If you’re one of the 3 million residents of the Sunflower State, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a vast number of banking options available to you. Whether you prefer a large national institution or a smaller, community-focused bank, Kansas has something for everyone.
Below, we’ll cover the best banks in Kansas, including the accounts they offer, fees, customer service, special offerings, and accessibility—getting you that much closer to choosing the right bank for you.
7 Best Banks in Kansas
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1. U.S. Bank
Founded in 1863, U.S. Bank got its original national bank charter from the Lincoln administration. Since then, it has grown into one of the country’s leading financial institutions, as the fifth-largest commercial bank in the U.S.
U.S. Bank primarily serves the southern and Midwestern regions of the United States, including Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. It offers a full range of products and services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, investment services, and wealth management solutions.
U.S. Bank provides two checking account options—one tailored for those who use debit cards instead of checks and its standard account, Bank Smartly Checking. This account has a monthly fee of $6.95, which can be waived with monthly direct deposits of over $1,000 or an average daily balance of $1,500.
You can also choose from five different savings and money market accounts. U.S. Bank’s standard savings account has a minimum opening deposit of $25, and, unfortunately, interest rates are low. However, you can link your savings account to your checking for overdraft protection with no fees.
As a member of the MoneyPass network, U.S. Bank grants free access to over 37,000 U.S. Bank ATMs nationwide. However, using an out-of-network ATM will result in a $2.50 transaction fee from U.S. Bank.
Pros:
- Highly rated mobile app
- 24/7 customer service (by phone)
- Overdraft protection with a savings account
Cons:
- Interest rates are pretty low
- It can be challenging to avoid monthly fees
2. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is an online-only bank available to anyone in the U.S. Since it has no brick-and-mortar locations, Ally can provide more competitive rates than many traditional banks. Customers have access to 55,000+ fee-free All Point ATMs nationwide, 26 of which are in Kansas.
As a leading online bank, Ally Bank offers competitive rates, minimal fees, and a range of banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts (MMAs), certificates of deposit (CDs), and wealth management. Qualified customers can apply for various loans, such as mortgages, personal loans, and auto loans.
Ally offers one interest-earning checking account with no minimum initial deposit or balance requirements. A few noteworthy features of this account include mobile check deposits, a complimentary MasterCard debit card, and RoundUps (where your transactions are rounded to the nearest dollar and deposited into your savings).
Customers have multiple options for savings. With Ally’s Online Savings Account, you won’t have to worry about monthly fees or a minimum balance. With a competitive interest rate, it also includes a savings bucket feature to help you with your savings goals. In addition, you also have the option of a money market account and three CDs (including a high-yield CD).
You can download its highly-rated mobile app on any Android or Apple device, where you can track your purchases, pay bills securely, and make deposits.
Pros:
- Competitive interest rates
- Access your digital account from anywhere
- Excellent security features
Cons:
- No brick-and-mortar locations
- No cash deposits
3. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a widely recognized national bank and stands as one of the oldest financial institutions in the United States. With multiple branches and ATMs in Kansas, Wells Fargo caters to both individuals and businesses and offers banking products, such as checking and savings accounts, personal loans, and mortgages.
The Everyday Checking Account is the most popular choice among Wells Fargo’s five checking account options. It has a minimum opening deposit of $25 and a $10 monthly account maintenance fee. Note that the monthly fee can be waived if the account holder maintains a $500 minimum daily balance or has $500 in monthly direct deposits.
Wells Fargo offers two savings accounts, with the Way2Save account being the most cost-effective choice. It requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and a $5 monthly fee. You are encouraged to save your money with its “Save As You Go” feature, which automatically transfers $1 from your checking account to your savings account whenever you make a purchase with your debit card.
Wells Fargo offers an impressive variety of credit cards that provide cash rewards and even welcome bonuses when you sign up as a new customer. They also offer CDs, personal loans, mortgages, investment services, small business banking, and commercial banking services.
The mobile app has positive reviews for its user-friendly platform, which allows you to check your balance, pay bills, deposit funds, and make Zelle transfers.
Pros:
- Rewards and bonuses when you sign up
- Low minimum deposit requirements
- Extensive selection of financial services
Cons:
- Most accounts have monthly fees
- Low APYs
4. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is a subsidiary of First Citizens Bank, one of the largest family-owned banks in the U.S., maintaining a network of over 600 branches across 22 states and over $100 billion in assets.
Like Ally Bank, CIT Bank is a digital banking platform offering all of its services online and through its mobile app. Its competitive rates and streamlined product selection set CIT Bank apart, making it easy for customers to choose an account.
CIT Bank’s eChecking account requires a $100 minimum opening deposit and offers free online transfers, no monthly services charges, and no overdraft fees.
This bank offers two types of savings accounts: Savings Connect, with no monthly maintenance fees and a minimum opening deposit of $100, and a competitive APY, and a Savings Builder account that has tiered interest rates that compound daily.
CIT Bank also provides loans, retirement accounts, debit cards, CDs, mortgages, and money market accounts. CIT’s MMAs boast the highest APY available at CIT, with no limit on deposit amounts.
Pros:
- Higher than average APY rates
- No overdraft fees
- No monthly fees
Cons:
- No physical branch locations
- No credit cards
- No customer service on Sundays
5. Emprise Bank
Headquartered in Wichita since 1910, Emprise Bank now operates over 30 branches in Kansas. As a member-FDIC bank, Emprise Bank provides business and personal banking products and services, including bank accounts, CDs, personal loans, debit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and investment services.
Emprise offers two checking accounts—Cash Back Checking and High-Interest Checking. To receive the perks from either account, account holders must make at least 12 debit card purchases per month, enroll in eStatements, and receive a direct deposit into their account.
There is one savings account available—Savings Plus. In order to open this account, you must already have a Cash Back Checking or High-Interest Checking account. When you link these accounts together, customers will receive higher interest rates on their savings, as well as no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement.
Emprise account holders have access to a network of 55,000 fee-free ATMs and up to $25 in ATM fee reimbursements if you use one that is out-of-network. Customers can access their accounts anytime through Emprise’s website or mobile app (available in the Google Play and App Store).
Pros:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- Cash back and high-interesting checking accounts
Cons:
- Website is not user-friendly
- Several requirements must be met to qualify for rewards
6. Capitol Federal Savings Bank
Capitol Federal Savings Bank, Kansas’s largest regional bank, was established over 125 years ago. Based in Topeka, Capitol Federal operates 50 traditional branches across Kansas and Missouri.
With more than $9 billion in assets, Capitol Federal offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, prepaid cards, mortgages, investment accounts, IRAs, loans, wealth management, and estate planning. For small business owners in Kansas, Capitol Federal provides business loans, lines of credit, and business credit cards.
Offering three checking accounts, the Simple Blue account is most customers go-to account. With no monthly service charges or minimum balance fees, it’s ideal for anyone, especially those who have lower balances.
In terms of savings, Capitol Federal has several account options for various needs, including a passcard savings account, a kids club, and retirement savings. Capitol Federal offers overdraft protection between linked accounts, but you have to enroll to utilize it.
The mobile app has mediocre ratings, but it has many capabilities, such as transferring funds, locating nearby CapFed branches and ATMs, mobile check deposits, and bill pay. You can also set up account alerts by text or email.
Pros:
- Has the most locations of any bank in Kansas
- Wide range of banking products and services
- Competitive CD rates
Cons:
- Poorly rated app
- Low savings account rates
7. Commerce Bank
Founded in Kansas City in 1865, Commerce Bank is a regional bank that provides banking services across the Midwest in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Illinois. Commerce Bank operates over 150 branches across the region, with nearly 40 branches in Kansas alone, making it an ideal choice if you prefer in-person banking.
This FDIC-insured bank offers personal, corporate, and business banking. Its individual banking products and services, including checking, savings, debit cards, prepaid cards, and credit cards, are tailored to various ages and stages.
Commerce Bank offers three checking accounts with free and interest-bearing options. The Free Checking account can be opened online, including mobile banking, text alerts, a $50 Visa Reward card for referrals, free Commerce ATM transactions, and overdraft protection.
When you open a myRewards savings account and make deposits each month for 11 months in a row (of at least $20), Commerce Bank will match your deposit up to $20 per account (and capped at $40 total).
Another nice feature is the Overdraft Grace Period. You can avoid overdraft fees when you make a deposit to cover the negative balance before 7:00 pm on the second business day.
Pros:
- Monthly fees are easy to waive
- Overdraft Grace Period
- myRewards $20 deposit match
Cons:
- Savings and CDS rates could be better
- Overdraft fees are $36 if you miss the grace period window
How to Choose the Best Kansas Bank for You
If you’re a new or long-time resident, you have plenty of excellent banking options in Kansas for your finances.
Whether you’re looking for a national bank with an extensive network like Wells Fargo, a state bank with strong ties to the community like Emprise Bank, or an online bank with competitive rates like CIT Bank, there’s something for everyone in Kansas.
When choosing the best bank for you, take the time to evaluate what you want out of your bank and what each bank offers. Don’t forget to factor in fees, customer service, mobile banking, and any additional perks.
Remember, the best bank for you will ultimately depend on your personal financial goals, needs, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major banks are in Kansas?
Numerous major banks serve Kansas’s residents, including Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, and Chase Bank. However, the banks with the most branches in Kansas are Capitol Federal Savings Bank and Commerce Bank.
Does Kansas have Chase Bank?
Kansas has several Chase Bank locations, including Leawood, Olathe, and Overland Park.
Does Kansas have Bank of America?
Yes, Bank of America serves Kansas at over 20 locations, including in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita.
What is the oldest bank in Kansas?
The oldest bank in Kansas is Exchange Bank & Trust, headquartered in Atchison. This bank was founded in 1856, five years before Kansas got its statehood, and is still serving the residents of northeastern Kansas today.
What is the best credit union in Kansas?
Everyone has their own specific banking needs, so it’s difficult to pinpoint one credit union as “the best” for all. However, Community America Credit Union is a great choice if you’re considering an account with a credit union.
With multiple locations in and around Kansas City, Community America Credit Union offers banking solutions for individuals and businesses, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, MMAs, credit cards, insurance (auto, home, and life), loans, and wealth management services.
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