Best Banks In California | Bankrate

Chase Bank took first place in J.D. Power’s 2025 Retail Banking Satisfaction Survey for California, far outpacing second place finisher U.S. Bank. This survey weighs factors such as complaint resolution, account options, digital access and trust.

Chase also makes it easy to access banking services, with over 800 branches scattered throughout the state, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). Chase also has branches in every state (and Washington, D.C.) except Hawaii and Alaska, making it appealing for frequent domestic travellers.

Chase bank offers certificates of deposit (CDs), checking and savings accounts. Its Total Checking account stands out with no minimum deposit and multiple ways to move money, including its highly rated mobile banking app, Zelle and more than 15,000 ATMs. It also has a handy overdraft policy that allows you to overdraft up to $50 with no fee.
Read more: Bankrate’s best checking accounts

But, like most of Chase’s accounts, it comes with a monthly fee. And most of Chase’s savings accounts and CDs offer seriously low annual percentage yields (APYs). There are a couple of solid CD options for customers with a linked Chase checking account, but other banks offer consistently higher yields across terms.

Patelco Credit Union earned the highest Bankrate score of all California-based credit unions we’ve reviewed and offers a well-rounded selection of products.

Anyone can become a member by joining the Financial Fitness Association. Or you can qualify if you live, work, worship or go to school in northern California, or 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 35 branches, all located in California. Members may access more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs and conduct banking at shared branches nationwide through the CO-OP network.

Patelco Credit Union offers a full suite of deposit accounts. Its wide range of certificate terms have an accessible minimum balance requirement and above-average to competitive yields.

However, other rates at the credit union are lackluster (as with its regular savings account) or require a high minimum deposit. For example, its money market account rate is competitive if you deposit at least $100,000 and link Patelco checking account.

Golden 1 is the biggest California-based credit union by assets, according to National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) data. It has twice as many California branches (70) than competitor Patelco, 24/7 phone support (rare for a credit union), and free national access to banking at shared branches and more than 30,000 ATMs via the CO-OP network. Golden 1 membership is open to anyone who lives or works in California and members’ immediate family members and registered domestic partners.

Golden 1 offers CDs, savings accounts, checking accounts and a money market account. Most require a small opening deposit, and there are fee-free options for each. But the rates on the Money Market Savings and Regular Savings accounts are unimpressive.

With no fees and a free debit card, the Free Checking Account is a solid, basic option. Golden 1’s CDs (called “term savings certificates) stand out more, with above-average rates across terms and nationally competitive rates on four- and five-year terms.

If you want top-notch rates and ATM options but don’t need access to physical branches, Ally Bank is a good option for California residents. Ally earned the highest Bankrate Score of all online banks that offer a full range of deposit products, making it a compelling option if you want to do all your banking under one (virtual) roof.

Customers should be comfortable banking online via Ally’s website or through the bank’s highly-rated mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android users. But with 24/7 customer service, you don’t have to do your banking during standard hours. Plus, customers can use the 75,000-plus ATMs in the Allpoint and MoneyPass networks — plenty of which are in California.

Ally Bank offers a wide variety of deposit accounts with historically competitive rates and perks. Though its rates aren’t at the top of the market, Ally’s a reliable option for customers who expect good rates but don’t want to switch banks often to chase the best.

For example, in addition to above-average CD rates, you’ll also receive a loyalty bonus when you renew a CD: a 0.05 percent APY increase to the offered rate at the time of the renewal. Its spending account has no monthly fees, comes with free standard checks and a debit card, and even earns a bit of interest. And its savings account has helpful features like “buckets” to save for different goals and a round-up option.