Illinois is known for several things, from Route 66 to the world’s largest catsup bottle. But if you’re looking to escape from mundane bank accounts and do more with your money, you can find some of the best banks in Illinois.
These banks offer several perks, from checking and savings accounts to retirement accounts and wealth management. They also offer online and mobile banking.
Did you know that even those who prefer to bank online or from their smartphone like to visit a bank now and again? Almost 80% of those who typically bank outside of a branch still visited one in 2019.
It just goes to show you that banking is a personal thing. After all, it is your money and your financial future that these banks carry in your account.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Illinois? Let’s get started!
Best Banks in Illinois
Free checking that actually pays you. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. Earn $75 bonus. Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit. FDIC insured.
- Earn $75 bonus
- No monthly fees ever
- Get paid 2 days early with direct deposit
America's largest bank with thousands of branches. Best if you want a physical location nearby and a $400 cash bonus just for switching your direct deposit.
- Thousands of branches and ATMs nationwide
- $400 bonus with direct deposit
- No monthly fees with $500+ deposits
Some of the best bank accounts can be found in Illinois. As you look through the list below, write down your favorites and research more about how to open an account and what perks you can use to improve your finances.
1. Current
Chicago rent runs $1,800+ for a one-bedroom. Add property taxes if you're in the suburbs, $200 a month for a CTA pass or parking, and the highest gas prices in the Midwest, and most Illinoisans are running tight from the moment payday hits to the next one. One car repair on the Edens, one ER copay, one Cook County property tax bill, and you're underwater for a week.
Current closes that gap. Set up your direct deposit ($200 or more) using code PAYROLL75 and you get $75 in free cash just for doing what you were going to do anyway. After that, you can pull up to $750 of your next paycheck early, with no interest, no credit check, and no application. The money's already there in the app whenever you need it. For a renter in Lincoln Park, a server in River North, or anyone heating a house through a real Chicago winter, that's the difference between paying rent on time and eating a $50 late fee.
No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No overdraft charges. Get paid up to two days early. The account opens in two minutes from your phone, no branch visit. Current is FDIC insured, BBB A-rated, and trusted by 4M+ Americans.
And if it's not for you, close it in 60 seconds. No fees, no calls, no penalty. Switch your paycheck and claim your $75 here.
- Get instant access to up to $750 with no credit check and no interest
- $75 bonus with code PAYROLL75 and setting up $200 direct deposit
- No monthly fees, no overdrafts, and no hidden charges
2. Chase Total Checking
$400 is more than most Illinoisans spend on groceries in a month. That's exactly what you leave on the table by sticking with the same checking account you opened in college. Chase pays new customers $400 just to open a Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit. The bonus hits within 90 days. Most working Illinoisans qualify on the first try.
The requirement is straightforward: open a new Total Checking® account and have $1,000+ in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of enrollment. The $15 monthly fee waives itself automatically once your paycheck starts rolling in, so the account is effectively free. Offer expires soon, so if you've been thinking about switching, this is the window.
Beyond the bonus, Chase has the biggest physical footprint in Illinois of any bank. Hundreds of branches and thousands of free Chase ATMs across Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Rockford, and Springfield. Plus 16,000+ free ATMs and 5,000+ branches nationwide for whenever you cross into Wisconsin, Indiana, or Iowa. Zelle is built in. The mobile app is top-rated. And you can link a Chase savings account or credit card later, all under one login.
If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market and the most accessible bank in Illinois, claim your $400 with Chase here.
- Access 15,000+ fee-free ATMs and 4,700 branches
- Earn a $400 bonus with qualifying direct deposits
- Free debit card with contactless payments
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
3. More Than Just a Checking Account
Current and Chase solve the checking account problem. But if you're like most Illinoisans over 55, you're thinking about more than just where to park your paycheck. You're thinking about paying down debt, protecting what you've saved, and making sure your money works harder before retirement.
If that sounds like you, here are six tools Illinois residents are quietly using to strengthen their finances:
National Debt Relief – Years of credit card balances catching up with you? National Debt Relief negotiates directly with your creditors to slash what you owe. Average savings: 24-48% of enrolled debt. It's a legitimate path that avoids bankruptcy and frees up real money monthly.
Upstart – Refinancing old high-interest debt? Upstart approves people traditional banks turn down. AI-powered underwriting looks past credit score alone. Lower rates than credit cards. Funds in one business day.
Monarch Money – Tired of tracking accounts across five different banks? Monarch consolidates everything into one dashboard. See your real net worth, create a spending plan, and understand where money actually goes. 7-day free trial, then 50% off first year with code MONARCHVIP.
EarnIn – Unexpected expense hit before payday? Access up to $1,000 of wages you've already earned. Zero interest, zero fees. You decide what to pay. No credit check. Saves Illinois gig workers and side hustlers from payday loan traps.
Arrived – Own a piece of Chicago real estate without dealing with tenants or repairs. Arrived owns rental properties and you own shares. Earn passive income from rent and appreciation. Hands-off wealth building for Illinoisans who want real assets.
Robinhood – Never invested before? Robinhood strips away the complexity. Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options. No account minimums. Get a free stock worth up to $200 just for signing up. Build a diversified portfolio without the jargon.
Want more Illinois banking options? Keep reading for 12 additional banks below.
4. Archer Heights Credit Union
If you’re looking for some of the best checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements or monthly services fees, Archer Heights Credit Union has several that only require a $25 initial deposit. Plus, this credit union uses your credit report to decide your eligibility rather than your ChexSystems report.
Checking accounts come with unlimited check writing. You can also link your savings account for overdraft protection.
Archer Heights Credit Union is based in Chicago. Membership eligibility depends on if you live or work in the following zip codes:
- 60632
- 60638
- 60629
- 60652
- 60501
You can also join if you’re employed by the Archer Heights SEG Group or have a family member who is already a member.
5. Catholic and Community Credit Union
Those looking for a second-chance bank account can find a low-cost option with Catholic and Community Credit Union. This credit union has a Rebound Checking account that costs $7.50 monthly to maintain.
Once you prove you can hold a positive balance over a year, Catholic and Community Credit Union lets you upgrade to a standard checking account. That’s less than a $100 investment to rebuild your banking history over a relatively short period.
Catholic and Community Credit Union also participates in the Co-Op Shared Branch network. You can access your account at any participating credit union nationwide without excessive fees.
6. Central Federal Savings and Loan Association
You can open a free checking account with Central Federal Savings and Loan Association. This bank offers a Totally Free checking account that only requires $50 to open.
You can also open a Basic Checking with Interest account with a $200 minimum opening deposit. You must deposit at least $2,500 into the Super Checking with Interest account and $5,000 into the Preferred Checking with Interest account.
You can access a vast network of convenient ATMs with any of these accounts. You also get a free debit card and unlimited checks with no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees.
7. Chester National Bank
Chester National Bank uses the Telecheck system to qualify its account applicants. This means you can potentially open a standard checking account, even if you have a negative ChexSystems history.
If you’ve never had a negative entry against you in any banking history system, you can still open up to four different checking accounts with Chester National Bank. The Regular checking account only requires $50 to open.
You must have a minimum balance of $500 to waive the $5 monthly fee for these accounts. You can also waive the fee if you have a savings account with at least $1,000.
Chester National Bank operates in Sparta, Perryville, and Chester, Illinois.
8. First National Bank and Trust Company
You’ll find First National Bank and Trust Company physical branches in the following Illinois cities:
- Clinton
- Forest Park
- Winnebago
- Rockton
- Roscoe
First National Bank and Trust Company also offers a second-chance checking account called Renew Checking. This account requires $25 when you open the account and a one-time setup fee of $15.
You can upgrade to a standard checking account one year after you open your second-chance checking account as long as you keep a positive balance. These accounts come with a free Visa debit card you can use.
9. GN Bank
Otherwise known as Illinois Service Federal, GN Bank offers four checking accounts. The following two checking accounts are the most popular:
- Absolutely Free Checking: This account requires $100 to open and comes with a free debit card. You can also access your account via the mobile app or online.
- Retail Checking: Open this account with a similar $100 deposit, and you can pay your bills online and download free statements. Keep that initial $100 in the account to waive the $15 monthly fee.
GN Bank has two locations in Chicago, Illinois. It also partners with a network of 30,000 ATMs nationwide.
10. Great Lakes Credit Union
If you have a negative ChexSystems entry, you can take the Great Lakes Credit Union Checking Account Management course to earn the right to open an account with this credit union. The online course sets you up for a positive banking experience.
The Fresh Start Checking account requires a $50 initial deposit to help you repair your checking history. The $10 monthly fee cannot be waived, and you must have a monthly direct deposit of at least $250 to keep the account.
Great Lakes Credit Union operates several locations in the following cities:
- Crystal lake
- Chicago
- Bolingbrook
- Gurnee
- Zion
- Waukegan
11. Hanmi Bank
You can find Hanmi Bank in Virginia, New York, Texas, New Jersey, California, and Illinois. Local physical branches can be found in Glenview, Chicago, and Naperville.
Hanmi Bank offers several accounts, including CDs, savings, and money market accounts. This bank is a member-FDIC and compounds interest daily on its savings accounts.
The Simple Savings account offers a competitive interest rate, but the Savings Account has a higher rate. You need $100 to open a Simple Savings account and $500 in your Savings Account to waive the $5 monthly fee.
12. Marquette Bank
For $20 and a $5 monthly fee, you can repair your banking history with a Marquette Bank ReStart Checking account. This account has no minimum balance requirements and comes with a free debit card.
You can transfer your balance to a standard Marquette Bank checking account after a year has passed and you’ve kept a positive balance. You can also enjoy free money orders for the first year.
Marquette Bank operates 11 locations within Illinois. Marquette Bank can help you get back on your feet if you're looking for a second-chance bank account.
13. PeopleFirst Bank
PeopleFirst Bank is a member-FDIC financial institution offering a full banking service suite. You can open three savings accounts and even a high-yield checking account.
The Target Savings Account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. You’ll need $100 to open the account, which is the exact amount you need to open the Statement Savings account.
However, you must have at least $500 in your Statement Savings account to waive the monthly fee. If you have $2,500, you can deposit into a savings account, you can open the Max Rate account, which requires a $10,000 daily balance to waive its monthly fees.
You can also open a Minor Savings account for your child with $100. This savings account offers variable interest rates.
PeopleFirst Bank has several locations in Joliet and Shorewood. It also offers a money market account to help you build your savings.
14. Regions Bank
Regions Bank vies for a spot among the largest banks in the U.S., but it continues to serve many communities nationwide. It’s available in 16 states and offers everything from checking and savings accounts to investment and loan services.
Savings accounts from Regions Bank have no monthly fees. In some circumstances, the $5 monthly fee for Regions Bank checking accounts can be waived.
For example, you can waive the monthly fee if you open a LifeGreen or Preferred Checking account, you can waive the monthly fee. However, you cannot waive it for the Regions Now Checking account.
If you open a Regions Bank savings account online, you must deposit a higher opening balance than if you were to open one in person. However, the savings accounts are free at Regions Bank.
This full-service bank operates over 2,000 ATMs and 1,500 branches nationwide. Check it out if you’re looking for a bank account that offers the perks of a larger bank but the service of a local bank.
15. Vantage Credit Union
This Illinois credit union offers two checking accounts: the Vantage Basic Checking and Vantage Save.Think.Live. Checking. Both accounts have no monthly maintenance fees or minimum account balance requirements.
You can open either of these accounts as long as you have a positive Telecheck history and a credit score of at least 499. If you open a Vantage Save.Think.Live. account, you can request a refund every six months on any overdraft fees ($35) you incur.
16. Bank & Trust Company
This Illinois-based bank offers several checking and savings accounts from which you can choose from. The three checking accounts include:
- DiamondBasic: A $100 deposit is all you need for a free debit card and mobile and online banking. This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
- DiamondNow: Earn interest on this checking account, which otherwise mirrors the DiamondBasic account.
- DiamondPlus: This checking account comes with insurance and roadside assistance.
Bank & Trust Company also offers two savings accounts. One caters to kids specifically, while the other is your standard savings account.
Both savings accounts require $100 to open. You’ll earn interest on your account balance if you have $100 or more, so earning a decent APY with these savings accounts is easy.
Bank & Trust Company also offers credit cards and loans. While it may not provide the same services as larger banks, it covers the basics reasonably well.
FAQs
Some of the best banks in Illinois include First National Bank and Trust Company, Hanmi Bank, Bank & Trust Company, and Chester National Bank. There are many other great banks in Illinois, some of which did not make our list.
Opening a bank account in Illinois requires some form of identification, a Social Security number, and a potential deposit. You may also need to show proof of address or complete an application.
Banks in Illinois that don’t use ChexSystems to verify your banking history include Great Lakes Credit Union, Marquette Bank, Vantage Credit Union, First National Bank and Trust Company, and Central Federal Savings and Loan Association. Other banks on our list may also use your credit report or Telecheck to verify your banking history.
GN Bank, Bank & Trust Company, and Central Federal Savings and Loan Association offer free checking accounts. Other banks on our list may offer free checking accounts if you complete specific activities to waive the monthly fees.
Which Bank Is Right for You?
Free checking that actually pays you. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. Earn $75 bonus. Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit. FDIC insured.
America's largest bank with branches and ATMs in every major city. Earn $400 cash just for setting up direct deposit. Best if you want in-person banking or need a teller for business deposits, wire transfers, or safe deposit boxes.
Your New Route to the Best Banks in Illinois
Some of the best banks in Illinois make it even more rewarding to live in this state. These banks offer a full suite of financial services and products, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, and even business banking.
We hope this list helps you find a bank in Illinois to work with to make your financial dreams possible. The best banks support your finances with helpful resources and products.
Though many of the banks on this list are smaller than national banks, they can offer personalized service and local perks that make banking locally well worth it. Plus, many provide higher APYs and lower fees than many national banks.
Which of the best banks in Illinois will you choose?
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