Nicolet National Bank Review: Competitive Accounts With Local Service
Written by
Sarah Sharkey
Edited by
Nupur Gambhir
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased 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 products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Nicolet Bank is a locally driven institution that provides a full suite of services, including checking and savings accounts, business banking solutions, and lending options — all with a focus on personalized care.
Known for its strong community roots and customer-focused approach, Nicolet Bank is an excellent choice for those seeking personalized banking solutions. Offering a range of products, from flexible checking and savings accounts to business services and loans, Nicolet Bank combines modern convenience with local service. With a reputation for building lasting relationships and delivering tailored financial solutions, Nicolet Bank stands out as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike.
Nicolet Bank is a community-focused financial institution known for its personalized service and wide range of banking products. From flexible checking and savings accounts to competitive loan options, Nicolet Bank offers solutions tailored to individuals and businesses alike. With a strong commitment to local communities, it provides a reliable and customer-centric banking experience. Nicolet National Bank has earned GOBankingRates’ awards as one of the best banks in Wisconsin.
Nicolet National Bank Checking Accounts
Nicolet National Bank offers rewarding and flexible checking account options designed to meet your everyday banking needs. With the Real Rewards Checking Account, you can earn up to 3.00% APY on balances up to $15,000, while the Real Cash Back Checking Account provides up to $108 in annual cashback rewards. To qualify for maximum rewards, simply set up direct deposit, enroll in eStatements, and make 10 debit card purchases per qualification cycle.
- No monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements
- Free access to 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Includes free mobile banking and mobile check deposits
- Qualify for rewards with eStatements, direct deposit, and debit card use
Best For
Banking in Wisconsin
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Low Minimum Deposits
Loan Options
Flexible Checking Options with Rewards
Earn a competitive interest rate with a Nicolet National Bank checking account, or choose an option that provides cashback rewards.
Fees
No monthly service fee
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- You can earn a competitive interest rate or generous cashback rewards annually, depending on the account you choose
- Some checking accounts do not have monthly maintenance fees
- Easy access to funds with free online and mobile banking
Cons
- You must make at least 10 debit card transactions per qualification cycle to qualify for maximum rewards
- If you don’t meet the qualifications, the interest rate drops to a much lower level until you qualify again
Quick Take
Nicolet National Bank stands out with highly competitive rates for its checking accounts, offering returns that are hard to match, even by many savings accounts. If earning interest isn’t your priority, you can opt for a cashback account instead, making it a great choice for those who frequently use their debit card but don’t carry a high balance. Overall, Nicolet’s checking accounts offer excellent value and flexibility.
Show Pros, Cons and More
Hide Pros, Cons and More
Nicolet National Bank Savings Accounts
Nicolet National Bank offers flexible and accessible savings options designed to help you grow your money while keeping it easy to manage. With a low minimum deposit requirement and a simple way to avoid monthly maintenance fees, these savings accounts are ideal for both new and seasoned savers. Free online banking and direct deposit provide added convenience, while unlimited deposits and transfers give you full control over your savings.
A Junior Savings account is also available for younger savers, offering a straightforward way for those under 21 to start building their savings habits early.
- Low minimum deposit to open and start saving
- Maintain a modest balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees
- Unlimited deposits and transfers for added flexibility
- Free online banking and direct deposit included
Best For
Banking in Wisconsin
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Low Minimum Deposits
Loan Options
Simple and Affordable Savings
With a low minimum deposit and an easy-to-meet balance requirement, avoiding the monthly maintenance fee is simple.
Fees
$5
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$50 to $100
Pros
- Youth accounts are available
- The minimum opening deposit and minimum balance to avoid the monthly fee are reasonable
- Accounts come with unlimited deposits and transfers
Cons
- Low APY
- You don’t earn interest if you have less than $100 in your account
- A service fee applies if you do not have a balance above $100
Quick Take
While Nicolet National Bank’s checking accounts stand out with competitive returns, its savings accounts are less impressive. However, they remain easy to open and maintain, with simple ways to avoid monthly fees. The bank also offers youth savings accounts, providing a convenient opportunity for parents to teach their children about money management and the value of saving.
Show Pros, Cons and More
Hide Pros, Cons and More
Nicolet National Bank CD Accounts
Nicolet National Bank offers a variety of CD options with competitive rates, especially for those in the Relationship tier. With flexible term lengths and attractive rates, these CDs provide an excellent opportunity for savers looking for steady, reliable growth. Customers with qualifying checking accounts and direct deposits can take advantage of higher Relationship-tier rates, which outperform many standard CD options.
- Flexible CD terms ranging from short to long durations
- Higher rates available for Relationship-tier accounts with qualifying checking and direct deposit
- Standard CDs offer competitive rates, even without Relationship status
Best For
Banking in Wisconsin
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Low Minimum Deposits
Loan Options
Flexible CDs With Competitive Rates
Choose from a variety of CD term lengths with competitive rates, and enjoy higher returns when you qualify for the Relationship tier.
Fees
No monthly fees
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$2,500
Pros
- Wide selection of term lengths
- Some of the CDs are very competitive
- You can bump your yield higher with a relationship CD
Cons
- CDs require a $2,500 minimum opening deposit
- Some CDs have very low APYs
- Non-relationship CDs have lower yields
Quick Take
Nicolet National Bank offers a variety of CDs with competitive rates, especially for those who qualify for the Relationship tier. While there is a higher minimum deposit requirement to open an account, these CDs remain a strong option for savers looking to maximize their returns.
Show Pros, Cons and More
Hide Pros, Cons and More
Nicolet National Bank Money Market Accounts
Nicolet National Bank offers two money market accounts, providing flexibility and competitive rates for those with higher balances. The MVP Money Market Account is ideal for savers looking to maximize their earnings, offering tiered interest rates that increase with your balance. While it requires a larger deposit to open and maintain, it allows unlimited check writing, adding convenience for account holders.
- Two account options to fit different savings needs
- MVP Money Market offers tiered rates with higher yields for larger balancesUnlimited check writing for convenient access to funds
- Maintain minimum balances to avoid monthly maintenance fees
Best For
Banking in Wisconsin
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Low Minimum Deposits
Loan Options
Flexible With Convenient Access
Grow your balance with competitive rates while enjoying the ability to write unlimited checks.
Fees
$10
APY
Up to
Min Opening
1,000 to $10,000
Pros
- Earn competitive returns on your balance.
- Unlimited check writing
- Unlimited deposits and transfers into the account
Cons
- The regular money market account has uncompetitive rates
- The more competitive MVP Money Market Account requires a $10,000 initial deposit
- Both accounts have high balance requirements to avoid the monthly service fee
Quick Take
Nicolet’s money market accounts cater to those with larger balances. The regular account offers limited value, while the MVP account requires a significant opening deposit and even higher balances to unlock its most competitive returns.
Show Pros, Cons and More
Hide Pros, Cons and More
Banking Experience
Nicolet Bank has received 5,200 Apple Store reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars. The bank also has an average of 4.6 stars across more than 1,200 Google Play reviews. Good customer service and a good mobile experience were some of the compliments included in the reviews.
Comparable Banks
Selecting a new bank is an important decision, so it’s essential to focus on the features that matter most to you. To help you make the best choice, here are some comparable banks worth exploring based on your preferences.
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly service fee
Up to $6.95, which is waivable
$0 or $12, with options to waive
APY
APY
APY
Up to
N/A
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$0
$25
$0
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$5
No monthly service fee
$5 monthly, waivable
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$50 to $100
$25
$0
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly fees
No monthly service fee
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$2,500
$500
$1,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$10
$10, waivable
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
1,000 to $10,000
$100
$25
Nicolet National Bank vs. Woodford State Bank
Woodford State Bank, located in Wisconsin, offers a range of financial products but has higher minimum deposit and balance requirements for its checking accounts. While it allows customers to choose between earning interest or receiving cashback, Nicolet National Bank provides more competitive cashback options and better overall checking account features.
Both banks offer savings accounts with limited value, and while Woodford State Bank’s money market account can yield higher returns, it requires a substantial opening deposit, making it less accessible compared to Nicolet’s options.
Nicolet National Bank vs. The Peoples Community Bank
The Peoples Community Bank stands out with competitive CD specials, including no-penalty options for early withdrawals. However, its regular CD rates fall short of Nicolet National Bank’s offerings. Checking accounts at The Peoples Community Bank are easy to open with no minimum deposit, but interest is limited to premium accounts with higher balances.
Nicolet National Bank outperforms with more competitive checking, savings, and money market accounts, making it a stronger choice for everyday banking needs.
Nicolet National Bank vs. Northwestern Bank
While Northwestern Bank offers higher CD rates for large deposits, its options are less accessible, requiring significant minimum balances to open. Regular CD rates at Northwestern Bank are lower than those offered by Nicolet National Bank, making Nicolet a better choice for standard CD terms.
For customers looking for a balanced mix of competitive checking, savings, and CD products, Nicolet National Bank remains the more practical and versatile option.
Final Take
Nicolet National Bank has competitive checking accounts and CDs. The MVP money market account can also produce a competitive yield, but it requires a substantial balance to receive the maximum APY. The bank also has low monthly maintenance fees plus reasonable requirements for waiving them.
FAQ
- What accounts does Nicolet National Bank offer?
- Nicolet National Bank offers checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts.
- Is Nicolet National Bank FDIC-insured?
- Yes. Nicolet National Bank is FDIC-insured.
- How much is Nicolet National Bank's overdraft fee?
- Nicolet National Bank charges up to $35 for its overdraft fee.Â
- How many branches does Nicolet National Bank have?
- Nicolet National Bank has 57 branches that are spread across Wisconsin and Michigan.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 17, 2024.Â
This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
To determine rankings for the Best CD Accounts of 2025, GOBankingRates considered the following factors (excluding neobanks): (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) number of branch locations as sourced from the FDIC; (3) minimum deposit to open an account; (4) 12-month CD APY rate; (5) 60-month CD APY rate, and (6) 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) and (2) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (3) was weighed 2 times, and factors (4) and (5) were weighed 4 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 1, 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 Dec. 17, 2024.
To determine the Best Money Market Accounts of 2025, GOBankingRates analyzed the following factors from all banks (excluding neobanks): (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) number of branch locations as sourced from the FDIC; (3) minimum deposit to open an account; (4) APY on the money market account; (5) the minimum balance needed to earn the APY; (6) monthly money market fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); and (7) 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) and (2) were weighed 0.5 times, and factor (4) was weighed 4 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 1, 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 Dec. 17, 2024.
