Associated Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
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Overall institution rating
3.5
Associated Bank is a regional bank located in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, with an extensive free ATM network accessible nationwide. Its interest rates are low on savings and regular CD terms. A few promotional CDs offer higher APYs, but you can find much better rates from online banks.
Best if: You live in Associated’s service area and prioritize in-person access over interest rates, and can avoid monthly service fees.
» Want higher yields? Check out NerdWallet's favorite high-yield online savings accounts.
Pros
- No monthly fees on some checking accounts.
- Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
- Extended phone customer service hours.
Cons
- Expensive overdraft fee.
- Low rates.
- Monthly fees on some checking and savings accounts (though they are avoidable).
- Limited branch access.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
