Need a new bank in Arizona? Whether you like to stick to traditional banking in person or are looking to take your banking totally online, you don’t have to skimp on convenience or technology. Digital and brick-and-mortar banks alike offer comprehensive online tools along with appealing customer benefits.
Start your search today. Check out Benzinga’s list of the best banks in Arizona to find your perfect match.
Best for Money Market Accounts: CIT Bank
CIT Bank is a digital bank with personal accounts that can help you reach your savings goals faster.
The CIT Bank Money Market is a stand-out option. The account acts as a savings and checking mash-up. You’ll earn interest on your balance but can easily access your funds if necessary.
You won’t be penalized for the 1st 6 transactions you make in a month. And although CIT charges for excessive transactions, the cap is $50 monthly.
The CIT Bank Money Market account earns a high annual percentage yield or APY. Interest is compounded daily but paid monthly.
You’ll need $100 to open an account and the usual identifying information. You do need another bank account to fund your initial deposit. Once your account is active, your balance starts earning interest immediately. This account comes with all of CIT’s digital banking tools like Bill Pay and 24/7 online access.
Best for Branch Access: Chase Bank
- Best For:Best for Checking Account Varietysecurely through Chase Bank's website
*With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee 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 you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
If you need to be able to bank in person, Chase Bank has numerous locations throughout Arizona. Full service digital banking including mobile deposit is available through the Chase app or online.
If you’re looking for checking accounts, Chase offers 3. Total Checking provides all the basics, and the monthly fee is waivable if you maintain the minimum balance or complete the minimum direct deposits monthly.
Chase Sapphire Checking and Chase Premier Checking both earn interest on your balance. Additional account perks include better relationship rates when you link eligible Chase accounts. Many accounts also offer impressive sign-up bonuses.
Other accounts like Chase College Checking offer personalized benefits to students. The program comes with $100 for new customers when you complete 10 qualifying transactions in the first 60 days after enrollment and no minimum balance requirements. There’s no service fees for up to 5 years for students 18-24, you can send and receive money via Zelle, use ATMs as normal, and take advantage of Chase Overdraft Assist.
Best Checking Accounts: Axos Bank
A leader in digital banking with over 20 years in the industry, Axos Bank is an online bank focused on financial technology.And the checking accounts with Axos are custom-fit to your needs.
Rewards Checking is a customer favorite. This is an interest-earning account with a tiered structure. Interest is earned when you perform any of the following qualifying actions:
- Receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits per month
- Make at least 10 transactions monthly with your Axos Visa Debit Card
- Make at least 5 more transactions with your Axos Visa Debit Card for a total of 15 per month
Your balance will earn the total available interest rate if you perform all 3 actions. You can also earn ⅓ of the total rate with each action.
Rewards Checking is a nearly fee-free account. Axos will reimburse you for all domestic ATM fees you accumulate with this account. And, you don’t pay any maintenance fees, overdraft or insufficient fund fees with Rewards Checking.
Essential Checking is a no-frills, basic account. With CashBack Checking, you can earn up to 1% on eligible purchases.
Golden Checking tailors its services to customers 55 and older. First Checking is for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. Golden Checking offers thoughtful perks for seniors like free personal checks, while First Checking shows teens the ropes of banking.
Best for Personal Loans: Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has an extensive brick-and-mortar network in Arizona. With 229 banks and 547 ATMs, Wells Fargo offers much in the way of convenience and solid financial products for Arizona residents.
Wells Fargo offers its services to personal, commercial and small business customers. Checking and savings accounts, credit cards, CDs and several types of loans are available to personal banking customers. You can apply for home loans, student loans, auto loans, home equity lines of credit and personal loans.
Personal loans from Wells Fargo especially shine. Borrow anywhere from $3,000 to $100,000 without collateral. These loans boast fixed, low rates and relatively flexible terms between 12 and 84 months. This loan has no origination or prepayments fees, and you can pay off the loan earlier without penalty, saving on interest.
Apply for a personal loan online or in person. The online application process is simple, and you may get your money as soon as the following day if approved.
Best for Mobile Banking: BBVA
If you choose BBVA as your new bank, you’ll get the best of both worlds. BBVA provides a top-notch digital experience with its 6-time award winning mobile banking app, but it’s also the 6th largest bank in Arizona with 63 branches throughout the state.
BBVA streamlined navigation and improved performance with its newest app update: BBVA Mobile Banking 9.0. You can manage your finances simply and track your real-time balance information at the forefront of each page.
BBVA also provides checking, savings, credit cards, loans and investment products. While some products are only available regionally, Arizona customers have access to the full range of personal banking accounts, including several checking accounts.
Free Checking is a free account with all the basic checking necessities. With Premium Checking, you’ll earn interest on your balance. If cashback is important, set up an Online Checking account to add this perk to your debit card.
Each account includes free online and mobile banking, free ATM transactions at in-network and some affiliate ATMs and an attached debit card. You’ll only need an initial deposit of $25 to open any of these accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?
A: The primary difference is that banks are shareholder-owned and for-profit, and credit unions are member-owned and not-for-profit. You can usually count on both to have a full range of banking products, but credit unions often offer members premium rates on things like loans. The for-profit status of banks lends to an edge in banking technology and fraud protection.
Q: What do I need to open a bank account?
A: You’ll almost always need some sort of government-issued ID. You may have to provide further identifying information like a Social Security card. Most banks provide the details on their minimum opening requirements.
Find The Perfect Bank
The right bank can be your all-in-1 financial hub. Make sure your bank account is doing everything it can and goes the distance with digital management tools or other perks.
Start with our list to find an Arizona bank that does the most for your money.
Methodology
To determine the best banks in Arizona, Benzinga analyzed over 100 banks and financial institutions. We gave weight to banks in Arizona with co-op ATMs and cash-back options. We also gave greater rankings to banks which offered the following: checking and savings accounts, online banking, personal loans, mortgages, educational resources, and a mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates the banks in Arizona?
The banks are regulated by the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions.
What are some excellent banks in Arizona?
Benzinga recommends Chase Bank, CIT Bank and Wells Fargo.
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