Best Banks in California
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
Banking in California offers a unique mix of national powerhouses, strong regional institutions and community-focused credit unions. Whether you’re looking for checking, savings or certificates of deposit (CDs), the right choice depends on your financial needs and priorities. This guide highlights GOBankingRates’ top picks for the best banks in California in 2025.
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GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased bank reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our in-depth bank review methodology.
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TOP CALIFORNIA BANKS AT A GLANCE
Bank/Institution
Savings APY
Notable Features
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Banks in California
When it comes to choosing a bank in California, you have plenty of options. But some of the banking options stand apart from the crowd. Here are the three top banks in California.
Gold Winner: U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank serves Californians with both in-branch banking and a robust digital platform that handles most customer transactions. Its suite of online and mobile tools makes it easy to manage checking and savings accounts from anywhere in the state.
U.S. Bank holds an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and a five-star “superior” rating from Bauer Financial.
Best For
Investment Management
Personal Loans
Corporate and Commercial Banking
Home Loans
National Banks
$25 Minimum Deposit for Checking Accounts
U.S. Bank provides services for everyday banking and specialty services like loans, investments and commercial banking. The U.S. Bank app is user friendly and there are approximately 2,200 ATMs across 26 states.
Total Branch Locations
Over 2,200
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Everyday banking, investment management, corporate and commercial banking, home, vehicle and personal loans
Pros
- Diverse product offerings
- Extensive branch and ATM network
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Low interest rates on savings accounts
- Monthly maintenance fees
- High overdraft fees
Why We Like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a wide range of banking products, including checking, savings, loans and investment services, making it a one-stop solution for financial needs. It has an extensive branch and ATM network and a user-friendly app.
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Silver Winner: Citi®
Citi has a strong footprint in California, offering residents a mix of in-person service at local branches and the convenience of digital banking.
Whether you’re opening your first checking account, looking for competitive savings options or managing credit cards and loans, Citi’s range of products is designed to fit the state’s diverse financial needs.
Best For
Home Loans
National Banking
Investment Management
Personal Loans
Credit Cards
Earn APY on Any Balance
Citi offers several diverse products, from everyday banking to investments to personal and home loans. There are also more than 70,000 fee-free ATMs across the country.
Total Branch Locations
Over 600
Mobile App Rating
4.9 on the Apple App Store and 4.8 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Checking, savings, investment management, credit cards, personal and home loans, CDs
Pros
- No overdraft fees
- Diverse product offerings
- Extensive ATM and branch network
Cons
- Monthly maintenance fees
- High balance requirements for fee waivers
- Limited availability of high-yield requirements
Why We Like Citi
Citi has several consumer products, a vast network of ATMs and no charges on overdraft fees.
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Bronze Winner: Chase Bank
Chase ranks among the top banks in California, with a large branch and ATM presence statewide. Customers have access to a wide range of checking, savings and credit products, backed by advanced digital banking tools.
Chase holds an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau and a four-star “excellent” rating from Bauer Financial.
Best For
Home Loans
National Banking
Credit Cards
Investments
Auto Loans
Over 4,900 Locations Available
Chase Bank offers eight different checking account options with little to no minimum deposits, as well as options for investments, loans and credit cards. It also has nationwide banks, with several locations to assist you.
Total Branch Locations
Over 4,900
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple Store and 4.5 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Investments, credit cards, home and auto loans
Pros
- Diverse product offerings
- Extensive branch offerings
- User-friendly digital banking
Cons
- Low interest rate on savings accounts
- Monthly maintenance fees
Why We Like Chase
Chase offers several diverse products, including eight different checking accounts, investment opportunities, loans and credit cards. It also has an extensive network of branches and ATMs across the country.
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Best Banks
Best Checking Accounts
Best Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Best Money Market Accounts
Research Methodology
To discover the Best Banks by state, GOBankingRates analyzed the top institutions (excluding online banks and neobanks) by state branch locations. To determine rankings, GOBankingRates looked at the following factors: (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) checking product minimum deposit; (3) monthly checking fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); (4) savings product minimum deposit; (5) savings product APY; (6) Bauer rating (out of 5 stars); (7) products/services offered (auto loans, mortgage loans, credit cards, investment services and insurance); and (8) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1), (2) and (4) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (5) was weighed 2.5 times and factor (7) was weighed 1.5 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 8, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Aug. 14, 2024.
To qualify as one of the Best Banks in the state, the institution needed at least five branch locations in the respective state, with some exceptions for larger and/or smaller states.
How To Choose the Right Bank in California
Finding the right fit among the best California banks starts with knowing your priorities. From large national institutions to community-focused credit unions in California, each offers different benefits. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Location: Regional banks only operate in certain parts of the state, so confirm that any bank you’re considering has branches or ATMs near your home or workplace.
- Availability: Review operating hours — including holidays and weekends — to be sure the bank’s schedule works for you. Online and national banks often have more flexible access.
- Bank health: Some regional banks stay small and local intentionally, while others may struggle to expand due to limited assets or profits. Look at your bank’s financials to ensure they’ll be there for the long haul.
- Rewards and promotions: Many top banks in California and regional institutions offer cash bonuses and special APYs. Compare these offers before you decide.
- Account offerings: Make sure the bank provides all the products you’ll need, from everyday checking to high-yield savings accounts and CDs.
Conclusion
The best California banks are the ones that align with your lifestyle, whether that means earning a competitive APY on your savings, avoiding fees or having branch access close to home. Take time to compare account types so you can make a confident choice.
FAQs About Banking in California
Here’s more information to help you find the best California bank for your needs.- What is the best bank for high-yield savings in California?
- Both U.S. Bank and Citi have savings accounts with competitive yields.
- Which banks have the most ATMs in California?
- National banks like Chase have extensive ATM networks statewide, but many credit unions offer shared branching and ATM partnerships for similar access.
- Are there any banks in California with no monthly fees?
- Some online banks and credit unions in California offer fee-free accounts with no minimum balance requirements. Always check the fine print before opening a new account.
More Resources for Banking
Best Banks
Best Checking Accounts
Best Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Best Money Market Accounts
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
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