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!
15 Best Banks in Washington
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
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. Current
Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in America. Average rent runs $2,200+ for a one-bedroom. Add Pike Place groceries, $4 lattes, ferry passes, and gas for trips out to the Cascades, and most Washingtonians are stretched thin from the moment payday hits to the next one. One car repair on I-5, one ER copay, one bad rent month, 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 Capitol Hill, a barista in Belltown, or anyone heating a Spokane house through a real Cascade 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 a week of groceries for most Washington families. That's exactly what you leave on the table by sticking with the same checking account you opened years ago. 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 Washingtonians 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 a major footprint across Washington. Branches across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver, plus thousands of free Chase ATMs. Plus 16,000+ free ATMs and 5,000+ branches nationwide for whenever you cross into Oregon, Idaho, or down to California. 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 a national bank with real Washington presence, 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. Novo
Washington has no state income tax, which is great for residents but doesn't change the fact that the IRS still wants quarterly estimates from anyone with 1099 income. Seattle tech contractors, Bellevue consultants, Etsy sellers in Bellingham, AirBnB hosts on the Olympic Peninsula, coffee roasters in Tacoma, outdoor gear brands selling on Shopify, freelancers, and creators across the Evergreen State. If you run any of them, mixing business income with your personal checking account is a tax nightmare waiting to happen. The IRS notices. Your accountant charges extra to untangle it. And you waste hours every spring sorting receipts.
Novo is a free business checking account built specifically for that. No monthly fees. No minimum balance. Unlimited transactions. ATM fees get refunded nationwide. The account connects natively to Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, QuickBooks, and dozens of other tools you're already using, so your books stay clean automatically. No more spreadsheet exports.
The Reserves feature is the killer app for self-employed Washingtonians: Novo automatically sets aside money for federal taxes, B&O tax, and quarterly estimated payments every time you get paid. So when April rolls around, the cash is already there. No more scrambling.
You can open a Novo business account in minutes from your phone, no credit check, no minimum deposit, no branch visit. FDIC insured (through Middlesex Federal Savings) and built for the way modern Washington businesses actually run. Open your free account here.
- Award-winning, free business checking account
- No monthly fees, unlimited refunds for ATM charges
- Great option for small-business owners on the go
3. KeyBank
If you live in Washington and want a reliable checking account with no monthly fees, Key Smart Checking® is a top choice. It has no minimum balance requirement, offers free paper checks, and gives you access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. KeyBank has a strong presence across Washington from Aberdeen to Zillah, so you can count on having a branch nearby when you need one.
The mobile app is easy to use and comes with features like overdraft protection and EasyUp, which helps you save automatically every time you use your debit card. While it does not earn interest, the combination of convenience, accessibility, and zero hidden fees makes it one of the best everyday checking accounts for Washington residents.
If you want a straightforward way to manage your money with the added peace of mind of local support, KeyBank is a great place to start.
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum balance required
- Access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Limited-time $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposit
4. SoFi Bank
Life in Washington is fast moving, from Seattle coffee shops to Spokane trails, and your bank account should keep up. SoFi makes it easy to manage everything in one place while actually rewarding you for using it.
New customers can unlock a $300 welcome bonus just by setting up direct deposit. At the same time, your money starts working harder with up to 4.50% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking. That means the cash you keep parked is earning far more than it would at a branch on the corner.
Beyond the rates, SoFi gives you fee free overdraft coverage, access to over fifty five thousand ATMs nationwide, and an app that has budgeting tools built right in. Many Washington residents use it as their all in one hub, replacing both their bank and their budgeting app.
If you are ready to move past accounts that give little back, get your $300 bonus here and see how much more you can earn with SoFi. Or, if you are mostly interested in growing savings, see the current APY rates before opening your account.
- Earn up to 4.00% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking balances
- No monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or overdraft fees
- Earn up to $300 with direct deposit, terms apply
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
15. Wells Fargo
In Washington, Wells Fargo is a trusted banking partner with branches and ATMs in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and beyond.
The Everyday Checking account provides a $325 bonus for new customers who open an account with $25 and set up $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days.
Known for its secure mobile banking tools and 24/7 fraud protection, Wells Fargo makes managing your finances simple. The $15 monthly fee is waivable with qualifying activities, making it an affordable and reliable choice for residents of the Evergreen State.
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.
SoFi, Mountain West Bank, Wheatland Bank, Salal Credit Union, MountainCrest Credit Union, and HomeStreet Bank offer free checking accounts. You can also find free accounts at American Lake Credit Union and Great Northwestern Federal Credit Union.
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.
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?
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