The Best Checking Accounts in Texas for 2024
Checking accounts in Texas might be offered through local or online banks. Some Texans prefer local banks that provide strong in-person assistance, while others prefer online banks that offer round-the-clock customer service via phone, chat, or email.
Choosing the best checking account means looking at the various options and deciding what best suits your needs. Let’s look at checking accounts in Texas to help you decide.
Best Checking Accounts in Texas
Not all checking accounts are created equal. Here are some of the best options for you at banks in Texas.
Comercia Bank
Based in Dallas, Comercia Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in the state.
This bank has four checking accounts to choose from: Access, Rich Rewards, Premier, and Platinum Circle options. The simplest account, Access, is a free checking account; the services broaden as you move up the ladder to Platinum Circle, which is reserved for customers with the highest deposits.
There are very few fees assessed on any of these accounts. The downside? You must have a daily balance of $1,000 (for the Access account), which is a bit higher than many online banks.
Frost Bank
San Antonio is home to Frost Bank, another large bank in Texas that offers many financial services, including checking accounts.
There are more than 155 branches in Texas, so those who want to bank in person will have no problem finding a place to do so.
Frost Bank offers three checking account options. The Personal account is the basic checking with an $8 monthly service fee, the Plus account with a $15 fee, and the Premium account with a $30 fee. There are simple ways to waive those fees. The Premium account offers the most bells and whistles, including ATM refunds of up to $15 each statement cycle.
Prosperity Bank
This bank calls El Campo home, but you can find branches and ATMs throughout Texas and beyond.
The bank offers seven different checking accounts, including some that bear interest (the Checking with Interest and Interest Plus Checking), an account specifically for teens, and others that require no maintenance fee. Prosperity Bank requires higher daily minimum balances for accounts that bear interest.
The teen account can be opened with only $25; the other accounts require between $100 and $1,500 in opening deposits.
Easily Compare the Best Checking Accounts Online
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What to Consider When Choosing a Texas Checking Account
When choosing the right checking account, consider all the points listed below. Compare and contrast your banking options in Texas by looking at these critical factors.
Monthly Fees
Many banks are eliminating monthly fees or maintenance fees. If your bank still requires a monthly fee, they should offer easy ways to waive it, such as having a direct deposit sent to your account each month.
Other Fees
Watch out for the little things, which can sometimes add up to more than what you’d pay in a typical monthly fee. For instance, there might be fees for wire transfers, printed statements, or insufficient funds. Consider how these other fees affect your bottom line.
ATM and Branch Access
You should always have full access to your money in a checking account. ATMs allow you to move money around and withdraw what you need (up to a daily limit), while branch access will enable you to do anything you can’t handle through an ATM or mobile app. If banking in person matters to you, choose a bank with a branch in your local area.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
Not all checking accounts offer interest, but those that do might offer competitive rates, especially if you have higher amounts of money in the account each month. Tiered interest is common, where you make more interest when you reach certain thresholds.
Mobile Banking Apps
You should be able to handle your money at any time that is convenient for you; a mobile app helps you do that. Look for a bank that offers a robust mobile app that allows you to move your money from one account to another and deposit through mobile checks.
Pros & Cons of Local Banks
Local banks can bring many benefits but also have some downsides. Here are some points to ponder:
Pros
- In-person banking is made easy through numerous branches in the local area.
- Branded ATMs for local banks are usually plentiful in the area, so you can always withdraw money with no fee.
- Local banks will often have a full range of banking products in addition to their checking account options.
Cons
- The website and mobile app might not be as robust as what you get with a dedicated online bank.
- Interest rates for high-yield checking accounts might not be as high as what online banks offer.
Online Checking for Texas Residents
Texas residents have access to many excellent online banks. When does it make sense to go with an online checking account versus an account through a local bank?
These reviews might help you decide which one you would prefer for your money.
SoFi Checking and Savings
The SoFi Checking and Savings account stands out for its competitive interest rates, lack of fees, and a bonus for direct deposits. Geared toward those seeking alternatives to traditional banking, it caters to individuals prioritizing online convenience.
Offering features like early paycheck access and fee-free overdraft coverage, it appeals to users who prefer digital banking. However, it lacks physical branches.
SoFi offers a practical and cost-effective choice for users comfortable with online management, providing a balance between convenience and financial benefits.
U.S. Bank Checking
The U.S. Bank business checking account is tailored for entrepreneurs with low transaction volumes, emphasizing in-person banking and 24/7 customer service.
With Silver, Gold, and Platinum options, it requires a $100 minimum deposit, offers FDIC insurance up to $250,000, and provides online, app, and branch access. Despite benefits like an extensive branch network, 24/7 customer service, and no monthly maintenance fees, it has transaction limits, out-of-network ATM fees, and charges for some account types.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Just as there are advantages and drawbacks to checking accounts through local banks, there are also pros and cons for online banking. Consider these points:
Pros
- Online banks often have strong mobile apps and website presence.
- Due to lower overhead, many online banks can offer higher interest rates on their checking accounts.
- Customer service via phone, chat, or email is often available 24/7.
Cons
- In-person banking might not be possible, as many online banks have no branches.
- The options for banking products might be limited.
How to Choose: Texas Local Bank vs. Online Checking Account
Those who prefer the in-person touch and a community atmosphere will prefer a local bank for their financial needs. Though local banks don’t usually offer the round-the-clock service you can get from online banks, the branches allow you to talk with someone face-to-face during regular business hours.
An online bank might offer a better mobile app and website for those who prefer to handle their money virtually. However, online banks might not have as many banking options for customers, so those who need mortgages and vehicle financing and prefer to keep their business in one place might find that local banking is best for them.
What to Know About Checking Accounts in Texas
If you have other questions about checking accounts in Texas, these facts might help.
Access to Your Money
Texas laws require that you can access your deposits on the next business day after that deposit is made. Depending upon the timing of your deposit, your funds might be available on the day of the deposit.
Larger deposits, defined as those over $5,000, might take up to seven days to be fully available for withdrawal.
Inactive Accounts
In Texas, an account is considered inactive if three years have passed with no activity. At that point, the bank is within its rights to close the account. However, most banks will give you more time than that, with many waiting for five years of inactivity before closing the account.
Checking Accounts for Teens
In Texas, a minor can open a bank account without the approval or knowledge of their parents. However, each bank might have its own rules about the age of a depositor; check with the bank directly to see if a minor can open a bank account there.
Insured Funds
Remember that though there is usually no cap on the amount of money you can put into a bank, whether local or online, each account is only insured for $250,000 through the FDIC.
