Best Banks In California | Bankrate

California is a large state, and so are your list of options when it comes to banking in the Golden State. With so many options available, it can be tough to find the right fit. But don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. 

Whether you’re looking for easy access to a branch, great customer service or scouring banks for the best yields, here’s our list for the best banks and credit unions in California.

Our picks for best banks and credit unions in California

Best branch access: Chase Bank

Chase Bank is our pick for best branch access in California, as it has more than 900 branches scattered throughout the state, according to FDIC data — significantly more than any other bank. This extensive network makes Chase the clear winner for Californians who value in-person banking access.

The bank’s national footprint is equally impressive, with nearly 5,000 branches across all 50 states except Hawaii. This means Chase customers can access banking services whether they’re at home in Los Angeles or traveling to New York.

Read our full review of Chase Bank.

Chase bank offers three types of deposit products: certificates of deposit (CDs), checking and savings accounts; it doesn’t offer a money market account. While each account comes with the bells and whistles of modern digital banking, Chase generally doesn’t offer annual percentage yields (APYs) that will help grow your savings. 

Best online bank: Quontic

If you don’t need access to physical branches and are comfortable with banking solely online, Quontic Bank is a good option for California residents.

Quontic offers any deposit account you may be interested in, and to boot, it offers highly competitive interest rates on each of those products. In fact, Quontic won best money market account in the 2024 Bankrate Awards. 

Read our full review of Quontic Bank.

Even its checking account earns a stellar yield, far beyond what most banks with interest-bearing checking accounts offer. Depending on the account, there are some requirements you must meet to earn the advertised yield, but the good news is that they aren’t cumbersome to meet. 

Best credit union: Patelco Credit Union

Patelco Credit Union serves Northern California with 36 branches and over 500,000 members nationwide. The credit union offers competitive rates and lower fees than many traditional banks.

Membership to Patelco is open to those who live, work, worship or go to school in northern California. It’s also open to those who work for one of more than 1,100 businesses that Patelco services throughout the country. The credit union has more than 500,000 members nationwide and 36 branches, all located in California. 

Read our full review of Patelco Credit Union.

Patelco Credit Union offers the full host of deposit accounts. Of note, the credit union offers a wide range of CDs and several savings and money market options. Depending on the account, some yields are low while others are competitive. But you can generally find higher yields for lower balance requirements — particularly on money market accounts — elsewhere. 

Although Patelco doesn’t have branches outside of northern California, members get access to more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP network. 

Best customer service: U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank earned the top spot in J.D. Power’s 2024 California Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, making it our pick for best customer service in the state.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. Bank has more than 2,000 branches across 28 states. More than 450 of those locations are in California alone. The bank offers the full range of deposit products, offering certificates of deposit, checking, savings and money market accounts.

Read our full review of U.S. Bank.

U.S. Bank has some good deals here and there when it comes to annual percentage yields (APYs) on its deposit products, but generally, equally or more competitive yields for lower account balances can be found elsewhere. However, if you’re looking to consolidate your finances under one roof and have at least $25,000 to stash in a savings or money market account, U.S. Bank may be a good choice for you. 

How to choose the right California bank for you

The right bank for you depends on your financial goals and priorities, with options ranging from traditional banks to online banks and credit unions. Here is a list of tips to consider when choosing a bank:

• Look for banks with low or no fees, especially for common charges like monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees and overdraft fees.
• When considering accounts to stash your savings, look for banks with competitive APYs.
• Consider the convenience of local branches and digital features, like mobile banking and the ability to lock your debit card.
• Read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your chosen bank, including potential promotional deals and federal insurance coverage.
• Research bank reviews and consider managing accounts at multiple banks or credit unions for a more tailored banking experience.

Bottom line

Check out Bankrate’s best high-yield savings accounts for 2025 to see current rate leaders. Learn how to choose the right checking account that fits your spending habits. Compare options with our CD vs. money market account guide to determine which savings vehicle works best for your timeline. Finally, explore whether a credit union vs. bank better serves your financial needs.