Best banks and credit unions of 2026

Despite being a credit union, Alliant makes it easy for anyone to join even if you’re not eligible through your employer or your location. You can join the Alliant Credit Union Foundation for $5, and Alliant will pay it. Membership has its benefits, too. Alliant offers an interest-bearing checking account with monthly ATM fee rebates, CDs with solid yields and the option to house many of the financial products that keep your life running smoothly in one place.

• Generous membership options: While most credit unions have regional requirements, anyone in the U.S. can join Alliant.
• Solid checking account: Checking with Alliant comes with $0 monthly service and overdraft fees, along with 0.25% APY on all balances. Alliant also offers early direct deposit access, up to two days.
• Fee-free ATM access: Alliant offers up to $20 in ATM fee reimbursements per month. You might not need to take advantage of it though — you’ll have access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs.

Savings account, checking account, CDs, credit cards, loans, investing