Best Banks in North Carolina

Quick Look: The Best Banks in North Carolina

• Best Customer Service: BBVA
• Best Checking Account: First Citizens Bank 
• Best Savings Accounts: CIT Bank
• Best for Mortgages: U.S. Bank
• Best for Investing: Axos Bank

There’s no shortage of banking options in North Carolina. But trying to sort through all the options yourself can be overwhelming. 

We’ve narrowed down the list to the best banks in North Carolina. Find the best choices for checking account rewards, mobile banking and more.

BBVA

BBVA offers products for personal banking consumers, small businesses, corporate and commercial clients. Although BBVA has a few locations throughout the country, it’s known for online and mobile banking services.

You can open an online checking account or savings account. Credit cards, loans, mortgages and wealth management services are also available. 

BBVA offers 3 different checking accounts. All checking accounts come with no-fees or allow you to waive fees. BBVA also offers different kinds of savings accounts. There are online savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts and even IRAs. 

BBVA’s mobile app lets you pay your bills, deposit checks, send money, manage cash-back and even get security alerts sent to your phone. You can also get in touch with a personal banking specialist via text, email or over the phone at a time that’s convenient for you.

First Citizens Bank 

First Citizens Bank is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and offers services in personal banking, business banking and wealth management. First Citizens also has insurance products, property management and financial planning services. 

You can use First Citizens Bank to get checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, home insurance, auto insurance, credit cards and more. There are 5 different checking accounts to choose from. The checking accounts offer various perks and free features. When you open a Prestige or Premier checking account, you automatically qualify for membership in the Your Family First® program. 

The Your Family First® program offers discounts and benefits including budgeting, financial planning, insurance analysis and more. You’ll also qualify for special rewards like $200 towards closing costs on a First Citizens Bank mortgage and a $25 credit towards a new Coverdell Education Savings account. 

CIT Bank

CIT Bank is an online bank for consumers, businesses and commercial clients. With CIT Bank’s personal banking you can save, borrow and manage your money. CIT offers online checking accounts, savings accounts and home loans. There’s no need to ever walk into a branch location because you can easily manage your accounts online or through the CIT Bank mobile app.

You can find a CIT Bank savings product that suits your financial goals. A variety of savings accounts, a money market account and several CDs are offered. Each choice comes with unique terms and its own APY. 

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank is the 5th largest bank in the United States with solutions for consumers, businesses and commercial clients. Checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, refinancing options, credit lines and wealth management services are all available. 

U.S. Bank also offers banking products for small businesses valued under $20 million. These include checking accounts, savings accounts, a money market account, CDs and more. U.S. Bank also offers business loans, credit cards, merchant services and payroll services. 

U.S. Bank has a variety of different mortgages and home loans that include fixed rate-mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA loans, investment properties loans and more. You can prequalify online for free with no impact on your credit score.

Axos Bank

Axos Bank is an online bank for consumers, businesses and commercial clients. Personal banking with Axos Bank incorporates checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, mortgages, refinancing options, loans, and managed investment portfolios.

Axos Bank offers 5 unique checking accounts for consumers. The checking accounts are known for benefits like zero-fees, early paycheck deposits, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and a competitive APY. 

You can also access wealth management and financial planning services. Axos Bank uses an automated investing tool to analyze your financial goals, recommend a personalized portfolio for you and manage your investments. There are no minimums to begin investing and you’ll never have to pay the kind of fees other platforms charge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pay more for mobile banking?

A: Most banks won’t charge you for downloading and using a mobile app. 

Q: Are there different requirements to open a checking and savings account?

A: You’ll likely need your identification, Social Security number and personal information to open a checking or savings account. It’s possible there may be other requirements. Make sure to get in touch with your bank for all the details. 

Find the Right Bank in North Carolina

Banking choices abound but your decision doesn’t need to be complicated. Prioritize which services and online options are most important to you. The right bank will provide tools to help you manage your money with success.

Methodology

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