Best Banks in California

Are you in California and searching for a new bank? Finding one is easy with this helpful guide to the best banks and credit unions in California.

Member FDIC

HSBC Premier - Up to $5,000

It's easy. The more you fund, the more you earn.

Discover all that Premier can do for you

• Earn our best savings rate with a Premier Relationship Savings account for an introductory period and thereafter if you qualify
• Send money internationally, securely, quickly and fee-free in the HSBC mobile app with our award-winning HSBC Global Money Transfers
• Enjoy peace of mind with unique travel benefits available through our credit cards

Here's how the offer works

1. Open a Premier checking account by June 30, 2026
2. Add your desired level of deposits and/or eligible investments within 20 days
   • Get $1,500: Deposit or invest $150,000 to $249,999
   • Get $2,500: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
   • Get $3,500: Deposit or invest $500,000 to $999,999
   • Get $5,000: Deposit or invest $1,000,000+
3. Maintain your balances for 3 full consecutive months
4. Remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails

If all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid within 8 weeks.

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Expires 6/30/2026

Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® - Up to $500 Bonus Offer

• New checking customers only: Get a bonus offer up to $500 after completing qualifying transactions. See offer page for more details
• Bank of America N.A. Member FDIC.

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Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus

• New Chase checking customers can receive $400 when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
• Unlock more offers with Chase. Get up to $500 per calendar year by referring friends and family. Plus, get cash back from top brands with Chase Offers when you use your debit card.
• Chase Total Checking^® has a $15 monthly service fee, you can easily avoid the fee with direct deposits totaling $500 or more, or a minimum average daily balance each statement period.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
• Chase Mobile^® app makes banking simple. Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks on the go with Chase Quick Deposit℠.
• Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. with thousands of ATMs and branches. Use the Chase locator tool to find a branch or ATM near you.
• Chase helps keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
• Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Open an Account

Expires 7/15/2026

Banking in the Golden State?

You may be wondering if you're getting the best features, rates, and service that you could be. Luckily, this guide can help you find your ideal bank.

Below, review the best banks and credit unions in California for savings, checking, and more.

Savings Accounts You May Like

Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.10% APY Boost

With 6 month boost, you earn:

Tier	Boost APY
Balance over $5,000	4.10%*
Balance less than $5,000	0.60%*

After boost is completed, you will continue to earn our best standard rates:

Tier	APY
Balance over $5,000	3.75%1
Balance less than $5,000	0.25%1

• Needs to use promo code to qualify: CITBoost
• Boost lasts 6 months over standard APY
• Tiered account
• $100 minimum account opening
• Member FDIC
• No Monthly Service fees
• No account opening fees

Get APY Boost Promotion

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Expires 6/30/2026

Disclosures

Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance.

*APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of January 9, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.

For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.

High-Yield Savings Account - Up to $1,200 Bonus

New customers only. Earn up to a $1,200 bonus.

1. Enter promo code SUMMER26 at sign-up and deposit a total of $10,000 or more within 14 days to secure your base cash bonus and unlock the optional recurring deposit reward.
2. To earn an additional reward, schedule two or more recurring deposits within your first 90 days. You are eligible for a maximum additional bonus based on your deposit tier, allowing you to choose your matching recurring bonus tier or any tier below it.
3. Maintain your balance for 90 days. Once all promotional requirements are met, your total combined cash bonus will be credited to your account within 30 days.

Qualifying Deposit	Welcome Bonus	Bonus Boost	Total Bonus
$10,000 - $24,999	$50	+$10	$60
$25,000 - $49,999	$125	+$25	$150
$50,000 - $99,999	$250	+$50	$300
$100,000 - $199,999	$500	+100	$600
$200,000 or more	$1,000	+200	$1,200

Get Deal

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Expires 6/30/2026

High-Yield Savings Premier - 3.80% APY

• No account fees
• Option to open individual or joint account
• FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor
• Only $500 minimum opening deposit

The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of January 8, 2026 and subject to change at the Bank's discretion. Refer to product's website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY. Member FDIC

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8 Best Banks in California

We looked at a variety of factors to find the best banks in California, including accounts offered, interest rates, and convenience.

Choosing the right bank is a decision that you shouldn't make lightly. Your bank is a major part of your financial future, and it will impact your everyday life. Find your ideal bank below.

Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® - Up to $500 Bonus Offer

• New checking customers only: Get a bonus offer up to $500 after completing qualifying transactions. See offer page for more details
• Bank of America N.A. Member FDIC.

Learn More

Member FDIC

Chase Secure Banking℠ - $125 Bonus

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $125 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
• Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early—exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
• No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
• Unauthorized purchases on your debit card? Let us know right away. With Zero Liability Protection with Chase Secure Banking℠ we'll reimburse you for charges you didn't make.
• $0 Monthly Service Fee for customers age 17-24.
• Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle^® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
• Chase makes it easy for you to access your money from anywhere with the Chase Mobile^® app, plus thousands of ATMs and branches.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Get $125 Coupon

Expires 7/15/2026

Bank of America: Best National Bank

If online banking isn't your thing, you'll find a lot to like about Bank of America, one of the largest national banks in the U.S.

Convenience and access are some of the biggest perks to working with a national bank. Bank of America has nearly 450 financial centers across California, which means it's easy to find an ATM when you need one, and get access to in-person help.

Their savings APY won't be as high as you'll find at an online bank, but they do offer a wide range of other products, including credit cards, home and auto loans, and investing through Merrill.

Wells Fargo: Best for Small Business

If Bank of America isn't right for you, but you're still interested in choosing a major US bank, consider Wells Fargo, our top pick for small business owners in California. With over 1,000 branches in the Golden State, Wells Fargo offers convenient access no matter where you are.

Wells Fargo provides customers a full array of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, investing and wealth management services, credit cards, home and auto loans, and plenty more.

And according to the Small Business Association (SBA), Wells Fargo is one of the nation's top lenders to small businesses,^[1] with transparent interest rates on their loans.

Chase: Best for Checking

If convenient checking is your priority, Chase is a bank worth your consideration. Chase takes a two-pronged approach to offering their customers the most convenient access to their money.

On the one hand, Chase has nearly 900 branches in California, meaning that there's always a branch not too far away. And on the other hand, Chase's easy-to-use mobile banking app, which is one of the best in the industry.

The app means you can track your activity, send and receive money, pay bills, deposit checks, and more, all from the comfort of your phone. But if you ever do need to visit a branch, you're sure to find one nearby.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 7/15/2026

• New Chase checking customers can receive $400 when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
• Unlock more offers with Chase. Get up to $500 per calendar year by referring friends and family. Plus, get cash back from top brands with Chase Offers when you use your debit card.
• Chase Total Checking^® has a $15 monthly service fee, you can easily avoid the fee with direct deposits totaling $500 or more, or a minimum average daily balance each statement period.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
• Chase Mobile^® app makes banking simple. Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks on the go with Chase Quick Deposit℠.
• Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. with thousands of ATMs and branches. Use the Chase locator tool to find a branch or ATM near you.
• Chase helps keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
• Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Member FDIC

Chase Secure Banking℠ - $125 Bonus

Get $125 Coupon

Expires 7/15/2026

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $125 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
• Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early—exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
• No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
• Unauthorized purchases on your debit card? Let us know right away. With Zero Liability Protection with Chase Secure Banking℠ we'll reimburse you for charges you didn't make.
• $0 Monthly Service Fee for customers age 17-24.
• Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle^® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
• Chase makes it easy for you to access your money from anywhere with the Chase Mobile^® app, plus thousands of ATMs and branches.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Up to $3,000 Bonus

Get Upgrade Code

Expires 7/15/2026

• Elevate your banking relationship and enjoy a bonus up to $3,000 when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
• Personalized banking made easier with premium benefits, 24/7 support and access to your banking and investment accounts in one place in the Chase Mobile^® app.
• Earn $1,000 when you deposit $150,000 or earn $2,000 when you deposit $250,000 or earn $3,000 when you deposit $500,000+.
• Get up to a $3,000 bonus when you open or upgrade to a Chase Private Client account, a premium checking account which provides you with a dedicated banker and receive investing guidance from J.P. Morgan Wealth Management to help you reach your financial goals.
• Receive personalized wealth strategies from a J.P. Morgan advisor. Your J.P. Morgan advisor gets to know you, your family and your goals to build a custom financial strategy and investment portfolio that reflects your evolving priorities.
• Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, may be subject to approval. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

BMO: Best Regional Bank

For Californians looking for a big bank with a local touch, consider our pick for the best regional bank in California, BMO (formerly Bank of the West). BMO operates more than 220 branches in California, mostly in Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Bay Area.

Expect all of the same quality service from BMO that you would from their larger national competitors. The BMO Smart Advantage Checking has no monthly fee. They also offer a range of savings accounts, credit cards, and lending services.

And on top of that, they've been named one of the world's most ethical banks. They're committed to environmentally-friendly practices and inclusive banking for all communities.

U.S. Bank: Best Customer Service

For those who value customer service and a quality banking experience over all else, U.S. Bank is a strong contender.

U.S. Bank operates over 460 branches in California, meaning that while it doesn't have quite as many locations as the biggest banks it's competing with, customers around the state shouldn't have too much trouble finding a branch if they need one.

A dedication to customer service means that U.S. Bank representatives are available at all hours, day or night, every day of the week, either by phone or via social media.

Plenty of other banks still want their customers to abide by banking hours, but as many of us know, problems don't always occur conveniently between 9am and 5pm. U.S. Bank makes sure that you're taken care of no matter what time it is.

Golden 1 Credit Union: Best Credit Union

Typically, credit unions offer a smaller range of services than banks, but they make up for it in lower costs. Our pick for the best credit union in California is Golden 1 Credit Union.

While many credit unions have stringent location or background requirements for joining, Golden 1 Credit Union is open to join for all California residents and employees, and the minimum deposit is just $1.00.

There's no monthly service fee with Golden 1, and in terms of convenience, it ranks highly compared to others, with more locations around the state than many of its popular competitors (over 70 branches at time of writing).

While there are only 240 Golden 1 Credit Union ATMs in California, members also have access to 30,000 CO-OP ATMs nationwide, meaning it shouldn't be too hard to find a place to withdraw or deposit cash.

The APY on their savings account won't compete with online banks like Ally, and interest compounds monthly instead of daily. However, if you maintain a balance of $10,000 or more, you can earn a higher APY with Golden 1.

Citibank: Best for Savings and Checking

While Citibank doesn't have the most branches in the state, they do have over 600, meaning you shouldn't struggle to find a branch near you. And as a new Citibank customer, you can easily find bonuses and promotions when you sign up for an account.

Citibank has a wide range of options, each with its own perks, rewards, and fees.

Ally Bank: Best Online Bank

If you prefer digital banking, Ally Bank is a great pick. As an online-only bank, they offer a wide range of products like checking, savings, credit cards, and loans. They're also known for their competitive rates, making them a smart choice to grow your savings.

Though they lack physical branches in the US, customers can access over 43,000 no-fee Allpoint ATMs, making money easily accessible. Their online and mobile banking platform is top-notch, with user-friendly features and effective money management tools.

Moreover, they provide 24/7 customer service, ensuring you can reach them anytime and from anywhere.

How to Choose the Best Bank in California

Just like you're laying down roots in California, your money also needs a financial home. Here's what to consider when choosing the right bank:

Accessibility
Convenience is key. Choose a bank with branches close to your home and work, so you have easy access to ATMs and in-person support.

Checking and savings accounts
Pick a bank with the accounts and features you need. For example, some banks' checking accounts may have overdraft assistance or free budgeting tools.

Monthly fees
Some banks (especially traditional banks) charge a monthly fee unless you maintain a certain minimum balance or meet other criteria. This doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, as long as you can easily meet the requirements.

Additional services
Looking for more than banking? Banks usually also offer credit cards, loans, investment tools, and small business products. Look into the bank's other services if you want a one-stop-shop.

Types of Banks in California

Below are the different types of banks you'll find in California:

National banks
The banks with the largest presence in California include major names like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

These national banks, chartered and supervised by the U.S. Treasury, offer a wide range of financial products, including banking, credit cards, loans, and investments.

Regional banks
In addition to major banks, California has smaller regional banks. These institutions serve specific areas with fewer branches but offer more personalized services to customers.

Online banks
Online banks offer financial services just like traditional banks, but without physical locations. You handle everything through their website or mobile app, and you can withdraw cash at ATMs.

Since they don't have the cost of maintaining branches, online banks can provide higher interest rates, no service fees, and fewer balance requirements.

Credit unions
Credit unions offer services similar to banks, like checking and savings accounts, but prioritize members over profit. They are member-owned, resulting in higher savings rates and lower loan rates.

However, credit unions often have membership requirements and may offer fewer services and slower tech adoption compared to banks.

Tips on Banking in California

Here are some tips to make your banking experience in California easier and more enjoyable:

1. Explore options
   Compare rates and fees among California's many banks to find the best one for you.

2. Choose convenience
   Opt for an online bank if you prefer digital banking or a traditional bank for in-person services.

3. Ask questions
   Don't hesitate to contact the bank by phone, visit a branch, or check their website if you have any inquiries.

Bottom Line

Residents of California have plenty of excellent options when it comes to choosing a new bank or credit union.

For those looking for the widest access and national coverage, Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo deliver well. If the environment is your main priority, consider eco-friendly BMO.

Citibank has excellent options for those looking for a diverse array of banking services, and if you prefer a credit union over a bank, Golden 1 Credit Union offers relatively easy access and low rates compared to banks.

References