Best banks and credit unions in Texas

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Wells Fargo: Best for ATM access

• Accounts

  As one of the four largest banks in the US, Wells Fargo offers a wide range of checking and savings account options to Texans. It has five checking accounts and two savings accounts — most of which you can open with as little as $25.

  You’ll also find CDs with a variety of term lengths. As with most traditional banks, the APYs are low. But the convenience of banking with a large institution may be worth it depending on your situation.

• Customer experience

  Wells Fargo has over 6,300 branches and 13,000 ATMs spread throughout the US.

  To compliment its vast network of locations, it offers a convenient digital platform that allows you to manage your accounts online and through the bank’s mobile app. There are savings tools built into the mobile app that you can use to set financial goals, create a personalized budget and track your spending.

  Wells Fargo customer support is available weekly by phone and social media, so it’s easy to get in touch with someone when you need to.

Frost Bank: Best for customer service

Frost Bank is a local institution headquartered in San Antonio. It prides itself on superior customer service and has earned awards to back it up.

• Accounts

  Frost Bank’s accounts are straightforward with transparent fee structures. While most have monthly fees, there are several ways to waive them through direct deposit or minimum balance requirements.

  While Frost’s APYs are lower than what you’ll find at online banks, they’re slightly higher than those offered by Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo.

• Customer experience

  Frost Bank is a regional bank with a strong Texas presence. It boasts over 130 branch locations and 1,200 ATMs throughout the state.

  In addition, this bank’s customer service is unmatched. Several customers on Reddit talk about how they love Frost because the tellers know them by name and a human always answers the phone when they call.

  Frost Bank also has a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to deposit checks, send money and pay bills.

First National Bank of Texas: Best for small businesses

First National Bank of Texas offers a wide variety of checking and savings accounts for personal and business use. But what sets this bank apart from the rest is its small business perks. As a small business owner, you’ll get access to a suite of financial tools to help you build and maintain your credit, develop a business plan and create financial statements.

• Accounts

  First National Bank of Texas offers eight personal checking and savings accounts with a low, $0 opening deposit. CD deposits start out at $500, which is low compared to other institutions. APYs are on par with other traditional banks.

  Businesses have five checking accounts and one money market account to choose from — each designed to meet the needs of various stages of growth. The bank also offers a variety of small business loans and merchant services.

• Customer experience

  This bank has over 300 branches and 400 ATMs in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. In addition to in-person support at a local branch, you have the option of calling for assistance or live chatting with a representative on the website.

BBVA: Best for online banking

Although not headquartered in Texas, BBVA operates as the sixth largest bank in the state. It has a six-time award-winning mobile app, which is why it takes the cake as the best institution for online banking.

• Accounts

  BBVA offers many checking and savings accounts, including two free options. Aside from its money market account, most have low opening deposits. You’ll only need $25 to open most checking and savings accounts and $500 to open CDs. While the APYs aren’t the highest on the market, they’re on par with the national average.

• Customer experience

  BBVA has a vast network of over 649 branches and 64,000 ATMs. Over half of its branch locations are in Texas alone.

  This bank has a strong reputation for customer service. Unlike other banks, BBVA allows you to video chat with a teller if you can’t make it to a branch. Or, you can schedule a call back and have a representative reach out to you.

  It also has a reputable personal finance resource center, called MoneyFit, where you can get advice and tips on how to make better financial choices.

USAA Federal Savings Bank: Best for military members

There’s no denying that Texas has a large military presence. If you’re a service member who’s in the market for a new bank, USAA Bank may have exactly what you need. It primarily serves active duty National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, cadets, midshipmen and their immediate family members.

• Accounts

  At USAA Bank, you’ll find several accounts with unique features. There’s a checking account that earns cashback rewards, another that comes with ATM rebates and another only for recruits.

  Its savings accounts have no monthly fees and as an account holder, you get access to savings tools that help you set and manage goals.

• Customer experience

  USAA has over 60,000 in-network ATMs nationwide. And if you use a non-network ATM, you’ll get reimbursed for up to $15 in fees a month.

  As a USAA member, you also get access to special perks. This bank has a dedicated team of professionals who can help with the deployment process, as well as offer discounts on loans, credit card rates, travel deals and more. If you need assistance, customer service is available by phone, email, fax, US mail or in-person at a local branch.