The Best National Banks, 2026
We studied interest rates, fees, premium services and other account features. These national banks rose to the top.
Chances are, you've been with the same bank for years. After all, it's easier to stick with the checking account you have now than to switch to a new one. But every once in a while, it's worth looking at what else is out there.
Even if you're mostly satisfied with your current bank, you may find that a different one better fits your needs, whether with lower fees, higher interest rates, superior in-person services, or more-attractive premium account packages that layer on the perks as your wealth grows. Or you may choose to stick with your current institution for everyday banking and open a savings account or certificate of deposit at an online bank or credit union, taking advantage of high yields on your extra cash.
You'll find plenty of great options to consider here. With the help of LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, we've analyzed interest rates, fees, balance requirements and other features of accounts at national banks, credit unions, online banks and regional banks, and we've named winners in each of those categories. We've also highlighted two institutions that may be strong choices for customers in each of four profiles: Retirees, high-net-worth clients, travelers and families with kids.
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For national banks, we selected three honorees and listed them in alphabetical order. Interest rates change frequently, so before you commit to any of these accounts, check the current yield. Yields and other terms listed here are as of early July.
These institutions have large branch networks as well as online banking tools, making it easy to access your money wherever you are. And they offer a range of accounts and services, from basic checking and savings options to premium packages.
Chase Bank
Where it is: About 5,000 branches in all of the lower 48 states and Washington, D.C. (Rates and terms are for customers in Columbus, Ohio.)
Chase's most popular checking account, Total Checking, gives customers four ways to waive the $15 service fee during each monthly statement period. One is by making at least $500 in monthly electronic deposits (a paycheck will do). Premier Plus Checking has more bells and whistles, such as free cashier's checks and money orders, and offers multiple ways to avoid the monthly service fee, too.
On the savings side, Chase Savings comes with five ways to avoid the $5 monthly fee. Among the bank's CDs, you could recently get a 3.2% yield on a certificate with a four-month term and a $1,000 minimum deposit if you have a linked checking account.
Chase also wins the title of bank with the best access. With the largest branch network of any national bank, more than 14,000 ATMs and ample online tools, you can easily manage your money in-person or virtually. And Chase is even expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint: In February, it announced plans to open 160 new branches in more than 30 states this year and to renovate nearly 600 locations.
PNC Bank
Where it is: About 2,300 branches across 27 states and Washington, D.C. (Rates and terms are for customers in Pittsburgh.)
With Simple Checking, PNC Bank customers can get the $5 service fee waived with just one qualifying direct deposit of any amount; those who are 62 or older or who are younger than 25 also avoid the monthly fee. Plus, the account charges no overdraft fees (if you try to spend more than you have in your account, the transaction will be declined), and cashier's checks are free.
Standard Savings also comes with an easily avoidable $5 monthly fee. PNC offers a wide range of CDs (from one month to 10 years), with yields as high as 3.5% recently on a certificate with a 13-month term ($1,000 minimum deposit).
If packaging your checking and savings accounts together appeals to you, check out Virtual Wallet, which includes a primary checking account for daily expenses, another checking account to reserve funds for upcoming expenses, and a savings account. Virtual Wallet features extra budgeting tools, too, such as graphics that provide a visual breakdown of your spending and a calendar to track bills and payments.
PNC has some attractive benefits for customers who can keep a high balance in their deposit and investment accounts with the bank. For more, see the "Best for High-Net-Worth Clients."
TD Bank
Where it is: About 1,050 locations across 15 states (mostly on the East Coast) and in Washington, D.C. (Rates and terms are for customers in Mount Laurel, N.J.)
TD Bank has been a recurring winner on our list of the best national banks, thanks to a well-rounded suite of products with reasonable requirements to avoid monthly fees. Essential Banking is a strong starter checking account with no monthly fee for those ages 13 to 17 (otherwise, the fee is $4.95).
Complete Checking provides a simple way to manage daily spending, with three avenues to get the $15 monthly fee waived: $500 or more in direct deposits each statement cycle, a minimum daily balance of $500, or a $5,000 minimum daily combined balance across linked TD deposit accounts. Beyond Checking is a strong choice for customers who can meet higher balance or deposit requirements; for more, see the "Best for Retirees."
Simple Savings charges no monthly fee if you keep at least $300 in the account (it offers other ways to avoid the fee, too), and it yields 0.02%. The Signature Savings yield goes as high as 2.5%, although you'll need at least $250,000 in your account to earn that much. (Maintain a $10,000 balance or link an eligible TD checking account to avoid the $15 monthly fee.) The $250 minimum deposit requirement for CDs is low compared with the minimums many other banks impose.
Choosing the right bank can help you earn more, save on fees and manage your money more efficiently. A financial advisor can help you build a broader strategy that aligns your banking, savings, investments and long-term goals.
Use the Bankrate tool below to connect with a financial professional and get started today:
Methodology
With data from LendingTree, which collects deposit-account information, as well as from financial institutions and other sources, we evaluated national banks, credit unions, online banks (including online accounts from brokerage firms) and regional banks. We reviewed checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit.
We looked at features including interest rates; minimum deposit and balance requirements; monthly maintenance fees and the ease of waiving those fees; ATM benefits, such as waived or reimbursed fees for out-of-network withdrawals; free or discounted benefits, such as personal checks, cashier's checks, paper statements and overdraft-protection transfers; overdraft fees; and online and mobile banking features, such as the availability of peer-to-peer payment services. Yields and other data listed in the article are as of early July.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
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