Best banks and credit unions in the Midwest
Regional banks and credit unions may have smaller physical footprints than large national financial institutions, but they tend to be more flexible and offer better names. They are also familiar with the financial needs of the citizens in the areas they serve and can adapt their products to meet those needs. In some cases, they can offer surprising Ferks and a personal touch to the bank.
To help you find the right one in the Midwest, we have researched a number of financial institutions in the region. Based on their offerings, revenue and customer service, here are our picks for the best banks and credit unions in the Midwest in 2026:
* Prices and APYS are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.
MidWest American Credit Union operates branches in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky with plans to expand their service area in the future. Credit Card Union has an ATM network of 55,000 locations and offers a variety of savings, checking and money market accounts, in addition to student and superannuation accounts (retirement accounts (IRAs).
To get the highest apy available on the Midwest America market account, customers must have a balance of at least $100,000. But checking accounts offered by Midwest America carry interest, with APYS up to 4.00% on balances up to $10,000.
- A network of 55,000 ATMs
- Provides student accounts
- Interest Checking Accounts
- High demand for high savings balance
- By comparing low apy in saving
- Balance Caps for checking interest
Gate City Bank operates 45 locations in 23 communities throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. It has an ATM network of 85,000 locations and has a trust rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars. Gate City offers an interest-bearing checking account, but its Apy is limited and requires an opening balance of at least $50. The bank also offers IRA accounts and Student Accounts.
The bank charges a monthly fee for its money market accounts, but it can be waived by meeting certain criteria. Where Sate City differentiates itself from other Midwest banks is its CDs, with terms ranging from three to five months and yields up to 3.80%.
- A network of 85,000 ATMs
- Competing aps are CDs
- The monthly money market rate is subject to change
- Monthly fee for money market account
- $50 minimum opening balance for checking
With hundreds of locations throughout Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin and 24/7 online banking, various Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Accounts Payable
There is a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000 for CDs and money market accounts, and an opening deposit of at least $100 for its interest-bearing checking accounts. Associated Bank also offers mutual funds and an IRA.
- The highest level of hope
- Interest Checking Accounts
- Health Savings Accounts Available
- Low Savings Apy
- Monthly savings
- $1,000 Minimum Deposit for CDs and Money Market Accounts
Huntington Bank operates branch locations in 13 states, including several in the Midwest. It offers a variety of savings, checking, and money market accounts in addition to CDs. The Premier Sand Savings account has a low apy and monthly fees; However, that amount can be waived by meeting certain requirements.
Free Checking Bank Account – Asterisk Free Checking – No monthly maintenance fees or low opening balance requirements. In addition, the account’s standby money feature allows customers to qualify for an emergency loan of $100 to $750 with no monthly interest and no credit check. However, Huntington has a limited ATM network with only 1,600 locations.
- Branches in 13 states
- The standby money feature provides immediate interest-free savings
- Fees can be waived for savings
- Limited ATM access
- Low saving apy
- Monthly savings
Bremer Bank has a network of 25,000 ATM locations and receives a high 3.2-star trustpilot rating out of 5. The bank has branch locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. If you don’t have access to one of the cashless ATMs, Bremer Bank Relimburs up to $15 per statement cycle for in-network withdrawals. The Bank charges a monthly fee for its checking and savings accounts, but it can be waived by registering for paperless statements.
Bremer has a good community credit rating (CRA) for lending, investment and services. The bank also receives high marks for its customer service, loan services and its mobile application, which currently received 4.8 stars in the Apple App Store and 5 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store. Bremer is now a spin-off of the old local bank, which completed its acquisition of the bank in May 2025.
- Strong Customer Satisfaction Ratings
- Monthly payments can be waived
- High Performance App Rating
- Limited ATM cashback
- Low Savings and Money Markets
How we chose the best banks of 2026
To determine our list of the best banks in 2026, financial staff evaluated hundreds of financial institutions. We then check interest rates offered, minimum balances required, fees, ATM accessibility and/or rewards earned for opening a particular account. You can read our full guide here.
We researched leading regional financial institutions to identify the best banks and unions in the Midwest in 2026. We’ve compared bank account options, rates, deposit rates, fees, surcharges and fees to choose our top options. We have emphasized some emphasis on banks with branch locations in central states. We also prioritized banks with extensive ATM networks and low fees.
You can read our full guide here.
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