14 Best Banks in Texas for Your Banking Needs

1. Chase

Between summer electricity, tolls and rent in Austin, Dallas and Houston, a Texas paycheck disappears quickly, and $400 is real money. Chase pays new customers $400 to open a Total Checking account and set up direct deposit Nothing to move but the direct deposit.

Here is the whole requirement. Open a new Total Checking account, then have $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits arrive within 90 days of enrolling. It is cumulative, so two or three ordinary paychecks clear it, and the money lands within 15 days of you meeting it. The $15 monthly fee drops to $0 in any statement period you receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, or keep a $1,500 beginning-day balance, or hold $5,000 across linked Chase accounts. Worth knowing: Zelle transfers, cash, checks, wires and interest do not count toward either number.

Chase is not a bonus with a website attached. It runs 487 branches in Texas, more than 5,000 nationwide and over 14,000 fee-free ATMs. Four hundred eighty-seven branches makes Texas Chase’s third-largest footprint in the country, so in-person banking is available almost anywhere you live or drive. More than 14,000 fee-free ATMs and over 5,000 branches nationwide come with it, and Zelle is built in.

The catch worth naming: the bonus is only for people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. Chase reports it to you on a 1099-INT, so set a little aside for tax. If that describes you, open a Total Checking account and claim the $400.

2. Current

A Texas summer electricity bill is its own category of pain, and rent in Austin, Dallas and Houston has run well ahead of raises. Toll roads add up if your commute uses them. The problem for most people is not the size of the paycheck, it is the week before it arrives.

Current closes that gap. Set up $1,500 or more in Eligible Payroll Deposits within your first 35 days using code WELCOME75 and you get $75. The $1,500 is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks get you there, and the bonus usually shows up within about ten business days. After that you can pull up to $750 of your next paycheck early through Paycheck Advance, with no interest and no credit check.

There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Read the deposit rule carefully, because it is the one place people trip: only genuine payroll direct deposits count. Non-payroll ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-time deposits like a tax refund are all excluded. Worth being precise about the coverage too: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and the debit card come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC, so your deposits get pass-through FDIC coverage up to $250,000 through those partner banks.

New customers only, and it is worth doing in the order above: open the account, enter WELCOME75, then point your payroll at it. Switch your paycheck and claim the $75 here.

3. SoFi

SoFi is one of those banks that actually makes things easy. When you open a SoFi Checking and Savings account and set up direct deposit, they’ll give you up to a $475 bonus just for doing what you already do.

I like that there are no account fees, you can get your paycheck up to two days early, and the app is clean and simple to use. You can see everything in one place, from your checking and savings to investing.

It’s FDIC-insured and feels more modern than a traditional bank. If you want a bank that rewards you for being smart with your money, SoFi is worth checking out.

4. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a top banking choice for Texans, with over 500 branches and ATMs across the Lone Star State, serving communities in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and beyond.

The Everyday Checking account offers a $325 bonus for new customers. To qualify, open an account with a $25 minimum deposit and set up $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days.

With 24/7 fraud monitoring, a user-friendly mobile app, and secure online banking, Wells Fargo provides peace of mind. The $15 monthly fee is easily waivable with qualifying activities, making it a practical choice for Texans who want affordable and reliable banking.

5. First Citizens Bank

Founded in 1898, First Citizens Bank serves nearly 20 states and several Texas cities. It offers top-quality customer service across fewer than 10 branches in Texas. 

While First Citizens Bank can’t compete with online-only banks and their high APYs, it does offer a free checking account, First Citizens Checking Account, that requires a $50 minimum deposit. You can also waive the monthly fees if you enroll in paperless billing. 

First Citizens Bank also provides commercial and small business loans. You can open several savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, and credit cards. 

6. Rally Credit Union

As part of the CO-OP Share Network, Rally Credit Union is a Hispanic-American-owned financial institution serving immigrants in southern Texas. You must live, work, or attend school in southern Texas to qualify for membership. 

Rally Credit Union also requires a $25 savings account balance to maintain your membership. This credit union manages nearly 20 branches and 30,000 ATMs across the state, with over 5,500 shared locations through the CO-OP Share Network. 

The Rally Credit Union Liberty Checking Account is what this credit union is known for. It also does away with charging monthly fees for this account. 

7. PNC Bank

This bank has been ranked among the best national banks and offers Virtual Wallets for new and existing members. These Virtual Wallet accounts let you pay your bills, track your deposits, and receive warnings about potential overdrafts. 

Any PNC Bank savings account requires a $25 minimum opening deposit. You can waive the $5 monthly fee if you have at least $300 in your account or connect your checking and savings accounts. 

These savings account monthly fees can also be waived if you’re under 18. PNC Bank also provides members several bonuses, mainly focused on the Performance Select Checking account. 

If you open a new Performance Select Checking account before June 30, you can potentially earn up to $400 by depositing $5,000 within 60 days of opening the account. Head over to PNC Bank’s website for more information. 

8. GECU

GECU is a Texan credit union serving residents from the following counties: 

• El Paso
• Dona Ana
• Hudspeth

Pick from several checking and savings accounts with GECU, all of which require $100 to earn interest. GECU compounds interest quarterly. 

GECU serves the majority of the Hispanic-American community in Texas. It offers no monthly service fees, high-interest CDs, free checking and savings accounts, and low minimum opening deposits. 

When you apply for your new GECU account, you can use your foreign passport, permanent resident card, ITIN, or Matricula Consular as identification. The NCUA also insures GECU. 

GECU offers four free monthly transactions, but any further transactions require a $3 surcharge. There are a dozen GECU locations in El Paso alone. 

This credit union strives to give back to the community. It is a certified community development financial institution and a Juntos Avanzamos designated credit union. 

9. Frost Bank

Open a Frost Personal Account, and you can waive the $8 monthly fee if you have a $1,000 minimum daily balance, direct deposit $100 or more into the account monthly, are under 25 years old, or have $5,000 in combined balances. Frost Bank also offers 0.1% APY and no minimum deposits. 

If you’re looking for some of the best money market accounts, look no further than Frost Bank. This bank has 145 branches alone scattered throughout Texas.

Many people prefer Frost Bank because it offers a human element that’s hard to get nowadays. Customers cannot stop raving about how awesome the folks at Frost Bank are. 

Frost Bank savings account APYs are above average. You’ll have to speak with a representative to find out what current rates they’re offering. 

10. First National Bank of Texas

Small business owners appreciate the perks they receive from First National Bank of Texas. This bank offers five different checking accounts and a single money market account. 

With the Small Business Checking Account, you can avoid the $11.97 maintenance fee if you make at least 10 debit card purchases monthly. First National Bank of Texas also offers merchant services and other financial tools. 

You’ll find at least 300 First National Bank of Texas branches and ATMs in the Lone Star State. To open an account, you’ll need to visit a physical location. 

You can connect with First National Bank of Texas’ customer service through live chat, over the phone, and in person. This bank also offers low fees. 

11. Capital One

You’ll find at least 100 Capital One branches in Texas, including cafes. This bank offers fee-free checking without a monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. 

If you open a 360 Performance Savings Account, you can earn up to 4.1% APY with no minimum deposit. Open a Kids Savings Account to earn 0.3% APY as well.

Capital One also offers nearly 10 CDs with varying interest rates. There are also plenty of Capital One promotions to consider. If you're looking for a bank account you can use to better your life, give Capital One a look.

12. Bank of America

Bank of America promotions can make this bank rank high on your list. If you open one of several Advantage accounts, you can earn $100 for your trouble if you deposit $1,000 or more into the account. 

BofA offers access to almost 4,000 physical branches and 16,000 ATMs nationwide. You can waive the monthly fee on most accounts by keeping a $500 minimum daily balance. 

Mobile banking and the Keep the Change program make Bank of America popular among consumers. Round up your purchases to save more, though Bank of America only offers a 0.01% APY on its savings accounts. 

13. Ally Bank

This online-only bank offers a website and mobile app to manage your finances from the remotest of locations. Ally Bank also offers some of the best savings accounts for high APYs. 

Ally Bank can offer such perks because it maintains no physical branches. It also provides 24/7 customer service support through live chat and over the phone. 

When you sign up for an Ally Bank savings account, you can create “buckets” to save for various goals. You’ll also earn up to 4% APY if you meet specific requirements. 

Ally Bank allows its members access to over 55,000 ATMs and reimburses out-of-network ATM costs up to $10 per statement cycle. Plus, there are no minimum deposits on the majority of its accounts. 

Interest compounds daily on Ally Bank savings accounts. Ally Bank is also FDIC-insured and works with Zelle to allow its members to send and receive money. 

14. Alliant Credit Union

Many people see the phrase “credit union” and wince. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about jumping through hoops to join Alliant Credit Union. 

Alliant doesn’t require that you be a member of a specific geographical area or industry. Instead, it’s open to the entire nation because it’s an online-only credit union. 

You’ll find high-yield savings accounts, exceptional customer service, and low service fees with Alliant Credit Union. You can contact customer service through email or phone if you have any questions or concerns. 

Alliant partners with a network of over 80,000 ATMs nationwide. Plus, if you use an out-of-network ATM, Alliant reimburses you up to $20 monthly to cover those costs. 

Many people prefer Alliant Credit Union because it offers transparent pricing for its checking and savings accounts. You can also open many CDs to increase your investment portfolio.