Best Banks in California
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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.
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Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 07/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks from almost anywhere.
- 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*
- Help 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.
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus
- Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
BMO Smart Advantage Checking account - Earn $400 Cash Bonus*
$400 cash bonus* when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening between 5/5/25 - 9/8/25. *Conditions Apply. Accounts are subject to approval and available in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
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.
High-Yield Savings Account - 4.32% APY
- $1 minimum deposit
- No fees
- 24/7 online access to funds
- FDIC insured
CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 4.00% APY
- 4.00% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
- 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus
To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY325 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.
What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 09/11/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.
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.
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 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.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $60 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new eligible business checking customers only.
- Offer expires 12/31/2025.
- To qualify, deposit $5,000 or more in New Money* directly into a new eligible Bank of America Business Advantage Banking account within thirty (30) days of account opening.
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 in that new Business Advantage Banking account during the Maintenance Period**.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *New Money is new funds deposited into your business checking account that are not transfers from other Bank of America deposit accounts or
Merrill investment accounts.
- ** The Maintenance Period begins thirty-one (31) calendar days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
U.S. Bank Business Essentials - $400 Bonus
Promo code Q3AFL25 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Business Essentials or Platinum Business Checking account. Limit of one bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.
Earn your $400 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Business Essentials account between 7/1/2025 and 9/30/2025. You must make deposit(s) of at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $5,000 until the 60th day after account opening. You must also complete 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening.
Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, ACH credits, Wire Transfer credits and debits, Zelle credits and debits, U.S. Bank Mobile Check Deposit or Bill Pay. Other transactions such as (but not limited to) other Person to Person payments, transfers to credit card or transfers between U.S. Bank accounts are not eligible.
New money is considered money that is new to U.S. Bank. Funds must come from outside U.S. Bank and cannot be transferred from another U.S. Bank product or a U.S. Bank Affiliate. For accounts opened on non-business days, weekends or federal holidays, the open date is considered the next business day. Account fees (e.g., monthly maintenance, paper statement fee, etc.) could reduce the qualifying daily balance, therefore you must make deposit(s) to cover the fees to maintain the daily balance during the qualifying period to be awarded the bonus. Refer to the Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information Document for a list of fees.
Bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank Business Checking account within 30 days following the last calendar day of the month you complete all of the offer requirements, as long as the account is open and has a positive available balance.
Offer may not be combined with any other business checking account bonus offers. Existing customers (businesses) with a business checking account or customers (businesses) who had an account in the last 12 months, do not qualify.
All regular account-opening procedures apply. For a comprehensive list of checking account pricing, terms and policies, reference your Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information and YDAA disclosure. These documents can be obtained by contacting a U.S. Bank branch or calling 800.872.2657.
Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Current U.S. Bank employees are not eligible. U.S. Bank reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Member FDIC
BMO Smart Money Checking account - Earn $400 Cash Bonus*
$400 cash bonus* when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening between 5/5/25 - 9/8/25. *Conditions Apply. Accounts are subject to approval and available in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
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 branches 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.
As for checking, their Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® is a great start for students and young adults, with monthly service fee waived for those under 25 years old, or when you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or more in your account, and no overdraft fees.
Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® offers overdraft protection and will waive the $12 monthly fee for fulfilling a few simple requirements.
The Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® will even earn interest, monthly service fee is waived when you maintain a minimum daily balance of $20,000 in your account during each statement cycle.
You can also avoid monthly maintenance fees for qualifying Bank of America checking and savings accounts by being a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 07/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
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 nations top lenders to small businesses,[1] with transparent interest rates on their loans.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus
- Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
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, 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.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks from almost anywhere.
- 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*
- Help 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.
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 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.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $60 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase College Checking℠ - $125 Bonus
- Enjoy $125 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
- $0 Monthly Service Fee while in school up to the expected graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old.
- Wire funds internationally using the Chase Mobile® app or chase.com. Send money to recipients around the world with multiple currency options. Fees apply.
- Keep track of your money with confidence and control in the Chase Mobile® app. The Chase Mobile app helps you bank securely and conveniently from anywhere.
- With Zelle®, you can send and receive money with people and businesses you know and trust who have an eligible account at a participating U.S. bank.
- With Fraud Monitoring, Chase may notify you of unusual debit card purchases and with Zero Liability Protection you won't be held responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases when reported promptly.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Up to $3,000 Bonus
- You're eligible for up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
- Speak with a Private Client Banker to open your Chase Private Client Checking℠ account today. Schedule your meeting at your nearest branch to get started.
- Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker and 24/7 access to a U.S. based banking service line.
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. - No fees at Chase and non-Chase ATMs worldwide.
- No Chase fee on incoming or outgoing wire transfers.
- Get higher limits on Chase Private Client debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, as well as higher Zelle® and Chase QuickDeposit℠ limits.
- Relationship rates which may make you eligible for a 0.25% auto loan rate discount, and access to events, including cultural and sporting events, family experiences, and financial seminars.
- Enhance your relationship with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management and partner 1:1 with a dedicated J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor who can create a personalized financial strategy and custom investment portfolio. Get a holistic view of your banking and investing, and make seamless transfers between accounts with the Chase Mobile® app.
- Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
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: •
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 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.
Yes, BMO acquired Bank of the West in February 2023.[2] This increased BMO's footprint to 32 states (22 states with in-person branches) and more than 1,000 branches in the US. BMO is currently one of the top 15 banks in America by assets.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking account - Earn $400 Cash Bonus*
$400 cash bonus* when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening between 5/5/25 - 9/8/25. *Conditions Apply. Accounts are subject to approval and available in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
BMO Smart Money Checking account - Earn $400 Cash Bonus*
$400 cash bonus* when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening between 5/5/25 - 9/8/25. *Conditions Apply. Accounts are subject to approval and available in the U.S. by BMO Bank N.A. Member FDIC
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.
Online Savings Account - 3.50% APY
$0 minimum opening deposit. No minimum balance requirement. No fees to open or maintain account.
Money Market - 3.50% APY
- 3.50% APY
- Unlimited deposits and ATM withdrawals, and up to 10 additional transactions
- $10/month rebate for ATMs outside of Ally Network
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- $0 monthly fee
- FDIC insured
- Daily compounding interest
Interest Checking
- 0.10% APY for daily balances less than $15,000
- 0.25% APY for daily balance over $15,000
- $10/month rebate for ATMs outside of Ally Network
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- No fees to open or maintain account
- FDIC insured
- Daily compounding interest
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:
- Explore options
Compare rates and fees among California's many banks to find the best one for you. - Choose convenience
Opt for an online bank if you prefer digital banking or a traditional bank for in-person services. - 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 Bank of the West.
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
- ^ U.S. Small Business Administration. 100 most active SBA 7(a) lenders, Retrieved 08/12/2024
- ^ BMO Capital Markets. BMO Completes Acquisition of Bank of the West, Retrieved 2/29/2024
Jeremy Harshman is a creative assistant at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Jeremy Harshman at jeremy.harshman@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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