Why it's tops: Combines an open-door policy with competitive offerings.
Credit unions traditionally best the big banks for customer service and account terms, but membership can be tough to secure. Employment by major companies such as Google or Kaiser grants access here, as does a one-time $10 donation to the charity Foster Care to Success.
Alliant offers 1.15% on savings. Plus, no fees on non-interest checking, but a direct deposit to the interest-bearing option gets you 1.1% with no charges.
Alliant has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.
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