The best banks and credit unions in the west

Regional and community banks can offer good rates and service. In western countries, there are good banks and excellent unions that offer the highest apys, low account fees and customer extras.

To help you find the best account, money researched by the leading financial institutions in the region and identified the five best banks in the West in 2026:

*KilePrices and apps are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.

Bank of America is the second largest US bank by assets with 3,857 branch locations in addition to 15,000 ATM locations. The bank has a strong presence in the northeast, and offers checking accounts, savings accounts, student accounts and CDs, the latter offering 28 years to 3.51%. Bank of America requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 for its CDs.

This year, the US bank ranked highly in the JD Power 2025 US Retail Banking Subs Advisory Satisfaction Index. However, it does not offer money market accounts and there are monthly maintenance fees for checking and savings accounts. However, those funds can expire if certain criteria are met.

Last year, Citibank was the highest ranked financial institution in the jd Power Banking advisor satisfaction study. Last year, the bank posted a high score of 631 with a study average of 611 (only two other banks – dismissal and other American banks – finished above the standard mark). Citibank also gets high marks for its 24/7 phone support and online dispute availability.

On the Downside, Citi charges a monthly fee of $4.50 for its Savings accounts and a monthly fee of $15 for its regular checking. However, the bank’s CDs currently offer up to 4.00% apy, which is among the best available. Citi operates branches in 13 states, but is available to online customers in all 50 states and boasts a network of 60,000 ATMs.

When you open a new checking account with Banner Bank, you may qualify for unusual Perks such as identity monitoring and storage services, cell phone protection and discounts on checking orders and safe deposit boxes. Community Bank operates in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and is highly rated for customer satisfaction.

Where Banner Bank stands out is offering interest checking accounts – currently up to 0.05% apy – and the bonuses that come with those accounts. However, to qualify for cash bonuses, customers must deposit at least $25,000 within 30 days of account opening and maintain that minimum balance for 90 days. In addition, their accounts usually have monthly balances.

BMO’s The Smart Selvery Checking account does not require a minimum balance, and does not charge a monthly maintenance fee. The bank also offers higher-tier checking accounts, including an interest-bearing option, but those accounts carry a monthly fee. BMO’s Savings Build Build Reward Customers and An additional $5 each month increases their balance by $200 or more in the first year.

However, the bank’s market capitalization accounts and CDs currently offer relatively low APYS, and customers must deposit at least $1,000 to open a CD at BMO. The bank’s ATM network has more than 40,000 locations.

Based in Montana, Glacier Bank is a financial institution with a high level of customer service. In fact, JD’s strength gave the bank the top spot in the northwest in its US bank satisfaction study last year. The bank has several options for checking interest without a monthly fee, and new customers can benefit from the bank’s shopping program. Glacier Bank will buy your old checks or debit card from another bank when you open a new account, and will give you a $25 credit.

Glacier Bank does not disclose all of its online rate information, as well as bank savings and money market accounts that charge monthly fees. You may be eligible for a fee based on your balance, but it’s important to keep money in mind when shopping for a new account.

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How we chose the best banks in 2026

To determine our list of the best banks in 2026, money was evaluated by hundreds of large commercial banks, credit unions, regional and state banks and online banks ranked by the property. We then compare average opening requirements, interest paid, capital and features to determine our top picks.

We have selected the best Western banks and unions in 2026 by researching financial institutions operating in Western regions and examining their account options, interest rates, minimum deposit requirements and fees. Special consideration was given to banks and credit unions that achieved excellent customer satisfaction.

You can read our full guide here.

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