Texas, with its rich history and diverse economy, is a hub for a variety of banking institutions. Choosing the right bank is crucial for achieving your financial aspirations, whether you’re opening a new checking account or considering a switch. Each bank in Texas offers a unique blend of services, from national banks offering a wide network to local community banks that excel in personalized service.
12 Best Banks in Texas
We have compiled a list of the 12 best banks in Texas, each providing distinct benefits, features, and services to cater to different financial requirements. Whether you’re in search of accounts with high-yield savings, low fees, or advanced online banking capabilities, our guide will help you find the ideal bank in Texas for your financial needs.
Frost Bank, renowned for its exceptional customer service, has earned the top ranking in Texas by J.D. Power for 14 consecutive years. This accolade highlights its commitment to customer satisfaction and accessibility, with tools like a 24/7 helpline available to both customers and non-customers.
At Frost Bank, customers can choose from various financial products. The Frost Personal Account and Frost Plus Account offer convenient checking options, while the Personal Savings Account delivers a 1% APY. Notably, its one-year CD boasts a 4.3% APY.
The bank’s dedication extends beyond traditional banking with a range of loans, including personal, auto, home equity, and mortgage loans.
With competitive rates, easily waived service fees, and an unwavering focus on customer needs, Frost Bank continues to be a leading financial institution in Texas.
SoFi is a frontrunner in online banking. The organization has made a significant impact in Texas with its high-yield banking services.
It offers a remarkable 4.60% APY on savings accounts, alongside a competitive 0.50% APY on checking balances, ensuring Texans maximize their financial growth. Additionally, SoFi provides the reassurance of FDIC insurance up to $2 million, safeguarding customer deposits.
One of SoFi’s standout features is its commitment to a no-fee banking experience. Customers enjoy zero account, overdraft, or monthly fees.
This is further enhanced by access to a network of over 55,000 ATMs nationwide. The convenience continues with early paycheck access and the opportunity for customers to earn up to $250 through direct deposit.
SoFi also offers a unique perk of up to 15% cashback at select local merchants when using the SoFi debit card. This combination of high-yield savings, customer-centric features, and rewards makes SoFi a distinguished choice among Texas banking options.
With 8 branches across Texas, including in Austin, Cedar Park, Dallas, Frisco, Houston, Round Rock, Sugar Land, and West Lake Hills, First Citizens Bank is well-positioned to serve the financial needs of Texans. These branches, along with its ATM network, are strategically located in key areas for accessibility and convenience.
First Citizens Bank is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of financial services, catering to various customer requirements.
It offers an array of personal banking solutions, including savings and checking accounts, credit card options, and mortgages, addressing every aspect of personal finance.
Moreover, First Citizens Bank goes beyond individual banking needs to offer extensive business and commercial services.
As a trusted financial advisor, the bank excels in wealth management, offering guidance in retirement planning and investment strategies, helping clients secure their financial future.
Founded in 1901 in Killeen, Texas, First National Bank of Texas operates over 340 locations, including 293 in Texas. The bank offers a broad range of personal banking solutions, emphasizing convenience and financial empowerment.
Customers can choose from various checking accounts, each designed to suit different needs. The bank also encourages financial growth with savings accounts and CDs, fostering a culture of saving and smart financial planning.
For the digitally inclined, First National Bank of Texas offers mobile wallet options and a comprehensive digital banking platform, ensuring easy management of finances anytime, anywhere.
Business customers also benefit from tailored checking accounts, card products, and digital banking services, making it a go-to bank for both personal and commercial banking needs.
Texas Capital Bank, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, extends its reach with branches in every major city in the state and through its online division, Bask Bank. Known for its personalized approach to banking, the bank offers a variety of services to meet the financial needs of its customers.
Texas Capital Bank features Star and Star Plus Checking accounts that combine interest-earning capabilities with the convenience of digital banking, supported by exceptional customer service.
Their savings and money market accounts provide competitive interest rates, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly service fees, ensuring ease and flexibility for customers.
In addition to these accounts, the bank offers the Star Certificates of Deposit, which come with flexible terms, and credit cards that include rewarding benefits. The bank’s personal lending options are diverse, encompassing personal loans and lines of credit, tailored to fit the various financial goals of its clients.
With its blend of modern banking solutions and a commitment to individualized service, Texas Capital Bank stands out as a leading financial institution for Texans looking for a full range of banking services.
Alliant Credit Union was founded in 1935, and is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. with over 600,000 members. Renowned for its online banking services, Alliant offers a range of financial products accessible nationwide.
Alliant’s high-yield checking account features no overdraft or monthly service fees and access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs. Its high-rate savings account significantly surpasses the national average, coupled with the option for multiple supplemental savings accounts.
For personal finance, Alliant provides competitive rates on personal loans, with terms up to 5 years and auto loans with terms up to 84 months. Their comprehensive mortgage options cater to various needs, including conventional and government-backed loans.
With accolades for its savings and checking combo and low account fees, Alliant Credit Union stands out as a top choice for digital-first banking, combining convenience with a wide array of financial services.
Bank of America, a national bank with an extensive network, operates numerous branches throughout Texas, supported by a vast array of ATMs nationwide. The bank’s mobile app enhances the customer experience with features like easy check deposits and bill payments, facilitating banking on the go.
Customers in Texas can select from multiple checking accounts at Bank of America, with minimum deposits ranging from $25 to $100.
These accounts come with monthly maintenance fees between $0 and $25, but there are several ways to waive these fees, making banking more accessible. Additionally, the accounts are designed to offer multiple options for avoiding overdraft fees.
Apart from checking accounts, Bank of America provides a wide range of financial products. These include savings accounts, various credit card options, and diverse loan services, encompassing home and auto loans. This variety ensures that customers can find financial solutions that cater to their individual needs, whether for personal or business purposes.
With its combination of nationwide accessibility, digital convenience, and a broad spectrum of financial products, Bank of America stands as a key player in Texas’s banking scene, offering solutions that cater to a diverse clientele.
Chase Bank offers various checking accounts, including the popular Chase Total Checking® for essential banking needs, Chase Secure Banking℠ with no overdraft fees, and Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ that offers more benefits and savings on various services.
These accounts are supported by a network of more than 15,000 ATMs and over 4,700 branches, offering extensive accessibility. They come with flexible options regarding minimum deposits and monthly service fees, which can be waived under certain conditions.
Customers also enjoy the convenience of Chase Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Zelle® for quick transactions.
For savings, Chase presents the Chase Savings℠ account, a simple yet effective way to start saving for future goals. This account is part of Chase’s commitment to providing accessible savings options to its customers.
In addition to checking and savings accounts, Chase Bank extends its services to include credit cards with various rewards, mortgages with helpful tools like payment calculators, and auto financing options.
For business clients, Chase for Business offers specialized services such as business checking, small business loans, business credit cards, and merchant services.
Through these offerings, Chase Bank caters to a wide spectrum of financial needs, balancing the convenience of digital banking with the reliability of a vast physical network, making it a versatile choice for banking in Texas.
Texas Trust Credit Union offers various checking accounts to suit different needs. Their Bonus Checking account includes unique features like cell phone insurance and telehealth services, with a flexible monthly subscription fee.
Power Checking caters to those seeking interest on larger deposits, providing additional perks like free safe deposit boxes and wire transfers. For a straightforward banking experience, Easy Checking presents a no-frills, fee-free option.
In the realm of savings, Texas Trust Credit Union provides the Share Savings Account, encompassing regular, holiday, health, and child’s savings accounts. They also offer Certificates of Deposit with interest accrued monthly and Money Market accounts that combine competitive rates with liquidity.
Credit card options at Texas Trust include the low-interest Platinum Mastercard and a Secured Card, both designed to facilitate everyday purchases and aid in building credit. These cards come with introductory APR offers and the opportunity to earn rewards points.
Additionally, Texas Trust Credit Union extends its services to include personal, vehicle, and home loans, offering financial solutions that cater to a range of needs and circumstances.
Woodforest National Bank offers several checking account options. The bank’s Bonus Checking account provides unique features like cell phone insurance, overdraft protection, and telehealth services, with a $25 minimum to open and a monthly fee that can be reduced.
Power Checking is an interest-bearing account for larger balances, providing additional benefits and requiring no monthly subscription fee for maintaining a certain balance. Easy Checking is a straightforward, no-fee account, ideal for those seeking basic banking services.
In the savings department, Woodforest offers the Emerald Elite Account and the Big Account, both designed to provide competitive money market rates with flexible access to funds. These accounts do not require a daily minimum balance to earn interest and have a low minimum opening amount.
Woodforest National Bank also offers various loans. These include home improvement loans tailored to individual requirements, ReLi® Unsecured and Secured Lines of Credit for various borrowing needs, and mortgage loans in collaboration with the nation’s largest mortgage lender. Additionally, they offer automobile loans with fixed rates and flexible terms for new or used vehicles.
Cadence Bank has over 400 branches in the South, and stands as one of the top 50 largest banks in the United States. It has a strong presence in Texas, operating 85 branches across 59 cities and towns.
Headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Houston, Texas, the bank also serves Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Cadence Bank offers various financial and banking solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of clients, from individual consumers to businesses and large corporations.
The bank offers five tiers of checking accounts, including an interest-earning account with a minimum opening balance of $1,000 or an interest-earning account for seniors age 62+, that requires just $50 to open.
Cadence also has four different savings accounts, including one for kids. Of particular note is the bank’s 5.25% APY 8-month CD.
The bank’s financial products extend to credit cards, loans, and lines of credit, including mortgage services for homebuyers and refinancers, and insurance products, ensuring a full suite of services to meet every banking need.
Wells Fargo stands out as a leading financial institution in Texas, with a vast presence that includes over 600 branches and numerous ATMs throughout the state. This bank offers a comprehensive range of products and services, encompassing checking and savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and mortgage loans.
Customers have the option to select from various checking account types at Wells Fargo. These include basic, fee-free checking accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, and specially designed accounts for teenagers and young adults.
On the savings front, Wells Fargo provides several options, such as goal-oriented savings accounts and high-yield savings accounts, catering to different saving goals and needs.
For those who prefer traditional banking, Wells Fargo’s extensive branch network is readily accessible. However, the bank also strongly focuses on digital convenience, offering robust online and mobile banking platforms.
Additional features include Zelle for quick and easy money transfers and an efficient online bill payment system, enhancing the overall banking experience for its customers.
Types of Banks in Texas
Selecting the ideal bank in Texas hinges on your personal preferences and banking needs. The state offers a variety of choices, including large national banks, regional banks, community banks, online-only banks, and credit unions. Below is a breakdown of what each type offers:
National Banks
National banks have a significant presence in the major cities across Texas. These banks, known for their extensive range of services, cater to a diverse clientele. Examples of national banks operating in Texas include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, and Citibank.
Regional Banks
Regional banks in Texas have branches in specific areas of the U.S. Typically mid-sized, they offer a balanced array of personal and business banking products. Some regional banks in Texas are Frost Bank, Cadence Bank, Prosperity Bank, and Comerica Bank.
Community banks, smaller in scale, cater specifically to local areas within Texas. They are known for their personal touch and community involvement. Examples of community banks in the state include Texas Capital Bank, Independent Bank, and PlainsCapital Bank.
Online Banks
Online banks operate without physical branches in Texas but provide comprehensive banking services via the internet and mobile platforms. Their lower operational costs often translate into more competitive interest rates and lower fees. For those comfortable with digital banking, options like Ally Bank, Simple, and Discover Bank offer excellent services.
Credit Unions
Credit unions in Texas are member-centric organizations, often providing better interest rates and lower fees than traditional banks. They focus on personalized service and community engagement. Notable credit unions in Texas include Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Texas Dow Employees Credit Union.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Texas
Selecting the top banks in Texas requires careful consideration of several factors relevant to your unique financial needs and habits. Consider these important aspects:
Financial products and services: Look for a bank that meets your specific financial needs, offering a wide array of products and services, such as personal and business banking, credit cards, and mortgage loans.
Fees and charges: Examine the fees and charges for different services. Opt for a bank that offers low or no fees for basic services to help reduce your expenses.
Branch and ATM accessibility: Consider the location of the bank’s branches and ATMs in Texas, especially their proximity to your home or workplace.
Customer service: Evaluate the quality of customer service, including the bank’s responsiveness, availability of personalized services, and feedback from other customers.
Digital capabilities: Assess the bank’s online banking and mobile app for secure and convenient banking experiences.
Community engagement and reputation: Consider the bank’s involvement in community initiatives and its overall reputation in the Texas market to choose a bank with a positive community impact.
Remember, the best bank for you should align with your financial habits and goals, offering effective tools and services for your financial management.
Bottom Line
In reviewing the best banks in Texas, the spectrum ranges from large national banks to smaller community banks, innovative online platforms, and member-focused credit unions.
When choosing a bank in Texas, consider factors like branch availability, product offerings, and associated fees. By identifying your priorities, whether it’s cutting-edge banking technology, strong community connections, or exceptional customer service, you can find the ideal banking partner.
