home loans business, so they come highly rated as well.
Costco Mortgage
Folks looking for a deal often head to Costco, and you can actually shop your mortgage with the big-box retailer as well.
While not a direct mortgage lender, they have partnered with a variety of vetted lenders that have agreed to cap their lender fees.
For example, Gold star members pay lender fees of $650 or less, while Executive members only pay lender fees of $350 or less.
If the mortgage rates from their partner lenders are competitive, you might wind up with a low rate and limited fees, which is an excellent combination.
The Mortgage Program for Costco Members has a 4.8-star rating out of 5 based on Trustpilot, and the individual lenders involved have similarly-high ratings from past customers.
Intelliloan
I added Intelliloan to this list because they won’t stop talking about their mortgage rates. In fact, the first thing you’ll see if you visit their website is mortgage rates.
Their latest refinance rates match their APRs, which means they’re advertising their interest rates without any lender fees or discount points.
The company also offers a Rate Protection Promise where they’ll refinance you without lender fees if interest rates fall significantly within three years of your initial loan closing.
They’ve got excellent reviews across all the major ratings websites, including a 4.9-star rating out of 5 on LendingTree, with a 98% recommend score.
LoanFlight Lending
The holy grail for homeowners is a low mortgage rate with limited or no fees.
After all, a low rate that requires you to pay multiple discount points might not truly be low, but one that only requires a $1 in fees is usually as good as it looks.
LoanFlight Lending tends to advertise on Zillow a lot, and often features some of the lowest fixed rates listed, along with just $1 in lender fees.
That’s a tough combination to beat if you’re looking to save on your mortgage. They also have very good customer reviews to boot, with a 4.76-star rating on Zillow and a 4.7 on LendingTree with a 91% recommend rate.
The only downside appears to be the fact that they’re licensed in just 12 states.
Lower Mortgage
As I’ve said before, with a name like Lower Mortgage, you kind of have to offer low mortgage rates. Oh, and low lender fees too.
They say they do both, and the cherry on top is a Free Refi for Life deal, whereby you won’t be charged any lender fees on a future refinance with the company.
So if 30-year fixed rates do go down and they happen to be offering low rates relative to the other guys, you can get that new low rate sans fees.
The company also has great reviews, including a 4.9-star rating out of 5 based on LendingTree with a 99% recommendation rate.
Reali Loans
Formerly known as Lenda, Reali Loans, Inc. is the home of “no-nonsense home loans.” What that means is you won’t be charged traditional loan commissions or any lender fees.
In the past, I found that their interest rates were quite low when I played with the little rate slider on their website.
Like other fintech newcomers in the mortgage space, they lean heavily on technology to make the loan process less cumbersome and faster overall. That tech also allows them to offer more competitive rates to borrowers.
Reali Loans currently has a 4.57-star rating on Zillow and similarly excellent reviews on Trustpilot.
Redfin Mortgage
If you’re buying a home in certain states, one perhaps unexpected mortgage lender to consider is Redfin Mortgage.
Yes, the real estate brokerage also launched a home lending division and seems to have really competitive mortgage rates.
Additionally, they don’t charge lender fees, so the mortgage APR should be just as low as the mortgage rate.
The only downside is they don’t offer refinance loans, at least not at the moment. But that could change in the future.
On top of the low rates and lack of fees, they offer a $1,000 mortgage closing guarantee that promises to get you to the finish line in either 25 or 30 days (depending on the type of pre-approval) or you’ll receive a check.
Sebonic Financial
This so-called digital startup, which is actually the fintech arm of Cardinal Financial, a top-40 mortgage company nationally, often advertises mortgage rates with just $1 in lender fees.
In other words, you’re typically getting a no cost loan from Sebonic Financial, at least with regard to lender fees.
And they seem to still offer highly competitive refinance rates relative to other lenders, which often charge the usual fees that can amount to thousands of dollars due at closing.
They are also a highly-rated mortgage lender, with a 4.49-star rating out of 5 based on more than 3,000 customer reviews on Zillow.
Wyndham Capital Mortgage
Lastly, we’ve got Wyndham Capital Mortgage, which promises no hidden lender fees and competitive, below market mortgage interest rates
Aside from no hidden fees, they also don’t charge a loan origination fee. So if their mortgage and refinance rates are also low, that’s a pretty solid deal.
On top of that, they say they can offer discounts on costly things like title insurance because of their relationships with preferred settlement agents.
In terms of customer satisfaction, they’ve got a 4.8-star rating out of 5 on LendingTree from nearly 7,000 reviews, and 99% of customers would recommend them.
There are many more lenders out there, and you should certainly search locally as well as online to explore all of your options, including credit unions, local mortgage brokers, and more.
Remember, your monthly mortgage payment will stay with you for a long time, so putting in a few extra hours at the start can really pay dividends over the years.
Georgia offers an affordable cost of living, top-notch schools and universities, and ample attractions, like the World of Coca-Cola, Forsyth Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s also home to a diverse selection of reputable, member FDIC banks for individuals and small business owners.
No matter what your financial needs may be, you’re sure to find a good fit in the Peach State.
14 Best Banks in Georgia
We’ve made finding the best banks in Georgia effortless with our comprehensive list, so let’s dive straight into the options.
1. First Citizens Bank
Owned by First Citizens BancShares, First Citizens Bank has 56 branches across Georgia. As long as you sign up for paperless statements and make an initial opening deposit of at least $50, you won’t be on the hook for monthly maintenance fees.
With the First Citizens standard savings account, you’ll be able to earn interest without paying a monthly service fee or meeting a minimum balance requirement. The bank offers additional banking products, like credit cards, loans, retirement accounts, investment services, and insurance.
As a First Citizens customer, you can bank in-person at a local branch or perform account management online or via the robust mobile app.
2. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is a digital bank with a reputation for industry leading interest rates and low fees. While it doesn’t have a physical presence in Georgia, you can open and manage your accounts through Ally’s intuitive online and mobile banking tools. The Ally Interest Checking account online is a solid pick if you’d like to earn interest and don’t want to worry about annual fees or minimum balance requirements.
You can use the online portal or mobile app to pay bills online, deposit checks, and transfer funds. If you’d like to withdraw some cash, you’ll be able to do so at an Allpoint ATM for free with your Ally debit card.
Ally will also reimburse you if you make any out-of-network ATM reimbursements. In addition to the Ally interest bearing checking account, you might want to open the Ally Online Savings account, which comes with an impressive interest rate and savings bucket tools to help you meet your financial goals.
3. Axos Bank
Axos Bank is a digital bank that serves Georgians. If you’re in the market for checking accounts, you’ll have several options available to you. These include the Essential Checking, Rewards Checking, CashBack Checking, Golden Checking, and First Checking. Many of these accounts earn cash rewards or pay interest.
In addition to an Axos checking account, you might want to consider a high-yield savings account, high-yield money market, or a CD. You can also invest through Axos Invest, which is the bank’s free robo advisor. In addition, the bank offers 24/7 support for personal banking customers.
4. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is an online bank serving customers in all states, including Georgia. You can earn a competitive annual percentage yield or APY on various accounts without paying an arm and a leg for maintenance fees.
The CIT checking account requires a $100 minimum deposit but comes with interest and a free debit card. There’s also the Savings Builder account, which is a two-tiered savings account that requires a $25,000 balance or at least one monthly deposit of $100 or more.
Other options include the CIT Bank Money Market Account, certificates of deposit or CDs, home loans, and business accounts. You may download the CIT Bank app on your Android or IOS device to make mobile check deposits, pay bills, and use services like Zelle, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
5. Renasant Bank
Headquartered in Mississippi, Renasant Bank has physical locations throughout Georgia. It’s a community bank with several checking account options. Each free checking account comes with perks like online bill pay, mobile banking, a debit card, and a switch kit so you can switch accounts without the hassle.
Renasant’s savings account lineup includes an interest bearing savings account, a savings account for children, a health savings account (HSA), and money market accounts.
If you’re interested in a loan, you can choose from personal loans, auto loans, and home equity lines of credit. In addition to personal banking services, Renasant provides mortgages and a plethora of business banking products. There’s also Renasant Rewards Extra, which gives you access to thousands of deals, cell phone insurance, identity theft protection, roadside assistance, and a health savings card.
6. United Community Bank
Based in Blairsville, United Community Bank is a regional bank with branch locations throughout Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It’s insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC and has been around since 1950. As a United customer, you can take advantage of more than 206 United ATMs and 1,260 Publix Presto! ATMs for free.
Its plethora of offerings include checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, credit cards, CDs, investing products, and business banking products. You can bank on the go via the convenient mobile app or use the online appointment scheduling tool to schedule an in-person appointment with a banker. If you have any questions or concerns, you can fill out a support form online and state whether you prefer an email or phone response.
7. Ameris Bank
Ameris Bank is a regional full-service bank with brick-and-mortar locations throughout Georgia in cities like Atlanta, Tucker, Woodstock, Marietta, and Oakwood. It offers three checking accounts with benefits such as a free Visa debit card, online banking access, e-statements, online bill pay, mobile banking, and Zelle transfers. In addition to checking accounts,
Ameris offers a plethora of savings accounts, including a personal savings account, personal money market account, minor savings account, health savings account, educational savings account, IRA, and CDs. You can also turn to Ameris for numerous mortgage options and down payment assistance. The bank provides personalized business banking solutions as well.
8. Bank of America
Bank of America is a well-known leader in the banking industry. Its financial centers and ATMs are present in various Georgia cities. From checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards to home loans, auto loans, and investing products, Bank of America offers it all.
The bank is also a great resource if you’re looking for small business banking products. Its Business Advantage Banking product is a business checking account with two settings to meet varying business needs.
While the Fundamentals setting has all the basic tools you need to manage your business, the Relationship setting is more robust and won’t charge you fees for wire transfers and electronic deposits. You can switch settings to accommodate your business needs at any time.
In addition to checking accounts, Bank of America offers small business loans, like SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, auto loans, and secured lines of credit.
9. Community Bank of Georgia
Based in Baxley, Community Bank of Georgia is a locally owned and operated bank with 24/7 ATM access. It aims to develop long-term relationships with account holders while offering a full suite of products and services.
The bank’s personal savings accounts include the regular savings account, Treasuresaver Club account for children ages zero to 13, a holiday savings account for holiday expenses, and a personal money market account for high interest savings opportunities.
Other personal banking products offered by Community Bank of Georgia include checking accounts and credit cards. The bank serves local business owners as well.
10. Chase Bank
The consumer banking arm of JPMorgan Chase, Chase is one of the largest national banks with a widespread presence in Atlanta. If you decide to open a deposit account at Chase with eligible Chase checking accounts, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for a generous sign-up bonus.
You’ll also have access to a wide selection of products, including numerous checking accounts, two savings accounts, CDs with terms ranging from one month to 10 years, home mortgage loans, auto loans, home refinancing, and more. We can’t forget to mention that Chase offers Chase overdraft assist to help you avoid overdraft fees and inconveniences.
Thanks to Chase’s highly rated mobile banking app, you’ll be able to manage your account, make electronic transfers, deposit mobile checks, pill bays online, transfer money with Zelle, automate your savings, and set up account alerts. If you need assistance, you may reach out to Chase directly via phone or social media.
11. Morris Bank
Morris Bank is a local bank with branches in Georgia cities like Dublin, Gray, and Warner Robins. Regardless of which checking account you choose, you’ll enjoy access to free online banking, remote deposit services, online bill pay, and mobile banking.
When it comes to savings accounts, Morris offers the Savings Builder account, which will round up your purchases so you can save more money. In addition, the Blue Savings account allows for three free withdrawals per quarter.
The bank also serves small businesses in Georgia through checking accounts, savings accounts, business loans, treasury services, and merchant services. Even though it’s smaller than other banks on this list, Morris is technologically savvy and allows for online and mobile banking. Many residents believe Morris Bank is the best local bank.
12. Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank primarily serves the Midwest and has more than 33 banking centers and 80 ATMs at RaceTrac convenience stores. If you don’t want to visit a local branch, you can use the Fifth Third mobile app to transfer money, check balances and direct deposit transactions, and more.
While the bank’s most popular services are for individuals and small businesses, it also provides personalized wealth management solutions. These personalized wealth management solutions include private banking, wealth planning, trusts and estates, insurance, and investments.
As a wealth management customer, you can enjoy access to the Life360 site, which makes it easy to organize your finances and track your progress.
13. Truist Bank
Truist has physical locations in Georgia cities like Atlanta, Brunswick, Cartersville, and Pooler. Formerly known as BB&T, it offers a variety of personal and business banking products. You can select from five checking accounts, two savings accounts, one money market account, and CDs.
In addition to deposit accounts, Truist provides HSAs, prepaid cards, prepaid money account products, mortgages and home equity lines, personal loans, auto loans, investment products, retirement accounts, and personal insurance. Truist Mobile is the bank’s mobile app, which you may use to manage your account, deposit mobile checks, transfer money, locate branches, and pay bills.
14. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a large national bank with more than 200 branches and over 600 ATMs in the Peach State. Just like most traditional banks, it offers a wide variety of banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, credit cards, home loans, personal loans, auto loan accounts, and investment accounts.
If you’re a small business owner in Georgia, you might want to consider Wells for business checking accounts, business savings accounts, business credit cards, small business loans, and merchant services.
The bank also offers a mobile app with LifeSync, a unique tool to monitor your spending habits and make smarter financial decisions. Additionally, Wells Fargo, which is considered the best national bank by many people, lets you automate your investing or work with a dedicated financial advisor.
Types of Banks in Georgia
There are several types of banks in the Peach State. Here’s an overview of the most common financial institutions you’ll find.
National Banks
National banks are banks with a presence across the country. Most of them have branches and ATMs in Georgia and other parts of the U.S.
These types of banks typically offer a diverse lineup of products and may be a solid choice if you have varying financial needs as an individual or small business owner.
Community Banks
Community banks serve specific geographic areas. They’re similar to credit unions in that they prioritize personalized customer attention. In Georgia, you may choose from numerous community banks like Ameris Bank, United Community Bank, and Morris Bank.
Online Banks
Also known as virtual banks or neobanks, online banks are tech forward and make it easy to perform various banking needs online or via mobile devices. While they don’t have physical locations in Georgia, they do offer many perks that you might not be able elsewhere.
Some examples of online banks that serve Georgia residents are Ally Bank, CIT Bank, and Axos Bank. With these financial institutions, you may be able to avoid a monthly fee and secure a competitive annual percentage yield or APY.
Common Banking Products
It’s wise to figure out what types of banking products meet your particular banking needs. Several of these products include:
Checking Accounts
Checking accounts are ideal for everyday purchases. You can also use them to make deposits, pay bills, and more. Some checking accounts might charge monthly service fees or impose minimum opening deposits. However, they might waive them if you take certain actions, like enroll in autopay or sign up for paperless statements. To access your checking account funds, you can visit a local branch or ATM. Depending on the bank, you may even find a checking account that pays interest.
Savings Accounts
Savings accounts are places to store your cash for various personal finance goals, like a house down payment, new car, or even a dream vacation. It’s also a great place for an emergency fund, which features three to six months worth of expenses. In general, online savings accounts pay out higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. You’ll likely be able to make six free withdrawals per month.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
Compared to traditional savings accounts, high-yield savings accounts offer much higher interest rates. Typically, they don’t charge monthly or annual fees. If you’d like to open a high-yield savings account, consider an online bank as they’re not always available at traditional banks.
Certificates of Deposit
Certificates of deposit (CD) allow you to store your money for a certain amount of time while you earn interest. With a CD, you’ll usually be required to make a minimum initial deposit and choose a term. Typically, the longer the CD term, the higher interest rate you earn. If you’re looking for guaranteed returns, a CD is a solid choice.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a suitable option if you’d like to earn rewards, like cash back, travel points, gift cards, and merchandise. While some are free, others come with annual fees. Do the math and make sure an annual fee is worth the benefits before you go ahead and move forward with it.
Loans
These days, many financial institutions offer loans. Some loans are for personal use, such as personal loans, mortgages, and car loans. Other loan options are designed for businesses, like SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, and business lines of credit. Before you commit to a loan, review the interest rates and terms to ensure you can pay it back on time.
How to Choose a Bank in Georgia
As you can see, not all Georgia banks are created equal. In fact, there are many options at your disposal. To help you hone in on the right bank for your unique needs, we encourage you to consider these factors.
Accessibility
Most traditional banks have local branches throughout the Peach State. If you prefer an in-person banking experience, this is great news. However, you’ll likely be able to lock in better interest rates and lower fees if you opt for an online bank with less overhead costs. Fortunately, traditional and online banks usually both have mobile apps so you can bank from just about anywhere.
Fees
Some examples of common banking fees you might come across include monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, account closing fees, and dormancy fees. When you shop around for the perfect bank in Georgia, you’ll notice that larger banks with physical branches tend to charge more fees and higher fees than online banks.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Depending on the bank and accounts you choose, you might have to maintain a minimum balance. If you don’t, you’ll likely be on the hook for fees. Before you pursue a certain account, make sure you can comfortably afford the minimum balance requirement. The minimum balance may be thousands of dollars, so this is an important factor to consider.
Product Options
Before you look for a Georgia bank, ask yourself what products and services you need. Maybe you’re seeking a personal checking account and savings account. Or perhaps you’re a Georgia business owner and in the market for business credit cards or business loans. Typically, national banks offer a greater selection of products and services than regional banks and credit unions.
Customer Service
There’s a good chance you’ll have questions or concerns once you decide on a bank. For this reason, it’s important to choose a financial institution with high customer service ratings and easy access to customer support. While some banks offer 24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat, others will only help you during select business hours.
Reviews
Be sure to read reviews from real customers on reputable review sites. If you notice many negative reviews about the same topics, you may want to be cautious and look to other banking institutions. It’s also a good idea to check out ratings on websites, like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for their recommendations on banks.
FDIC Insurance
FDIC insurance will keep your money safe in the event your bank fails. The FDIC usually insures up to $250,000 per depositor. In addition to deposit accounts, it covers money orders, cashier’s checks, and other official products. Before you open an account at a bank, make sure it’s FDIC insured. Most banks have the FDIC insurance logo on their websites.
Extras
Some banks go above and beyond and offer more than traditional banking products and services, like checking accounts and savings accounts. You may want to look for extra perks like overdraft protection or assist credit monitoring services, introductory offers, foreign currency exchange accounts, robo advising, and credit cards with impressive rewards.
Values
If you visit a bank’s website, you’ll know what it values. One bank might prioritize long standing customer relationships while another one is a socially responsible bank. If you’re debating between two banks, consider each institution’s values to help you make a decision.
Bottom Line
The Peach State has no shortage of banks. However, the right one for you depends on numerous factors, like your preferred products and services, the types of fees you can afford and are willing to pay, and whether you’d like to bank online or in-person.
If you’re unsure of which bank makes the most sense for your situation, don’t hesitate to open accounts in a few of them. From there, you can hone in on the best option. Good luck with your search for the ideal bank in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the largest banks in Georgia?
The largest banks in Georgia have the most branches throughout the state. These include Bank of America, Truist Bank, Ameris Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo. All of these institutions are known for their extensive ATM networks and diverse product lineup.
How do I open a bank account in Georgia?
In most cases, you can open a bank account on the bank’s website or mobile app. You’ll likely need to submit a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, as well as personal information, such as your Social Security number.
What are some community banks in Georgia?
The Peach State has many community banks. The most popular options are Community Bank of Georgia, United Community Bank, Mountain Valley Community Bank, and Gwinnett Community Bank. Community banks are a solid choice if in-person service is important to you.
How can I avoid bank fees in Georgia?
If you don’t mind online or mobile banking, you’ll likely find fewer fees at an online bank. Also, some traditional banks may allow you to waive their fees. Since fees can eat into your savings and financial goals, you should do your best to avoid or reduce them.
Should I open an account at different banks in Georgia?
If you have large amounts of cash, you might want to open accounts at different banks. This is because the FDIC usually insures up to $250,000 per depositor and bank. This holds true even if you have several accounts with the same bank. You may also want to open different accounts if you want to take advantage of different benefits.
Is it better to choose a small bank or a large bank in Georgia?
Big banks offer a greater selection of products and services than small banks. But you might have to pay a monthly maintenance fee or make a minimum opening deposit. Small banks, on the other hand, take the time to get to know their customers and provide more personalized service. The ideal banking size depends on your particular priorities.
How can I easily switch bank accounts in Georgia?
First, gather basic information like your Social Security number or Tax Identification Number. Then, start the application process, fund your new accounts, and transfer funds from older accounts. Don’t forget to set up direct deposits and automate recurring payments. Some banks offer switch kits to simplify this process.
Back in the day, if you wanted a loan to pay off your car or credit cards, you’d go to a bank or a credit union, sit down with a loan officer, and wait for them to tell you yes or no as they “crunched the numbers.”
But now peer-to-peer (P2P) lending has come onto the market, offering loans to borrowers directly from individuals — and usually carrying more favorable terms for those without a great credit profile. Borrowers can access up to $50,000 (or more) from lenders, with fixed term repayment scheduled and reasonable interest rates. Investors can also become lenders on P2P platforms, earning interest collected on loans as a passive form of investment income.
Let’s break down some of the best peer-to-peer lending sites for both borrowers and investors, so you can determine which option is best for you.
What’s Ahead:
Overview of the best peer-to-peer lending sites
Best for those with high credit scores: Prosper
Best for crypto-backed loans: BlockFi
Best for young people: Upstart
Best for a payday loan alternative: SoLo Funds
Best for small businesses: FundingCircle
Best for first-time borrowers: Kiva
Prosper: Best for those with high credit scores
APR: 6.99% to 35.99%
Term: 2 to 5 years
Prosper is the OG peer-to-peer lender in the market. It was founded in 2005 as the very first peer-to-peer lending marketplace in the U.S. According to their website, they’ve coordinated over $22 billion in loans.
Borrowing with Prosper
If you’re a borrower, you can get personal loans up to $50,000 with a fixed rate and a fixed term from two to five years in length. Your monthly payment is fixed for the duration of the loan. There are no prepayment penalties, either, so if you can pay it off early, you won’t be penalized.
You can get an instant look at what your rate would be and, once approved, the money gets deposited directly into your bank account.
Investing with Prosper
As an investor, you have many options on loans to choose from. There are seven different “risk” categories that you can select from, each with their own estimated return and level of risk. Here’s a look at the risk levels and the estimated potential loss, according to Prosper:
AA – 0.00 – 1.99%
A – 2.00 – 3.99%
B – 4.00 – 5.99%
C – 6.00 – 8.99%
D – 9.00 – 11.99%
E – 12.00 – 14.99%
HR (High Risk) – ≥ 15.00%
As you can see, the lower the letter, the greater the risk of default, hence a higher estimated potential loss. With just a $25 minimum investment, you can spread your risk out across all seven categories to provide your portfolio some balance.
The borrowers that you’re lending to are also above U.S. averages regarding their FICO score and average annual income.
Learn more about Prosper or read our full review.
BlockFi: Best for crypto-backed loans
APR: 4.5% – 9.75%
Term: 12 months
BlockFi is a popular crypto lending platform that offers crypto-backed loans to borrowers and pays out interest to lenders. BlockFi offers instant loans and requires no credit checks for borrowers. All loans are collateralized, meaning borrowers will need to lock in their crypto to borrow against it.
Borrowing with BlockFi
If you’re a borrower, you can get a crypto loan for up to 50% of the value of your crypto, with rates ranging from 4.5% to 9.75% APR, depending on the amount of collateral. Payments are made monthly and are fixed for the duration of the loan.
Interest rates are determined by the amount of collateral deposited and the loan-to-value (LTV) of the overall loan. There is a 2% origination fee on all loans.
Loan rate – 9.75% (50% LTV)
Loan rate – 7.9% (35% LTV)
Loan rate – 4.5% (20% LTV)
Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Paxos Gold (PAXG), or Litecoin (LTC) can be used as collateral for the loan, and can be liquidated if the LTV goes above the original LTV of the loan.
Investing with BlockFi
BlockFi offers interest accounts for users who deposit crypto. The funds are used for crypto lending, and interest is paid out in the native crypto deposited. Interest rates vary by cryptocurrency, and range from 0.10% APY up to 7.50% APY. Stablecoins (such as USDC) pay out the highest rates.
Crypto interest accounts are not available to U.S. investors, as BlockFi was sued by the SEC for violating securities laws.
Read our full review.
BlockFi Bankruptcy Notice -On November 10, 2022, BlockFi announced that it had to suspend withdrawals from its platform due to the FTX liquidity crisis. As a result, consumers should not be using the BlockFi platform. As of November 28, 2022, BlockFi officially declared bankruptcy.
Upstart: Best for young people
APR: 5.6% – 35.99%
Term: 3 or 5 years
Upstart is an innovative peer-to-peer lending company that was founded by three ex-Google employees. In addition to being a P2P lending platform, they’ve also created intuitive software for banks and financial institutions.
What’s unique about Upstart is the way they determine risk. Where most creditors will look at a lender’s FICO score, Upstart has created a system that uses AI/ML (artificial intelligence/machine learning) to assess the risk of a borrower. This has led to significantly lower loss rates than some of its peer companies. Combine that with an excellent TrustPilot rating, and this company is certainly making waves in the P2P marketplace.
Borrowing with Upstart
Borrowers can get loans from $1,000 up to $50,000 with rates as low as 5.6%. Terms are either three or five years, but there’s no prepayment penalty.
Using their AI/ML technology, Upstart looks at not only your FICO score and years of credit history, but also factors in your education, area of study, and job history before determining your creditworthiness. Their site claims that their borrowers save an estimated 43% compared to other credit card rates.
Investing with Upstart
Investing with Upstart is also pretty intuitive. Unlike other P2P platforms, you can set up a self-directed IRA using the investments from peer-to-peer lending. This is a unique feature that many investors should be attracted to.
Like other platforms, you can set up automated investing by choosing a specific strategy and automatically depositing funds.
Upstart claims to have tripled their growth in the last three years due heavily to their proprietary underwriting model, so it might be worth a shot to consider this option.
Learn more about Upstart or read our Upstart review.
SoLo Funds: Best for a payday loan alternative
APR: 0% (tipping optional)
Term: Up to 35 days
SoLo Funds is a peer-to-peer platform that functions as a short-term lender, similar to payday loans. With term lengths only lasting for up to 35 days, loans must be paid back in a narrow timeframe. But instead of charging fees, borrowers can leave an optional tip instead.
SoLo Funds is an affordable option for clients who are in a pinch and need an advance on payday, but there are hefty fees if loans are not paid back within 35 days. Users will need to pay a 10% penalty plus a third-party transaction fee if late.
Borrowing with SoLo Funds
Borrowers can take out loans up to $575 for a maximum of 35 days. Loans do not charge fees, but allow borrowers to select an optional tip amount to lenders.
Loan applications only take a few minutes, and while most loans post within a few days, some may be instantly approved, offering same-day funding with money transferred to borrowers within a few hours.
Loans must be paid back in full within 35 days, or there is a 10% penalty plus other transaction fees. There is no option to roll the loan over.
Investing with SoLo Funds
Lending is fairly straightforward, with a simple sign-up process and no pre-qualifications needed. Since the loans are smaller amounts (up to $575), there are no minimums required for lending.
SoLo Funds has a marketplace of loan requests from borrowers, with details specified on each. Each loan request shows the amount needed plus the tip given by the borrower for the loan. Each borrower also has a SoLo Score, on a scale from 40 to 99, with higher scores showing more “worthiness” for paying back a loan. Loans can go into default, and if needed, to collections through a third party. There is a risk of total loss with SoLo Funds investing, though the platform does offer insurance against loss for a fee.
Learn more about SoLo Funds.
FundingCircle: Best for small businesses
APR: 11.29% to 30.12%
Term: 6 months to 7 years
FundingCircle is a small business peer-to-peer platform. The company was founded with the goal of helping small business owners reach their dreams by providing them the funds necessary to grow.
So far, they’ve helped 130,000 small businesses across the world through investment funds by 71,000 investors across the globe. FundingCircle is different in that it focuses on more substantial dollar amounts for companies that are ready for massive growth. They also have an excellent TrustPilot rating.
Borrowing with FundingCircle
As a borrower, the minimum loan is $25,000 and can go all the way up to $500,000. Rates come as low as 5.99%, and terms can be anywhere from six months to seven years. There are no prepayment penalties, and you can use the funds however you deem necessary — as long as they are for your business.
You will pay an origination fee, but unlike other small business loans, funding is much quicker (you can be fully funded as quickly as 1 business day).
Investing with FundingCircle
As an investor, you’ll need to shell out a minimum of $25,000. If that didn’t knock you out of the race, then read on.
According to FundingCircle, you’ll “Invest in American small businesses (not start-ups) that have established operating history, cash flow, and a strategic plan for growth.” While the risk is still there, you’re funding established businesses looking for extra growth.
You can manage your investments and pick individual loans or set up an automated strategy, similar to Betterment, where you’ll set your investment criteria and get a portfolio designed for you.
Learn more about FundingCircle.
Kiva: Best for first-time borrowers
APR: 0%
Term: Up to 3 years
If you want to do some good in the world, you’ll find an entirely different experience in P2P with Kiva. Kiva is a San Francisco-based non-profit that helps people across the world fund their businesses at no interest. They were founded in 2005 with a “mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.”
Borrowing with Kiva
If you’d like to borrow money to grow your business, you can get up to $15,000 with no interest. That’s right, no interest. After making an application and getting pre-qualified, you’ll have the option to invite friends and family to lend to you.
During that same time, you can take your loan public by making your loan visible to over 1.6 million people across the world. Like Kickstarter, you’ll tell a story about yourself and your business, and why you need the money. People can then contribute to your cause until your loan is 100% funded. After that, you can use the funds for business purposes and work on repaying your loan with terms up to three years.
Investing with Kiva
As a lender, you can choose to lend money to people in a variety of categories, including loans for single parents, people in conflict zones, or businesses that focus on food or health. Kiva has various filters set up so you can narrow down exactly the type of person and business you want to lend your money to. You can lend as little as $25, and remember, you won’t get anything but satisfaction in return — there’s no interest.
You can pick from a variety of loans and add them to your “basket,” then check out with one simple process. You’ll then receive payments over time, based on the repayment schedule chosen by the borrower and their ability to repay. The money will go right back into your Kiva account so you can use it again or withdraw it. There are risks to lending, of course, but Kiva claims to have a 96% repayment rate for their loans. Just remember, you’re not doing this as an investment, you’re doing it to help out another person.
Learn more about Kiva.
What is peer-to-peer lending?
As the name suggests, peer-to-peer lending involves private individuals making loans to other individuals. The system runs contrary to the traditional model of banks and credit unions providing financial services because it cuts out the middleman.
While peer-to-peer lending had a surge in users over the past decade, in the past few years, some P2P lending companies have shuttered their services, including StreetShares, Peerform, and LendingClub.
How does peer-to-peer lending work?
Peer-to-peer lending shares many similarities with traditional lending:
You fill out an application with your financial and personal information, including the loan’s size, tax returns, and government-issued identification.
The lender will review your application before posting it on the site for investors.
Investors get to play the part of a loan officer, reviewing a list of applications and deciding where they might want to contribute.
The platform will indicate how risky the loan is and the potential return on investment.
Funding takes anywhere from one day up to two weeks.
Is peer-to-peer lending safe?
No one would say that peer-to-peer lending is 100% safe. No form of investing is. Many of the best peer-to-peer lending sites vet borrowers and investors to mitigate risk. The review process helps eliminate untrustworthy candidates, so borrowers can receive their loan and investors can earn interest.
Read more: Should you invest in peer-to-peer loans?
Pros & cons of P2P lending for investors
Pros
An attractive alternative to more traditional investments — You can round out your portfolio that might exclusively include stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Some platforms merge private and public equities, so you can make all your investments in one place.
Most lending platforms let you select multiple loans at once — The variation enables you to reduce your risk exposure while potentially earning higher yields than a CD or savings account.
Feel good about your contribution — With sites like Kiva, you know that your money is going toward a humanitarian purpose.
Cons
Risk of default — When you lend money to individuals, you risk them defaulting. Peer-to-peer lending sites don’t come with FDIC insurance like a CD or savings account.
P2P loans lack the liquidity of stocks or bonds — Most loans are for three to five years, so you would have to wait until then to withdraw money.
Inequality — Some platforms, such as Funding Circle, only give access to accredited investors, so not everyone has equal access to lending opportunities.
Pros & cons of P2P lending for borrowers
Pros
You can circumvent the traditional bureaucracy of brick-and-mortar banks — Instead of waiting in line and negotiating with a loan officer, you have access to a fast, online experience. Because online platforms don’t have to worry about physical overhead, many can give borrowers competitive interest rates.
P2P loans typically aren’t as strict as banks or credit unions — The lax approach makes it easier to secure a loan if you have fair or poor credit history.
Often no prepayment penalties — You don’t have to worry about prepayment penalties in many cases.
Cons
Borrowers face more hurdles if they have a low credit score — Interest rates can go as high as 36% for those with lower scores, while some platforms don’t offer financial services to anyone with a credit score below 630.
Possibly high fees — Some sites have origination fees of 6%.
Impersonal — If you want the old-fashioned face-to-face borrowing experience, peer-to-peer lending isn’t for you. You don’t have a chance to sit down with your lender and hash out terms.
Loan caps around $50,000 — If you need more money, you’ll likely have to go to a bank or credit union.
Summary
Peer-to-peer lending is a great option for borrowers with less-than-stellar credit who want access to capital with reasonable terms and rates. P2P lending is ideal for small businesses and individuals who are looking for a personal loan that does not require mountains of paperwork, and that is funded quickly (usually within a few days).
But not all P2P lending platforms operate the same, and some can charge high origination fees and interest rates. Others require high minimum loan amounts to borrow as well, making them less accessible to some borrowers.
Investors can earn decent returns with P2P lending, but there is also the risk of default and the mess of going through collections agencies occasionally. Finding a solid platform with detailed risk mitigation strategies (such as borrower scores), and insurance against default can help alleviate these concerns, but it may eat into your profits.
While peer-to-peer lending is not seeing the massive growth of a few years ago, it is still a solid option for borrowers and investors alike.
If you have a savings account, how much interest does it earn? Probably not enough. And if you don’t have a savings account, why not?
A savings account isn’t meant to make you rich. It’s a safe, if not very sexy, way to plan for your future and protect your money. But things get more interesting when you choose a high-yield savings account instead of a traditional savings account. A traditional account will pay pennies on your balance, but a high-yield savings account can help you earn extra money you’ll actually notice.
But how do you choose a savings account when there are so many out there? We did the research for you. These are the top high-yield savings accounts with the best interest rates, features, and benefits.
What’s Ahead:
Best high-yield savings accounts
The Ally Online Savings Account is our top pick for the best high-yield savings account overall because it consistently offers a competitive interest rate and includes features to help you save. For beginners, the Discover Online Savings Account might be a better option thanks to its simple platform and above-average support. The CIT Savings Account is our second runner-up because it has the highest APY of the bunch but does come with a minimum deposit requirement.
We also considered the Axos Bank High-Yield Savings Account, High-Yield Chime® Savings Account, Capital One 360 Performance Savings Account, and Marcus Online Savings Account for our list. Even though these didn’t make our top three, they’re all good choices well worth checking out.
Best overall: Ally Online Savings Account
Pros
No fees
No minimums
Boosters to help you save faster
Cons
No branch locations
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $0
APY: 2.50%
Monthly fee: $0
The Ally Online Savings Account is the best high-yield savings account overall offering a generous interest rate and tons of free features to help you save. And speaking of free, this account really is. There are no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or transfer fees to deplete your earnings.
This high-yield savings account supports you to save by giving you the option to create buckets for different goals and use boosters to save faster. The boosters are:
Recurring Transfers – schedules automatic transfers from a linked account
Round Ups – rounds up your Ally debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and sends the extra to your savings
Surprise Savings – points out money in your checking account that isn’t being used for anything and moves it to your savings
This account is easy to open. There are no minimum balance requirements to earn interest and you can fund it with as little as $0.01. While Ally technically uses balance tiers (<$5,000, $5000 – $24,999.99, and >$25,000), all positive balances currently earn the same rate.
For help with any issues you might have, Ally offers 24/7 live customer support via chat or phone.
Learn more about the Ally Online Savings Account or read our full review.
Best for beginners: Discover Online Savings Account
Pros
No fees
No minimums
Instant transfers between Discover accounts
Cons
Very few branch locations
No advanced savings features like buckets or round-ups
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $0
APY: 4.00%
Monthly fee: $0
The Discover Online Savings Account gets pretty much everything right, from the competitive interest rate to the lack of account fees. We love this high-yield savings account for beginners because it’s easy to use and doesn’t have minimums.
There is no minimum deposit to open or minimum balance required to earn interest or avoid having your account shut down, making this the perfect option for you even if you only have a few bucks to put away right now. You can even open an account with nothing and come back later to fund it.
Although this is a pretty basic account with few bells and whistles, there’s no monthly maintenance fee to worry about and you’ll earn interest on any balance. Plus, the Discover mobile app is notoriously solid, and ditto for customer service.
Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly into your account. If you have a Discover checking account and debit card, you can easily transfer money between this and your savings account. You can also schedule automatic recurring transfers to put your saving on autopilot.
Discover does have some branch locations, but they’re really limited, so you might not have the option to manage your account in person. This account also lacks features to help organize and simplify your saving such as buckets and round-ups.
Learn more about the Discover Online Savings Account or read our full review.
Best for long-term saving: CIT Savings Connect Account
Pros
No fees
No minimum balance
Cons
Minimum deposit required
No branch locations
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $100
APY: 4.50%
Monthly fee: $0
For high-interest saving, the CIT Savings Connect Account is an excellent choice. This is a newer account with a really competitive APY of 4.50%. There are no minimum balance requirements to earn this rate and you only need to deposit $100 to open. Plus, there are no monthly fees. See details here.
CIT Bank also reimburses up to $30 in third-party ATM fees per statement period and supports free mobile check deposits and external transfers.
The CIT Savings Connect account currently pays the same interest rate on all balance tiers, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining a certain balance or making regular deposits to avoid fees and earn more (although automating your saving is never a bad idea).
This basic account would be a good fit for most people, especially those looking for a fee-free option with no balance requirements. It has one of the best rates and is one of the most straightforward to open and use, so it could make a great primary or secondary savings bucket. Choose the CIT Savings Connect account if getting the best interest rate is your top priority.
CIT Bank offers a number of other savings products including stand-out money market accounts and CDs, so keep this bank in mind if you have a few different savings goals and want to make sure you’re getting the highest rates.
Learn more about the CIT Savings Connect account.
CIT Bank. Member FDIC.
CIT Savings Builder Account
And if you’re looking for another option from this online bank, you can do worse than the CIT Savings Builder Account. This high-yield savings account offers an interest rate of up to 1.00% with a low minimum initial deposit requirement of $100. There is no minimum balance required to keep your account, but your balance will determine your interest rate. See details here.
The CIT Savings Builder Account uses a tiered rate structure with a loophole. The balance tiers and interest rates are:
<$25,000 – 0.40% APY
<$25,000 – 1.00% APY if you make a monthly deposit of $100 or more
>$25,000 – 1.00% APY
If you can’t afford to put away more than $25,000, no worries. Just schedule an automatic transfer of at least $100 from a linked bank account to get yourself into the higher tier. This can also help you make saving a priority.
Because of the tiered interest rate structure, this high-yield savings account is ideal for people who plan to keep high balances and/or make regular contributions to their savings.
Learn more about the CIT Savings Builder Account or read our full review.
CIT Bank. Member FDIC.
Great alternatives
These accounts didn’t make our top three, but they still have a lot to offer, especially if you’re looking for an online savings account.
Axos Bank High-Yield Savings Account
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $250
APY: Up to 0.61%
Monthly fees: None
An Axos Bank High-Yield Savings Account is the right high-yield savings account for anyone looking to keep a low balance. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $250 to open an account, but any amount you save will earn interest. Axos uses a tiered rate structure but actually pays the highest rates on the lowest balances. You’ll earn 0.61% as long as your account stays below $24,999.99.
Each account comes with a free ATM card upon request for easy withdrawals. Plus, you can earn a referral bonus of $20 for every friend who opens an Essential Checking account using your unique link.
Open an Axos savings account or read our full review.
High-Yield Chime® Savings Account
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $0
APY:2.00%7
Monthly fees: None2
The High-Yield Chime Savings Account is a great online savings account that does your saving for you. With the Round Up Transfer and Save When I Get Paid features, you can completely forget about your saving and still make progress toward your goals. Round Ups will send the spare change from your purchases right to your savings^ and Save When I Get Paid lets you transfer up to 10% of each direct deposit of $500 or more to your savings account 1. A Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.
This account charges no maintenance fees and has no minimum deposit or balance requirements. Check out Chime checking if you like the idea of saving and banking in one place with a platform that’s easy to use*.
Read our full review.
* Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. ^ Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account. 1 Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account. 2 There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account. 7 The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of November 17, 2022. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
Capital One 360 Performance Savings Account
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $0
APY:3.00%
Monthly fees: None
Opening a Capital One 360 Performance Savings account might be the way to go if you’re looking to automate your saving with a familiar consumer bank. This account pays the same interest rate of 3.00% on all balances and doesn’t costanything to open. To stay on track with your saving, you can schedule recurring transfers from a Capital One or external account.
If you already have an account with Capital One, you’ll be able to make quick transfers from the app. Finally, there are Capital One branches and ATMs all over the country if you like the option of banking in person.
Open a Capital One savings account or read our full review.
Marcus Online Savings Account
Features
Minimum balance: $0
Minimum deposit: $0
APY:2.50%
Monthly fees: None
Marcus by Goldman Sachs is an online-only bank owned by investment company Goldman Sachs. A Marcus Online Savings Account is ideal for people who want control over their savings and like to strategize different ways to grow their money. This account offers a variety of tools and extensive research to help you make informed decisions with your savings and track your progress. You can even see exactly how much interest you’ve earned from the app.
You’ll earn 2.50% regardless of your balance and there’s no minimum deposit.
Open a Marcus savings account or read our full review.
What is a high-yield savings account?
A high-yield savings account offers a higher yield than traditional savings accounts. How much higher completely depends on the market and the institution, but may be as much as ten or fifteen times the average. You might also hear the term high-interest savings account used — this is the same thing.
Right now, the national average interest rate on a savings account is 0.37%, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC. The FDIC determines rate caps each month using the average interest rates for savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit across all banks and credit unions.
How savings account interest works
There are two different ways interest can work with high-yield accounts. The first is to earn a variable interest rate and the second is to earn a tiered interest rate.
A high-yield savings account with a variable rate will pay the same interest rate on any balance. A savings account that uses a tiered interest structure will determine your rate based on your average balance and pay you according to which balance tier you fall into.
With a tiered interest rate, you often earn more interest the higher your balance is. This is to incentivize people to keep more money in their accounts. With a variable interest rate, it doesn’t matter what your balance is as long as you meet the minimum balance requirements (if there are any).
To make things a little more confusing, sometimes a bank or credit union will use a tiered interest rate structure but make the interest rate the same for every balance tier. All interest rates for online savings accounts are subject to change at any time.
Before you apply for an account, find out what rate you’ll qualify for with your balance and activity. Don’t get tricked into opening a high-yield savings account for the great interest rate unless you know you’ll actually earn that rate.
For example, a bank may advertise a high-yield savings account with an interest rate of 3.00% APY, but this rate only applies to balances over $15,000. The difference between the highest and lowest interest rates can be significant, so make sure you don’t get stuck with a lousy rate.
Read more: How to get the best savings account interest rate
What is the annual percentage yield (APY)?
Annual percentage yield is the rate of return you will earn calculated as a percentage of your savings account balance. You’ve probably noticed that the APY on an account is very slightly different from the interest rate. This is because the interest rate only shows simple interest.
The annual percentage yield or APY shows how much interest you can earn each year if you don’t take any of your money out. We like to look at the annual percentage yield rather than just the interest rate because it factors in compounding interest.
To estimate how much you can earn on a high-interest savings account, multiply the APY by your balance to see how much your account will grow if you don’t touch it.
When is interest calculated?
Interest may be calculated daily, weekly, or monthly for a savings account. This is how often your balance is used to determine how much interest you’ve earned.
This frequency can affect your earnings, and daily calculation is the best-case scenario. This is because the more frequently interest is calculated, the higher your balance will be each time it happens thanks to the interest you’ve already been paid. Interest you earn on interest is referred to as compound interest.
For example, a $1,000 balance earning a 1% interest rate pays you $10 in simple interest over a year. If interest is calculated daily, that $10 becomes $10.05 a year.
Read more: Savings interest calculator
Is interest taxed?
Yes, the interest you earn from your savings account will be taxed alongside your income, no matter how much money you bring in.
How to open a high-yield savings account
The basic process for opening a savings account is pretty much the same anywhere you go.
First, you’re going to provide some personal details including your basic contact information. Once your account has been approved, you’ll choose a funding option. Your options might be:
ACH transfer
Wire transfer
Direct deposit
Check deposit (paper or mobile)
Cash deposit
You need to meet minimum opening deposit requirements for your account when funding. Some banks will let you open a savings account without making a deposit right away. Just make sure you know the rules for your chosen account.
If you already have an account with the bank or credit union you’ve chosen, you can link this with your new savings account either before or after funding. This will allow for easy transfers in the future.
How to use a high-yield savings account
There’s a difference between just having a high-yield savings account and using it for all its worth. Here are some ways to make the most of high-interest savings.
Emergency fund
A high-yield savings account is the perfect place to keep your emergency fund. We recommend you have one savings account where you keep at least six months of your monthly living expenses, completely separate from the rest of your cash. You can take the money out if you get sick, lose your income, or face a large unexpected expense, and your balance will grow until then.
Short-term saving
A high-interest savings account is also a great place to save for short-term goals when you don’t want to put your money on the line with higher-risk investments. These accounts are safe and liquid, so your money is there when you’re ready for it and earning interest when you’re not.
For example, if you’re saving money to buy a new car or for your wedding in the next couple of years, you may be able to get a higher rate of return by investing in a mutual fund or other securities. But in such a short period of time, you may lose money. Investments are best for savings goals more than a few years away. For shorter-term goals, savings accounts are safer.
No matter what you’re saving for, a good rule of thumb is to save as often as possible and think about it as little as possible. If you rely on yourself to remember or feel like putting away money to save, you might have more trouble meeting your goals and start feeling frustrated when you don’t see your balance go up. Instead, take advantage of features that do the work for you. To save automatically, you can:
Set recurring transfers
Split your paycheck
Use booster features like roundups
Read more: The best place for short-term savings
What is the withdrawal limit for savings accounts?
Most savings accounts limit the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make. This started with Federal Regulation D.
Federal Regulation D was a rule that limited the number of withdrawals or transfers that could be made from a savings account to six per month. This included withdrawals made in person, by phone, online, or through any other type of electronic transfer. If you made more than six transfers or withdrawals in a month, your bank might have charged you an excessive withdrawal fee or closed your account.
In April 2020, Regulation D was suspended, but many banks still choose to restrict transactions and enforce the same penalties.
What to look for in a high-yield savings account
There are certain standout features that can immediately make or break a high-yield savings account.
Here are the main things to pay attention to when shopping for a savings account.
Minimum balance requirements
How much do you realistically plan to save? This is the first question you should ask yourself before signing up for an account. Many savings accounts have minimum balance requirements, and you won’t be doing yourself any favors if you open an account and can’t meet these.
If your account does have balance requirements, you must meet them in order to:
Avoid monthly maintenance fees
Earn interest
Keep your account
Your balance at the end of each day is used to determine if you’re meeting requirements. If you’re not, you might be penalized.
Not all high-yield savings accounts have minimum balance requirements. Especially for online savings accounts, it’s becoming more common to not have any.
Read more: How much money should you save each month?
Minimum deposit requirements
Some banks may require you to make a certain minimum deposit when signing up for your account. Failure to do so may disqualify you from opening an account or result in a fee.
A minimum deposit requirement could be anywhere from $5 to $500. Sometimes minimum deposit and minimum balance requirements are the same, and sometimes not. It’s not uncommon for a bank to have a minimum deposit requirement but no minimum balance requirement or vice versa.
Many high-yield online savings accounts have very low or no minimum deposit requirements.
Interest and APY
You’re naturally going to gravitate toward accounts with the highest interest rates, right? That’s free money that you don’t have to work for. But be sure to pay attention to the requirements to earn interest too, not just the annual percentage yield.
For example, if a bank requires you to maintain a balance you can’t maintain to earn interest, it’s probably not the right bank for you. For your first savings account, you might prefer a variable interest rate over a tiered interest rate so you don’t have to worry about if your balance is high enough to earn interest.
Some banks also reserve their best interest rates for preferred customers. This might mean you need to have another account such as a checking account or loan to qualify for the highest APY, and that might be more trouble than it’s worth.
Monthly fees
Some banks still charge monthly maintenance fees on savings accounts, but many don’t. When your goal is to earn money on your savings, monthly fees you get charged just for having an account can really get in the way.
While you should generally look for accounts that don’t charge fees, you might make an exception if a bank offers a waiver. For example, the fee may be waived if you maintain a certain minimum balance in your account for each statement cycle or make a recurring transfer from another account.
If you feel like you can easily meet the requirements to waive a fee and an account is otherwise a perfect fit, go for it.
Cash access
Most people try to ignore the money in their high-yield savings account when they can to take advantage of compound interest.
But life happens, and sometimes you need to dip into your savings. When that happens, you should have convenient access to your money. You might be able to make a withdrawal via:
ACH transfer
Cash withdrawal
ATM withdrawal
Most savings accounts give you the option to make a transfer from your savings to a linked checking account. This checking account can either be with the same bank or another one entirely. If with the same bank, transfers may be instant.
Some banks also offer ATM cards with high-yield savings accounts, though you may incur a fee for ATM transactions. You can also make cash withdrawals at branch locations.
Any transfers or withdrawals you make will count toward your monthly transaction limit.
Mobile apps
Almost every bank out there offers a mobile app today, but some are far better than others. As you’re researching the features of an account, always look into the app too.
Saving from your phone only works when an app does what it’s supposed to, so functionality and convenience are important. You should be able to easily access your savings account, initiate transfers, and see your balance at any time. Those are the basics. You might also want an app that will let you make mobile check deposits, create savings goals, and chat with customer support when there’s an issue.
As a rule, online banks and larger institutions tend to have the best mobile apps. But while you might be looking for an app that’s simple and straightforward to use, someone else might prefer a robust app with educational resources, features, and a variety of notifications. Check out some customer reviews to see what real users have to say about their experiences.
Sign-up bonus
Many banks and credit unions offer sign-up bonuses when you open a high-yield savings account. These offers change all the time and can be quite enticing. For example, bonuses up to $200 are not uncommon. But while sign-up bonuses are nice, they’re not more important than interest rates, fees, and minimums.
Also, be aware that sign-up bonuses come with restrictions. Typically, you’ll need to maintain a certain minimum balance for a set amount of time to qualify. This may be six months or even longer. If your account balance drops below the minimum requirement at any time during the first six months, you may forfeit the bonus. Many bonuses also come with direct deposit requirements.
If you do qualify, you probably won’t get the bonus right away and may have to wait several weeks. All this to say that sign-up bonuses aren’t a good option for getting quick cash. Consider these after all of the other features we’ve outlined.
Are high-yield savings accounts safe?
Your money can’t get a lot safer than it is when it’s in a savings account.
Almost all savings accounts with banks are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and insured for up to $250,000 per depositor. This insurance coverage protects your money in the event that your bank loses money and is unable to repay its deposits. Almost all savings accounts with credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000 per depositor. This provides the same protections.
If a bank or credit union is not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, you may qualify for private deposit insurance.
Benefits of online savings accounts
High-yield savings accounts and online savings accounts are often one and the same. Here are some of the top benefits you can expect from an online savings account.
Higher interest
A traditional savings account with your bank or credit union might seem like the best choice, but you can do a lot better. Compared to traditional accounts, online savings accounts tend to offer much better interest rates, plus benefits like fewer fees, extra savings features, and the convenience of opening and managing your account completely online (or from your phone).
Online savings accounts can pay higher interest rates because digital accounts are cheaper to operate, lowering a bank’s costs and passing on the savings to you in the form of better interest.
Fewer fees
Online savings accounts almost always have lower fees than traditional savings accounts for the same reasons they can offer better rates. Many charge no monthly fees at all.
Avoiding monthly fees like maintenance fees, low balance fees, and inactivity fees can save you serious money in the long run. Plus, let you actually keep the interest you’ve earned.
Convenience
Online savings accounts are much more convenient to open and use. You can open your account online and fund it by just transferring the money from another account. Usually, all of this takes less than five minutes.
An online account lets you make deposits, transfer money, pay bills, and see your account activity at any time without the need for a phone call or visit to the bank. You can even view your account statements and track your progress. If you’re not a fan of brick-and-mortar branches, an online savings account either with a fully-digital bank or a hybrid bank could be perfect for you.
Perks and benefits
Online savings accounts tend to come with a lot of great, free features. Automatic transfers into your savings account from your checking account, mobile check deposit, and account alerts are just a few common ones.
Some online savings accounts go above and beyond this. They might offer savings support like boosters and automated tools, help you create a saving strategy with resources and insights, or the option to organize your savings into separate buckets or categories.
Read more: Best online savings accounts
Disadvantages of savings accounts
Although a great tool for saving for your future and protecting your finances, savings accounts in general do have limitations. Let’s talk about some of those here.
Limited withdrawals
One of the main disadvantages of high-yield savings accounts is limited cash access. A lot of this has to do with withdrawal restrictions.
Remember, you’re often restricted to just six transactions per statement period with a savings account. This is a limit that was originally set by the federal government that many accounts still stick to. You shouldn’t use your savings account as a secondary spending account because when you hit that limit, you risk losing the account. This is why savings accounts should be for money you don’t immediately need.
If you’re looking for a place to set aside some extra money you do plan to dip into regularly, consider a high-yield checking account instead of a savings account. While the rates for high-yield checking accounts aren’t usually as good as the rates for high-yield savings accounts, you’ll have more flexibility to spend your money.
Read more: Best high-yield checking accounts compared
Rates can change at any time
Another downside to savings accounts is that the interest rates are always variable. This means the rate you earn on your balance can change at any time, and it definitely will as the market fluctuates. It’s important to remember that you’re not locked into the annual percentage yield you sign up for when you open a high-yield savings account.
And if the rate does change, your bank doesn’t have to give you any sort of warning. Although competitive high-yield savings accounts will, for the most part, stay competitive and continue offering the highest yields compared to other accounts, there’s no telling how much you’ll earn in dividends a year from now.
You should choose a high interest rate but know that it can change and don’t rely on the dividends for income.
Security risks
With any type of financial account, there are going to be certain safety concerns. While these are really minimal with an insured savings account, you can take steps to maximize your personal security.
If an account offers multi-factor authentication, set it up (it’s free anyway). If you have the option to enroll in fraud protection, do it. Set up account alerts to notify you about suspicious activity and check your balance often to make sure everything looks good.
FDIC and NCUA protection will keep you safe from losing all of your money if your bank goes bankrupt, but it’s your responsibility to make sure your account is as safe as it can be from hackers.
Read more: How to make online banking more secure
Are high-yield savings accounts worth it?
The answer to this question is probably, but it really depends on what kind of account you choose. We’ll say it again, we always prefer an online savings account with no minimums and no fees. Even if you can’t yet afford to set much money aside, you can start earning a small amount of interest on your balance and setting those good savings habits with free accounts.
But if you open a savings account that charges monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, low balance fees, etc., you’re going to have to work harder to make the account worth it. Keep in mind that all of these fees can eat into and even exceed your interest earnings, causing you to lose money in the long run.
So basically, as long as you don’t make the mistake of choosing the wrong account and letting it drain your earnings, you have nothing to lose.
High-yield savings accounts vs. money market accounts (MMAs)
Which is the better option for your money right now: a high-yield savings account or a money market account?
A money market account or MMA is a special type of savings account. They typically have higher balance requirements to earn interest but may offer better interest rates than high-yield savings accounts. Usually, MMAs pay tiered variable interest rates so the more you save, the more you earn.
MMAs often come with higher fees, higher deposit requirements, and higher balance requirements than savings accounts. While they can earn more depending on the interest rate environment, right now the best rates are really comparable between high-yield savings accounts and MMAs.
Savings accounts and money market accounts have the same transaction limit of six per statement period.
Read more: 9 best money market accounts
High-yield savings accounts vs. certificates of deposit (CDs)
A certificate of deposit or CD is a type of deposit account that usually offers a fixed interest rate for a fixed term. This means that the amount of money you earn on your deposits is guaranteed for the length of the CD term.
CD terms can range from as little as one month to as much as 10 or even 20 years. During the term of the CD, you agree not to withdraw any of the money you’ve deposited. If you do need to access your money before the end of the term, you’ll pay an early withdrawal penalty fee.
Early withdrawal fees are equal to the interest you earn for a set number of days or months. For example, you may pay three months’ interest for taking money out of a one-year CD early.
Because of early withdrawal fees, you risk losing your interest in a CD, so you should only deposit money you’re absolutely certain you won’t need until the term is up.
Stick with a savings account until you have an emergency fund built up before you consider a CD. CDs can be better vehicles for long-term saving but they should not replace your emergency savings account.