Best Banks and Credit Unions in Illinois
Looking for a new bank can be stressful, but we’re here to help. With so many options nowadays, you may be wondering what the best banks in Illinois even are. This is our list of the best banks in Illinois.
Find the best CD rates in Illinois.
Pros:
- Several choices of CD terms
- Accessible monthly service fee waiver
- 24/7 customer support and digital banking
- Widespread ATM network with branch locations across America
Cons
- Poor interest rates on savings account
- High penalties for premature withdrawal of CDs
- Monthly fees on banking
First on our list of the best banks in Illinois, U.S. Bank started in 1863 and has been a customer-friendly banking institution. The bank has a presence in 26 states of America and is one of the largest banks in the country. They are a strong team offering premium banking solutions for individuals, groups, and businesses.
The U.S. Bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services including Bank accounts, loans & mortgages, investment and retirement services, wealth management services, and several business-related services such as business payments, loans, and more.
The bank has a secure and reliable mobile and online banking network that allows 24/7 free access to accounts. The bank had 70,000 employees and $554 billion in assets as of December 31, 2020.
2. BMO Harris Bank
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: 3-month: 0.05%, 6-month: 0.05%, 9-month: 0.05%, 12-month: 0.05%, 18-month: 0.05%, 24-month: 0.05%, 30-month: 0.05%, 36-month: 0.10%, 48-month: 0.15%, 60-month 0.25%
Monthly Fees: $5
Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? BMO Harris Bank has more than 600 branches across eight states of the USA. It is partnered with Allpoint and thus offers access to 40,000 ATMs nationwide.
Pros:
- Low fees which can be easily avoided
- The minimum amount to open accounts is low
- Variety of debit card options
- Online and mobile banking options
Cons
- Top-tier interest rates available on hefty investments
- Limited physical offices
Founded in 1882, BMO Harris is one of the leading banking and financial institutions in the world. They offer a full array of deposit, lending, and investment products. The bank owns $973 billion in assets, 12 million customers across the globe, and 600+ physical branches across America.
BMO Harris bank offers a wide array of banking products and services to consumers and businesses, including checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards, and more. It also deals in loans (auto, personal, home equity, business, purchase, etc.) and private banking and financial advisory services.
The bank offers easy connectivity to its customers and is available 24 hours a day on phone. They also have a mobile app and full-fledged digital banking features. The app allows users to pay bills, view transactions, deposit checks, and more, easily making it another one of the best banks in Illinois.
3. Fifth Third Bank
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: 0.01% to 2.50%
Monthly Fees: $5
Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? Fifth Third Bank has 1,090 branches across 11 states of America and more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Pros:
- Low minimum deposits are required for CDs
- Robust mobile banking and online banking infrastructure
- Reliable network of ATMs across the country
Cons
- Presence in only 11 states of America
- Low yield rates as compared to other banks
Fifth Third Bank came into existence when two institutions- the Fifth National Bank and the Third National Bank- merged in 1909. The bank had a state charter status until 2019 when it got the national charter. It is ranked 415th on the Fortune 500 and is one of the largest banks in America.
The bank deals in all types of financial products including consumer banking, corporate banking, private banking, financial analysis, insurance, investment banking, mortgage loans, private equity, wealth management, credit cards, and more.
Fifth Third Bancorp’s total assets in 2021 were $205.55 billion and it had 19,112 employees working for the bank. The bank is dedicated to serving the needs of the community and is the first in America to set up a charitable foundation.
4. Bank of America
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: 0.05%
Monthly Fees: $8
Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? Bank of America has more than 4,300 branches in the country and over 17,000 ATMs making it the largest bank in America in terms of branch and ATM network.
Pros:
- Largest coast-to-coast bank in America with 4,300 branches and 17,000 ATMs
- Minimum deposits to open accounts are relatively low
- Preferred rewards and related discounts for users
Cons
- The poor yield on savings account
- No waiver or reimbursement of ATM fees
- Low APY on CDs
Another one of the best banks in Illinois is Bank of America, which is the largest and oldest bank in the country with parts of it dating back 240 years. The bank became the first ever coast-to-coast bank in America after the merger of Bank America and Nations Bank in 1998.
The bank is best known for its wide array of banking and financial products including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, auto loans, purchase mortgages, refinance mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs) self-directed trading, managed investment portfolios, private banking, financial advisors, business loans, and more.
The bank offers excellent customer support through telebanking as well as the mobile app.
5. PNC Bank
Savings APY: 0.01% for balance $1 to $2,499.99 and 0.03% for balance $2,500.00 and above
CD APY: 0.01% to 3.60% depending on term and minimum deposit
Monthly Fees:
Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? PNC Bank has approximately 2000 branches and 18,000 ATMs located in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.
Pros:
- Online-only savings accounts have the best APY
- It has a network of 260+ branches
- The digital banking features of the bank are exemplary
Cons
- Complex online appearance with difficult navigation
- High overdraft fees
- High yield on accounts available in specific states only
PNC bank was founded in 1852 and is certainly one of the best banks in Illinois. Headquartered in Pittsburgh the bank offers personal and small business banking solutions. It is a digital leader in the industry for being quick to adapt to digital banking requirements and offering exemplary customer services.
PNC Bank is a one-stop shop for banking and financial solutions for consumers and businesses. The bank deals in savings accounts, checking accounts, virtual wallets (savings and checking accounts rolled into one), certificates of deposit (CDs), purchase mortgages, refinance mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, life insurance, financial planning, small business banking, small business loans, military banking, personal loans and lines of credit, student loans, student loan refinancing and much more.
With $334 billion of assets and 9 million customers, the bank makes one of the largest banks in the country.
6. Regions Bank
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: 1-year APY: 0.03%, 3-year APY: 0.05%, 5-year APY: 0.05% with a $500 minimum deposit amount
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? Regions Bank has over 1,300 branches and 1,900+ ATMs in the South and Midwest. America.
Pros:
- Both checking and savings accounts come with reward points
- The bank has a rich network of branches across the South and midwest
- No monthly fees and low minimum deposit requirements
Cons
- Savings and CDs carry a low-interest rate
- More than three withdrawals from the savings account in a month are charged with a fee
Next on our list of the best banks in Illinois is Regions Bank, the monetary unit of Regions Financial Corporation, and one of the largest financial service providers in the country. The bank was originally established as the Exchange-Security Bank in 1928 after which its name was changed to First Alabama Bank of Birmingham in 1975. The name Regions Bank came into existence in 1994 after the bank had several acquisitions and mergers.
The bank offers banking and financial solutions to consumers and businesses and is a trusted wealth management service provider in the region. Regions Bank’s full range of banking and financial solutions includes checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, credit cards, investment options, loans, and mortgages.
With $159.7 billion in assets as of June 30, 2022, Regions Bank is one of the largest banks in the southeastern United States
7. Chase Bank
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: 0.02% to 1.51%
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
How many branches are in the State? Chase Bank has over 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the United States of America.
Pros:
- Diversified portfolio to cater to all banking needs
- A waiver on checking fees
- High rewards on credit cards
- High APY
Cons
- Chase 5/24 Rule applicable for credit cards
- Fee waiver possible with minimum balance only
Chase Bank was established in 1799 as a company that supplies drinking water to the masses. They had a charter that allowed them to use the surplus capital to run banking operations. After 5 months of successful operations, the company opened a separate division as Bank of Manhattan Company.
The bank has ever since grown bigger and after 1200+ mergers and acquisition Chase Bank today is the largest financial institution in the U.S, as well as one of the best banks in Illinois.
The extensive service menu of Chase Bank includes multiple checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), credit cards, and other lending products. They also deal in all types of loans and lending businesses. With a large footprint across the world, the Bank owns assets worth $2.6 trillion in assets worldwide.
8. ISPFCU
Savings APY: 0.01%
CD APY: N/A
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
How many branches are in the State? ISPFCU has only one branch in the state of Illinois.
Pros:
- 24/7 account opening feature
- A variety of share products are available
- Mobile banking and digital banking feature
Cons
- Limited branches in the country
- Low APY rates
Headquartered in Illinois, United States, Illinois State Police Federal Credit Union is a non-profit organization that offers banking and financial solutions to consumers and businesses. It is one of the most community devoted ot-for-profit financial co-operatives in Illinois.
The credit union offers car loans, checking, credit cards, home equity, mortgages, personal loans, savings & CDs, student loans, and much more. All the banking solutions of ISPFCU are available on its mobile app which makes it easier for customers to access their accounts and related information at any time.
9. Navy Federal Credit Union
Savings APY: 0.25%
CD APY: 0.45 % to 4.45% on different terms and minimum deposits
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
How many branches are in the State? Navy Federal Credit Union has over 350 branches worldwide and a rich network of Navy Federal ATMs and CO-OP Network® ATMs.
Pros:
- Higher savings rates
- 24/7 access to stateside member reps
- Digital banking for ease of access
Cons
- Exclusively for military members
- High-value investment in CDs has its risks
Established in 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union has become a large credit union in the state, as well as one of the best banks in Illinois. It started as a 7 member committee and today has over 8 million members in its family. The credit union offers banking and financial services to the families of the Military community. Navy Federal Credit Union was also awarded the title of 2022’s Best Credit Union in Illinois.
The service portfolio of the credit union includes business services, car loans, checking, credit cards, home equity, investments, mortgages, personal loans, prepaid cards, savings & CDs, student loans, and more. The credit union offers its products and services through mobile and digital banking.
10. First Northern Credit Union
Savings APY: 0.05% to 0.15%
CD APY: NA
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
How many branches are in the State? First Northern Credit Union has 7 units in the state of Illinois
Pros:
- Higher savings rates
- Lower loan rates
- Low or no fees on many services
Cons
- No Certificate of Deposits options are available
- Compromised customer care services
First Northern Credit Union was founded in 1944 to serve Commonwealth Edison Company employees and family members. However, today, the company has grown significantly and offers banking and financial solutions to communities and companies throughout northern Illinois. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, the credit union accepts members without much hassle and offers appealing APYs and other benefits.
First Northern Credit Union offers a complete range of banking products and services including but not limited to car loans, checking, credit cards, home equity, investments, mortgages, personal loans, and prepaid cards, savings & CDs. The credit union owns assets worth $303,174,059 and is one of the Best Credit Unions in Illinois in terms of banking services, customer relations, and interest rates.
11. Patelco Credit Union
Savings APY: 0.05%
CD APY: 0.25% to 2.50%
Monthly Fees: $0
Federally Insured by: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
How many branches are in the State? Patelco Credit Union has 38 branches in the region out of which 1 branch is located in Illinois.
Pros:
- High APY rate as compared to other credit unions
- Digital banking feature
- Easy to navigate website with emergency fund tool
Cons
- Small branch network
- No mobile banking feature
To conclude our list of the best banks in Illinois we have Patelco Credit Union, which was founded in 1936 and is one of the largest credit unions in California as well as in the country. The credit union offers personalized banking solutions and is dedicated to extending uncompromised customer service.
The product portfolio of Patelco Credit Union is rich with services including car loans, checking, credit cards, home equity, investments, mortgages, personal loans, savings & CDs. It is a federally insured, not-for-profit, full-service credit union that offers personalized banking solutions. The credit union owns assets worth more than $4 billion in assets and is a strong family of more than 277,000 members