Did you know the median bank account balance in 2019 was $5,300? If you’re banking in Colorado and living in Denver, that might cover two or three months' rent.
Living in the Mile-High City isn’t cheap, but the good news is that plenty of banks are accessible and ready to work with you to increase your financial stability. These banks are the subject of our discussion today.
Our list of Colorado's best banks includes many you’re probably familiar with. While some of these banks are specific to Colorado, others can be found across the country or online.
Whether you’re a Colorado native or a transplant, the banks on our list below offer welcome bonuses and perks to all customers. You may even find that some offer second-chance bank accounts if that’s what you need.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Colorado? Let’s get started!
13 Best Banks in Colorado
You may recognize a few of the best national banks on this list, but most of the banks below are regional or community banks. Because of their locale, they offer Coloradoans some of the best bank account bonuses, whether that’s welcome offers or year-round perks.
1. Chase
You can take advantage of several Chase bank promotions when you open a new account with this national bank. If you open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn $300 just for setting up a direct deposit.
Open a Chase Total Checking® account and earn a $300 bonus after meeting simple requirements. This offer is available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity!
- Largest bank in the U.S.
- More than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 physical locations
- New customers can qualify for a $300 intro bonus
- User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
- No minimum deposit to open
- Chase Overdraft Assist and Zero Liability Protection
- $12 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived
The Chase Secure Banking℠ account offers a similar reward for the same action. Set up direct deposit on your new Chase Secure Banking℠ account, and you can earn $100.
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions (debit card purchases, online bill payments, etc) within 60 days. Once you complete the requirements, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days.
Chase also offers bank accounts for kids and students. You’ll find 70 Chase locations just in Denver alone, with over 100 available across the state.
Chase also offers a user-friendly mobile app, which includes access to Zelle. You’ll also find auto and home loans, credit cards, and savings accounts among Chase’s products and services.
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Earn $300 bonus
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Earn $300 bonus
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Earn $100 bonus
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Earn $100 bonus
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Earn $3,000 bonus
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MMG Rating:
5.0
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MMG Rating:
4.9
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MMG Rating:
4.5
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MMG Rating:
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MMG Rating:
4.9
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If you’re new to Chase and open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn up to a $300 welcome bonus. To complete the requirements for this consumer checking account, set up a direct deposit within 90 days. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days. |
If it’s a business bank account you’re looking for, look no further than the Chase Business Complete Checking® account that allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying activities. |
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. Once you complete the requirements, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days. |
Open a Chase College Checking℠ account to earn a $100 bonus. To qualify for this promotion, you’ll need to make at least 10 transactions within the first 60 days between debit card transactions. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days. |
The Chase Private Client experience unlocks access to lower rates when financing a big purchase and connects you with a private banker and investment advisor whenever you like. Save time and money with better banking benefits and special services, plus a $3,000 welcome bonus. |
If you’re new to Chase and open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn up to a $300 welcome bonus. To complete the requirements for this consumer checking account, set up a direct deposit within 90 days. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
If it’s a business bank account you’re looking for, look no further than the Chase Business Complete Checking® account that allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying activities.
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. Once you complete the requirements, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days.
Open a Chase College Checking℠ account to earn a $100 bonus. To qualify for this promotion, you’ll need to make at least 10 transactions within the first 60 days between debit card transactions. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
The Chase Private Client experience unlocks access to lower rates when financing a big purchase and connects you with a private banker and investment advisor whenever you like. Save time and money with better banking benefits and special services, plus a $3,000 welcome bonus.
2. CIT Bank
This online bank is known for its high APYs for both its savings accounts and RampUP CDs. If you can’t take advantage of the best CD rates when you open the CD, you have one opportunity to increase that rate afterward to earn more.
The CIT Savings Builder account doesn’t require a minimum deposit or monthly maintenance fee. You can also make deposits to your new savings account through the mobile app.
Interest that adds up in your family's best interest. Open an account today and start earning. Open an account with $100 to earn up to 1.00% APY.
CIT Bank also offers its CIT Money Market Account, where you can experience a convenient and secure all-digital way to grow and access your money. Plus, earn a competitive interest rate and easily pay people and bills, with no monthly fees.
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CIT Bank Savings Connect has an annual percentage yield of up to 4.50%, which is higher than the national average interest rate on savings accounts. This account does not charge a monthly Service Charge. |
Experience a convenient and secure all-digital way to grow and access your money. Earn a competitive interest rate. Easily pay people and bills, with no monthly fees. |
Interest that adds up in your family's best interest. Open an account today and start earning. Open an account with $100 to earn up to 1.00% APY. |
Online and mobile banking is easy and convenient with an eChecking account. CIT customers can access checking accounts 24 hours a day online or through the mobile app. Checking accounts can be opened with a $100 minimum opening deposit. |
CIT Bank CDs provide a safe, secure way to grow your savings. Choose from a selection of CD rates and terms to help you stay on target for your savings goals. |
CIT Bank Savings Connect has an annual percentage yield of up to 4.50%, which is higher than the national average interest rate on savings accounts. This account does not charge a monthly Service Charge.
Experience a convenient and secure all-digital way to grow and access your money. Earn a competitive interest rate. Easily pay people and bills, with no monthly fees.
Interest that adds up in your family's best interest. Open an account today and start earning. Open an account with $100 to earn up to 1.00% APY.
Online and mobile banking is easy and convenient with an eChecking account. CIT customers can access checking accounts 24 hours a day online or through the mobile app. Checking accounts can be opened with a $100 minimum opening deposit.
CIT Bank CDs provide a safe, secure way to grow your savings. Choose from a selection of CD rates and terms to help you stay on target for your savings goals.
3. First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank is headquartered in North Carolina but operates six branches in Colorado. It serves the greater Denver area with several financial products and services.
You can open several checking and savings accounts with First Citizens Bank. This family-owned bank's free checking account is an excellent option for managing your money.
First Citizens Bank also offers credit cards, loans, insurance, investment, retirement, and mortgages. Check out First Citizens Bank to see how you can bank better in Colorado.
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Free checking account
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Description: Experience hassle-free banking with a free checking account. No fees, no minimum balance requirement, and the convenience of 24/7 digital banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits. Enroll in paperless statements to avoid the monthly fee. Make your life easier with better banking. |
Description: Open a First Citizens online savings account for easy access and mobility. Enjoy convenience with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service charges. Earn interest on your daily balance and receive monthly credits with competitive rates. |
Experience hassle-free banking with a free checking account. No fees, no minimum balance requirement, and the convenience of 24/7 digital banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits. Enroll in paperless statements to avoid the monthly fee. Make your life easier with better banking.
Open a First Citizens online savings account for easy access and mobility. Enjoy convenience with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service charges. Earn interest on your daily balance and receive monthly credits with competitive rates.
4. U.S. Bank
You’ll find over 100 U.S. Bank locations in Colorado, over half of which are located within Denver. U.S. Bank operates over 2,000 branches and 5,000 ATMs nationwide.
Take advantage of many U.S. Bank promotions going on right now. Business owners can open a checking account and earn up to $750 by:
- Depositing $15,000 or more within 30 days
- Enrolling in online or mobile banking within 60 days
To take advantage of these offers, you must open a U.S. Bank Business Checking account. U.S. Bank also offers online and mobile banking.
Most U.S. Bank checking and savings accounts require $25 to open. You can waive the monthly fees by meeting criteria based on direct deposit totals or maintaining a minimum account balance.
U.S. Bank fails to compete with online-only banks that offer higher APYs for their savings accounts. However, it also offers money market accounts, credit cards, and several other financial products and services.
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Up to $900 Bonus
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Description: U.S. Bank has three business checking accounts, Gold and Platinum — including a free option with its Silver Business Checking. You can apply for an account online, over the phone or in person at a branch (U.S. Bank has branches in 26 states). |
U.S. Bank has three business checking accounts, Gold and Platinum — including a free option with its Silver Business Checking. You can apply for an account online, over the phone or in person at a branch (U.S. Bank has branches in 26 states).
5. Ally Bank
Did you know that Ally Bank is one of many online-only banks that let you overdraft? Though avoiding overdrafting your account is wise, covering emergency expenses in a pinch can help ease your stress.
Ally Bank also offers superior checking and savings accounts. For example, the Interest Checking Account does just that by earning interest on your balances.
You can also open a savings account and earn a high annual percentage yield (APY) rate. Neither account requires you to maintain a minimum deposit or pay monthly fees.
Ally Bank also partners with the Allpoint ATM network, which hosts over 55,000 ATMs nationwide. If you have to use an ATM outside this network, Ally reimburses you up to $10 in ATM fees each statement cycle.
You can access your Ally Bank account online or through the mobile app. You can access services such as online account statements, Zelle peer-to-peer transfers, mobile check deposits, and an ATM locator.
6. Alpine Bank
Headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Alpine Bank has almost 40 branches in Colorado. Alpine is most known for its land loans but offers some of the best checking accounts.
You can open a Liberty or Elite checking account and a Saver’s Choice Money Market account with Alpine Bank. This bank is also part of the Allpoint network of ATMs, which includes over 40,000 ATMs across the country.
If it’s business accounts you’re looking for, Alpine offers business loans, credit cards, and lines of credit up to $50,000. Alpine Bank also deals in Small Business Administration (SBA) and commercial property loans.
7. Bank of Colorado
Bank of Colorado was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Fort Collins. This bank hosts over 40 locations across the state and operates in eight other states.
With Bank of Colorado, you can open a free checking account with a minimum balance or monthly fees. However, the savings account APY rates can’t compete with those offered by online-only banks.
Bank of Colorado also deals in business banking and loans for home, auto, and personal use. Students can choose between the Growth, Diamond Secure, and Interest Checking accounts for various perks.
8. FirstBank
Besides Wells Fargo, FirstBank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. It’s also one of the best regional banks in Colorado.
FirstBank was founded in Lakewood, Colorado, in 1963. It offers in-person, mobile, and online banking in Colorado, California, and Arizona.
Choose from 12 different accounts to open at FirstBank, from savings and checking accounts to CDs and business accounts.
The Bloom Package is popular among FirstBank members. This package integrates your checking and savings accounts and allows you to fund your savings with up to $99.99 per swipe of your Visa debit card.
Most FirstBank accounts don’t require a minimum balance or monthly maintenance fees. Minimum opening deposits are low as well.
FirstBank hosts 13 locations in Denver, with various ATMs available throughout the state. If you’re banking in Colorado, it pays to check out FirstBank and everything it offers.
9. High Country Bank
Headquartered in Salida, High Country Bank owns five branches in Colorado. Though it’s one of the smallest banks on our list, this bank doesn’t skimp on financial products and services.
Choose from several free or low-cost checking and savings accounts, credit cards, real estate loans, and CDs. High Country Bank also specializes in vacant land loans, which Colorado residents often seek.
If you own a business, High Country Bank offers commercial checking and savings accounts, real estate loans, commercial lines of credit, and equipment loans. This bank is also active in the community and serves local organizations.
10. KeyBank
Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank hosts 50 locations in Colorado and remains one of the state’s largest regional banks. KeyBank is also an Equal Housing Lender with several superior loan options.
If you open a Key Smart Checking® account, you can avoid overdraft fees in several ways. You can set up mobile alerts to help you stay mindful of your account balance or link your savings account to make free transfers to cover overdrafts.
KeyBank also has a user-friendly mobile app to check your account balance. If you’re banking in Colorado and need a new bank account, check out KeyBank.
Key Smart Checking® from KeyBank offers no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, making it affordable. It provides convenient online and mobile banking features, including mobile check deposit and contactless payments. With a large network of ATMs and overdraft protection options, it's ideal for tech-savvy and budget-conscious users.
11. NuVista Federal Credit Union
To qualify for membership, NuVista Federal Credit Union requires that you live or work in one of the following counties:
- Montrose
- Delta
- Gunnison
- Ouray
- San Miguel
NuVista Federal Credit Union is a community development financial institution (CDFI) with two branches in Colorado. It is a mission-driven credit union that seeks to serve Colorado residents in the communities in which it operates.
You’ll find several checking and savings accounts at this Colorado credit union, including a second-chance bank account. The Share Savings account is also a good option because you only need $25 to fund it, and there are no monthly fees to worry about.
12. Premier Members Credit Union
Join this credit union, and you can take advantage of some of the state's best money market accounts and CDs. You can earn a superior APY on money market balances under $2,000. Premier Members Credit Union also offers a Share Certificate (a credit union’s version of a CD) that’s only $500.
If you live or work in several large counties in Colorado, you can qualify for membership. Premier Members Credit Union will also accept you as a member if you join Impact on Education, a Boulder Valley School District charity.
13. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is one of several banks that don’t require Social Security numbers to open an account. While that might not be an issue for Colorado residents, it’s nice to know that Wells Fargo offers this perk.
Many small business owners in Colorado love working with Wells Fargo because it’s an SBA lender and also offers its own set of small business loans, accounts, and services. You can open a business bank account, obtain a business loan, and contract merchant services, all under Wells Fargo’s roof.
You can easily waive any monthly fees with the Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking account.
FAQs
FirstBank is the largest locally-owned bank in Colorado. You’ll find over 100 locations within the state.
Bank of Colorado, CIT Bank, and Ally Bank offer free checking accounts. Many other banks on our list offer checking accounts with waivable fees.
The best credit unions in Colorado include Ent, the largest credit union in the state. Other credit unions in Colorado include Elevations Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, Denver Fire Department Federal Credit Union, and San Juan Mountains Credit Union.
Banking in the Rocky Mountains with the Best Banks in Colorado
Colorado has a lot to offer residents and travelers alike. With the best banks in Colorado, you can set aside your financial worries and focus on the awe-inspiring landscapes instead.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful in finding the best banks in Colorado to help you build your financial future. Banking in Colorado might not look that different from banking in other states, but it’s nice to know that you can use local banks to help you achieve your dreams.
Which of the best banks in Colorado will you work with?
