Rank and Review of the Finest Washington State Checking Accounts for the Year 2023

The bank account serves as the nerve center of your financial existence. For the most part, citizens of the United States have checking accounts, which are the most common type of bank account here.

This makes perfect sense.

Checks can be deposited quickly and easily, and so can bill payments made directly from the account.

Due to their widespread appeal, banks actively compete for new checking account holders.

It is crucial for banks to attract new checking account customers because those customers are more likely to use the bank for other services.

This article will discuss some of the best checking account options available to Washington State residents.

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If you're looking for a basic checking account, look no further than Umpqua Bank's Embark Checking.

You can open the account with as little as $25, making it convenient for starters. Signing up for electronic statements also doesn't cost anything on a monthly basis. However, if you prefer paper statements, there is a monthly fee of $3.

When your average monthly balance is over $2,500, you'll receive a $10 rebate on ATM fees, and you can open one fee-free Grow Savings Account.

Capital Federal

A free checking account from Washington Federal is exactly what it sounds like.

After enrolling in electronic statements and direct deposit, this checking account has no monthly maintenance fees and provides all the essential features.

The fact that you don't need to deposit any money into the account in order to open one is yet another useful facet of the account.

In addition, there are 32,000 ATMs where you won't be charged a fee, bill pay and peer-to-peer payments are simple, and so on.

Institution with a Banner Nameplate

The Connected Checking Account from Banner Bank is a great choice for frequent ATM users.

There is a higher minimum deposit requirement of than the other banks on this list. In return, you'll have access to a completely free account. If you prefer paper statements each month, there is no additional cost.

The account's reimbursement policy for ATM fees is particularly attractive. There is no minimum balance requirement for this service, and the bank will reimburse you for up to four monthly ATM fees anywhere in the United States.

Benefits of the account extend beyond just being able to pay bills online; they also include protection against overdrafts and the ability to send and receive payments between individuals.

Choosing Methods

When determining the top Washington checking accounts, MyBankTracks used a specific set of criteria. Our top picks were determined after carefully examining the checking account offerings of the fifty Washington banks with the largest deposit market shares (according to FDIC June 2022 data) across the state's major metropolitan areas (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue).

We chose accounts based on the lowest possible monthly maintenance fees, the ease with which those fees could be waived, the availability of the bank's ATM network, and any other features that might make a customer's banking experience more pleasant.

Anywhere in the Country, You Can Open a Checking Account

You're not completely out of luck if you've researched a number of different banks, both locally and nationally, and still haven't found a checking account that you find appealing.

Advantages: Minimal Costs, Excellent Functions

If you're looking for a checking account, the best thing about going digital is that you can usually find one that has everything you need and more without breaking the bank.

Online banking is a lot cheaper to maintain than brick and mortar banks.

There are many expenses that come with running a brick-and-mortar bank, such as rent, insurance, utilities, and salaries for tellers and other employees.

Instead of maintaining dozens or even hundreds of physical locations, online banks can concentrate their operations in one single hub. As a result, they are able to save a substantial sum of money.

The savings made by online banks are then passed on to their customers.

There is no minimum balance required and no monthly fees for most online checking accounts. When they do, the minimum demand is typically under $25.

As if that weren't enough, unlike at most banks, many online checking accounts actually pay interest.

Assured by the FDIC

Do not be afraid to use an online bank even if you have reservations about doing so.

Despite the fact that it is understandably more comfortable to trust a bank that you can actually see in person, online banks are just as safe as traditional brick and mortar banks.

The reason online banking is risk-free is because it shares a common characteristic with virtually all U. S as they are protected by the FDIC The FDIC insures deposits at any bank in the country.

The FDIC will reimburse you up to $250,000 per depositor per account type if the bank fails and you are unable to get your money back.

What Makes a Washington-Based Financial Institution Worth Considering

If you want a good deal on your checking account, it's in your best interest to work with a bank in Washington State.

The fact that people all over the country are typically offered the same account options by national banks is one of the major drawbacks of using one. The inability to modify account settings based on regional factors.

Meanwhile:

Since their customer base is limited to a specific area, local and regional banks are able to better understand the needs of their clientele.

That allows them to tailor their services to the specific requirements of local residents.

There are benefits and drawbacks to using a local bank.

If you're thinking about opening a bank account, it's a good idea to do some research on the various banks in your area and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Consider the Pros and Cons of a Local Bank Savings Account

Benefits Drawbacks

• Fees that are typically lower than those charged by national banks.
• Manage client accounts with a personal touch.

• Reduced size of bank branch and ATM systems
• These rates of interest are not the best currently available.

To some extent, local banks' strengths lie in their ability to cater to customers' individual needs and provide them with services tailored to their area.

Working with a local bank has its benefits, but it can be a pain if you frequently travel outside of your area.

Because you will likely use ATMs from other banks while away from home, you may be subject to their ATM surcharge fees.

Working with a national bank chain means you'll always have free and convenient access to ATMs and physical locations.

Should You Open a Savings or Checking Account?

Although many prefer online banking, it is not without its flaws. You can determine if an online checking account is right for you by answering the following questions.

Which method of contact is more appealing to you—telephone or email?

The most significant disadvantage of using an online bank:

Phone, email, and live chat are your only options for contact. It's not like going into a regular bank and having a conversation with a teller.

Some people find it difficult to communicate with others over the phone or through email when dealing with account problems.

How often do you stop by your bank?

If that's the case, you should probably rethink opening an online bank account. A bank's website serves as the physical location for online banking.

To what extent do you enjoy learning about and using cutting-edge gadgets?

Online banks aim to make their systems as user-friendly as possible, but they can’t completely eliminate the learning curve

One of the last things you want to do is mess up your finances because you aren't sure how to use your bank's mobile app or website.

While most people born in the digital age should have no trouble using an online bank, those who have a history of technological anxiety may want to stick with a traditional financial institution.

Features Crucial to a Checking Account

These are the most vital aspects to think about when comparing various checking accounts.

Fees

Maintenance fees are the bane of every bank customer's existence.

Instead of giving your money to the bank, why not just keep it in your pocket?

Consider only accounts with the smallest regular payment requirements.

Bank Teller/ATM Use

You should be able to quickly withdraw funds when you need them and deposit surplus funds whenever possible if you rely on cash.

Consider whether or not your preferred bank has ATMs or physical locations in the places you frequently visit.

Rates of Interest

Interest isn't paid on checking accounts by the majority of brick-and-mortar banks, though some do; however, most online banks do.

To effectively maximize your financial well-being, you should seek out accounts that offer interest.

Online Banking

There is a mobile banking app available from virtually every bank, but the quality varies widely.

Make sure that the banking app you choose is user-friendly and has all the features you need, such as bill pay and mobile deposit.