Best Checking Accounts in Nebraska for 2025
Are you looking for a checking account but need help deciding which one to choose? This page includes information on the best checking accounts Nebraska banks offer and the benefits and drawbacks of doing business with local banks.
Also, if you want to learn about online banking, we provide information to help you decide if it’s right for your financial needs.
Compare Nebraska and Online Checking Accounts
Local, regional, traditional, and online banks are similar in some ways but couldn’t be more different in others.
Learn the differences between physical and online banks below.
Best Checking Accounts in Nebraska
Local banks have much to offer, but the benefits depend on the specific type of account you open.
Let’s explore the best checking accounts in Nebraska to get an idea of what’s out there.
Heartland Bank
Whether you have basic or complex banking needs, Heartland Bank has a checking account.
The Simple Checking account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements if you want essential services.
This account can be opened with a $50 deposit, and you may save a $4 monthly fee by choosing an electronic statement.
The Advantage Checking account provides tiered interest for maintaining at least a $10,000 balance if you keep a high account balance.
Union Bank & Trust
Union Bank & Trust offers checking accounts to help specific types of customers with their needs.
For example, the Simply Free Student account helps young people establish good banking habits. The account, for those 14 to 25 years old, doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees and can be opened with $50.
Similarly, the Simply Free Platinum account is for those at least 50 years old. This interest-bearing checking account can also be opened with $50 and has no monthly fees.
First Nebraska Bank
First Nebraska Bank offers several interest-bearing checking accounts.
For example, the Advantage Checking account requires a $1,000 daily balance and can be opened with a $100 initial deposit.
Customers can receive cash awards for debit card purchases and a rebate for receiving electronic monthly statements.
Those who open a Performance Checking account earn tiered interest, and there is a $2,000 minimum daily balance and a $100 opening deposit requirement.
Additionally, qualified accounts may receive refunds for foreign ATM transactions.
Find Checking Accounts with Low Fees
You could be paying too much in checking account fees each month.
Check out some of our top checking account picks for those who want to save on checking account fees and enjoy the convenience of online banking.
Pros & Cons of Local Banks
There are many good reasons to do business with a local bank. However, there are also some downsides.
The following are some pros and cons of regional banks in Nebraska.
Pros
- Local banks support small businesses, so the whole community benefits when you keep your money with them.
- Since employees tend to work at local banks for a long time, you get the opportunity to build relationships with the people handling your money.
- Services may be customized for the needs of a specific community.
Cons
- Online services may be limited.
- There may not be many branches available, so local banks can be inconvenient if you want to make in-person transactions.
- Complicated products and services may not be available at local banks.
Online Checking for Nebraska Residents
Opening an online checking account may make sense if you’re comfortable doing virtual business.
Take a look at the banks below to get an idea of what services they provide.
Axos Checking
The Axos Bank checking account offers several features that cater to different customer needs.
It includes options such as Essential Checking, Rewards Checking, and CashBack Checking, each with unique benefits.
Essential Checking has no monthly maintenance fees and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements, making it a cost-effective choice.
Rewards Checking offers interest on balances, with higher rates available for meeting specific requirements like direct deposits and a minimum number of monthly transactions.
CashBack Checking provides cash back on debit card purchases.
All accounts offer online and mobile banking, including mobile check deposits and bill pay, enhancing convenience for users.
Additionally, Axos Bank provides 24/7 customer support. The accounts have no minimum balance requirements and cater to various financial needs.
Chime
Chime’s checking account is designed to simplify banking with minimal fees and modern conveniences.
It has no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements, making it accessible and cost-effective.
Account holders benefit from direct deposits, often receiving funds up to two days earlier than traditional banks.
Chime offers a fee-free overdraft feature, SpotMe, which covers overdrafts up to a specified limit for eligible members.
The account includes a Visa debit card, which can be used fee-free at a vast network of ATMs.
Chime provides online and mobile banking features, such as real-time transaction alerts, mobile check deposits, and automatic savings tools.
Security features include two-factor authentication and instant transaction alerts.
One Finance
One Finance offers a unique approach to mobile banking with its One Checking Account, which integrates budgeting and savings features.
The account includes “Pockets,” allowing users to allocate funds for different purposes, such as spending, saving, and paying bills.
No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements make it a flexible option.
One Finance provides a high-yield savings pocket, which earns interest on balances, helping users grow their savings.
Direct deposits can be accessed up to two days early.
The account also offers a debit card that can be used at a broad network of fee-free ATMs. Security features include real-time transaction alerts and two-factor authentication.
Additionally, One Finance supports cash deposits at Green Dot locations and integrates with various financial tools for seamless money management.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Are you torn about whether an online bank is right for you?
It’s essential to be realistic about what to expect, so we’ve outlined some benefits and drawbacks of doing business with online banks below.
Pros
- All accounts are FDIC-insured, just as accounts offered by traditional banks.
- You can access your account anytime through an online bank’s website or mobile app.
- Online checking accounts that accrue interest will generally earn a higher rate than they would at traditional banks.
Cons
- Making cash deposits can be challenging with an online bank.
- Making multiple ATM withdrawals every month may lead to a lot of fees.
- You may not be able to find the different types of accounts you want at online banks, which means opening accounts with multiple companies.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Nebraska
What do you expect from the best checking accounts in Nebraska?
Do you want a checking account that accrues interest? Do you want access to mobile apps? Is convenience your main concern?
Everyone has different needs, so as you read the discussion below, think about which features are most important to you.
Monthly Fees
Although monthly fees are fairly common, some banks don’t charge them to remain competitive.
Also, you may be able to waive those fees by keeping a certain amount of money in your account.
Other Fees
Depending on the bank, you may be charged various fees and monthly maintenance charges.
These may include overdraft, ATM, and insufficient funds fees.
Some banks may also charge fees for sending paper statements, wire transfers, and international transactions.
ATM and Branch Access
If face-to-face banking is essential to you, the best type of bank is the one with the most access to branches.
Also, if you make a lot of withdrawals, you want a bank with an extensive ATM network to avoid fees.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
If you want to earn a little extra money on your checking account, look for Nebraska banks that offer interest-bearing checking accounts and rewards or bonuses.
If you find checking accounts that accrue interest, find out which ones have the best rates.
Also, cash-back rewards can go a long way toward making a specific type of bank account more attractive since you can earn money through your everyday purchases.
Mobile Banking
The more comfortable you are with virtual banking, the more likely you are to want a mobile app with the most bells and whistles.
This may include checking your account balance, making peer-to-peer transfers, contacting customer support, or setting up monthly bill payments.
What to Know About Nebraska Checking Accounts
- Insolvent banks in Nebraska are prohibited from receiving deposits. When this occurs, the bank employee who receives the funds may be charged with a Class III felony.
- Although someone can have a checking account at any age, those younger than 19 must have a parent or guardian named as the joint owner of the account.
- Checks should all have a magnetically encoded routing and transit symbol of the bank preprinted on them.
