Mobile Banking: 7 Best Banks and Credit Unions of 2022

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Bankers Association reported that 33% of bank customers used mobile apps as the primary way to manage their bank accounts. During the pandemic, the number has grown to 44%. If you’re among that large group of people who want to access their bank accounts from a mobile device, it’s important to know which banks and institutions make it easy to do that.

The best mobile banking providers give you access to financial services anytime you want. Using banking apps on your phone or tablet — or using a bank's website — you can complete many common tasks, including checking your account balance, finding nearby ATMs and depositing a check by snapping a photo.

Here are banks and credit unions with the best mobile banking experiences. To compare a wider range of banks on more than just their mobile apps, see our roundup of best banks and credit unions.

Best mobile banking apps from online banks

Capital One 360

Capital One isn’t just home to free checking and savings accounts that earn interest; it has a robust mobile banking platform, too. The apps have all the standard functions of mobile banking, like mobile check deposit, bill pay and the ability to send money to other people in the U.S. They also add a layer of security with mobile app verification, which uses your login credentials and your phone to help ensure only you can access your account. The Capital One mobile apps earn some of the best ratings from iOS and Android users.

» Ready to make a change? Here’s how to switch banks

Synchrony Bank

Synchrony Bank's mobile banking apps earn great ratings from both iOS and Android users. Customers use them to deposit checks, make payments and transfers, and manage their accounts. The bank offers in-app customer support and a Twitter account dedicated to providing help.

Synchrony account holders get fee-free ATM access at machines in the Co-op and MoneyPass networks. (Synchrony doesn't offer a checking account, though.)

Varo

Varo Bank's iOS and Android apps receive strong ratings from customers. The apps allow customers to manage their money with services that include instant transfers to other Varo Bank customers, mobile check deposit, and ACH transfers to pay bills. In addition, if you have both the Varo banking account (similar to a traditional checking account) and a linked Varo savings account, you can use an automated savings feature called "Save Your Change;" this feature rounds up eligible purchases and transfers to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference in your savings account.

The bank has online accounts with early direct deposit and no monthly fees. If you need to get cash, Varo allows access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs. Customers can open a banking account and linked savings account at Varo. The savings account earns a high APY if you meet direct deposit and balance requirements.

» Want to see more online options? Check out our list of the best online banks

Ally

Ally’s mobile apps let you pay bills, send money to people through Zelle, deposit checks, and transfer funds between bank accounts. The apps earn respectable ratings from Android users and high ratings from iOS users.

Ally’s online checking account earns interest and has no monthly fees, while its online savings account lets you organize your savings goals into different categories. The savings account’s attractive rate is higher than what you can expect to find at larger traditional banks.

Best mobile banking apps from a big bank

PNC Bank

PNC’s mobile apps feature services that allow you to easily move and manage your money: bill pay, the ability to send and receive money, and mobile check deposit. The apps also allow you to create budgets and track your spending, see your “scheduled out” balance with a preview of how much money you’ll have after scheduled payments are taken out, and even see when you might potentially overdraft your account.

The bank’s apps consistently receive high ratings on both iOS and Android platforms.

Best mobile banking apps from a credit union

Alliant Credit Union

Alliant’s apps offer features that let you manage your banking tasks from anywhere. You can use an ATM locator, review transaction history and balances on demand, deposit checks and pay bills. And the apps work with popular money management tools like Mint. Plus they let you track your ATM fee rebates to know when you’re nearing the $20 monthly rebate limit. There’s also a high daily limit of $50,000 for depositing checks through the apps.

Connexus Credit Union

The Connexus apps offer the features common among the best mobile bank apps, plus tools for budgeting and managing your spending and savings. You can make payments, send money to people, deposit checks, set up alerts and make transfers, among other tasks. Assistance managing your accounts is offered by text or phone call. The apps get high ratings from both iOS and Android users.

Methodology for Mobile Banking: Best Banks and Credit Unions of 2022

We took a close look at over 80 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable and/or emerging players in the industry. We rated them on criteria that include annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.