Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Midwest

In the Midwest, regional banks and credit unions offer a more personalized and flexible approach compared to national institutions. They cater to the specific financial needs of residents in the region and often provide better terms and perks. Money has researched and identified the best banks and credit unions in the Midwest for 2026 based on their offerings, fees, and customer service.

MidWest America Federal Credit Union, operating in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, offers a wide range of accounts including savings, checking, money market, student, senior, share certificates, and IRAs. Their interest-bearing checking accounts have APYs up to 4.00% on balances up to $10,000. While their money market account requires a minimum balance of $100,000 for the highest APY.

Gate City Bank, with 45 locations in North Dakota and Minnesota, offers competitive APYs for CDs ranging from three months to five years, with rates up to 3.80%. They also provide interest-bearing checking accounts and IRAs, although there is a monthly fee for their money market accounts.

Associated Bank, with branches in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, stands out for its diverse account offerings including health savings accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts. However, their savings APY is relatively low, and there are monthly fees for certain accounts.

Huntington Bank, with branches in 13 states including the Midwest, offers various savings, checking, and money market accounts, as well as CDs. They have a unique Standby Cash feature that provides emergency savings without interest. However, their ATM network is limited, and APY for savings is low.

Bremer Bank, with locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, offers a free checking account with online statements enrollment. They have a high Trustpilot rating and reimburse up to $15 per statement cycle for out-of-network ATM fees. Bremer is known for its customer service and mobile app ratings.

In selecting the best banks for 2026, Money evaluated interest rates, minimum balances, fees, ATM accessibility, and account perks. Emphasis was placed on banks with branch locations in the Midwest, broad ATM networks, and low fees. The full methodology can be found on the Money website.

For more information on the best banks and credit unions in the Midwest for 2026, visit Money’s website for a comprehensive list and detailed analysis.