banking

Best Banks for High-Net-Worth Families, 2019

July 1, 2019

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Banks court customers who can keep big balances by dangling lots of free and discounted benefits, preferred rates on loans and deposit accounts, and financial guidance, such as investment and wealth-management services.

Here’s a look at our top bank picks for high-net-worth families.

The Best Bank for You, 2019

Informa Financial Intelligence compiled the data as reported by the financial institutions that it tracks; the information is subject to change. All rates as of June 20, 2019.

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BEST: Citibank

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Why it won: Customers who hold considerable cash with Citi enjoy unique and abundant perks.
Standout account: The Citigold package, for those who keep at least $200,000 in deposit, retirement and investment accounts, is worth a look. And with a $25,000 minimum deposit, you could recently nab a 2.5% rate on a one-year CD./p>
Where it is: Almost 700 U.S. branches in 10 states—with core markets of Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.—and more than 1,800 overseas branches.

Citigold customers get plenty of account freebies, including standard checks, stop payments, money orders, incoming wire transfers and overdraft-protection transfers; waived monthly fees on checking and other accounts in the Citigold package; and reimbursement of out-of-network ATM surcharges in the U.S. and abroad. Travelers will also appreciate waived foreign-transaction fees on debit card transactions; concierge services for travel, dining and other bookings; access to more than 100 Citigold lounges (attached to bank properties) worldwide; and delivery of foreign currency to their home, office or a nearby bank branch. Citigold clients work with a relationship manager and a financial adviser.

Citigold’s most interesting perks involve special experiences and insights. Last spring, for example, Citigold clients got premium seating and other benefits at the New York Mets home opener baseball game. Citigold’s Culture Pass provides free or discounted admission to institutions such as the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art. And Citi regularly hosts market-outlook seminars for clients.

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RUNNER-UP: BBVA

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Why it won: BBVA’s services for wealthy clients run the gamut, from an attractive relationship program to a well-regarded private bank.
Standout accounts: The Premier Personal Banking program, for those who have a BBVA personal checking account and maintain at least $100,000 in deposits and investments, provides a well-rounded package of perks. The BBVA Money Market Account—free for Premier customers—recently yielded a healthy 2% on a balance of at least $10,000 (rates are for customers in Birmingham, Ala.).
Where it is: 649 branches scattered across seven states, mostly in the Sunbelt.

BBVA recently rebranded from its former name, BBVA Compass. The Premier Personal Banking program includes rebates of fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals domestically and internationally and, upon request, refunds of fees for domestic and international wire transfers; free personal checks, cashier’s checks, paper statements and a small safe-deposit box; increased limits for debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals; a waived $125 annual fee on the bank’s Visa Select credit card; discounts on a home-equity line of credit or personal loan; and free usage of the Premium checking account. You also get access to a financial adviser.

BBVA offers a range of wealth-management services, including brokerage options, estate and insurance planning, and private banking (which requires a minimum $1 million in assets in most states).