Did you know that the signature line on a check isn’t actually a line? Instead, it’s a series of words repeated to look like a line.
The truth of the matter is that most of us don’t look at checks unless we have to cash them. Checks are quickly going the way of old banking habits.
If you’re looking for a new bank in Nebraska, you’re not alone. Our list below includes several of the best banks in this great state, no matter what type of account you want to open.
These banks offer several financial products and services that make modern banking convenient and efficient. Some even offer welcome bonuses if you open a new account.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Nebraska? Let’s get started!
Best Banks in Nebraska
Based on our research, these are the best banks in Nebraska for 2023.
Best Checking Accounts in Nebraska
When searching for the best checking account in Nebraska, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of it. That means keeping an eye out for low fees, great customer support, and easy access to free ATMs nearby.
And if you happen to find an account that also earns you some interest on your money, well, that's even better! So, keep these factors in mind as you explore your options and find the checking account that suits you best in Nebraska.
Here are the details on our favorite checking accounts this month.
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Best for liability protection
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Best for APY
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Best for mobile banking
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Best for building credit
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MMG Rating:
5.0
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MMG Rating:
4.5
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MMG Rating:
3.9
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MMG Rating:
4.5
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Monthly fee: $12
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Monthly fee: $0
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Monthly fee: $0
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Monthly fee: $0
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Best Savings Accounts in Nebraska
The best savings accounts in Nebraska have high annual percentage yields (APYs), allowing your money to grow more over time. Look for accounts with competitive APYs to make the most of your savings.
Here are the details on our favorite savings accounts this month.
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Best for large balances
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No monthly fees
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Offers welcome bonus
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Ease of use
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No balance req.
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APY: 4.70%
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APY: 4.35%
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APY: 4.50%
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APY: 4.50%
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APY: 4.30%
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Minimum to Earn APY: $5,000
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Minimum to Earn APY: $100
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Minimum to Earn APY: $1
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Minimum to Earn APY: $100
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Minimum to Earn APY: $0
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: $325
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: N/A
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Best Bank Promotions in Nebraska
Bank account bonuses and promotions often offer attractive cash bonuses when you establish a new checking or savings account. If you're looking for the best bank bonuses in Nebraska, it's important to note that these bonuses are typically awarded as one-time perks.
To be eligible for such rewards, you will typically need to arrange for direct deposit with the bank and maintain the account for a minimum duration, often a few months.
Here are the details on our favorite bank account bonuses this month.
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Best for checking
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Best for savings
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Best for business
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(Nationwide)
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(Nationwide)
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(Nationwide)
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- Bonus Offer: $300
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 1/22/25
- Bonus Offer: $325
- Minimum Deposit: $1,000-$5,000
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 12/31/24
- Bank Bonus: $300
- Minimum Deposit: $2,000
- Direct Deposit: No
- Expiration Date: 1/16/25
Indeed, you’ll find better APY rates and some lower fees at the best digital banks. However, the best banks in Nebraska offer personalized services that can be hard to find online.
1. American National Bank
American National Bank is a local financial institution with 37 branches across Eastern Nebraska, Western Iowa, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This bank offers fee-free checking accounts with a minimum opening deposit of $50 and no minimum daily balance.
In addition to checking accounts, they provide a range of services, including personal and home loans. American National Bank caters to small businesses by offering comprehensive banking solutions, including:
2. Bruning State Bank
Bruning State Bank offers three checking account options: Country Free, Country Plus Interest, and Country Gold. The Country Free account allows customers to choose between a free ATM card and a Visa debit card.
There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, and the account only requires a minimum deposit of $50. Account holders enjoy the flexibility of unlimited check writing, along with the convenience of free online and mobile banking services, including bill pay.
However, it is important to note that a $5 monthly fee may apply after 12 months of account inactivity. Bruning State Bank has multiple branch locations, including:
- Bruning
- Hebron
- Broken Bow
- Holdrege
- Kearney
Bruning State Bank takes pride in offering one of the best banking apps in the industry. Its online and mobile banking platforms provide a user-friendly experience.
3. Butte State Bank
Butte State Bank offers various checking account options, including Primary, Prime, and Premier accounts. The Primary account has no monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance of $500.
Customers receive the benefit of 20 free check processings, with each additional check costing $0.15. Full-time students and individuals aged 65 years or older are not charged any fees.
In addition, you receive a Mastercard debit card, which you can manage via the CardValet app. This app enables customers to oversee and control their debit card usage efficiently.
With locations in Butte, Naper, and Spencer, Butte State Bank serves the community by providing reliable banking services. Their checking account options cater to different needs, offering fee waivers and convenient debit card management.
4. Central National Bank
Central National Bank offers a second-chance checking account, allowing individuals to rebuild their banking relationship. The account requires a minimum deposit of $30 and has a monthly fee of $9.99.
However, customers can lower the fee to $7.99 by adding monthly direct deposits. There are no minimum balance requirements.
Central National Bank prioritizes convenience by offering online and mobile banking services. Customers can access their accounts, perform transactions, and manage their finances.
The bank also provides free eStatements and allows unlimited check writing. The MoneyCentral online banking platform by Central National Bank stands out by offering tools to create budgets and track savings.
With branch locations in Lincoln, Superior, and Omaha, Central National Bank aims to provide the best checking accounts to individuals seeking a fresh start.
5. Cornerstone Bank
Cornerstone Bank, originally established as the First National Bank of York in the 1800s, has evolved into a trusted and traditional financial institution with a strong community presence. While their ATM locations may be limited, Cornerstone Bank compensates for this by offering valuable services that rival the best national banks.
Customers of Cornerstone Bank can benefit from accounts with no monthly fees or minimum daily balance requirements. Cornerstone Bank requires a $100 minimum deposit to open an account.
In addition to its banking services, Cornerstone Bank also provides wealth management solutions and offers home and auto loans.
6. First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank of Omaha, headquartered in Omaha, is a regional bank with 46 branches spread across 17 cities in Nebraska. Additionally, this bank operates in seven other states, including:
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Wyoming
This Nebraska-based bank offers various financial solutions to cater to diverse needs, including personal, business, commercial, and wealth solutions. Customers can enjoy the convenience of mobile and online banking services.
First National Bank of Omaha also provides various loan options, including personal, auto, and home loans and mortgages. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, First National Bank of Omaha offers multiple checking account choices.
Among them is a free checking account that does not impose monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Customers can also benefit from access to Allpoint ATMs and a lack of overdraft fees.
First National Bank of Omaha ensures a personalized banking experience by offering access to a personal banker through their mobile app. This feature allows customers to receive tailored assistance and guidance whenever needed.
7. First Nebraska Bank
First Nebraska Bank has been serving customers since 1879. This Nebraska bank offers personal checking, savings, investments, loans, mortgages, and insurance products and has 11 branches in the state.
For businesses, First Nebraska Bank provides business checking, savings, and merchant services. The Prime Checking account is specifically designed for individuals aged 55 and older.
This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements but requires a $100 opening deposit. The Simple Checking and Advantage Checking accounts are open to everyone and have various benefits.
Customers can earn cashback rewards by spending $600 on their Visa debit card with ACH withdrawals or direct deposits. Enrolling in eStatements also offers a $3 rebate.
First Nebraska offers the Little Sprout Savings Account, designed for individuals aged 16 and younger. This account has no minimum balance requirements.
8. Great Western Bank
Great Western Bank operates an extensive network of 48 branches across 28 cities in Nebraska. The bank further expands its reach with 124 additional locations in eight states.
Similar to the largest banks in the U.S., all Great Western Bank accounts come with free online and mobile banking, bill pay services, and free access to Visa Secure Remote Commerce. This bank also provides free online statements.
With a legacy of 80 years, Great Western Bank specializes in serving agricultural businesses. The bank understands the unique needs of this sector and offers tailored financial solutions, including crop insurance plans.
9. Heritage Bank
Heritage Bank has physical branches located in the following areas:
- Aurora
- Broken Bow
- Doniphan
- Grand Island
- Hastings
- Kearney
- Lincoln
- Loup City
- Neligh
- Orleans
- Red Cloud
- St. Paul
- Stromsburg
- Wood River
Heritage Bank offers Cash Back Banking, an account that requires a minimum deposit of $100 and has no minimum balance requirement. While a $6 monthly fee is associated with the account, customers can reduce it by 25 cents for each debit card transaction posted during the month.
With 24 debit card transactions, you can eliminate the fee. In addition to the Cash Back Banking account, Heritage Bank provides customers with a range of free services.
These include a free debit card for convenient transactions, bill pay services, access to eStatements, and online and mobile banking capabilities. These features allow customers to conveniently manage their finances and access their accounts anytime, anywhere.
10. Pinnacle Bank
Pinnacle Bank is a local financial institution with branches located in Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. This bank offers a free checking account option that requires a $100 minimum deposit, with no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees.
Pinnacle Bank benefits students, seniors, and military personnel by offering up to $10 in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements each month. However, it does have a limited ATM presence in the state.
In addition to checking accounts, Pinnacle Bank provides savings and money market accounts. These accounts allow you to save and grow your money while enjoying competitive rates and flexible terms.
Pinnacle Bank’s free checking account option with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements makes it accessible to many customers. This bank also reimburses out-of-network ATM fees for students, seniors, and military members.
11. Platte Valley Bank
Platte Valley Bank is a regional financial institution with branches located in Nebraska and Wyoming. While it has few ATM locations, Platte Valley Bank stands out by reimbursing out-of-network ATM fees for its customers.
Customers of Platte Valley Bank can enjoy the benefits of no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. To open an account, this bank requires a $100 minimum deposit.
In addition to personal banking services, Platte Valley Bank caters to the specific needs of the agricultural community by providing agricultural loans. This bank also offers comprehensive business banking services, and the mobile app helps you bank on the go.
12. Trius Federal Credit Union
Open a Simple Checking account with Trius Federal Credit Union, and you won’t pay a monthly fee or be held to a minimum balance requirement. However, to become a member of this Nebraska-based credit union, you must live or work in the following counties:
- Buffalo
- Dawson
- Hall
- Kearney
- Phelps
Depending on what credit union promotions are running, you can earn a welcome bonus for opening a new account. Trius Federal Credit Union also runs a monthly shred day to help you safely dispose of sensitive personal and banking information.
13. Union Bank & Trust
Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned bank headquartered in Lincoln. This bank offers various services to meet its customers' financial needs.
Union Bank & Trust is part of the MoneyPass ATM network for convenient cash access, providing surcharge-free ATM withdrawals at various locations. Customers opening new checking accounts with Union Bank & Trust can benefit from a bonus.
Union Bank & Trust does not charge any monthly fees for its checking accounts and requires a minimum deposit of $50. There are no minimum balance requirements.
In addition to checking accounts, Union Bank & Trust offers various savings options, including IRAs, CDs, and money market accounts.
FAQ
Some of Nebraska's best banks and credit unions include Union Bank & Trust, Pinnacle Bank, and First National Bank of Omaha. In a discussion of credit unions vs. banks, credit unions restrict membership but offer similar products and services to most banks.
To open a bank account in Nebraska, you need an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. Some banks also require that you make an initial deposit to open the account.
First National Bank of Omaha, Pinnacle Bank, and Union Bank & Trust offer free checking accounts. Learning how to avoid bank fees can help you keep more of your money in your bank account, and opening fee-free checking accounts is one way.
Banking Right in the Cornhusker State
You don’t have to be Warren Buffett to know that the best banks can give you the tools you need to improve your finances. What you do with those tools is all up to you.
We hope this article helps you find the best bank in Nebraska to work with. Add it to your toolbox and take it out when you’re stuck in a pinch.
The best banks offer convenient and rewarding accounts, personalized service, and a reason to come back when you need help. If your bank doesn’t provide that, it could be time to look for a replacement.
Which of the best banks in Nebraska will you bank with?
