It's easy to have an emotional reaction to bank failures. I've written about finances for decades, and still have a moment of low-level panic when news of a bank failure breaks. Fortunately, it doesn't last long because I know there are safety features in place, designed to protect us if our financial institutions go belly up.
To determine the safest banks, we looked for large, established institutions with FDIC protection, different types of security features, and 24/7 customer service. Here are our top picks for the safest banks in the United States.
The safest banks in the U.S.
Details on the safest banks
Below is a deeper dive on each of our safest banks, along with an account to consider at each bank.
SoFi
2023 Award Winner
SoFi
Bottom Line
Savers who want a high APY
Pros
- High APYs on checking and savings accounts
- Ability to earn a higher APY by setting up direct deposit
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Large fee-free ATM network
- SoFi relationship benefits
Cons
- No way to open a standalone checking or savings account
- No physical branch locations
- Cash withdrawals cost up to $4.95 at third-party retailers
An account we love: SoFi Checking and Savings
Not only does SoFi have standard FDIC backing, but customers can enroll in the SoFi Insured Deposit Program and get access to up to $2 million in FDIC coverage. And did we mention up to 4.60% APY on savings?
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SoFi Checking and Savings
Member FDIC.
offer alert
New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!
APY
up to 4.60% Rate info You can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
- Competitive APY on both Savings and Checking
- No account fees
- Welcome bonus up to $300 (direct deposit required)
- Early access to direct deposits
- Tools to help you track savings goals
- Unlimited transfers and withdrawals
- ATM access
- FDIC insured (up to $2M with opt-in to SoFi Insured Deposit Program)
- Combo account only; no stand-alone savings or checking
- Maximum Savings APY requires direct deposit
- Overdraft protection requires monthly direct deposit minimum
- No branch access; online only
For those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we think SoFi Checking and Savings is hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns above-average, too — which is a rare perk. Plus, there’s the opportunity for an up to $300 bonus and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it’s the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.
You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.
American Express National Bank
Bottom Line
American Express doesn't offer a checking account, but it does offer above-average rates for savings accounts. Plus, there are no monthly fees and a minimum of just $1 to earn the full APY. It's a good choice for funds you won't touch, like emergency savings or college funds.
Pros
- Competitive APY (annual percentage yield)
- No monthly fees
- No minimums for CDs
- $1 minimum to earn full savings APY
- Good customer service
- Member FDIC
Cons
- No physical branches
- Does not offer a checking account
- No checks, ATM cards, or other physical withdrawal options
An account we love: American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC, one of the most trusted names in financial services, 24/7 service and support, and a 4.30% APY.
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American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
4.30% Rate info 4.30% as of December 10, 2023 $1 Minimum to earn APY
- Competitive APY
- No account fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
- Unlimited transfers and withdrawals
- 24/7 customer support
- FDIC insured
- No ATM access
- No branch access; online only
American Express may not have the highest APY on our list, but it still sports a well-above-average rate and a strong reputation. This is a good fit for those who prefer the comfort of a well-known company like American Express that isn't likely to play games with your APY.
Axos Bank
Bottom Line
Axos Bank does its best to make managing your money flexible and easy, and its Rewards Checking product is a stand out option. It does this by offering fee-free accounts and a variety of checking account options. Additionally, Axos provides domestic ATM fee reimbursements (so you're not tied to a single ATM network). It's also one of the few banks to offer a free ATM card for its savings account.
Pros
- Variety of checking accounts
- Domestic ATM fee reimbursements on all checking and savings accounts
- No maintenance fees on any account
Cons
- Low APYs on CDs and savings accounts
- No branch locations
- Unimpressive customer satisfaction ratings
An account we love: Axos Bank Rewards Checking
FDIC insurance plus key security features like 2-step authentication, 128-bit SSL encryption, and anti-fraud account monitoring. Plus, 0.40% (up to 3.30%) APY.
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2023 Award Winner
Axos Bank Rewards Checking
Member FDIC.
offer alert
Use code AXOS300 and apply by December 31st, 2023 to earn a $300 bonus (see details when you click 'Open Account')
APY
0.40% (up to 3.30%) Rate info To earn the full APY, account holders must do all of the following: Receive monthly direct deposits totaling more than $1,500; make 10 transactions a month with your Axos debit card, or sign up for Axos's Personal Finance Manager; maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account; and use your Rewards Checking account to make your full monthly Axos Bank consumer mortgage, personal, or auto loan payment.
Min. To Earn APY
Monthly direct deposits totaling at least $1,500
- High checking account APY
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- No monthly maintenance, NSF, or overdraft fees
- No monthly balance requirements
- Cash back checking option
- ATM card for high-yield savings account
- Must meet certain requirements to earn the highest interest tier
- Higher savings and CD APYs available at other financial institutions
- No physical branches
A solid checking account with an APY that far outpaces the competition. The fact that it also has no maintenance fees and no overdraft or NSF fees are the cherries on top.
Use promo code AXOS300 and apply by December 31st, to earn up to a $300 bonus!
To be eligible to earn all or a portion of the cash incentive as part of the "AXOS300" $300 promotion, an Axos Bank Rewards Checking account that includes the promotional code "AXOS300" must be opened between November 1, 2023, at 12:00 am PST and December 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm PST. Axos Bank reserves the right to limit each primary account holder to one (1) checking account promotional offer per year, and customers who have held primary ownership of an Axos Bank or Axos Bank for Nationwide checking account at any time in the past 12 months may be disqualified from the "AXOS300" offer. Promotional terms and conditions are subject to change or removal without notice. Bonus cash may be taxable and reported on IRS Form 1099-MISC. Consult your tax advisor. After meeting the initial requirements mentioned above, the amount of cash bonus earned will depend on meeting the additional requirements outlined below:
To earn up to a $300 bonus, you must be approved for your new Axos Bank Rewards Checking account, fund it within 30 days of account opening, and have qualifying direct deposits that total at least $5,000.00 each calendar month during the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open as well as maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000. The minimum balance must be achieved and maintained through the first seven (7) calendar months your account is open including the month in which your account was opened. A cash bonus of up to $300 can be earned in the following manner during the first seven (7) statement cycles. A statement cycle is a calendar month consisting of the days your account was open during that month. A maximum of six (6) payouts of $50 for each calendar month that the Rewards Checking account is receiving the direct deposit and maintain a minimum average daily balance of $7,000 can be earned during the seven (7) statement cycles, and the bonus will be deposited into your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account within 10 business days following the end of the statement cycle in which the direct deposit requirement was met. Your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing at the time the bonus is paid to be eligible to receive the bonus, and your Axos Bank Rewards Checking account must remain open for 210 days, or an early closure fee of up to $300 may apply, equal to the amount of the total bonus earned up to $300.
A direct deposit is an electronic deposit of your paycheck or government benefits, such as Social Security, Disability etc. Other deposits (i.e., online banking transfers, ATM and mobile check deposits, etc.) or person-to-person payments are not considered a direct deposit.
A statement cycle is defined as a period of time that starts on the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month.
Quontic
Quontic
Bottom Line
Quontic Bank offers high CD rates with low minimums and a variety of terms. While the bank doesn't offer 4-year CD terms, you can still build a CD ladder with shorter lengths, such as 6- and 12-month terms.
Pros
- Innovative Bitcoin Rewards Checking account
- Excellent customer service
- No monthly maintenance fees
Cons
- Missing some common CD terms
- Checking accounts not ideal for infrequent debit card users
An account we love: Quontic 1 Year CD
FDIC insurance, 5.30% APY, plus added security features like multi-factor authentication and mobile app TouchID.
Rates as of Dec. 6, 2023
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Quontic Bank offers CDs with terms ranging from six months to five years. It offers most of the terms one would expect, though it is missing a four-year CD, so it may not be ideal for those hoping to build a CD ladder. Its rates are competitive, especially on its longer term CDs, and its minimum deposit is more affordable than what you see with some other top banks.
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $500
| 6 Mo. APY | 1 Yr. APY | 2 Yr. APY | 3 Yr. APY | 5 Yr. APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.05% | 5.30% | 4.50% | 4.40% | 4.30% |
Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bank
Bottom Line
While rates are higher than most, Western Alliance Bank does not operate like your traditional bank. All deposits are managed through a secure digital platform called Raisin. Raisin accounts are fairly bare-bones, without the features offered by other banks.
Pros
- Highly competitive APY
- No account fees
- FDIC insured
Cons
- All deposits and withdrawals must be conducted via ACH transfer to and from a linked external account
- Accounts cannot be linked to personal budgeting apps
- Online only
- No checking accounts
- Limited customer service hours
Western Alliance Bank 1 Year CD
FDIC insurance, a well-respected $65 billion bank, and a great 5.51% APY.
Rates as of Dec. 6, 2023
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
Western Alliance offers some of the highest APYs we’ve seen across short-term CDs, low $1 minimums, and relatively low withdrawal penalties without any additional fees. But you will need to look elsewhere for terms longer than one year.
MINIMUM DEPOSIT $1
| 3 Mo. APY | 6 Mo. APY | 9 Mo. APY | 1 Yr. APY | 16 Mo. APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.21% | 5.70% | 5.51% | 5.51% | 5.40% |
Capital One
Capital One
Bottom Line
Capital One Bank offers all of the key features you'd expect to find with an online bank -- high APYs, no maintenance fees, and no minimum deposit requirements -- as well as some you don't. The bank has a reputation for great customer service, its mobile app consistently receives high marks from users, and its CD products are top notch.
Pros
- High APYs
- Branches in some states
- Variety of accounts
- Great customer service
Cons
- Some CD rates are low
An account we love: Capital One 360 Performance Savings
With no fees and no minimum deposit required, Capital One's 360 Performance Savings Account blows our hair back with an APY of 4.35%.
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Capital One 360 Performance Savings
Member FDIC.
- Competitive APY
- Branch access (if you live near one)
- No account fees
- Comfort of a well-known brand and reputation
- 24/7 customer support
- FDIC insured
- No ATM access
Capital One 360 Performance Savings checks all the boxes we look for in a high-yield savings account. But it also offers branch locations and Capital One Cafés where customers can seek in-person support (if you live near one). This makes it a great fit for those who want to reap the rewards of online banking but aren't quite ready to cut ties with brick-and-mortar banks.
Chase
2023 Award Winner
Chase
Bottom Line
Chase offers one of the largest branch networks in the nation, without neglecting the online experience, offering simple online and mobile tools to manage your funds. If you have one account with Chase, there's a good incentive to open up one or two more, with the bank's relationship benefits. What's more, the bank shines with its overall customer service.
Pros
- Large, nationwide branch network
- Rewards for customer loyalty
- User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
- Good customer service ratings
- Multiple checking and savings accounts options
Cons
- Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
An account we love: Chase Standard CD
We like that Chase offers such a strong rate for a 6-month CD. With a minimum deposit of $1,000, customers can enjoy an APY of up to 4.50% and aren't married to a longer term.
Rates as of Dec. 6, 2023
APY = Annual Percentage Yield
| 6 Mo. APY | 1 Yr. APY | 1.5 Yr. APY | 2 Yr. APY | 3 Yr. APY | 4 Yr. APY | 5 Yr. APY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 4.50% | Up to 3.75% | up to 0.05% | 2.00% | 2.00% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo
Bottom Line
Wells Fargo offers a variety of banking accounts and relationship benefits, including rare perks like loan discounts to those with multiple accounts. It's also one of the few banks to offer a debit card to savings account customers, and its branch network shines with a large national footprint.
Pros
- Variety of checking accounts
- Relationship benefits for loyal customers
- Debit card with savings accounts
- Ability to bank all in one place
Cons
- Checking account fees
- Low APYs
- Poor customer service ratings
- No long-term CDs
- High overdraft fees
U.S. Bank
Bottom Line
U.S. Bank offers strong relationship rewards to customers who open multiple accounts. It also offers a variety of checking accounts and some rare CD and loan options. Those interested in money market accounts will also appreciate that U.S. Bank has several to choose from.
Pros
- Excellent selection of products
- Relationship benefits for opening multiple accounts
- Rare CD and loan options
Cons
- Low APY on deposit accounts
- Mixed reviews on customer service
PNC Bank
PNC Bank
Bottom Line
PNC Bank seems to go the extra mile to ensure its customers have a good experience. It offers relationship benefits that reward customers for opening multiple accounts and keeping large sums in the bank, and it's also earned a lot of praise from third parties for its excellent customer service. PNC's APY is competitive and the bank offers some impressive banking options for students.
Pros
- Great customer service
- Better APYs for customers who meet certain criteria
- Sign-up bonuses on select accounts
- Budgeting tools
- Gig-quality mobile app
- Flexible CDs with some unusual options
Cons
- High overdraft fees
- No standalone checking accounts
TIP
If your main concern is bank failure, look for a bank with FDIC insurance. This insurance guarantees that you won't lose any money even if the bank fails -- up to $250,000. There are lots of other security and safety features you can look for, but FDIC insurance is the main feature that will protect you during a bank failure.
What are standard bank security features?
Before handing your hard-earned cash over to a bank for safekeeping, you want to know that the bank is safe. Although there's not one single quality that marks the safest bank, there are a collection of features that can help you rest easy.
Here are the most common security features you should look for in any bank:
- FDIC protection against loss
- Large, established bank
- Security features like two-factor authentication
- Debit card blocking ability
- Guarantee to return stolen money
- Cards with EMV chips in place
- 24/7 customer service
We'll go into these in more detail below.
- FDIC protection against loss: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal government agency that protects depositors like us against losing our money. FDIC is banked by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and protects deposits for up to $250,000.
- Large, established bank: Statistically, large banks fail less often than small banks. If a large bank finds itself in trouble, the fact that it has more assets to fall back on provides a cushion of sorts. However, even a huge financial organization can be mismanaged into failure. When you have a choice between a large bank and an FDIC-insured bank, go with the FDIC-insured bank every time.
- Security features: Those extra steps like two-factor authentication and automatic logout may feel like a waste of time, but they're in place to keep your money safe from fraud.
- Cards with EMV chips in place: Take a look at your debit and credit cards. Each one should have an EMV chip on one end. EMV chips are encrypted in a way that makes it difficult for someone to steal your card number and use it to make fraudulent purchases.
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If you're looking for a bank that's especially locked down, you may want to keep an eye out for some more unusual security features. Here are some of the features that are considered "extra":
- Debit card blocking: Allows you to access your account and freeze your debit card before a pickpocket has time to make it down the block.
- Guarantee to return stolen money: This guarantee promises to make you whole if someone messes with your account. It's like having a financial insurance policy in your back pocket.
- 24/7 customer service: Helpful if you're out late at night and the ATM you visit says there's no money in your account.
- Single-use card numbers: Some banks have begun to offer one-time virtual account numbers that allow you to shop online while keeping your actual card number away from the eyes of fraudsters.
- Next-day cash reimbursement: If you're the victim of theft or fraud, next-day cash reimbursement puts money in your account by the next business day.
These extra layers of protection are great to have, but may not be available -- even at a strong bank. For example, a bank may be solid as a rock, FDIC insured, and offer a great APY, but not be available 24 hours a day.
If a bank does not offer a particular feature, ask yourself how directly it will impact the security of your deposits.
Are credit unions safer than banks?
Not necessarily.
You may hear someone say that credit unions are "safer" than banks (or vice versa). The reality is that a financial institution is as safe as its security measures.
Just as a secure bank is FDIC insured, a secure credit union is insured by the government-backed National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The point is not whether it's a bank or credit union that houses your money. It's how serious that institution is about protecting your funds.
While bank failures are rare, 75 bank collapses have been reported in the last decade. There are laws in place to make banks more secure, but as consumers, we still play a role. Before parking our money anywhere, we need to do our due diligence to make sure the bank in question has enough security in place to help us rest easier at night.
How Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) works
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal government agency that protects depositors like you against the loss of deposits. The FDIC is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Deposits in certain account types are insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, and per ownership category. In other words, if you have both a checking account and savings account, each would be insured for up to $250,000 because they're considered different categories.
Let's say you and your partner have a joint checking account and certificate of deposit (CD) at the same bank. You have $150,000 in the checking account and $350,000 in the CD. In the event of a bank failure, the FDIC adds up your total deposits, which in this case, comes to $500,000 ($150,000 plus $350,000). Then, because you're each insured for up to $250,000, you're reimbursed the entire amount.
How to deposit more than 0,000 and keep it safe
FDIC rules are very clear regarding how much of your deposit into any one bank is insured. However, you still have options. Here are two of the most common:
- Open an account at another FDIC-insured bank or NCUA-insured credit union.
- Designate beneficiaries. According to FDIC rules, once the owner of a single account names beneficiaries, the account may be insured as a revocable trust. Let's say you have $1 million in deposits. There's $250,000 covered in your name, meaning $750,000 remains uninsured. If you name three beneficiaries, each of them would also have $250,000 in FDIC coverage. Remember: Those named beneficiaries will receive priority over a will. Speak with an attorney before taking this step to ensure it's what you truly want.
Here's what's not covered by FDIC
FDIC (and NCUA) are pretty fabulous but only cover certain deposit accounts, such as checking, savings, money market deposit accounts (MMDAs), and CDs. Insured coverage does not extend to investment products. For example, FDIC does not cover:
- Mutual funds
- Annuities
- Life insurance policies
- Stocks
- Bonds
These banks all have FDIC insurance protecting your deposits. While we believe they're all very safe banks, if they fail, your money is insured. Plus they all offer attractive rates on their savings accounts.
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SIPC coverage
While the FDIC and NCUA will not cover the loss of investment products, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) fills that gap. If your brokerage firm fails, SIPC works to replace the missing stocks and other securities in your portfolio. Here are SIPC facts worth knowing:
- SIPC protection is limited to $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash.
- To qualify for reimbursement, your brokerage firm must be an SIPC member.
- SIPC protection extends to financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, mutual funds, Treasury securities, and certain other investments deemed "securities."
- SIPC coverage does not extend to a decline in the value of your holdings. For example, if you lost money due to a broker's bad advice, SIPC does not get involved.
- SIPC also won't cover commodity futures contracts (unless they're held in a special margin account), investment contracts, foreign exchange trades, or fixed annuity contracts not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Still concerned? Here are the steps you can take to ease your mind
You don't typically open a new bank account when there's nothing else going on in your life. You've just moved, left a spouse or partner, or experienced some other life change. In other words, you may not have the time it requires to investigate each and every concern regarding the safety of your money. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take. These are shortcuts to ensure your money will be in good hands.
| Concern | Action |
|---|---|
| I'm afraid my bank does not carry FDIC coverage | Look for the FDIC sign at your bank, call FDIC at (877) 275-3342 or ask, or use the BankFind tool on the FDIC's website to access detailed information about all FDIC-insured banks. |
| I'm worried that my credit union does not carry NCUA insurance | Federally insured credit unions are required to display the official NCUSIF insurance sign in their branches. Look for that sign, as a credit union representative, or visit the NCUA credit union locator at mapping.ncua.gov. |
| I'm concerned that I'll open an account type that is not insured | If you're nervous, ask a bank representative if the account you're about to open is FDIC insured. |
| I want to name beneficiaries, but don't want to mess up my existing estate plan | Speak with an attorney before adding anyone's name to your account as a beneficiary. |
| I want to name beneficiaries, but don't want to give anyone access to the money in my account | One condition of FDIC or NCUA coverage is that the person has access to your account. In other words, they could make a deposit or withdrawal without your permission. Never add the name of someone you aren't 100% sure you can trust. |
Checklist: Questions to ask before opening a bank account
Protecting your money comes down to asking questions, lots and lots of questions.
Go through the list below and ask the bank how it handles these issues. The answers will give you a better picture of the measures a bank takes to protect its customers.
- Is this bank FDIC insured?
- What's included in this bank's standard security features?
- Should I also look at credit unions?
Here's some more info on each of these questions:
1. Is this bank FDIC insured?
FDIC Insurance: First and foremost, look for a bank that is FDIC insured. FDIC insurance covers $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. If you're not sure if a bank has this coverage, the FDIC BankFind Suite will let you know. You type in the financial institution's name and where it's located, and BankFind provides your answer.
2. What's included in this bank's standard security features?
At a minimum, ask about the seven safety features discussed above:
- FDIC insurance
- Bank size
- Online and mobile security factors, like two-step authentication and automatic logout
- Ability to block debit card
- Guarantee Against Unauthorized Access
- EMV chips in cards
- 24/7 customer service
Even the most secure bank can be vulnerable to problems. You need a bank that not only works to prevent problems but also works to fix problems quickly if they arise.
3. Should I also look at credit unions?
Just as most banks are insured by FDIC, the majority of credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). And like FDIC coverage, NCUA insures up to $250,000 per customer (called a "share owner"), per insured credit union, for each account ownership category.
Find an account that meets your needs
Finding the best bank involves a delicate balance of safety and functionality. You can open an account at the safest bank on the planet, but if it doesn't offer the types of services you need, you're unlikely to be happy. On the other hand, a bank that offers all the bells and whistles isn't worth much if it can't keep your deposits safe.
Before looking for a new bank, make a list of the things you hope to find. Do you want a bank branch near your home, or would you rather bank entirely online? Is the number of ATMs available important? Once you have a list in place, compare it to these banks to determine which provides services that most closely match your needs.
FAQs
-
Yes, as long as a bank is FDIC insured or a credit union has NCUA insurance in place, up to $250,000 per customer (per account) is safe. You want to see that sticker on the front door that reads "Member FDIC" or "Member NCUA," or find it listed on the FDIC or NCUA website.
-
Not necessarily. What determines a financial institution's safety is the number of security features it has in place and whether the federal government insures its deposits.
-
Not necessarily. If a financial institution has a solid plan to protect your money, it doesn't matter whether it's a regional bank or national bank. The level of security that a bank has in place determines how safe it is.
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Most online banks offer the best of both worlds -- they're FDIC-insured like your local bank, and they operate with less overhead, meaning they don't need to nickel and dime you with ridiculous junk fees. Before committing yourself to an online bank, make absolutely sure that it is FDIC insured. There are two ways to check:
- Call the FDIC toll-free to ask: 1-877-275-3342
- Use the FDIC BankFind tool to access detailed information about all FDIC-insured banks, including the online bank under consideration.
Read More: Are Online Banks Safe?
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