15 Best Banks in Louisiana

1. Chase

Chase runs 104 branches in Louisiana, and it will pay you $400 to open a checking account. That is the largest new-checking bonus any major bank is offering right now, and it is money most Louisianans leave on the table by keeping the account they opened years ago.

Here is the entire requirement. Open a new Total Checking account, then have $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits arrive within 90 days of enrolling in the offer. It is cumulative, so two or three ordinary paychecks clear it, and the bonus is paid within 15 days of you meeting the requirement. The $15 monthly service fee drops to $0 in any statement period with $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily beginning balance, or $5,000 in average beginning day balance across linked accounts. One trap to know: Zelle, cash, checks, wires and interest do not count toward either number.

Past the bonus, the footprint is the argument. 104 Louisiana branches plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide means you can deposit cash near home and still use the account anywhere you travel. Zelle is built in, the mobile app is well rated, and you can add a Chase savings account or credit card later under the same login.

The catch worth naming: the bonus is only open to people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. It is reported to the IRS on a 1099-INT. If that fits you, open a Total Checking account and route your paycheck to it.

If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market alongside a real Louisiana branch network, claim the $400 with Chase here.

2. Current

A New Orleans summer power bill lands whether or not the paycheck has. The gap between when a bill is due and when your paycheck lands is where most budgets actually break, and it is the specific problem Current is built for.

The signup math is simple. Open an account with promo code WELCOME75 and get $75 once your Eligible Payroll Deposits total $1,500 or more in your first 35 days. It is cumulative rather than one big deposit, it is new customers only, and the cash arrives about 10 business days after you cross the line. Recurring wages from an employer, a payroll provider or a government payer count. Non-direct-deposit ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits such as a tax refund do not.

The feature that earns its keep after the bonus is Paycheck Advance, which lets you draw up to $750 of pay before payday and is offered by Finco Advance LLC rather than a bank. There is no monthly fee on the account, and the whole thing opens from your phone, which is the point in a state where the nearest branch may not be convenient.

One thing to be clear about, because it is routinely written up wrong: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, both Member FDIC, so deposit insurance reaches you on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 and depends on those conditions being met. If that structure is fine with you, open an account with code WELCOME75 and claim the $75.

3. Wells Fargo

Louisiana residents can benefit from Wells Fargo’s reliable services and a $325 new customer bonus. With branches in cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, Wells Fargo offers convenient banking solutions statewide.

Open an Everyday Checking account with $25, set up $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days, and claim your bonus. With advanced fraud monitoring and a secure mobile app, Wells Fargo ensures your finances are protected.

4. Community Bank of Louisiana

Community Bank of Louisiana is a trusted financial institution with a strong presence in the state. The bank is committed to serving its customers and offers various checking accounts to meet different needs. 

One of the bank's notable checking account options is the Traditional Checking Account, which provides essential banking services. While it has a $7 monthly fee for accounts falling below $1,000, customers can waive this fee by keeping their account open for five or more years, regardless of their balance. This feature demonstrates the bank's dedication to long-term relationships with its customers.

The bank proudly operates eight convenient locations across Logansport, Bossier City, Mansfield, Gloster, Stonewall, and Shreveport, making it easily accessible for residents. Customers of the Community Bank of Louisiana can expect personalized service and a range of financial solutions to meet their individual goals. 

5. Concordia Bank & Trust Company

Concordia Bank & Trust Company was established in 1903. With nine locations, including its headquarters in Vidalia, the bank offers convenient access to its services for residents in the area.

This Louisiana bank provides customers with two savings account options, one of which is the Blue Chip savings account. This account offers competitive interest rates with quarterly compounding. 

Customers are required to make a minimum deposit of $100 to open a Blue Chip Savings account. Additionally, to avoid a quarterly fee of $9, a minimum balance of $300 must be maintained.

One of the bank's standout features is its commitment to providing fee-free services for specific customer groups. Account holders under 18, students up to 25, and individuals over 63 are exempt from these fees. 

6. Crescent Bank

Crescent Bank, headquartered in the vibrant city of New Orleans, is a reputable financial institution serving customers in three convenient locations. The bank offers various services, including savings accounts tailored to you. 

Customers must make a $100 minimum deposit to open a Crescent Bank savings account. To avoid a monthly fee of $3, you must maintain a $200 minimum daily balance. 

Crescent Bank provides the added convenience of opening a Jumbo Savings account online. Additionally, the bank facilitates easy transfers between banks, allowing customers to fund their accounts effortlessly.

However, it's important to note that the bank has limited local branches, which may impact in-person services. Furthermore, savings account holders should be aware that ATM access is unavailable for these accounts.

Crescent Bank continues to serve individuals seeking reliable savings solutions, even though its branch network may be limited.

7. First Horizon Bank

You can find some of the best bank account bonuses at First Horizon Bank. With the SmartView or TotalView checking accounts, you can earn bonus interest when you meet specific criteria. 

The basic checking account, FirstView, comes with no monthly fees. It requires a $50 opening deposit, but you can withdraw your money from over 600 ATMs for free. 

You can also open a Traditional Savings account with a $5 monthly fee. Waive this fee if you have a balance of $250 or more. 

You must have $50 to deposit into the account upon opening. You can earn a respectable APY for a checking account with First Horizon Bank. 

First Horizon Bank has over 400 locations in several states. It also offers CDs, money market accounts, debit and credit cards, loans, and mortgages. 

8. Gulf Coast Bank

Gulf Coast Bank is a reputable regional bank primarily serving the southern Louisiana region. Known for its specialized savings accounts, the bank offers tailored options for various financial needs. 

The Traditional Savings account stands out with its absence of monthly fees and a low minimum opening deposit requirement of $20. This account allows customers to earn competitive interest on their savings. 

On the other hand, the Interest Savings Account comes with a $3 monthly fee, which can be waived by meeting specific requirements. This account offers a higher APY based on the criteria met by the account holder.

Gulf Coast Bank offers various checking account options, including free, rewards, and interest-bearing accounts. The rewards checking account, while featuring a monthly fee of $9.95, allows customers to waive this fee by fulfilling specific requirements. 

In addition to savings and checking accounts, Gulf Coast Bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services. These include CDs, IRAs, credit cards, loans, and wealth management solutions. 

9. Hancock Whitney Bank

You’ll find everything from CDs and mortgages to the best money market accounts and credit cards at Hancock Whitney Bank. This bank is headquartered in Mississippi and has operated for over a century. 

Hancock Whitney Bank offers three checking accounts, each with monthly fees ranging from $7 to $20. You can waive these fees if you meet varying criteria. 

You must have at least $25 to open these checking accounts. Your account comes with direct deposit, credit score tracking, ATM fee rebates, and free wire transfers. 

Open a Savings Builder account, and you can earn a respectable rate on your balance. The minimum opening deposit is $25, with a $5 monthly fee. 

If you have a balance of $200 or more or link a qualifying checking account, you can waive the monthly fee. Hancock Whitney also offers insurance and investment products as well.  

10. Home Bank

Home Bank offers customers various checking account options tailored to their individual preferences. With three types of checking accounts available, including Choice Checking, Interest Checking, and eBanking Checking, customers can choose an account that best suits their needs.

When opening a checking account with Home Bank, customers can enjoy several benefits at no additional cost. These include a free debit card, access to ATMs, and online banking services. 

A minimum initial deposit of $100 is required. The monthly fees for the different checking accounts vary. 

The Choice Checking account carries a monthly fee of $8, the eBanking Checking account has a monthly fee of $5, and the Interest Checking account incurs a monthly fee of $10. These fees cover the enhanced features and benefits associated with each account type.

Home Bank provides added convenience by offering a $10 cashback reward for using out-of-network ATMs. With Home Bank's online banking, you can enjoy a convenient and flexible banking experience that meets your specific requirements.

11. JD Bank

JD Bank offers a unique checking account called ZydeCash Checking, which rewards customers with an attractive APY on balances up to $10,000. Balances exceeding $10,000 earn a lower APY. 

The qualifications for this account include conducting 10 debit card transactions, setting up one direct deposit or automatic payment, receiving eStatements, and accessing online banking each month. JD Bank also provides a range of convenient features without any monthly fees. 

You can enjoy a free debit card, access to mobile and online banking services, and the ability to use mobile wallets. Additionally, there is no minimum balance requirement for ZydeCash Checking. 

JD Bank also offers the first box of checks for free and refunds ATM fees nationwide, up to $25 per statement cycle. Bank online or via one of the best banking apps in Louisiana. 

12. Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Neighbors Federal Credit Union offers membership to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in nine participating parishes. These include:

• East Baton Rouge
• Pointe Coupee
• Ascension
• St. Helena
• East Feliciana
• West Baton Rouge
• Iberville
• West Feliciana
• Livingston

With 12 branches, Neighbors Federal Credit Union provides convenient access to its services. Customers can also take advantage of additional locations throughout Baton Rouge, West Denham Springs, Port Allen, Prairieville, Zachary, and Walker in Louisiana as part of a shared branch network. 

Neighbors Federal Credit Union offers five different checking account options. While four of these accounts are fee-free, one account carries a monthly fee of $4.95. 

While credit union promotions require that you are already a member, they can be a great way to put more money in your pocket. Check out Neighbors Federal Credit Union’s website for more information on ongoing promotions. 

13. New Orleans Firemens Federal Credit Union

New Orleans Firemen's Federal Credit Union provides membership opportunities to retired or current New Orleans firefighters, employees of select employers, and individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school nearby. With multiple locations across the state, New Orleans Firemen's Federal Credit Union gives members access to various financial services.

The credit union offers several checking account options tailored to meet different needs. The credit union also provides free online and mobile banking services.

14. Red River Bank

Red River Bank’s Totally Free Checking account is one of the best checking accounts if you’re looking to avoid monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. 

You can bank online or through the mobile app with Red River Bank. This bank doesn’t pay interest on its free checking account, but you get free bill pay, unlimited check writing, and FDIC insurance. 

The Totally Free Checking account requires $50 to open. You can open a Personal Savings account if you have twice that amount. 

With a Personal Savings account, you get free monthly withdrawals and earn interest on balances over $1. Red River Bank offers loans, credit cards, investment options, and CDs. 

15. Bank of Montgomery

Unlike the largest banks in the U.S., Bank of Montgomery offers personalized services to local Louisiana residents. Bank of Montgomery has locations in Montgomery, Alexandria, and Natchitoches. 

You can choose from seven checking accounts at this Louisiana bank. Most people opt for the Economy Checking account because it offers numerous perks for the price (or lack thereof). 

This Economy Checking account requires a $100 initial deposit and a minimum balance of $500. If you let the account balance fall below $500, you must pay a $7.50 monthly fee. 

Bank of Montgomery checking accounts come with unlimited check writing. You can also check your balance by logging in online or through the mobile app.