Ally vs. Alliant online banks

Both Ally and Alliant operate entirely online, offering a range of banking products with competitive rates and low fees. Compare the two to find out which is best for your situation.

What’s in this guide?

• Pros and cons of Ally
• Pros and cons of Alliant
• Savings accounts
• Checking accounts

• Certificates of deposit
• Other products
• Branches and ATMs
• Special features

Pros and cons of Ally vs. Alliant

Ally

Pros

• Higher savings account rates. You’ll earn more interest with Ally‘s savings accounts and CDs.
• Wider range of CD options. Ally has a wider selection of CD options and terms than Alliant.
• More intuitive website and app. Ally offers one of the best-rated digital platforms according to customers.
• Slightly lower fees. You’ll pay lower monthly fees and service charges with Ally.

Cons

• No branches. Ally operates entirely online, so you won’t be able to visit a branch.
• Lower interest on checking accounts. You won’t earn as much interest on your checking balance if you decide to bank with Ally.
• Fewer ATMs. Ally has 43,000 ATMs compared to Alliant’s 80,000.
• No debit card for savings accounts. You won’t receive a debit card to access your savings.

Alliant

Pros

• Two branch locations.Unlike Ally, Alliant has a couple branch locations so you can bank in person..
• More interest on checking accounts. You’ll earn more interest with Alliant checking accounts.
• More ATMs. Alliant has over 80,000 ATMs compared to Ally‘s 43,000.
• Savings accounts include debit cards. Alliant savings accounts come with debit cards that make it easier to access your money if needed.

Cons

• Membership required. To open an account with Alliant, you’ll first need to become a member.
• Fewer CD options. Alliant offers fewer CD terms and doesn’t offer a no-penalty CD like Ally.
• Lower interest on savings. You’ll earn slightly less interest in Alliant savings accounts and CDs.
• Slightly higher fees. Alliant has slightly higher service charges and monthly fees than Ally.

Ally vs. Alliant savings accounts

Both Ally and Alliant offer one traditional savings account, but Ally takes this category for its slightly higher interest rates and lower fees.

Winner: Ally

Ally vs. Alliant checking accounts

Ally and Alliant both have interest-bearing checking accounts, but Alliant stands out for its higher interest rates and larger ATM network.

Winner: Alliant

Ally vs. Alliant certificates of deposit

Both have multiple CD terms with competitive rates, but Ally has no minimum deposit requirements and has more CD options.

Winner: Ally

Ally and Alliant’s other products

Both banks offer a selection of other financial products.

Ally and Alliant branches and ATMs

With most of their business being conducted online, customer service is important. Here’s how the two compare:

	Ally	Alliant
Branches	0	2
ATMs	43,000	80,000+
Customer service	Phone 24/7 Social media Live chat Email	Phone 24/7 Social media Email

Ally and Alliant special features

Both institutions have a couple of features that make them stand out from their competitors:

Ally	No penalty and Raise your Rate CDs Learning center
Alliant	One of the largest ATM networks Hands-on customer service

Winner: Tie

Bottom line

These online banks offer a wide range of personal banking products with competitive rates and almost no fees. Ally is the better choice for savings accounts and CDs, whereas Alliant might be better if you have a higher checking balance or prefer access to branches. Not sure either is right for you? Compare your options until you find the right fit.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Ally routing number?

  Ally Bank’s routing number is 124003116

• What is the Alliant routing number?

  Alliant Credit Union’s routing number is 271081528

• How do I qualify for an Alliant membership?

  You can become a member of the Alliant Credit Union by meeting one of the following conditions:

  • Supporting the partner charity — Alliant will make a one-time payment on your behalf
  • Be a current or retired employee of one of Alliant’s partner businesses
  • Be an immediate family member or domestic partner of a current Alliant member
  • Live or work in one of the communities near Alliant’s Chicago headquarters
  • Be a member of a qualifying organization