14 Top-Rated Banks in Washington to Secure Your Savings
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Our guide to the best banks in Washington includes everything you need to know. Learn which accounts you can open and what perks you can use to bank in this state.
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Online accounts you can open from any stateAccounts shown here reflect the most viewed listings on this page based on reader engagement. We may receive compensation from some companies listed. This does not influence ranking order or our editorial scores.
Local branches are only half the picture. These five are available nationwide, so they compete with anything in your state and usually pay more to switch.
The best banks in Washington are not all headquartered here, and that is fine. Washington takes no state income tax, so the question is not what you keep. It is what your bank does with it.
I compared the accounts Washington residents can open right now, from Seattle branch networks to online banks paying several times the national average. A couple pay cash up front: $400 at Chase and $75 at Current. Here is which one fits the way you actually bank.
14 Best Banks in Washington
The best banks offer everything from checking and savings accounts to personal loans. Keep reading to see if your favorite bank made the list.
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 drops to $0 in any statement period you receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, so the account is effectively free.
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 14,000+ 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.
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 $1,500 or more in direct deposits using code WELCOME75 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.
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 up to a $450 bonus just by setting up direct deposit.
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 SoFi bonus here and see how much more you can earn with SoFi.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14. 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.
Washington banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in Washington?
Chase Total Checking pays the biggest bonus on this list: $400 once your qualifying direct deposits total $1,000 or more within 90 days of opening. It is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks clear it, and the cash lands within 15 days. You also get branch access across Washington, plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide.
Which bank can spot me money when I need it?
Current lets you draw up to $750 of your next paycheck early, with no interest and no credit check. New customers can also earn a $75 bonus with code WELCOME75 after $1,500 or more in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank; banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC.
What are some of the best banks and credit unions in Washington?
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. All of them insure deposits through the NCUA to $250,000. Our credit unions vs. banks comparison covers which fits you better.
What do you need to open a bank account in Washington?Â
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. Several accounts in our best checking accounts roundup ask for no opening deposit and take ten minutes online.
Which of the best banks in Washington offer free checking accounts?Â
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. Read the fee schedule first. Our guide to the best checking accounts compares more no-fee options in Washington.
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?
$400 once your direct deposits total $1,000. You have 90 days from enrolling, and it is cumulative rather than one big deposit.
Paid within 15 days of hitting the requirement.
$15 monthly fee, waivable four ways. $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily balance, $5,000 average across linked accounts, or linking a qualifying checking account. Zelle, cash, checks and wires do not count.
More than 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs.
Bonus paid within 15 days, and it is closed to existing Chase checking customers.
Pros & Cons
$400 for $1,000 of direct deposits, the best ratio here
Up to $450, and it is three separate bonuses. $25 for opening and depositing $50 or more within 25 days, $25 more for enrolling in SoFi Plus, and up to $400 on direct deposit.
The $400 tier is strict. Eligible direct deposits totalling $5,000 or more inside 25 calendar days. $1,000 to $4,999.99 pays $50, under $1,000 pays nothing.
No fees and no minimums, and savings earns 3.30% APY with eligible direct deposit activity.
Only real payroll counts. Check deposits, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Wise, wires and IRS tax refunds are excluded.
Paid within about 7 business days. The direct deposit bonus runs to December 31, 2026, and SoFi lists the two $25 bonuses as running October 1 to October 21, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Three bonuses stack to $450 if you qualify for all of them
3.30% APY on savings with eligible direct deposit
No monthly fee, no minimum, no overdraft fee
SoFi Bank, N.A. is itself a Member FDIC bank
Bonus pays within about 7 business days
The $400 tier needs $5,000 in eligible direct deposits
$1,000 to $4,999.99 pays only $50
Deposits are totalled over just 25 calendar days
P2P, wires, check deposits and tax refunds do not count
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited. The welcome bonus is tiered: $40 at $10,000, $100 at $25,000, $200 at $50,000, $425 at $100,000 and $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100 on top.
Code STACK has to be entered at sign-up, and it is new customers only.
The first deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026. Balances then have to be maintained for 90 days, and the cash lands within 30 days of qualifying.
Raisin is not a bank. It is a marketplace over 100+ partner banks and credit unions. Your money sits at the partner institution through a custodial bank, so cover is pass-through FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per institution.
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open a product. APY up to 4.40%, accurate as of September 28, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Access to 100+ partner banks and credit unions from one login
Up to 4.40% APY, well above a typical bank savings rate
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open
Spreading across partners can reach $10M+ in FDIC or NCUA coverage
Move money between savings products as rates change
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited
First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026
Balances have to be maintained for 90 days
Code STACK must be entered at sign-up, new customers only
$1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. This is the requirement people miss. It is cumulative, not a single deposit.
$75 with code WELCOME75. New customers only, and the code has to be entered at signup.
Paid within about 10 business days of your deposits reaching $1,500.
Transfers do not count. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits like a tax refund are all excluded.
No credit check to open, and up to $750 before payday. Instant access carries a fee, or wait up to 3 days for free.
Current is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both FDIC members, so cover is pass-through up to $250,000.
Pros & Cons
No credit check to open
$0 monthly fee
Up to $750 of your paycheck before payday
No credit check on Paycheck Advance, and repayments are not reported
Realistic approval after a past bank closure
Needs $1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days
Smallest bonus here at $75
Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and PayPal do not count
Current is a fintech, not a bank, so FDIC cover is pass-through
Instant advances carry a fee unless you wait 3 days
3.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more, and 0.25% below that. It is tiered, so your end-of-day balance sets the rate and it is paid on the whole balance.
$100 minimum to open, and no account opening or monthly service fees.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category. Deposits across First Citizens divisions are combined for that limit.
Opening takes about five minutes online.
APYs accurate as of July 1, 2026 and variable, so confirm before funding.
Every figure above comes from each provider’s own page. For the full breakdown of the checking bonuses, including what counts as a qualifying direct deposit at each bank, see our guide to the best checking accounts.
CIT Platinum Savings APYs are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. $100 minimum to open. CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.
Raisin bonus: new customers only, code STACK required at sign-up. Welcome Bonus is $40 at $10,000 through $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100. First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026 and balances maintained 90 days. Raisin is not a bank; deposits are held at FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions through a custodial bank. APY accurate as of September 28, 2026. Raisin charges no platform fees.
Before you go
Two accounts that pay you to switch
Both are open to residents of every state. The only real difference is how much you have to move to earn it.
Brian Meiggs founded My Millennial Guide and has spent over a decade writing about money. He tries every app and product before it goes on the site. No fluff, no guesswork. Named to the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 earlier this year, and featured in WSJ, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur. Off the clock: chess, the gym, a quiet night in.
