What are the most reliable banks in Illinois?
This article is sponsored by Midland States Bank, and the information provided is for educational purposes only. Please confirm current rates, fees, and names directly with each institution.
Managing your money is much easier when you have a trusted financial partner. Illinois has many banks, but which one really meets people’s needs?
You deserve a proven bank with personalized service and consistent support. To help you make that decision, here’s a guide to some of the most trusted Illinois banking institutions.
1. Midland States Bank
Midland States Bank is a domestic institution, founded in Effingham, Illinois, in 1881. It has grown to more than 60 branches and has toll-free ATS in all of its service areas, so you live in Champaign or Princeton.
Midland States Bank has a complete Suite of Services. For small business owners, it has a variety of financing solutions, including term loans, lines of credit and small business loans. People can also get support for their home goals with residential mortgage options. In addition, its financing, financing, looking at FHA-Insured loans for commercial loans for multifamily properties and health, shows its various capabilities.
Checking accounts only require a $50 deposit to open and manage monthly payments, starting in November 2025. FDIC also verifies each password. Midland States Bank meets the needs of today’s consumers with a suite of Digital Banking tools that enable convenient checking deposits and online bill payments. This financial partner cares about and understands the needs of Illinois residents.
2. winTrust
WinTrust was founded in the 1990s as a community-oriented approach to large financial institutions. It’s from a well-established partner with over 170 locations and counting. WINTRUST is not a single bank, but a holding company that operates a family of community banks. This structure allows it to combine its main approach – to be “too big to help, but small enough to know” – by acquiring powerful services while investing in the local economy.
The range of banking services includes commercial and public sales, wealth management, and loan origination. For personal bank customers, a free checking account is very attractive. It features zero monthly service fees, no per-cake fees and requires only a $50 start-up fee, starting in November 2025. WinTrust also has low-cost customer options, allowing parents to open accounts with low monthly fees.
WinTrust was named the sixth most cybersecure bank in America by Forbes in 2024. This highlights the importance it places on its customers’ money, proving its commitment to environmental integrity.
3. BMO
BMO has a history that spans over 200 years. It is a well-established financial institution, ranking as the seventh largest business in the country and one of the largest in Illinois. Its standout feature is its ability to balance the power of a central bank with community banking roots. It shows this with its presence across the country, with more than 500 branches and more than 1,400 ATMs across the country, ensuring wide accessibility.
BMO has a complete suite of services, including personal and commercial banking, lending services, and wealth management solutions. It also improves technology, improving convenience. Its ATMs are audio-enabled and users can easily withdraw money, transfer money through Zelle and check balances. The mobile app also simplifies money management with features like Bill Connect for automated payments and bill withdrawals to increase accessibility.
For defenders, BMO has competitive products, including horizontal CD options, available primarily through its Online Alto Portal. With its industry-leading focus and flexibility, it’s clear why BMO has grown as one of the most trusted banks in Illinois.
4. Chase Bank
Chase Bank stands as a pillar of the American financial industry, with a history spanning more than 220 years. Now it is one of the largest banking institutions in the country, with the presence of 48 people and almost 5,000 branches. For residents of Illinois, this large scale translates directly into large capital goals and long-term stability, providing more confidence that puts money, loans and daily services secured with a bank designed for economic exchange shifts.
Customers get access to a variety of financial tools, whether they need to save for a home, manage a startup or build long-term wealth. The experience is enhanced with key Perks such as a powerful mobile application and a large network of 15,000 ATMs, ensuring ease of use.
The size of the Chase Bank contributes to its reliability. As a major financial institution, it operates under strict regulatory scrutiny, resulting in strong fraud monitoring and advanced security tools for its customers, adding a critical layer of security.
5. Ally
Ally is a leading provider of Online Banking Service that is highly focused on the account. As a bank with no physical locations, ally transfers its working capital to customers. This results in a zero fee experience. It depends on the cooperation of the ATM network for cash access. The only virtual currency for external payments on a debit card.
In addition to saving customers money, the partner is known for having very competitive prices. Customers can take advantage of high-quality savings accounts and CDs. To help people grow their money, accounts include “buckets” by setting savings goals and making regular deposits. Daily interest rates are the main reason many people choose affiliates to increase their income.
Ally’s low fees, high prices and smart tools reflect its customer-first approach. It is the perfect choice for Illinois residents who want a powerful Online Banking experience that offers digital convenience and strong financial returns.
How to check the most trusted bank partners in Illinois
Illinois is home to a variety of national, state and community banks. Each has something different for residents across the country. To identify the most reliable options, all centers are evaluated using methods that demonstrate long-term stability and the actual number of Illinois customers.
| Years in practice | Banks have a long history, proven to handle economic changes well. Institutions that have served Illinois communities for decades demonstrate a strong record of resilience. |
| Fame | Awards, independent ratings and verified customer feedback were reviewed to understand how each bank delivers the highest level of service. |
| That Gives Illinois Residents | Trusted Bank meets the everyday needs of Illinois customers, from checking accounts and home financing to small business services and community involvement. |
| Secure Digital Banking | The security and usability of digital tools is important. Banks have strong cybersecurity protections, reliable mobile applications and modern signage. |
| Competitive Products | Checking and savings accounts, loan options, interest rates, and total amount are evaluated. Banks with clear names, fair pricing and strong product offerings are ranked higher. |
Find your Fit Fit
The bank you choose is the institution you trust with your hard-earned money, so it’s worth taking the time to find what you deserve and trust.
Identify what you need, what products you plan to use, and whether the bank’s rates and services are competitive.
When you partner with an institution that suits your goals and proves that it can protect your money, your experience becomes smoother, safer and more profitable.
What are the most reliable banks in Illinois? first appeared in making sense of cents.
