Spoiler Alert: If you are looking for banks with locations in all 50 states, you won’t find one. However, several national banks come very close, and the emergence of online banking means you can still find support from almost anywhere.
In this post, we’ll cover the banks with the largest presence in the US and where you can find them. From popular household names (e.g., Chase, Wells Fargo) to alternative, online-only joints (e.g., Chime, Ally), you should have no trouble finding one that works for you — no matter where you are.
Banks with Locations in (Almost) Every State
Even though these banks are not everywhere, the biggest and best-known national banks each have a significant presence throughout much of the US.
Of course, every major bank now has some type of online banking available as well. While the quality and usability vary from platform to platform, big national banks tend to have high-functioning online tools for banking on the go.
So, if you prefer a bank with locations in all 50 states, the largest banks are a good start if you’re looking for as many branches as possible.
Chase Bank
🏆 Locations In The Most States (48)
In terms of a presence in every state, Chase Bank comes the closest with retail locations in all of the lower 48 states.
The only states without a Chase Bank location are Alaska and Hawaii.
Wells Fargo
🏆 Most Branches in the US (8,000+)
Wells Fargo has the highest number of branches but has a smaller overall service area than Chase. You’ll find a Wells Fargo branch in 36 states, with the highest number of branches in California, Texas, and Florida.
You won’t find a Wells Fargo location in Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Hawaii, or Vermont.
Bank of America
🏆 Most ATMs Nationwide (15,000+)
When looking for a bank with locations in all 50 states, Bank of America comes close. They have nearly 4,000 branches in 38 states. Its largest presence is in California, with more than 434 branches.
Bank of America is present in most areas of the US, but there are fewer branches in the Midwest and the South.
PNC Bank
PNC recently acquired BBVA, bringing its total branches to 2,400 locations in 30 states. PNC’s most significant presence remains in the Mid-Atlantic, but the expansion also gives it a large branch network in Texas.
Despite its recent growth, PNC is harder to find in the Pacific Northwest and some of the Midwest.
US Bank
US Bank is one of the most well-known banks in the West and Midwest, where it operates nearly 2,000 branches in 26 states.
Citibank
Citibank has the smallest physical presence of the Big Four, with roughly 650+ branches across 21 states.
Despite its small branch presence, Citibank has a large ATM network to help customers access their funds.
Online Banks Available Nationwide
First, let’s state the obvious: online banks don’t have bank branches. Instead, they operate digitally and trade the cost of brick-and-mortar for lower fee schedules and higher interest rates.
Online banking may not be the best choice if you need a bank with branches, tellers, and in-person support. But if you don’t need those services, these digital banking options are among the best.
In addition, certain aspects of an online bank are more widespread than large national banks. For example, Chase Bank has over 16,000 ATMs scattered throughout the US. This might seem like a lot until you compare it to the network of an online-only bank like Chime with 60,000 ATMs.
Next, let’s look at some of our favorite online banks.
Chime
Chime is an online bank and a member of the Allpoint ATM network.
Customers also have access to fee-free transactions at MoneyPass ATMS inside 7-Eleven stores. This means Chime customers have fee-free access to over 60,000 ATMs in all 50 states.
While they don’t have physical banks with locations in all 50 states, you can live anywhere and own an account.
Even though you can’t visit any Chime branches, you can more easily access your funds.
Ally
Ally is one of the largest online banks in the US. You can open an account from anywhere in the U.S. without worrying about minimums or fees.
Like Chime, Ally has no branches or ATMs, but it has a top-tier mobile app and offers ATM reimbursements every month.
Aside from the robust ATM networks, there’s much to like about digital banks compared to the largest banks in the US. Online banks typically don’t charge monthly fees, and their APYs are usually significantly higher than the national average.
Other Banking Options in the U.S.
If you still haven’t found the right financial institution, here are a few additional banking options worth considering.
Hybrid Banks
A hybrid bank might be your best bet if you’re looking for a little bit of everything. They won’t have banks with locations in all 50 states, but they offer other benefits. These banks, such as New York-based Capital One, operate some retail branches but also offer full-service online banking platforms.
Practically speaking, hybrid banks are like online-only banks with tellers on hand if you need them. You won’t see branches from coast to coast, but you should have more than enough if you live within the region that the bank serves.
HSBC is another example of a hybrid bank. The London-based bank runs its US headquarters out of New York City and has nearly 150+ branches nationwide.
Plus, HSBC is now part of the Allpoint ATM network, so you can enjoy the perks of a digital bank with access to physical branches as needed.
Local and Regional Banks
A regional bank serves a specific area of the U.S. This can mean a single state like California to an entire region like New England or the South. Typically, you need to be a resident of one of the states that a regional bank serves to qualify for an account.
Unlike big banks, local, regional, and community banks and credit unions focus on the specific needs of their communities. These banks are known for more personal customer service, making you feel less like a number.
However, the trade-off is that once you leave the community that the bank serves, you don’t have access to the same financial services.
That said, regional doesn’t necessarily mean small. For example, PNC bank is regionally focused with ATMs and branches in 29 states but is on the list of the largest banks in the U.S. Similarly, TD Bank is in the top 10 in total assets but only operates on the East Coast.
A regional bank isn’t the best option for those who travel often. While many regional banks offer ATM reimbursements and online banking, you’re usually better off with a national bank for something closer to nationwide coverage.
However, like big banks, most local and regional banks are FDIC-insured, so your money is just as well protected if you go with a smaller shop.
While regional banks have a lot to offer, you still have options if they offer everything you need. If you’re open to not having any banking branches, your best bet might be to cut the cord and go for a fully digital bank instead.
How to Choose the Right Type of Bank
When considering your options, you must ask yourself what you want in a banking partner.
For example, think about why having banks with locations in all 50 states is important to you — is it the security of knowing that a teller will be there to help when you’re on the road? Are you planning to move to a different state and want a bank you can stick with?
While it seems ideal to go with the bank that boasts the most branches, there are more important factors to consider with multiple solutions. Instead of looking for the biggest or best national bank, think about what makes a bank the best partner for you.
The reality is that, depending on the extent of your relationship with a bank, you might be surprised by how easy it is to bank without a branch. If banking for you consists of a checking account, savings account, debit card, and credit card, there’s a good chance you can handle most everything without visiting a branch.
For more complex banking services, like wealth management, it might become more important to have that in-person support.
To start, focus on choosing a reputable bank; member-FDIC and Equal Housing Lender status is a must. From there, it’s all about you and your lifestyle. Always look for hidden fees and disclaimers, and do your best to choose the banking partner that’ll help you get ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best bank in my state?
Looking for the best bank in your state of residence? Check these out:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusettes
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
See Also:
What bank is located in all 50 states?
At the moment, there are no banks that operate branch locations in all 50 states. This is unlikely to change since banks currently focus on their digital presence (and shutting down some of their traditional branches).
Which bank is in the most states?
Chase has locations in 48 states, excluding only Alaska and Hawaii.
What banks have the most locations nationwide?
The banks with the most widespread national presence are Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Citibank. These banks all offer branches in many U.S. states, from Florida to Illinois to Oklahoma, to name a few.
Is Bank of America located in all 50 states?
Bank of America has retail locations in 38 U.S. states, making it one of the most widespread national banks. Still, it does not operate branches in several states, such as Mississippi and West Virginia.
Which Banking Option Is Best For You?
Good personal finance comes down to good choices. Ideally, these choices come from identifying exactly what support you need to succeed. One of your biggest choices is who to trust with your money, so it’s important to understand what you can get from any bank, whether it’s a bank with locations in all 50 states or not.
While it might seem like a big decision, the truth is that the best banking partner comes down to a few basic things: your goals, lifestyle, and preferences. While traditional banking might appeal to some, others prefer an online-only option.
However, some things to consider if you feel nationwide access is critical, including ATM access, in-person support, and the user-friendliness of a bank’s online platform.
For this reason, I’d argue that the best option for nationwide coverage is an online-only bank. Despite the lack of physical branches, digital banks consistently offer the most comprehensive ATM networks, and your location doesn’t hinder your banking experience.
So whether you live in Arkansas or Michigan or anywhere in between, there’s a bank out there that will do what you need. Here’s to finding the perfect one.