US banks & card issuers
12 institutions, from the national banks to online-only challengers and the largest credit union in the country. What each is structurally good at, and what to watch for.
FDIC national rates and rate caps, national averages as of July 20, 2026. Weighted across every insured institution, which is why they sit far below what a competitive online account pays.
A branchless online bank, formerly the finance arm of General Motors. Competes on deposit rates and the absence of account fees rather than on branches.
Unusual in running its own payment network and issuing its own cards. That vertical integration funds richer benefits, but acceptance is narrower than Visa or Mastercard.
One of the largest US retail banks. Its Preferred Rewards tiers raise card earn rates based on combined balances held with the bank and Merrill.
A large card issuer and online-first bank. Completed its acquisition of Discover, bringing the Discover payment network under the same ownership.
The consumer bank of JPMorgan Chase and the largest US bank by assets. Runs Ultimate Rewards, whose points transfer to a wide set of airline and hotel partners.
The consumer arm of Citigroup, running the ThankYou Points programme with transfer partners weighted toward international airlines.
Both a card issuer and a payment network. Now owned by Capital One following the completed acquisition, though the Discover network continues to operate.
The consumer deposit brand of Goldman Sachs, offering online savings and CDs with no monthly fees.
The largest credit union in the United States by membership. Eligibility is limited to armed forces members, veterans and their families.
A digital-first financial company holding a national bank charter, combining deposits, lending and investing in one app.
One of the largest US retail banks by assets, with a full consumer deposit and card lineup.
A large national retail bank with a broad branch footprint and a full consumer card lineup.
Frequently asked questions
Is my money safe at an online bank?
Yes, provided the institution carries FDIC insurance, which covers deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category. Credit unions carry equivalent NCUA coverage. An online bank with FDIC insurance is exactly as protected as a branch bank.
What counts as a good savings rate?
Compare against the FDIC national average, which is 0.38% for savings as of July 20, 2026. That average is dragged down by large branch banks paying almost nothing, so a competitive online account typically pays several times it. "High yield" is a marketing term with no defined threshold, so check the number against the benchmark.
Why do online banks pay so much more than big branch banks?
Branches, staff and ATM networks are expensive, and large banks with entrenched customer bases have little pressure to pay for deposits they already hold. Branchless banks compete on rate because they have no branch network to differentiate on.
Should I keep all my accounts at one bank?
Rarely worth it. The best checking account, the best savings rate and the best credit card are almost never at the same institution. The main argument for consolidating is a relationship tier that lifts card earn rates or waives fees, which is worth checking against what the money could earn elsewhere.
Compare across banks, not within one
The best card for your spending is rarely at the bank you already use. Compare credit cards and savings rates across every institution at once.