From the local banks that support Nebraska’s small businesses to national banks with deep roots in the state, there is a diverse range of options for residents of the Cornhusker State.
We’ve reviewed the best banks in Nebraska to help you make an informed decision about which one to trust with your finances, whether you’re looking for a free checking account, a high-yield savings account, or an extensive suite of financial products.
Let’s dive into the nine best banks in Nebraska.
9 Best Banks in Nebraska
Here are the top nine banks in Nebraska that you can open an account with today:
- U.S. Bank
- First Citizens Bank
- Chime Bank
- Wells Fargo Bank
- Ally Bank
- Pinnacle Bank
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Great Western Bank
- First Nebraska Bank
See Nebraska’s Best Bank Bonus Offers & Promotions
1. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is an FDIC-insured national bank that operates in 26 states with over 2,000 branches across the country. As a resident of Nebraska, you can enjoy the convenience of over 30 physical U.S. Bank branches with the additional option to bank online.
- Checking: For checking accounts, U.S. Bank offers the Smartly Checking account, which requires a $25 opening deposit. There is a $6.95 monthly maintenance fee you can avoid when you receive monthly direct deposits of $1,000 or more or keep an average account balance of $1,500 or more. The Safe Debit Account is a checkless alternative with similar account features, including mobile deposits, bill pay, and online banking.
- Savings: U.S. Bank’s Standard Savings account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $4 monthly fee, which can be waived in multiple ways. The APY for this account is lower than other banks, so you may want to consider their money market account or a CD—both of which offer much better rates.
There are no fees when you use an in-network MoneyPass ATM. Further, U.S. Bank’s mobile app and online banking services make it easy for you to manage your accounts 24/7.
Pros
- Competitive money market and CD rates
- Large range of services offered
Cons
- Numerous fees
- Low rate on savings account
2. First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank is one of our top picks for bankers. The bank has been operating for over 120 years, with locations in Nebraska and 22 other states, giving you branch access on the go.
The full-service bank offers several personal bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and an investment platform. It also provides small business and commercial banking services and wealth management resources.
If you’re looking for fee-free checking, First Citizens Bank should be on your radar. The basic checking account has no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees when you enroll in paperless billing. It comes with free, flexible overdraft coverage, Zelle payments, 24/7 mobile deposits, and Apple and Samsung Pay.
The Premier Checking Account has a waivable $18 monthly fee. While the interest isn’t on par with the best high-yield savings accounts, your account balance does earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 0.05%. You also get preferred rates on CDs and home equity lines of credit.
The bank has a streamlined user-friendly app that’s highly rated by Apple and Android users. The bank’s website also features hundreds of educational articles on a wide range of money topics to help you optimize your finances.
Pros
- Versatile account options
- Highly rated mobile app
Cons
- Mediocre APY
- $50 minimum opening deposit
3. Chime Bank
If you’re looking for a convenient online banking provider, you may want to consider Chime. While Chime isn’t technically a bank, it offers unique features that make it an ideal choice if you like to bank digitally. Chime accounts are backed by Stride Bank and Bancorp, Members FDIC.
Chime is 100% online, which means you can manage your finances anytime, anywhere.
Chime doesn’t charge monthly, minimum balance, or overdraft fees. The only time you may see a fee is if you use an out-of-network ATM. However, with access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, you shouldn’t have that issue.
With Chime’s checking account, you’ll receive a free Visa debit card with multiple security features, and you can deposit cash at any Walgreens location. You can also access Chime’s SpotMe feature, which covers you if you overdraw your account up to $200 without incurring any fees.
Chime’s high-yield savings account offers a competitive interest rate, helping your money grow faster than a traditional savings account. You can also enroll in RoundUps, which rounds up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the remainder to your Chime savings account.
Chime’s mobile app has high ratings from iPhone and Android users, and they have a 24/7 customer support team available to help you with any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Excellent ratings on the mobile app
- Large ATM network
Cons
- No physical branches
- Fees with third-party retail cash deposits
4. Wells Fargo Bank
Wells Fargo, a popular bank for Nebraska residents, makes the list due to its wide range of financial products and services, large network, and solid reputation.
With more than 35 branches throughout the state, Wells Fargo offers convenience and variety to its Nebraskan customers.
Wells Fargo offers four checking account options, with the most basic being the Everyday Checking account. It requires a $25 opening deposit and a $10 monthly service fee (which can be waived when you meet certain criteria). Another option is the Preferred Checking account, which offers perks like interest and free ATM withdrawals.
With three savings account options, Wells Fargo’s Way2Save account is the most budget-friendly option, with a small $25 minimum opening deposit and a $5 monthly fee.
The “Save As You Go” feature encourages building your savings, as it automatically transfers $1 from your checking account to your savings account any time you use your debit card.
Wells Fargo offers a selection of credit cards with cashback rewards and bonuses for new customers. It also provides CDs, loans, wealth management services, small business banking, and commercial banking services for Nebraskan customers.
A standout feature of Wells Fargo is its mobile banking app, which allows customers to manage their accounts 24/7, deposit checks remotely, and receive account alerts. The app is available on the Google and App Store and has earned high praise from users.
Pros
- Large network of branches and ATMs
- 24/7 customer service
- Highly-rated mobile app
Cons
- Interest rates could be higher
- High overdraft fees
5. Ally Bank
Like Chime, Ally Bank may be worth your consideration if you’re looking for a digital bank. Unlike Chime, Ally is an online bank and offers more competitive rates and fewer fees than many traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
Additionally, Ally Bank provides its customers with access to over 55,000 fee-free All Point ATMs nationwide.
Ally Bank offers a vast range of banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts (MMAs), certificates of deposit (CDs), and wealth management. You can also apply for various loans, such as mortgages, personal loans, and auto loans (if you qualify).
Ally Bank offers an interest-earning checking account with no minimum initial deposit or balance requirements. The account includes several features, such as mobile check deposits, a complimentary MasterCard debit card, and RoundUps (where your transactions are rounded to the nearest dollar and deposited into your savings).
When it comes to savings, Ally Bank has various options to choose from. With their Online Savings Account, you don’t have to worry about monthly fees or a minimum balance.
It also has a competitive interest rate and a savings bucket feature to help you achieve your savings goals. You can also opt for a money market account and three CDs (including a high-yield CD).
Ally Bank provides its customers with a highly-rated mobile app that you can download on any Android or Apple device. The app allows you to track your purchases, pay bills securely, and make deposits.
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Excellent security features
- 24/7 online access
Cons
- No physical locations
- No cash deposits
6. Pinnacle Bank
For Nebraska residents, Pinnacle Bank is a well-established financial institution that began here in 1938 and has since expanded to nine surrounding states. This FDIC-insured bank offers checking, savings, Visa debit cards, credit cards, loans, mortgages, lines of credit, auto loans, investments, CDs, HSAs, and IRAs.
Pinnacle Bank offers five checking accounts, each with a free Visa debit card (with fraud protection), account alerts, online bill pay, and mobile banking. Their most basic account is Free Checking, which requires a $100 opening deposit, but no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
When it comes to savings, Pinnacle Bank offers three accounts, including its PinnSave Savings Account. There’s a minimal monthly fee of $1 (which can be avoided by keeping your balance above $100), but the interest rates are below the national average. You also need $100 to open the account.
Pinnacle Bank also offers Visa and Visa Gold credit cards, which come with chip technology and zero liability fraud protection. For those with a credit score above 700, you can enroll in Uchoose rewards and earn points on your purchases, which you can redeem later for shopping, travel, and more.
Although Pinnacle Bank has a convenient mobile app with Zelle transfers, mobile deposits, and bill pay, their customer service is only available during weekdays. You can contact them via phone, email, online chat, or in person at a local branch.
Pros
- Wide range of account options
- Highly rated app in the App Store
- Online chat feature
Cons
- Customer service only available on weekdays
- Lower-than-average savings rates
7. First National Bank of Omaha
Founded in 1857, the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has over 50 branch locations in Nebraska, serving customers both in person and online. FNBO offers banking products, including checking, savings, credit cards, mortgages, loans, wealth management, and commercial banking.
If banking fees (or the lack of them) are important to you, look into FNBO’s Free Checking Advantage account. Unlike many other accounts, this account has:
- No Overdraft fees
- No monthly service fee
- No minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance requirement
- No ATM fees from FNBO
For savings, you have the choice between a traditional savings account and the Flex Savings Account. The traditional account has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance, and no minimum deposit requirements, with interest rates ranging between 0.02% and 0.08%. With the Flex Savings Account, you can lock your account for six months (similar to a CD) to earn a high-yield savings rate.
With FNBO, not only can you bank digitally, but you’ll also have access to Twig—a feature that puts you directly in touch with a personal banker who will answer all of your financial questions through the Twig mobile app.
Pros
- Highly-rated mobile app
- Low fees
- High-yield Flex Savings
Cons
- Low-interest rates on standard savings and CDs
- Mixed customer reviews
8. First Interstate Bank
Formerly Great Western Bank, First Interstate Bank is another of Nebraska’s top banks. It’s a savvy pick if you’re interested in a community bank with a variety of banking products.
First Interstate Bank has 45 branches in Nebraska. It’s an Allpoint ATM partner, as well, so you can enjoy free ATM withdrawals nationwide.
The bank offers numerous checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and wealth management services. You can choose from four checking accounts.
Customers can expect to pay $5 per month for the Simple Banking Account, which lacks checks and overdraft protection. It’s designed for individuals looking for a bare-bones spending and deposit account to build a banking history.
The Basic Checking Account is a bit more competitive. You can easily waive its $5 monthly fee with one direct deposit per month or a daily balance of $250. It’s also free if you’re 23 or younger.
The account provides unlimited check writing, mobile banking, and a 2,000-point bonus if you also open a FirstRewards World MasterCard.
The Select and Premier Accounts offer even more features like CD bonuses and safe deposit box discounts, but they also come with higher monthly fees that are more difficult to waive.
In terms of savings, the bank offers a basic savings account, CD, MMA, IRAs, and HSA, but it doesn’t disclose its interest rates online.
Pros
- Several account options
- Sign-up bonuses
- Extensive ATM network
Cons
- High overdraft fees
- Doesn’t disclose interest rates
9. First Nebraska Bank
Rounding out the list, First Nebraska Bank has been operating across the state since 1879, with 11 branches.
While the bank is a bit smaller than some of the other financial institutions we’ve recommended, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a community bank and live near one of its locations.
The bank offers personal checking, savings, and investment accounts, along with personal loans, mortgages, and insurance products. It also has a business checking account, a business savings account, and merchant services.
Similar to its competitors, First Nebraska Bank offers multiple checking account options. One of its more unique options is the Prime Checking account, which is offered exclusively to customers 55 and older. This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements once you make the $100 opening deposit.
First Nebraska’s Simple Checking and Advantage Checking accounts are open to all applicants and offer cashback rewards when you spend $600 on your Visa Card and have a direct deposit or ACH withdrawal.
You also get a $3 rebate when you enroll in e-statements, which can offset the low monthly fees.
On the savings side of the house, the Little Sprout Savings Account stands out. The interest-bearing account is designed for individuals who are 16 or younger and has no minimum balance requirements.
Pros
- Free senior checking account
- Cashback rewards
- Flexible overdraft coverage
Cons
- Simple Checking fee can’t be waived
- Doesn’t disclose interest rates
How to Choose the Best Bank in Nebraska
Choosing the best bank in Nebraska for your finances depends on several factors.
First, you should consider your financial needs and what key features you are looking for in a bank. Would you prefer the larger network and convenience of a national bank, or are you drawn to a local bank with more personalized services?
Additionally, you’ll want to research the services each bank offers. Take note of fees, APYs, and minimum deposit requirements for each type of account.
Are you looking for a free checking account with no monthly fees, a savings account with a competitive interest rate, or a long-term CD with a stable interest rate?
When you consider these factors, you can make an informed decision about which bank in Nebraska is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular bank in Nebraska?
Pinnacle Bank, FNBO, Great Western Bank, and First Nebraska Bank are some of the most popular banks with a focus in Nebraska.
And according to JD Power’s most recent banking survey, First Bank of Omaha is the top bank in the Midwest overall based on customer satisfaction.
What is the largest bank in Nebraska?
Pinnacle Bank is the largest bank in Nebraska, based on the number of physical branches in the state. To date, Pinnacle Bank has over 60 branches across the state of Nebraska.
Is Bank of America in Nebraska?
There are no Bank of America branches in Nebraska. If you’re looking for a bank with local branches in your area, you should consider another bank.
However, you do have the option to bank with Bank of America’s online banking platform. Just note that there are several online banks that may offer more competitive interest rates and fewer fees.
What are the oldest banks in Nebraska?
First National Bank of Omaha is one of the oldest banks in Nebraska, founded in 1863. First Nebraska Bank is another one of the state’s oldest banks, opening its doors in 1879.
Wells Fargo, which also has a presence in Nebraska, was founded in 1852.
Our Methodology
The BankBonus team has analyzed dozens of banks to provide our readers with thoroughly informed and accurate reviews.
We evaluate digital financial platforms, online banks, regional banks, and national banks across several metrics.
Our assessment of each bank factors in these considerations:
- Product lineup: We review the types of accounts, loans, and services offered by each bank, as well as the number of accounts.
- Fees and pricing: We also consider each institution’s fees, including monthly maintenance fees and other service charges.
- Account features: To compare banks, we take a close look at the features, limits, and capabilities each one has to offer.
- Interest: Along with these features, we consider whether or not the bank offers interest-bearing accounts and compare their rates to industry averages.
- Brand reputation: The bank accounts we recommend have been carefully vetted to ensure they are legitimate, secure, and backed by FDIC insurance.
- User experience: Additionally, we consider the ease of use and availability of resources on each bank’s website and factor in reviews of the mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Branch and ATM access: To gauge convenience, we also look at each bank’s branch and ATM availability and consider their ATM reimbursement policies.
- Customer service: In our review process, we also explore their customer service channels, hours of availability, and third-party reviews.
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