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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.
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.
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 Alliant takes this category for its slightly higher interest rates and lower fees.
Winner: Alliant
1 - 3 of 3
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
1 - 2 of 2
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
1 - 3 of 3
Ally and Alliant’s other products
Both banks offer a selection of other financial products.
Ally
Credit cards
IRAs
IRA CDs
Home loans and refinancing
Brokerage accounts
Portfolio management
Money market account
Alliant
Credit cards
IRAs
IRA CDs
Home loans and refinancing
Brokerage accounts
Portfolio management
Car, student and personal loans
Auto, home and life insurance
Kid and teen checking
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
Ally Bank’s routing number is 124003116
Alliant Credit Union’s routing number is 271081528
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
Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.
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