Choosing the right bank among the largest banks in the united states can be a daunting task, especially with the extreme lengths taken in advertising that may cloud your decision.
The right bank for you would not be the right bank for another. The facilities and features offered by each bank may be similar, but how do you choose one that’s right for you?
How do you choose the right bank?
The Covid-19 pandemic indeed questions the reliability and flexibility of all services around the globe, including banking services. Moreover, the unpredictability of such events has brought an additional factor in choosing the right bank.
Other than monthly charges, credit limits, and standing order services, given recent changes, the online and virtual platform of a bank has become of paramount importance.
Identify the ideal type of account that suits your needs?
The first step is figuring out what account you need. The main types of accounts generally facilitated are,
- Checking Account
- Savings Account
- Certificates of Deposit (CD)
- Money Market Account
To further simplify the process of choosing the proper bank account, you can check out the quiz provided by FDIC.
Compare account charges and features.
Going for banks with high charges seems unnecessary, while banks charge little to no fees. The costs to look out for are the monthly maintenance fee, ATM fees, and overdraft fees. If you are looking for a low-fee bank, online banks are a good option as they have lower operating costs, so they typically don’t charge as many fees like other banks. In addition, the specific online bank provides cardholders the benefit of withdrawing money without any payment at ATMs.
Consider the convenience of a bank branch.
Convenience and Accessibility is a vital factor in choosing the right bank. Although this issue would not arise in online banks, when opting for a bank with a physical presence, check for banks near you, and if you’re a frequent traveler, the bank with branches spread out over the country.
Compare different accounts using comparison sites.
Using comparison sites has become decidedly popular in the past few years, and you too can compare a multitude of bank accounts assessing their various features using these sites. Just make sure to double-check with the official bank website before finalizing your decision. Additionally, you can use the official Nerdwallet site to compare the types of accounts available in your area and the banks that offer such services.
Find a bank that fits your lifestyle.
The bank you choose should meet your needs. For example, if you’re entrepreneurial, you want a bank that supports you to build a business. On the other hand, if you’re trying to save more money, look for a bank that offers features to help you save money by optimizing its facilities. For example, some banks allow you to open and name separate savings accounts.
You may have a savings account for an emergency fund, one for an expenses fund, and so on. Spending patterns are something to consider as you can look for banks that have budgeting tools built into their websites or apps that make it easy to keep track of your spending and discover where your money goes.
Understand the terms and conditions
We should know what is in the fine print when we start an account. Secondly, you should be aware of the monthly service fees and learn about the possibility of waiving off them. Third, check with your bank to see whether you can receive a refund if you use an out-of-network ATM. Finally, you must make sure your savings will be federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to be safe from unforeseen circumstances.
What are the factors you need to know when choosing the right bank?
It is imperative that the bank has a significant digital presence and provides a majority of services online.
Here are some of the main factors to look out for when choosing the right bank,
- Digitization of Services
- Monthly Maintenance Charges
- Customer Service
- Credit Limits
- Remote Bill Payments
- Utility Payments
- Standing Orders
Top 10 Banks in the US
We have rounded up 10 of the best banks incorporated right here in the US by critically analyzing their services. These banks have been selected based on the facilities they offer that appeal to the different demographics of the country.
Whether you are a businessman or a college student, managing finances is something everyone faces. So life would be easier with a bank that would assist you. The top 10 national banks in the US are as follows;
1. JP Morgan Chase
Chase Bank ranked as the second bank in last year’s national J.D. Power National Bank Satisfaction Study. Not only that, it is one of two banks that received a perfect rating in the JDPower.com Power Circle Ratings. Chase stands out as the best for customer service as it has branches spread out over the country. It offers one of the most extensive networks of branch locations in the United States, with over 5,000 locations and 16,000 ATMs.
And due to its size, Chase offers accounts that anyone may need. That consists of checking, savings, credit card, mortgage, and investment accounts. Chase is one of the few financial companies that allows you to perform all of your banking in one place, which makes it easier to manage your finances.
Unfortunately, the biggest downside of Chase is that it prices its many services, charges many fees, and provides exceedingly low-interest rates on savings accounts. However, you may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by visiting their official website.
2. Ally Bank
Ally is an online-only bank that offers some of the best checking and savings account options. Due to good customer service, low fees, and high-interest rates, Ally is an excellent choice of bank. Ally’s online checking account charges little to no fees and provides a myriad of useful features.
Ally’s bank provides the best interest rates for savings accounts. In addition, all customers get access to online banking, mobile check deposits, up to a $10/month refund for other bank ATM fees, and 24/7 customer service, which does not restrict to digital assistance but a bank representative. The main drawback is that, like all online banks, you can’t make cash deposits.
Ally is probably not the ideal option for you if you often receive cash or work in a job that pays cash in hand. Other than that, Ally facilitates great account options with excellent service. You may check out the different services and facilities the bank offers by visiting their official website.
3. Bank of America
Bank of America serves about 66 million customers and small business clients worldwide. This bank also has noted for its digital innovation. In addition to that bank has more than 37 million digital customers. They have seen success since introducing Erica, a virtual assistant that helps account holders with various chores.
These revolutionary digital branches include access to contactless ATMs and connect with call centers via video-conference technology. In addition, you may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers on their official website.
4. Wells Fargo Bank
Despite being associated with multiple scandals recently, it stands out as the best bank for teenagers due to its 4,900 branches and 13,000 ATMs. Today’s teenagers are more discerning and value their independence earlier in life than the times before. Being of this mindset comes with the responsibility of being able to manage your finances.
Bank has an extensive network of ATMs and a secure place to keep money from part-time jobs. The teen checking account offered by Wells Fargo requires a $25 opening deposit but has no monthly fee.
Although it is an excellent account for new learners, it is still a real bank account with accurate fees, and account holders will have to be mindful of the prevalent overdraft fees.
Wells Fargo is following the lead of top competitors by targeting millennials through mobile banking services. Pay with Wells Fargo is a mobile service where users can access their most used payment features before signing into the app.
Greenhouse, a Wells Fargo app, also helps consumers streamline their bills and keep track of their spending. Joining the contactless payment market has also skyrocketed Wells Fargo’s position as a leading bank—especially amid the pandemic.
Contactless credit and debit cards help attract consumers who prefer digital banking, with 78 percent of the top 100 US merchants accepting contactless transactions. In addition, you may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by visiting www.wellsfargo.com.
Bonus information – Check out the best teen checking accounts in the U.S Here.
5. Citigroup
For the past four years, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has awarded Citibank the “Best Bank for High-Net-Worth Families.” Customers who have $200,000 in deposit, investment or retirement accounts are eligible for the bank’s Citigold Package. Furthermore, according to studies, the bank ranked first among consumers for digital money management tools. Citi has cemented its position as one of the finest banks in the US by offering five of the category’s seven in-app features, including the option to check recurring charges and see a financial wellness score. You may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by visiting www.citigroup.com.
6. Trust Financial Corporation
Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) and SunTrust merged to establish Trust at the end of 2019. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2019 figures, BB&T and SunTrust were ranked 11th and 12th in bank assets, respectively. However, reasonably new the bank’s services have ranked them within the top 10. The combined bank now has over 2,000 locations across 15 states and Washington, D.C., offering asset management, securities brokerage, consumer, commercial banking, insurance products, and mortgage services. You may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by visiting www.truist.com.
7. TD Bank
TD Bank is the U.S. commercial banking hand of Canada’s TD Bank Group. Deposit accounts, Mortgages, credit cards, and other services and products for commercial and small business clients are available to all customers. Because of its flexible hours, the bank is recognized as “America’s Most Convenient Bank,” with about 1,300 locations throughout the East Coast.
Due to the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technology, TD Bank has grown to become one of the central banks in the United States and has an extensive international presence.TD Bank has additionally partnered with Fintech provider Amount to leverage its digital lending technology, which comes with a suite of tools, including fraud detection and account verification. You may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by visiting www.td.com.
8. PNC Financial services
PNC Bank is a leading bank in the United States because it provides consumers with specific benefits and services while developing unique products. For example, in 2017, PNC began offering mobile payment options to corporate clients who hold Visa commercial cards—allowing them to leverage popular mobile wallets like Apple Pay. PNC also piloted credit cards with card verification values that regularly renew in 2019 to reduce fraud. Fraudsters can easily guess three-digit CVV codes due to the limited number of options, but sometimes changing CVVs makes stolen data less valuable. You may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers via www.pnc.com.
9. Bank of New York Mellon Corp
BNY Mellon, or Bank of New York Mellon, is an investment banking services holding company and one of the United States’ oldest banking firms. This bank was formed from the 2007 merger of The Bank of New York and the Mellon Financial Corporation; BNY Mellon currently holding Assets of $383.94 billion, offers corporate and individual investment services and private banking services for wealthy people clients. When the New York Stock Exchange opened in 1792, the Bank of New York was traded. Currently, Bank of New York Mellon is an investment firm that works with a variety of businesses and institutions, and individual investors. You may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers via www.bnymellon.com.
10. Capital One Bank
Both the 360 Savings accounts and Capital One 360 Checking are best-in-class. Capital One is a top overall bank and an excellent pick for millennials thanks to low costs, acceptable interest rates, and a focus on a high-tech experience. It ranked No. 1 in last year’s national J.D. Power National Bank Satisfaction Study. This is an excellent choice if you hate fees. In the event of an overdraft, you can choose to have it funded from a linked account or turned down automatically for no cost. Further, this bank offers free ATM use at Capital One and Allpoint ATMs. The accounts such as 360 Savings and 360 Checking offer some of the most acceptable interest rates in the business with no minimum balance or activity requirements. In addition, you may check out the other services and facilities the bank offers by clicking on www.capitalone.com.
Conclusion
So prioritize your own needs and not just other’s advice on their preferred banking services. Whether you require the essential banking services of an individual or a more complex banking partner for a business, the above list should help narrow down your choices!
