Safest Banks in the United States in 2025: Where to Keep Your Money Secure

Consumers have many choices when it comes to banking. While some prioritize customer service, high yields, or unique perks, others focus on one of the most important factors: safety. Fortunately, bank failures in the United States are rare, thanks to strong regulations and FDIC protections—but some banks go above and beyond.

In this article, we’ll explain what makes a bank truly safe and highlight our top picks for the safest banks in the U.S.—institutions with the financial resilience to protect your money, even during uncertain times. The banks on this list stand out for their financial strength, positive credit ratings, and long histories of navigating economic turmoil, including recessions, wars, and pandemics.

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FDIC-insured protection and real-time fraud security

• FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through partner banks
• Backed by Bancorp, N.A., with over $6 billion in assets
• Instant fraud alerts, two-factor authentication, and biometric login
• 60,000+ fee-free ATMs (more than Chase or BofA)
  

¹ SoFi Bank is not rated by major credit agencies like Fitch, Moody’s, or S&P. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—it simply hasn’t asked to be rated. Unlike bigger banks that borrow money by issuing bonds (which get rated), SoFi raises money in other ways, like selling bundles of loans to investors. These loan bundles do get rated, but the bank itself does not.

Table of Contents

1. What makes a bank safe?
2. Safest banks in the U.S.
   1. JPMorgan Chase & Co
   2. Bank of America
   3. Capital One
   4. Truist
   5. SoFi
3. Which is the safest?
4. FAQ

What makes a bank safe?

Before we can dive into the reviews of the safest banks, we need to tell you how we selected them. We used a specific set of criteria to determine the safest banks in the United States. That means these banks are structurally sound, with significant insurance and assets to protect consumers’ deposits.

It doesn’t necessarily mean the banks on this list have the best customer service, fee structure, or perks. Rather, these banks have the capital strength to weather challenging economic times while still keeping consumers’ money safe. Three of the banks on our list have been in existence for more 100 years.

Here are the features we looked at, and what you should also consider when you’re deciding on a bank to put your money. Click term to learn more about that criterion.

The safest banks in the United States

Here are the four safest banks in the United States based on the criteria above. All are FDIC-insured with excellent security features, high capital ratios, and good credit ratings. We’ve also noted when these banks had to pay fines for violations, so you can make the most informed choice about which bank is best for your personal finances.

JPMorgan Chase & Co

Safest Bank Overall

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Why we picked it

JPMorgan Chase is the largest bank in the United States and ranks at the very top of the G-SIBs list. That means that regulators require JPMorgan Chase to have an additional 2.5% cushion in its capital ratio.

JPMorgan Chase also has over 225 years of history and operates in more than 100 countries. Because of its size, history, reputation, and financial strength, it’s the overall safest bank on this list.

• FDIC insured
• Globally Systemically Important Bank
• Largest bank in the United States
• 4,700 branches
• Customers face zero liability for unauthorized charges
• 24/7 credit card fraud monitoring
• High CET1 ratio

• Fined $151 million by the SEC in 2024 for misleading investors
• Moody’s downgraded Chase in May 2025 from Aa1 to Aa2

Founded	1799
Total assets	$3.9 trillion
Credit rating	Moody’s: Aa2 S&P: AA- Fitch: AA
CET1 ratio	15.4%

Bank of America

Largest Bank in U.S.

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Why we picked it

Bank of America is another bank on the G-SIB list, meaning it’s required to maintain an additional buffer, which reduces the risk of bank failure. It’s also the second-largest bank in the United States, with a history dating back over 100 years.

Bank of America serves more than individual customers. It’s the bank of large corporations and governments, too, with eight different businesses under one company umbrella. The size, history, reputation, and positive financial rating are the reasons why Bank of America is a safe bank.

• FDIC insured
• Globally Systemically Important Bank
• The second-largest bank in the United States
• Zero liability protection and fraud monitoring
• High CET1 ratio

• Incurred a $540.3 million fine in April 2025 for underpaying the FDIC for insurance
• Incurred $150 million in penalties for junk fees and misusing sensitive customer information

Founded	1904
Total assets	$3.3 trillion
Credit rating	Moody’s: Aa2 S&P: A- Fitch: AA-
CET1 ratio	11.8%

Capital One

Technology-Forward Bank

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Why we picked it

Capital One made our list for having a high CET1 ratio at 13.9%, higher than other banks on this list with more assets. Although it’s a relatively new bank in terms of age, it’s a leader in security features, including an AI assistant to help keep your account secure.

Capital One also made the list because it’s technology-forward. As one of the first companies to customize credit cards, it’s now one of the first banks to have sophisticated security protecting consumers.

• FDIC insured
• Purchase notifications, fraud detection, and card lock
• AI assistant Eno monitors transactions and keeps your account secure
• High CET1 ratio

• $390 million fine in 2021 for failing to maintain an anti-money laundering program
• $190 million data breach settlement due to a 2019 cyberattack

Founded	1988
Total assets	$490.1 billion
Credit rating	Moody’s: BAA1 S&P: BBB Fitch: A-
CET1 ratio	13.9%

Truist

Advanced Security Features

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Why we picked it

Truist Financial is the result of a 2019 merger between SunTrust and BB&T. It made this list for having an 11.3% CET1 ratio as well as advanced fraud protection. Some advanced security features Truist offers include biometrics and online alerts. The bank also has roots dating back to 1872.

Truist serves 15 million clients across 17 states, including Washington, D.C. Its rapid growth and financial stability have helped Truist make the list of safest banks.

• FDIC Insured
• Advanced security features include biometrics, online alerts, and card controls
• 1,900+ branches
• High CET1 Ratio

• Paid $9 million to settle claims of mismanaging trust accounts
• Paid $470 million fine for communication violations, but received a reduced penalty for self-reporting

Founded	1872
Total assets	$536 billion
Credit rating	Moody’s: Baa1 S&P: BBB Fitch: A
CET1 ratio	11.3%

SoFi

New Bank With Capital Strength

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Why we picked it

SoFi may be a newer name in banking, but it’s backed by a strong balance sheet and a modern approach to security. It made this list for its 11.24% Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, which is in line with or above many traditional banks. SoFi also uses advanced fraud prevention technology, including two-factor authentication and customizable card controls.

Since becoming a nationally chartered bank in 2022, SoFi has rapidly expanded, building over $37 billion in total assets. It continues to grow while keeping a conservative capital structure.

Although SoFi does not have issuer-level credit ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, or S&P, that’s largely because it doesn’t issue traditional corporate bonds. Instead, it funds lending through rated loan securitizations—meaning its loan quality is still independently evaluated.

SoFi’s tech-forward model, capital strength, and oversight as a federally regulated bank help make it one of the safest digital banks in the U.S. today.

• FDIC insured (up to $2 million through program banks)
• Advanced security features include 2FA, biometric login, and real-time card controls
• High CET1 Ratio

• No issuer-level credit rating (but securitized loans are rated)

Founded	2011
Total assets	$37.74 billion
Credit rating	Not rated by Fitch, Moody’s, or S&P¹
CET1 ratio	11.24%

Which is the safest bank?

We ranked the safest banks based on four key factors:

1. G-SIB Tier (whether the bank is considered globally important and highly regulated).
2. CET1 Ratio (how much capital it holds to cover potential losses).
3. Credit ratings (independent assessments of a bank’s ability to meet its financial obligations).
4. Total assets (overall size and diversification).

While our top picks reflect a balance of these measures, the lists below break things down by individual safety metrics, so you can see how more banks compare—even if they weren’t featured in a full review above. Each list shows the banks that stand out in that particular category, helping you better understand what “safe” can mean from different perspectives.

1. G-SIB tier (Global Systemically Important Banks)

G-SIB identifies banks that are critical to the global financial system and therefore subject to the strictest regulation and highest capital requirements. Tier 4 is the highest level of importance and oversight.

Tier	U.S. banks
Tier 4	JPMorgan Chase
Tier 3	Citigroup
Tier 2	Bank of America, Goldman Sachs
Tier 1	Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, TD Bank, BNY Mellon, State Street
Non‑G‑SIBs (regional/smaller)	Capital One, U.S. Bancorp, PNC, Schwab, M&T, Commerce Bank

2. CET1 ratio (Common Equity Tier 1 Capital)

The CET1 ratio measures how well-capitalized a bank is to absorb losses and protect depositors during economic stress. A higher CET1 ratio is better. Ratios above 10% are considered strong.

Bank	CET 1 ratio
JPMorgan Chase	~15.4%
Capital One	~13.9%
Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley*	~13.3% / ~16%¹
Bank of America	~11.8%
Citigroup	~11.5%
Truist	~11.3%
SoFi	~11.24%
Commerce	~10%
M&T / Wells Fargo	~9.2% each
BNY Mellon	~8.5%
State Street	~8%
Capital One	~13.9%
PNC	~7.4%
TD Bank / Schwab	~7%
U.S. Bancorp	~7%

*Investment banks tend to carry higher CET 1 ratios. Morgan Stanley is around 16 % (well above this list).¹

3. Credit ratings

Credit ratings reflect how likely a bank is to repay its debts, including deposits and other financial obligations. The scale generally goes from AAA (lowest credit risk) to D (default). Investment-grade banks usually carry a rating of BBB–/Baa3 or higher.

Rating tier	What it means	Banks included
AA-range	Extremely low credit risk	JPMorgan Chase, TD Bank, BNY Mellon, State Street
A+ to A	Very strong credit profile	Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, U.S. Bancorp, Citigroup, PNC, M&T Bank, Schwab, Commerce Bank, Wells Fargo
BBB-range	Still investment grade but more vulnerable to economic downturns	Truist, Capital One
Not rated	No issuer-level rating from Fitch, Moody’s, or S&P	SoFi Bank (uses rated loan securitizations instead of issuing bonds)

4. Total assets

Total assets indicates a bank’s overall size, which often correlates with diversification, access to funding, and regulatory scrutiny. This is a raw number—higher total assets generally signal greater resilience, although size alone doesn’t guarantee safety. It’s one of several factors to weigh.

Rank	Bank	Total assets
1	JPMorgan Chase	$3.9 T
2	Bank of America	$3.3 T
3	Citigroup	$2.57 T
4	Wells Fargo	$1.95 T
5	Goldman Sachs	$1.7 T
6	Morgan Stanley	$1.2 T
7	U.S. Bancorp	$676 B
8	PNC	$562 B
9	Truist	$536 B
10	Capital One	$490.1 B
11	Schwab	$480 B
12	BNY Mellon	$460 B
13	TD Bank (U.S. only)	$400 B
14	State Street	$300 B
15	M&T Bank	$200 B
16	SoFi	$37.74 B
17	Commerce Bank	$33 B

FAQ

Are credit unions safer than banks?

Credit unions and banks are equally safe when federally insured. Credit unions are covered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which provides similar protections as the FDIC. Differences that may matter:

• Structure: Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits and may focus more on customer service than profits.
• Size and resources: Banks—especially large ones—may have more capital and broader financial cushions.

Ultimately, safety comes down to insurance status and financial health, not whether it’s a bank or credit union.

Is an online bank safer than a bank with physical locations?

Yes, online banks can be just as safe—and sometimes safer—than traditional banks, as long as they are FDIC-insured. Key considerations:

• Insurance: Ensure the online bank is federally insured.
• Security: Online banks often invest heavily in digital security infrastructure.
• Reputation: Stick to well-known or established fintech brands.

However, if you prefer face-to-face support or deal with cash often, a traditional bank may offer more convenience. Safety-wise, both can be secure if properly regulated and insured.Is an online bank safer than a bank with physical locations?

Where is the safest place to put money if banks collapse?

If you’re concerned about bank failures, consider these safe options:

• FDIC- or NCUA-insured accounts: Keep balances under the $250,000 insurance limit per account category.
• Treasury securities: U.S. Treasuries are backed by the federal government and considered one of the safest investments.
• Money market funds: While not insured, they often invest in short-term, low-risk debt instruments.
• Multiple banks or accounts: Spread your money across multiple insured institutions to increase total FDIC/NCUA coverage.

Avoid storing large sums in cash or uninsured accounts, which are vulnerable to loss and theft.

Which U.S. banks are most at risk?

Banks become vulnerable when they experience liquidity issues, poor risk management, or heavy exposure to high-risk sectors like commercial real estate, tech startups, or cryptocurrency. The most at-risk banks typically share these characteristics:

• Large unrealized losses on long-term bond holdings
• Heavy reliance on uninsured deposits, which are more likely to flee during uncertainty
• Lack of diversification, such as concentration in one region or industry
• Low capital reserves, limiting their ability to absorb financial shocks

To evaluate a bank’s stability, consider looking at:

• Credit ratings from agencies like S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch, which reflect a bank’s ability to meet its financial obligations
• Capital ratios, especially the Tier 1 capital ratio, which measures a bank’s core financial strength (higher is generally better)

How do I choose the right bank for me?

Start with safety and financial stability. Make sure any bank or credit union you consider is:

• FDIC- or NCUA-insured, which protects your deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution
• Financially sound, as indicated by strong credit ratings from agencies like Moody’s, Fitch, or S&P

These factors help ensure your money is protected, even during times of economic uncertainty.

Once you’ve confirmed a bank is safe, look at other features that match your needs:

• Fees and interest rates: Compare monthly maintenance fees, overdraft charges, and interest rates on checking, savings, and CDs
• Convenience: Consider branch and ATM access, mobile app quality, and customer service options
• Products and services: Make sure the bank offers what you need—whether that’s basic checking or more advanced services like personal loans, mortgage products, or wealth management tools

Recap of the safest banks in the United States

¹ SoFi Bank is not rated by major credit agencies like Fitch, Moody’s, or S&P. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—it simply hasn’t asked to be rated. Unlike bigger banks that borrow money by issuing bonds (which get rated), SoFi raises money in other ways, like selling bundles of loans to investors. These loan bundles do get rated, but the bank itself does not.