Did you know that you can fold a dollar 4,000 times before it will tear? You can still cash a torn dollar if most of it is intact.
Most of us no longer use cash, but having a bank account is still a staple of managing your finances. After all, our currency hasn’t gone virtual yet.
We’ve compiled a list below of the best banks in Washington for you. These banks offer several products and services that make banking simple.
The best banks also offer superior financial education tools, including budgeting programs and online resources. You may even have access to a financial planner if you’re an account holder.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Washington? Let’s get started!
14 Best Banks in Washington
The best banks offer everything from checking and savings accounts to personal loans. Keep reading to see if your favorite bank made the list.
1. KeyBank
KeyBank is a top choice for Washington residents looking for a reliable, fee-free checking account with big-bank convenience and local accessibility. With over 1,000 branches across 15 states and a strong presence from Aberdeen to Zillah, KeyBank blends national reach with community feel.
The Key Smart Checking® account (see details of this account here) stands out for having no monthly fees and no minimum balance, plus access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs, free paper checks, and a powerful mobile banking app. You’ll also get extras like overdraft protection and the EasyUp® savings feature, which helps you build savings effortlessly with every debit purchase.
While the account doesn’t earn interest and savings rates may be lower than online banks, KeyBank’s mix of real-world convenience, digital tools, and no-fuss banking makes it a smart pick for everyday money management. If you want straightforward banking without surprise fees—especially with the peace of mind of local branch access—KeyBank delivers.
- Keep more money with zero monthly fees
- No minimum balance—stress-free banking, even on tight months
- Enjoy free paper checks and easy online + mobile banking
2. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is a powerful option for Washington residents who want high-yield savings without the fees. As an online-only bank backed by the strength of First Citizens Bank, CIT offers no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and interest rates that far exceed most traditional banks.
Whether you're in Seattle, Spokane, or anywhere in between, you can open an eChecking account here with just $100 or take advantage of their popular No-Penalty CD—perfect for building an emergency fund or saving for a down payment in Washington’s competitive housing market.
CIT Bank combines FDIC-insured security with modern digital features like mobile banking, early direct deposit, and Zelle®—all accessible 24/7. If you're a remote worker in Bellingham, a commuter in Bellevue, or just tired of low rates and hidden fees from local branches, CIT gives you a smarter, more rewarding way to bank.
CIT Bank remains one of the largest banks in the U.S., offering its clients a wide range of accounts. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a new bank account in Washington.
- Earn up to 0.25% APY on your checking balance
- No monthly fees or minimum balance required
- Access your account anytime with mobile banking and Zelle®
3. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is a top choice for Washington residents, with over 80 branches across the state and a strong presence in 26 others. Whether you're managing personal finances or running a business, U.S. Bank offers a wide range of convenient banking solutions.
A standout option is the Smartly® Checking account, which you can open online with just $25. It includes all the essential features, and the $6.95 monthly fee can be waived with qualifying direct deposits or by maintaining a minimum balance.
For business owners, U.S. Bank now offers two powerful options: the Business Essentials Checking and Platinum Business Checking accounts. With the latest promos, you can earn $500 or $900 just for opening a new account and meeting simple deposit and transaction requirements.
You can apply online, by phone, or visit one of their many local branches, making it a convenient and rewarding choice for anyone banking in Washington.
4. American Lake Credit Union
American Lake Credit Union offers the best checking accounts to those living in Washington state, but a membership application is a prerequisite for opening an account. Washington residents can easily open a shared savings account with a $5 minimum deposit.
This credit union offers several checking account options, including:
- Compass Checking
- Regular Checking
- Budget Checking
- Money Plus Checking
Compass Checking stands out as it is free with no minimum balance requirements when opting for eStatements. Customers enjoy convenient 24/7 access to online and mobile banking.
These accounts also come with a complimentary Visa debit card and various overdraft protection choices. With access to over 30,000 ATMs and 5,600 co-op shared branches, American Lake Credit Union ensures convenient access to its services.
American Lake Credit Union has locations in Tacoma and Lakewood. It’s a stand-out credit union in Washington state.
Banner Bank offers the Connected Checking account, which requires a $50 minimum deposit. The account has no monthly fees, even for those who prefer paper statements.
A unique feature of this account is the ATM fee reimbursement policy. Under this policy, Banner Bank covers up to four charges each month.
There's no minimum balance requirement to unlock these benefits. Banner Bank provides overdraft protection, peer-to-peer payments, and online bill pay services for added convenience.
With 74 branches across Washington, the bank is well-regarded for its exceptional customer service. Clients can also rely on their 24/7 automated phone system for support.
Banner Bank offers CDs for those looking to grow their savings. Many Washington residents continue to rely on Banner Bank for their banking needs.
6. Great Northwest Federal Credit Union
While Great Northwest Federal Credit Union may not have the best money market accounts, it does offer low membership fees for those who live, work, or worship in Gray’s Harbor or Pacific County. Families can also invite immediate members to join.
Once you make a $5 initial deposit into a savings account, you can take advantage of several financial benefits. These include the following checking accounts:
- Regular Share Account
- Money Market Account
- Great Value Checking
- Regular Draft Account
- Platinum Plus Checking
Make a $25 minimum deposit with the Great Value Checking account, and you’ll pay no monthly fees. Great Northwest Federal Credit Union also offers interest-bearing checking accounts, free online banking, bill pay, and a free Visa debit card.
You can find Great Northwest Federal Credit Union locations in Aberdeen, Raymond, Long Beach, and Ocean Park.
7. HomeStreet Bank
HomeStreet Bank is a longstanding community bank that has proudly served customers in Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii for over a century. You can find over 30 HomeStreet branches in Washington.
This bank offers many financial services catering to consumers and businesses. These services include mortgages and commercial real estate financing.
HomeStreet Bank offers a variety of account options, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs. A free HomeStreet Bank checking account has no minimum daily balance requirements or monthly fees.
While paper statements incur a $5 fee, customers can access their statements for free through the online banking platform. Dedicated to giving back to the community, HomeStreet Bank actively supports local causes and initiatives.
8. MountainCrest Credit Union
MountainCrest Credit Union offers a FreeFresh Start Checking option, designed as a second-chance checking account. With a $25 minimum opening deposit and a $10 monthly fee, this account caters to individuals looking for a fresh financial beginning.
There are also no minimum balance requirements for this second-chance checking account. The credit union includes free online and mobile banking with bill pay, eStatements, and telephone banking.
In addition, customers receive a Visa debit card. MountainCrest Credit Union has branches in Arlington and Everett.
You must deposit $5 into a savings account to become a member. Membership eligibility extends to those living, working, or worshiping in Washington state.
9. Mountain West Bank
Mountain West Bank offers four checking accounts, including:
- Totally Free Checking
- Easy Interest Checking
- 50+ Interest Checking
- Premier Interest Checking
Each account requires a $50 minimum deposit to open. Accounts also come with free online and mobile banking, bill pay, remote deposit, eStatements, and a Visa debit card.
10. Salal Credit Union
Salal Credit Union offers four different types of checking accounts. Three out of the four of them do not have monthly fees. Preferred Interest Checking is the one that doesn’t, and the monthly fee can be waived if a balance of at least $2,500 is maintained.
The free checking account offered by Salal does not earn interest, but the other three checking accounts do on an account that has a balance greater than $0. You must deposit $25 to open this account.
Pathway Checking also comes with a $10 monthly fee. However, you can waive this fee if you:
- Complete at least 15 debit card transactions each month
- Deposit $250 into your account each month
Each action will decrease the monthly fee by $5. Salal Credit Union has convenient locations in Tukwila, Seattle, and Bellevue.
11. Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank offers a straightforward checking account called Embark Checking. This account requires a $25 minimum deposit. If you opt for eStatements, you can avoid the $3 monthly fee.
If you want paper statements, they come with a $3 monthly fee. Customers can also sign up for the fee-free Grow Savings Account and enjoy monthly $10 in ATM fee rebates.
An average balance of $2,500 or more is required to qualify for this benefit. Umpqua Bank has an extensive presence, boasting 64 branches in Washington.
The bank's product lineup includes two money market accounts, three checking accounts, and a simple savings account. While the CD rates offered may be lower than expected, Umpqua Bank's strengths lie in its regional presence.
12. Washington Federal
A Free Checking Account from Washington Federal comes with basic features. This no-frills account has no monthly fee if you sign up for direct deposit and eStatements.
There are no minimum balance requirements associated with this free checking account. Account holders can access online bill pay, peer-to-peer payments, and over 32,000 ATMs.
13. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a prominent national bank with a strong presence in the state. You can visit over 150 locations throughout the region.
Seattle alone is home to 17 branches. Customers can choose from various offerings, including checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, investment opportunities, and retirement solutions.
To open the Everyday Checking account, Wells Fargo requires a minimum deposit of $25. While there is a $10 monthly fee, customers can waive it by fulfilling certain criteria.
Wells Fargo also provides competitive CD options. As a full-service national bank, it offers comprehensive banking solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
14. Wheatland Bank
Wheatland Bank offers two distinct checking account options: Gold Checking and Free-Range Checking. With Free-Range Checking, customers enjoy a fee-free account.
This account also has complimentary online banking featuring bill pay functionality and a free Visa debit card. You can also get up to $10 in non-Wheatland ATM fee reimbursements.
You can use the debit card associated with this account an unlimited number of times each month. In addition, the first box of checks is provided free of charge.
Wheatland Bank extends its services to various locations, including:
- Chelan
- Davenport
- Ellensburg
- Moses Lake
- Odessa
- Pasco
- Quincy
- Ritzville
- Spokane
- Wenatchee
- Wilbur
- Yakima
You must make a $100 minimum deposit to open an account.
FAQs
Some of Washington's best banks and credit unions include Washington Federal, Mountain West Bank, and Umpqua Bank. Many offer some of the best bank account bonuses that aren’t necessarily monetary sign-up bonuses.
Opening a bank account in Washington requires identification, a Social Security number, proof of your mailing address, and an initial deposit. Most credit unions require a $5 deposit to open a share account, but some banks waive the initial deposit requirement.
Mountain West Bank, Wheatland Bank, Salal Credit Union, MountainCrest Credit Union, KeyBank, and HomeStreet Bank offer free checking accounts. You can also find free accounts at American Lake Credit Union and Great Northwestern Federal Credit Union.
Saving Green in the Evergreen State
Whether you visit Washington for the coffee, wine, or scenery, this northern state has much to offer. It’s also home to Boeing and a thriving aerospace industry.
You might not know that Washington offers residents access to some of the best banks available. These banks provide several financial products and services that support our daily lives.
We hope this article helps you find a bank in Washington that you can trust. With the best banks, you can set your financial worries aside to focus on the more beautiful aspects of nature.
Which of the best banks in Washington will you pick?
