Updated August 24, 2024

Best Banks in Texas

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Looking for the right bank in Texas? Don't miss this helpful guide to the best banks in the Lone Star State. Read on to see which is right for you.

Texans have their own unique needs and requirements when it comes to banking.

But how do you choose the right bank with so many options out there?

This helpful guide will make finding the right bank in Texas quick and easy. Keep reading to see which one suits you best.

The Best Banks in Texas

To identify the best banks in Texas, we looked at a variety of important factors. Things we considered include what services they offer, their size and the number of branches they have, their reputation, and more.

Make sure to review the entire list to avoid missing out on the bank that fits you best.

Wells Fargo: Best Overall

While it may be a bit of a cliche at this point to say that people like things big in Texas, when it comes to banking, sometimes there's something to be said for going with big. And its size is one of the reasons we think Wells Fargo is the best choice overall for banking in Texas.

Why? Wells Fargo has 650 branches in Texas, along with 1,200 ATMs. That means that no matter where you are in the Lone Star State, wide as it may be, you'll always have access to your money as a Wells Fargo customer.

And going with a big bank has other perks too. Wells Fargo offers a range of personal banking services, from checking and savings accounts to home and auto loans, as well as being a top small business lender, according to the Small Business Association (SBA).[1]

Chase: Best for Checking

Branches aren't all that make a bank, though Chase does have a lot of them--with over 200 locations in Texas, and over 600 ATMs. Not quite as many as Wells Fargo, but still an impressive number.

What makes Chase our top pick for checking in Texas is its extensive range of locations in combination with its sleek, easy-to-use mobile app. Because while Chase has done an excellent job of providing physical access, they have really focused on a smooth digital experience as well.

In addition to managing your checking account through the Chase app, you can send and receive money, pay bills, deposit checks, and plenty more.

If you'd prefer a credit union rather than a traditional bank, our pick is the Rally Credit Union. This Hispanic-American-owned credit union is only available to those who live, work, or go to school in South Texas county, with 22 branches across the state.

Through the Co-Op Shared Network, you get access to 30,000 free ATMs, and NavyArmy offers unlimited reimbursements on banking fees for out-of-network ATM transactions, as long as you meet their APY requirements.

If you're interested in signing up, it costs $25 to open a savings account with NavyArmy Credit Union, or $45 for both checking and savings.[2] Plus, you can earn a generous APY on balances under $25k if you meet the requirements of their Liberty Checking Account. The minimum deposit is $20.

PNC Bank: Best for Checking and Savings

If you're looking for a bank that has outstanding options for both checking and savings, consider PNC Bank, which currently ranks as the sixth-largest financial institution in the state.[3]

There is no minimum deposit to open a PNC Bank Standard Savings Account.

PNC does charge a $5 monthly service fee for a Standard Savings Account, but you can get it waived in several ways, such as keeping a minimum of $300 in your account. The fee is also waived for customers under 18.

PNC High Yield Savings account offers a competitive rate but is only available to certain markets. Their standard savings account interest rates are fairly low, so if you're looking for higher interest, you might consider a high-yield savings account with another bank.

With their online checking account, the PNC Bank Virtual Wallet, you can easily track deposits to your account, when you need to pay bills, and get warnings when you're at risk of overdrawing.

Note: According to customers, PNC's online support leaves something to be desired, as it's limited to certain hours during the work week. But if you'd like in-person support, you can always visit one of their branches.

GECU: Best Community Financial Institution

GECU is a Texas-based credit union built to serve the Hispanic American community primarily in El Paso, where they've got 20+ branches. To join, you or a family member will need to live or work in El Paso County, Hudspeth County, or Dona Ana County.

They are CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) certified, as well as a Juntos Avanzamos designated credit union, which means they're recognized as serving community residents regardless of income or immigration status.

Instead of a Social Security number, it's possible to join with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)[4] and they consider permanent resident cards, foreign passports, and Matricula Consular as valid forms of photo ID. Their minimum deposit is $20.

Their savings APY is relatively low and requires a daily minimum balance of $100. Higher rates of return can be found at online banks like Ally, if you qualify.

Looking to open a bank account without providing your Social Security Number? Read this guide to know which banks don't require an SSN.

Bank of America: Best National Bank

Bank of America, one of the largest banks serving everyday customers in the U.S., is an excellent choice for Texans as well.

They require a higher minimum deposit compared to the other banks on this list, but there's a lot to be gained by signing up with a major bank like this one.

Customers of BofA get access to their thousands of ATMs and financial centers. You can also take advantage of a variety of checking, including the Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® account.

Capital One: Best for Savings

While many of the highest savings rates are offered by purely online banks, customers who go with Capital One are able to sample the best of both worlds. With 77 branches across the state of Texas, spread across 40 cities, Capital One users should have no trouble finding a local branch location.

But thanks in part to their emphasis on modern banking, they also offer competitive interest rates through a number of savings accounts, CDs, and even interest-bearing checking accounts.

Capital One customers also have the option of getting their banking done at one of Capital One's unique cafes, such as the one in downtown Austin, where you can partake of food and drinks and relax as well as managing your finances.

Frost Bank: Best Customer Service

If you're looking for a Texas-based bank, Frost Bank is an excellent choice. With around 195 locations across the Lone Star State, this local bank is always nearby to serve you.

Beyond its strong presence in Texas, Frost Bank is renowned for exceeding customer expectations. They even ranked #1 in Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction in Texas, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study.[5]

Frost also offers a wide range of financial services, like checking, savings, loans, and investments. If you want to grow your funds, they have excellent savings options, including CDs with various terms, and competitive rates, and all you need is $1000 to start.

Types of Banks in Texas

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

National banks
National banks, chartered and supervised by the U.S. Treasury, offer a wide range of financial products like banking, credit cards, loans, and investments. These banks typically provide convenient access to services with branches and ATMs across multiple states.

Regional banks
Regional banks, on the other hand, serve specific geographic areas such as a state or region. They have fewer branches than national banks but offer more personalized services.

Online banks
Online banks offer financial services without physical locations. Everything is handled through their website or mobile app, and you can usually withdraw cash at ATMs.

Without the cost of maintaining branches, online banks often provide higher interest rates, no service fees, and lower balance requirements.

Credit unions
Credit unions provide banking services such as checking and savings accounts, but focus on serving their members rather than making a profit. As member-owned institutions, they usually offer better savings rates and lower loan rates.

However, they have membership requirements and might offer fewer services than banks.

Tips on Banking in Texas
You can compare rates, fees, and services to find a bank with low costs and good customer support. Also, feel free to call, visit a branch, or check the website of your prospective bank for more details. In the end, the best bank for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

How to Choose the Best Bank in Texas

Just like you're laying down roots in Texas, 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.

How to Open a Bank Account in Texas

Opening a bank account in the US is pretty simple and straightforward. Here's how the process typically goes:

  1. Go to the website or visit a physical branch of your chosen bank.
  2. Complete the application form for your chosen product. You'll need to provide basic information such as your name, address, SSN, a valid ID, etc.
  3. Submit your application and fund your account.

Remember, when opening an account with a credit union, you'll need to meet their membership requirements first.

Bottom Line

There are a lot of good banking options for residents of Texas. Those who spend a lot of time out of state moving around the country may prefer a more national bank like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, or PNC.

Immigrants and those who prefer to patronize local businesses may get more out of community-oriented institutions such as GECU and Rally Credit Union.

And those looking for a mix of digital and brick-and-mortar service would do well with modern banks like Chase and Capital One

References

  1. ^ U.S. Small Business Administration. 100 most active SBA 7(a) lenders, Retrieved 08/20/2024
  2. ^ Rally Credit Union. Membership, Retrieved 08/20/2024
  3. ^ Federal Reserve Board. Large Commercial Banks, Retrieved 08/20/2024
  4. ^ IRS.gov. International Taxpayers, Retrieved 08/20/2024.
  5. ^ Frost Bank. Fact Sheet, Retrieved 08/20/2024

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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