Best Checking Accounts in Nevada for 2024
When you’re looking for a checking account in Nevada, you might be surprised by how many options there are.
From online banks that operate in the state to an abundance of local banks that have everything you might need, narrowing down the options can be tough. This guide will help you choose the right option for you.
Compare Nevada and Online Checking Accounts
Local banks and online financial institutions bring pros and cons. Which one is right for you? Consider the following:
- Do you prefer to bank in person or online?
- Do you enjoy using a mobile app or a website to move money around?
- Do you need an ATM card?
- How often do you withdraw money?
- Do you deposit cash?
- How much are you willing to pay in bank fees?
- Do you need strong customer service?
- Do you want to earn interest on the money you deposit?
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Nevada Local and Online Checking Accounts
Best Checking Accounts in Nevada
The many checking account options in Nevada can be daunting, but some always rise to the top of the list. These three checking accounts through Nevada banks provide what you need for your hard-earned money.
Nevada State Bank
There are numerous checking account options at Nevada State Bank, including those that earn high-yield interest rates.
Anytime Checking is the basic and most popular option, with a $50 opening deposit and easy ways to waive the $9 monthly fee.
Premium Interest Checking allows for competitive interest rates on checking accounts and other linked products.
Military Advantage Checking allows for waivers of ATM fees for those on the go (or deployed across the world!) and the Senior Advantage Checking offers ease of banking combined with little perks.
Finally, the OnBudget Checking offers debit cards but no checks, and allows you to build up your bank account with no surprise fees. Any of these accounts can be easily opened online.
Greater Nevada Credit Union
With six checking account options, the Greater Nevada Credit Union has something for everyone. Most of the accounts, including the Aspire, Cash Bank, and Rock Checking, allow for either exceptional interest earnings or cash back on purchases made with your debit card.
Enjoy up to $15 in ATM refund of fees each month. Student Cash Back Checking allows for those under the age of 24 to make money back on their purchases.
Connect Checking is a popular, straightforward option that doesn’t require a minimum balance and offers six easy ways to waive the monthly fee.
Finally, if you have a business of any sort registered in the state of Nevada, the business checking allows you to upgrade from your personal account with ease.
Where to Find the Lowest Checking Account 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 and Cons of Local Banks
Local banks can be quite convenient — because, after all, they are often right down the street. But there could be some reasons why you want to go with an online option instead.
Here are the pros and cons to consider about local banks.
Pros
- Local banks are closely tied to the community and give back to the local area.
- They have numerous branches and ATMs in the area for easy withdrawals and deposits.
- Local banks usually offer 24/7 customer service via phone, and of course, there are abundant branches.
- Most local banks offer much more than just checking accounts; they offer mortgages, money market accounts, and more.
Cons
- Interest rates for checking accounts might be lower than what you find at online banks.
- Local banks rely on their branches for customer service, which means they might not have a good online presence.
- Branches are open during normal business hours, which makes in-person banking challenging for those with 9-to-5 jobs.
Online Checking for Nevada Residents
When you’re looking for a robust bank in Nevada, it’s a sure bet that others have used the services for many years. Reading their reviews can help you choose the best bank for you.
Citi Priority Checking
The Citi Priority Checking account offers a range of features tailored for customers who maintain higher balances across Citi accounts.
It provides benefits like waived fees on non-Citi ATM transactions, a dedicated customer service line, and priority access to financial advisors. However, it requires a significant combined monthly balance of $30,000 to avoid a $30 monthly maintenance fee.
The account includes services like mobile banking, online bill pay, and early direct deposit. While the benefits are appealing, the high balance requirement may not suit everyone.
Varo Bank Checking
The Varo Bank checking account is a fee-free option with no monthly maintenance charges, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. It offers early direct deposit and access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs without fees.
While it doesn’t earn interest, it integrates seamlessly with Varo’s savings account, which offers competitive rates.
The account is managed entirely through Varo’s mobile app, which provides tools for budgeting and tracking expenses. However, cash deposits can be challenging, and customer support is only available through the app or by phone.
Zions Bank Anytime Checking
Nevada State Bank is a division of Zions Bank, but the two entities offer some differences in their checking account offerings.
In addition to the checking accounts offered at Nevada State Bank, Zions Bank also offers the Anytime Interest Checking option. This allows users to open an account with a $50 deposit but does require a higher minimum balance of at least $1,500 to avoid the $10 monthly fee.
There is a competitive, tiered interest rate that allows you to earn on what’s in your checking account and makes savings options easy.
Since Zions Bank is a larger parent bank established in numerous states, expect the same great service as you might find at Nevada State Bank but more perks.
Pros and Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Just as there are pros and cons for local banks, the same is true for online checking accounts. Here’s what you can expect.
Pros
- Online banks often provide higher interest rates on checking accounts than local banks do.
- You might get perks for new sign-ups, such as cash bonuses for accounts in good standing.
- Website and mobile apps are very strong, as they are the primary means of banking.
- Customer service tends to be robust and available via chat, text, email, and phone.
Cons
- Few online banks have branches; the ones that do have branches are usually in large metro areas.
- Online banks might not offer a full suite of services.
- Automated systems for customer service can make it tough to get in touch with a real person.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Nevada
When choosing a checking account in Nevada, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Monthly Fees
Some banks will charge monthly fees, but they will offer many ways to waive them. Some of them are quite easy, such as simply having a direct deposit sent to your account every month. Others are more difficult, such as carrying a high balance.
Decide if waiving the fees will be doable for you, and if not, are you willing to pay what they are asking for monthly maintenance on the account?
Other Fees
Most banks will have some fees, even if their usual checking is entirely free.
They might have fees for things like wire transfers, overdrafts, cashier’s checks, paper statements, and the like.
Some of these fees might never apply to you and so can be safely ignored, but it’s a good idea to look at the fine print so you have no surprises if you do choose to use a service that requires a fee.
ATM and Branch Access
Make sure it’s easy to access your money in a way that suits your needs.
Many banks offer fee-free ATM networks, which is great for those who bank online and can’t visit a physical branch.
However, some ATMs might charge fees, so you should consider carefully if those in your area do. Local banks tend to have fee-free ATMs in and near their branches but might not have a broader network. Consider the fees and whether you are willing to pay them.
Interest Rates and Bonuses
Many banks offer bonus incentives for signing up for a checking account, such as free money if you keep your account in good standing for a certain period.
Interest rates for checking accounts might come with higher monthly fees, but they might be worth it if the interest is enough and if there is some way to waive that fee and still get the interest promised.
Mobile Banking Apps
If you want to bank online, make sure the bank has a mobile app that is intuitive, quick and offers all the details you need to move money around seamlessly with a few taps.
If you are working with a local bank but online banking matters to you, make sure their website is robust enough to handle all your needs.
What to Know About Nevada Checking Accounts
Here are a few interesting facts about checking accounts in Nevada:
- In Nevada, you must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account in your name, though you can open one as a minor at any time as long as you have a parent or guardian co-signing for you.
- Nevada is one of a handful of states that have proposed opting out of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act (DIDMCA). This would allow Nevada banks to opt out of certain consumer protection laws and charge interest that might be higher than what the federal government would allow for credit cards, payday loans, and more.
- The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Reno opened its doors in 1903, making it the oldest bank in the state. It still exists as The First National Bank of Nevada.
- As with most other states, the biggest banks in Nevada are also the largest nationwide banks. These include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase Bank. Nevada State Bank and Zions Bank are the two largest local options.
