Contributor, Benzinga
August 17, 2020

Stuck in a rut with your bank? Whether you’re looking for a checking account that gives back or to save for something special, there’s a bank account perfectly suited to you. Use our list of the best banks in Idaho to find the right bank today.

Axos Bank Savings
Best For
  • No Maintenance Fees
securely through Axos Bank Savings's website

Best Checking Accounts: Axos Bank

A fully digital bank, Axos Bank offers solid personal banking choices.  It can provide you with personal banking options with competitive rates and perks on checking and savings accounts.

Axos has 5 specialized checking accounts. Essential Checking is a free basic account with unlimited ATM reimbursements. The CashBack Checking account earns you 1.00% cash back on purchases.

Rewards Checking is the most popular account from Axos. This is a free account with no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees. Axos will also reimburse all domestic ATM fees you are charged.

This is a tiered, high-yield checking account. Each of the following actions earns a third of the total possible interest rate:

  • Have over $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits monthly.
  • Make at least 10 monthly transactions with your Axos Visa Debit Card. 
  • Make 5 more transactions for a total of 15 with your Axos Visa Debit Card.

Axos Golden Checking an interest bearing account especially for people over 55. It offers senior-friendly benefits such as free checks. First Checking introduces teens from 13 to 17 to banking — plus, this account earns interest. Each of these accounts offers ATM reimbursements.

All Axos checking accounts are enabled for mobile deposits, bill pay and peer-to-peer payments.

Axos has solid savings accounts as well. Choose from High Yield Savings and High Yield Money Market and earn on your balance at a competitive interest rate. There’s no minimum balance requirement and you won’t pay any service charges. 

Best for Mobile Banking: BBVA

Nowadays, mobile banking apps can handle almost all of your banking needs. And the BBVA Mobile Banking app is no exception. It’s at the top of its class, winning multiple awards.  

The BBVA Mobile Banking app is intuitive, making it easy to navigate. The app keeps your balances and pending and posted transactions at the top of each account so you always have a pulse on your finances.

BBVA as an institution aims to provide its customers with innovative banking products spanning the personal, commercial, small business, commercial and wealth sectors.

Whether you’re looking for checking and savings accounts, credit cards or a lender, you have a host of options with BBVA. One caveat — not every BBVA product is available nationwide. But its online and mobile banking means you get the same service even with online-only accounts. 

If you reside in Idaho, you’ll have access to all products available nationwide. This includes 2 checking accounts, Premium Checking and Online Checking. Earn tiered interest rates with Premium Checking. Or, get cash back using your Online Checking account with a feature called Simple Cash Back.

These accounts only require a $25 minimum opening deposit. Although there aren't any brick-and-mortar branches in Idaho, you can bank at eligible ATMs or digitally.

US Bank – personal banking
securely through US Bank – personal banking's website

Best for Branch Access: U.S. Bank

With numerous banks throughout Idaho, U.S. Bank is a good choice if in-person banking is vital to you. 

Personal banking products from U.S. Bank include checking and savings accounts, mobile and online banking, credit cards, mortgages and refinancing along with personal loans and personal lines of credit and investment products.

You’ll have your pick of 5 checking accounts, each with different perks. If you’re looking for a low cost, simple checking out, sign up for Easy Checking. You can qualify for overdraft fee protection by linking this account with your U.S. Bank savings account. 

Gold Checking offers perks for U.S. Bank loan customers. You can also qualify by having a credit card or line of credit with the bank. Platinum Checking is a premium account with competitive interest rates and perks like fee-free banking and discounts on loans. Access the higher-level interest rates if you keep at least $25,000 in accounts or in investments.

Student Checking is a fee-free account with no minimum monthly balance requirement. Safe Debit Checking is a checkless account offering free overdraft protection.

CIT Bank
Best For
  • Business and Personal Checking
securely through CIT Bank's website

Best Savings Accounts: CIT Bank

With as little as $100, you can open up a savings account at CIT Bank. CIT is an online bank with a number of interest-bearing accounts that can help you save. 

You have 3 accounts to choose from, all tailored to specific needs. Choose from the Savings Builder account, Premier High Yield Savings account or Money Market account.

If you’re looking for an attractive APY rate and a straightforward account, you’ll like Premium High Yield Savings. Qualify for higher interest tiers with the Savings Builder Account. Higher tiers are accessed when you meet certain minimum monthly standards. These may include actions like maintaining a minimum monthly balance or receiving qualified direct deposits.

CIT Money Market account doubles as a checking and savings account. Your funds are easily accessible but you’ll still earn industry-high interest on your balance. Digital transactions are simple. Just link your account to platforms like Zelle and PayPal.

This account is basically free to use. You’ll pay excessive transaction fees, but only up to $50. And if you overdraft, it’ll cost you $25. Aside from that, you won’t pay any fees.

24/7 access to CIT’s mobile banking tools is a feature of all CIT personal banking accounts.

If you need a true checking account but still want to earn interest on your balance, try eChecking. You’ll earn interest on any balance, but you can unlock higher rates by maintaining an average balance of at least $25,000. As with CIT savings accounts, eChecking is a mostly free account that reimburses some ATM fees.

You will also find home loans and different certificates of deposit (CDs), too.

Wells Fargo | banking
Best For
  • In-person service and support
securely through Wells Fargo | banking's website

Best for Personal Loans: Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a nationwide bank with numerous branches throughout Idaho. You can easily manage your banking either in person or digitally using Wells Fargo’s comprehensive online and mobile banking services.

Wells Fargo can meet most of your personal banking needs. You’ll find checking and savings accounts, credit cards, CDs (certificates of deposit) and loans. You can also meet most of your lending needs with home loans, student loans, auto loans, home equity lines of credit and personal loans from Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo is a great place to get a personal loan. Loans range from $3,000 to $100,000. You don’t need to offer up collateral for these loans. Enjoy fixed, competitive interest rates along with flexible terms between 12 and 84 months. You can use these loans for any general purpose or for a more specific use, like debt consolidation.

This loan has no origination fees or prepayment penalties, so you'll get every dollar you’re approved for. Applying online is easy or you can visit a branch. Funding is often received as soon as the following day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to open up a bank account?

A: Usually, you’ll need a picture ID. Most banks ask for other identifying information and documents. Your bank may have a minimum opening deposit. Find out more by visiting a bank’s website or visiting them at a branch.

Q: Is my money safe in a bank account?

A: Yes. Your balance is protected up to $250,000 for individual deposit accounts. Funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Your Best Bank

Whether you’re making the switch to digital banking or trying to reach a savings goal more quickly by earning interest, the right bank can make the most of your money. Use Benzinga’s list of the best banks in Idaho to find a better bank today.

Methodology

To determine the best banks in Idaho, Benzinga analyzed over 100 banks and financial institutions. We gave weight to banks in Idaho with co-op ATMs and cashback options. We also gave greater rankings to banks that offer the following: checking and savings accounts, online banking, personal loans, mortgages, educational resources and a mobile app.

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