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Mobile banking apps have become everyday necessities, and banks are constantly upping the ante. Most online banking apps have become full-service mobile banking powerhouses. They provide many of the same bank account services as a brick-and-mortar bank -- without the lines and long waits. Take a look at our list of best mobile banking apps for November 2022 to see if your bank makes the cut.
The Ascent's best banking apps
Bank of America: Best bank app virtual assistant
Discover: Best online banking app
Chime: Modern app
Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union app
USAA: Best military banking app
Wells Fargo: Best bank app overall
Chase: Best full-service banking app with in-app support
Capital One: Best banking app to monitor your credit score
Ally: Best online banking app to automate savings
BMO Harris Bank: Easy-to-use interface
Varo Bank: Modern banking
U.S. Bank: Competitive selection
Regions Bank: Great customer service
Bank of America
BEST BANK APP OVERALL
Bank of America
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Bottom line: Bank of America has seen a lot of tech come and go over the last century, and adaptation is part of its DNA. That extends to its current mobile banking app, which has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, including Bank of America credit card and bank account management.
But the Bank of America app takes it a step further with Erica, a virtual banking assistant. Erica can help with your transactions, check checking and savings account balances, and even provide insights into your spending. That's on top of all the typical services like money transfers, mobile bill pay, check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Bank of America bank review
Discover
BEST ONLINE BANKING APP TO AUTOMATE SAVINGS
Discover Bank
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Bottom line: Discover consistently ranks highly for customer service, and its app does not disappoint. In fact, Discover's mobile banking app is The Ascent's best full-service bank app. This robust app is easy to use and works on several different devices.
Discover's mobile app provides a wide range of online banking features for both your bank accounts and Discover credit cards. For example, you can customize a basic "Quick View" that won't require a full login. The app lets you access account balances and transaction history, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks. You can view and send secure messages, complete Zelle transfers, and handle all your credit card needs from the online banking app.
iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Discover bank review
Chime
BEST MODERN APP
Chime
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Bottom line: The once-sparse field of online-only banks has grown. However, Chime continues to stand out from the crowd -- thanks, in part, to its great mobile app. The app is both attractive and easy to use.
It has a host of handy services and features, including account management and savings tools. Chime users can even access direct deposits up to two days early. You can also take advantage of Chime's free internal peer-to-peer transfer service, Pay Friends, which makes it easy to send money to other Chime users.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Chime review
Alliant Credit Union
BEST CREDIT UNION BANKING APP
Alliant
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Bottom line: Alliant Credit Union is a consistent front-runner as the best credit union. Simply put, its diverse array of low-to-no fee account types and competitive rates are among the best you'll find at a credit union or a bank. But that lead doesn't end with its product suite. Alliant's mobile app scores high marks with users who value the apps simplicity, ease of use, and rich feature set to manage their money on the go.
iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.1/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Alliant Credit Union review
USAA
BEST MILITARY BANKING APP
USAA
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Bottom line: USAA has been serving military members and their families for years. Its mobile banking app carries on the proud tradition and is our best for military mobile app pick. Users can access their bank, credit card, and insurance accounts from anywhere in the world, with secure login options like fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition.
The simple user interface contains a lot of features, including the basics like mobile deposits, bill pay, and Zelle transfers. USAA auto insurance users can access ID cards and report claims. Credit cardholders can track due dates, make payments, and check out special offers.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.3/5 stars
Cost: $0
Wells Fargo
BEST FULL-SERVICE BANKING APP WITH PEER TO PEER PAYMENTS
Wells Fargo
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Bottom line: Wells Fargo may be an old bank, but they have a few new tricks. All of the features you'd want are right at your fingertips, including the ability to manage all of your Wells Fargo accounts (bank, Wells Fargo credit cards, and investments) in one place.
You'll get all the services you see in our other best mobile bank app picks. It has bill pay and Zelle transfers, as well as investment features such as stock trading and fund research. Security-wise, you can instantly freeze your cards to prevent unauthorized access and choose extra-secure sign-in options like fingerprint or facial recognition. Importantly, it also includes a handy feature with peer to peer payments via Zelle.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Wells Fargo bank review
Chase
BEST FULL-SERVICE BANKING APP WITH IN APP SUPPORT
Chase
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Bottom line: If you like rewards credit cards, you probably have at least one Chase card. Luckily, Chase's mobile app makes it easy to manage all of your Chase accounts. You can securely access both Chase credit card and banking accounts from the same mobile app. And you can set up facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in for extra security.
Inside the app, you can check balances, make payments, and deposit checks, as well as send or receive money through Zelle. Credit card users can track transactions, redeem cash back or Ultimate Rewards, and add the latest Chase deals to their favorite card. Chase's in-app 24/7 support is a critical differentiator that users give high regards.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Chase bank review
Capital One
BEST BANKING APP TO MONITOR YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Capital One
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Bottom line: Capital One's mobile banking app is a full-featured online banking experience. It bundles checking, savings, loans, and Capital One credit card account management into one app. Users can view account activity, pay bills, deposit checks, and make payments. You can also set up account alerts and activate new credit or debit cards.
Credit card customers can view and redeem rewards, and all Capital One customers can check their Creditwise credit scores. The app is also compatible with Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers. Safety-wise, you can use the mobile app to freeze your debit and credit cards. You can also use fingerprint and SureSwipe technology for secure logins.
iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Capital One bank review
Ally
BEST ONLINE BANKING APP TO AUTOMATE SAVINGS
Ally
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Bottom line: Ally Bank was one of the original online-only banks, and its low fees and bountiful services mean it remains popular. It also has one of the best mobile banking apps. Ally's best online banking app title comes with all the services you'd expect, including account management options, account transfers, mobile check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.
You can also access tools to automate your savings, set debit card controls, and send secure messages. If the Android app reviews are any indication, investment account users might find some of the app's services are limited. That said, savings and checking account users give the app high marks.
iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 3.9/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Ally bank review
BMO Harris Bank
Bottom line: BMO -- short for Bank of Montreal -- is a Canadian bank that also operates in the U.S. Though BMO has been around since the 19th century, its app is sufficiently modern, with all the services you'd expect.
The easy-to-use interface puts all of your accounts in one place, including banking and lending accounts. You can also pay bills, deposit checks, and transfer funds -- both between your own accounts and to third parties with Zelle. Based on the reviews, the app may be better on iOS than Android. Many of the recent Android reviews complain of login or installation errors.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
Cost: $0
Varo Bank
Varo Bank
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Bottom line: Varo is an online-only bank that's relatively new on the scene. Its goal is to make banking easily accessible to everyone. Along that vein, Varo has a robust banking app that seems to be universally appreciated; both Android and iOS users give it high ratings.
The app has a clean interface and easy-to-use navigation. It offers most of the features you'd expect, including balance information, cash back tracking, in-app check deposits, and a variety of phone notification options. One big lack is direct Zelle compatibility. Instead, users can only easily transfer money to other Varo users.
iOS app rating: 4.9/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Varo bank review
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank
Bottom line: U.S. Bank offers a competitive selection of banking products. There are plenty of rewards to entice customers to open multiple accounts, including fee-free money market accounts, preferred loan rates, and more.
U.S. Bank users seem to really like this app. I personally use it and haven't had any issues. I find it quite easy to navigate.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> U.S. Bank Review
Regions Bank
RELATIONSHIP BENEFITS
Regions Bank
Bottom line: Regions Bank is a good fit for those who value great customer service and plan to do all their banking in one place. Relationship benefits abound if you open multiple accounts with the bank, and you'll have plenty of options to choose from. But its APYs aren't all that impressive.
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $0
READ MORE >> Regions Bank Review
Features of the best banking apps
There are some important features you'll find in all the best banking apps. For example, you'll need all-in-one account management to keep on top of your bank and credit card accounts in one place. There's also a set of standard tools to look for in the best banking apps:
Accounts balances
Transaction history
Bill payments
Mobile check deposits
Money transfers
Zelle compatibility
ATM locators
Of course, some apps take it even further, with extras that help them stand out amongst the best banking apps. For example, a few of our best banking apps include budgeting, saving, and money management tools. And any bank with best mobile banking status will offer additional security in the form of facial, fingerprint, or even voice recognition during login, as well as the option to freeze your debit and credit cards from the app. You may even get extras like cardless ATMs, where your mobile app can stand in for your debit card.
Do you need a mobile banking app?
You don't specifically need a mobile banking app. But it can be a highly convenient tool in this modern age where just about everything has gone mobile. After all, you probably already carry a smartphone. Why not make your banking life easier while you're at it?
The best banking apps make it simple to track and manage your money. For example, you can check your balance on the go to ensure you have the funds for a purchase. You can do a quick Zelle transfer to a friend to help pay for dinner. And the extra security features offered by the best online banking apps mean you can keep your account information safe as you enjoy the convenience of an app.
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