Best Checking Accounts in Utah for 2025
Are you thinking about opening a new checking account in Utah? Have you considered doing business with a local Utah bank?
If you haven’t, there are good reasons why you should. Local banks are a staple in their communities, so everyone benefits from their products and services. Whether you enjoy doing business with companies that are invested in your community or want the opportunity to form long-term relationships with the people in your branch, local banks may meet your needs.
Continue reading to find out how. On this page, you will find information about the best checking accounts in Utah and the benefits and drawbacks associated with local banks. We also look at online banks and what they offer so you know what to expect if you decide to open a checking account at the virtual options.
Compare Utah and Online Checking Accounts
Most local banks have good online access, and most online banks have accessible customer service. In many ways, they are alike, but there are some key differences. See the comparison below.
Compare Local Utah and Online Checking Accounts
Best Checking Accounts in Utah
Local banks are a great asset to the communities they’re in, but just like any other type of organization you do business with, they’re not all the same. Below we take a glimpse at the best checking accounts in Utah to give you an idea of what’s out there.
First Community Bank Utah
Consumers who are 50 years and older can open the 50+ Interest Checking account at First Community Bank Utah for their specific needs. This option has no minimum balance requirement and is an interest-bearing account without monthly service charges. The bank additionally has the Easy Interest account, which also has no minimum balance requirement or monthly service charge, and the Premier Interest Checking account, which offers variable interest when you maintain at least a $1,500 balance.
Central Bank
The free checking account offered by Central Bank, which requires a $50 minimum opening deposit, provides unlimited check writing and free bill pay, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Customers also get access to overdraft protection, thousands of network ATMs, and Zelle service. There are no monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. Central Bank also has an account for customers over 62 years old, allowing them to earn interest when they have at least $500.
Zions Bank
All of Zions Bank’s checking accounts allow customers to take advantage of digital banking, online bill pay, mobile deposits, and a debit card. Customers also receive automatic alerts to keep them abreast of any suspicious activities on their accounts and when their balance has gotten low. Basic and interest-bearing checking accounts are available.
Finding the Lowest Checking Account Fees
You could be paying too much in checking account fees each month.
We’ve compiled 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
If you’re thinking about opening a checking account at a local bank, it’s important to have a realistic picture of what to expect.
Community banks offer several advantages, but they also come with some drawbacks that may influence your decision. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of banking with a local bank:
Pros
- Money deposited by customers is invested in the local area.
- Helps local businesses gain access to funding that may be unavailable at national banks.
- Promotes job creation and economic growth within the community.
- Local banks may provide loans to individuals who might not qualify at larger banks.
- Enables residents to meet personal goals and improve their financial well-being.
Cons
- Local banks may not have as many branches, making them harder to reach.
- Banking hours can be challenging for those with full-time jobs.
- Saturday hours, if available, tend to be short.
- Customers may face long lines during peak hours, reducing convenience.
Online Checking for Utah Residents
Doing business online has become a part of our everyday lives, so it’s not surprising that more and more people are turning to virtual businesses for their banking needs. If you’re curious about how online banks stack up, check out our list below of some of the best online checking accounts for Utah residents.
Ally Bank Interest Checking
Ally Bank’s Interest Checking Account offers a fee-free banking experience with competitive interest rates. It features no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and reimburses up to $10 per statement cycle for out-of-network ATM fees.
Customers earn interest on all balances, with higher rates for accounts holding $15,000 or more. Ally’s robust online and mobile banking tools include bill pay, Zelle transfers, and mobile check deposits. The account also supports real-time alerts and advanced security features like two-factor authentication.
While Ally lacks physical branches, its extensive ATM network and 24/7 customer service ensure accessibility. This account is excellent for those seeking a fully digital, interest-earning checking experience.
Axos Rewards Checking
Axos Bank’s Rewards Checking account combines no-fee banking with the potential to earn competitive interest rates.
It has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and offers unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. Customers can earn up to 3.30% APY by meeting specific criteria, such as receiving direct deposits and making qualifying debit card transactions. Additional interest boosts come from using linked Axos products like personal loans and investment accounts.
The account includes mobile and online banking features like bill pay, mobile check deposits, and financial management tools. While it’s entirely online with no physical branches, Axos provides 24/7 customer support. This account is ideal for tech-savvy individuals seeking a high-yield, fee-free checking option.
TD Bank Checking
TD Bank offers a range of checking accounts designed to fit various financial needs. Options include TD Convenience Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Simple Checking.
TD Convenience Checking is ideal for everyday banking, with a low monthly fee that can be waived with a $100 minimum daily balance. TD Beyond Checking provides perks like ATM fee reimbursements and interest on balances but requires a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. TD Simple Checking has a fixed monthly fee with no minimum balance requirements, making it straightforward and predictable.
Customers benefit from features like online and mobile banking, 24/7 customer service, and extensive branch and ATM networks.
While the accounts offer flexibility, potential drawbacks include monthly maintenance fees unless certain criteria are met. TD Bank’s checking accounts are well-suited for customers seeking a variety of account features with convenient access and customer support.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
For some consumers, online banks can be a good alternative to brick-and-mortar banks. While they offer some compelling benefits, there are also drawbacks to consider.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of banking with online banks:
Pros
- No physical locations mean reduced overhead costs for the bank.
- Savings are passed on to customers in the form of higher interest rates.
- Online banks often have lower fees compared to traditional banks.
- Some online banks may not charge any fees at all, providing added savings.
Cons
- The lack of physical locations prevents face-to-face interactions with bank staff.
- Without a presence in local communities, online banks cannot provide the personalized services that community banks often offer.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Utah
Although all banks give you a basic home for your money, some financial institutions are better than others because of certain characteristics.
It’s a good idea to evaluate all of the banks you’re interested in to see which ones offer the most to their customers.
The following are some traits to look for when choosing a checking account in Utah. By evaluating banks based on these characteristics, you will be better positioned to find the one that’s right for you.
Checking Fees
Checking fees can really eat into your bank balance quickly if you don’t monitor your account. The good news is there are ways you can keep balances under control. For example, while many banks may charge monthly fees, there are others that don’t. Also, some banks that charge fees may waive them when you maintain a certain amount of money in your account.
Similarly, ATM fees can become quite a problem if you make a lot of withdrawals. You can mitigate this by finding a bank with a large ATM network so you don’t have to worry about having convenient access to your money. Also, some banks that charge fees when you use an out-of-network ATMs may waive a certain number of them each month as a courtesy.
Other charges you can keep your eye on are bounced check and overdraft fees. These can also add up quickly, but paying attention to your balance regularly will help you avoid them.
ATM and Branch Access
Chances are, you’re interested in getting the most access to your checking account, so paying attention to a bank’s number of branches and ATMs is important.
When a bank has many in-network ATMs, you get convenient access to your money and can save a lot in fees.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
While interest rates on checking accounts are uncommon, some banks offer this benefit. The best checking accounts in Utah will have the highest interest rates you can find and will not require that you maintain a certain balance to receive them. Also, the best banks offer attractive perks. For example, some banks may offer signing bonuses and cashback rewards on debit card purchases.
Mobile Banking
Mobile banking apps can help you keep up with your account information and move your money from one account to another. Some banks have more robust apps, so you may be able to make peer-to-peer transfers and even access financial management tools.
What to Know About Utah Checking Accounts
- When consumers have a joint checking account with someone else, everyone listed on the account can write checks or make withdrawals.
- If someone knowingly writes a $5,000 check that they don’t have enough money to cover, it is a second-degree felony that can lead to both criminal and civil liability.
- In order for a check to be valid, it should have the account holder’s name and address printed on it, as well as the check number.
