Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
Younger generations tend to prefer online customer service platforms.
Some banks and credit unions offer live chat on their website or app to answer questions.
You may need to be a current customer to use a bank’s live chat feature.
Get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in business, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — delivered daily.
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
Calling customer service can sometimes take time and energy you don’t have. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone.
This perspective is shared by many younger customers who aren’t always the biggest fans of telephone customer support. According to a 2022 Zendesk Customer Experience Trends Report, millennials and Gen Z are more comfortable with different mediums of online support, including in-app messaging and chat boxes, while older generations prefer to stick to traditional methods, like talking to someone over the phone.
If you’re curious about which banks offer online customer support, this list may interest you.
Compare today’s checking accounts
Bank and credit unions with live chat customer support
1. Affinity Plus Credit Union
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Superior Money Market Account
$500 monthly direct deposits required to earn competitive APY
Highlights
More Information
26 branches in Minnesota, or open an account online from around the US
Many ways to become a member if you live in Minnesota, or donate $25 to the Affinity Plus Foundation to join
60,000 free ATMs around the US in the MoneyPass, SUM, and CO-OP networks
Earn 4 MyPlus Rewards points each month for every $1,000 in average daily balances; use rewards on categories such as travel, gift cards, or charitable donations
Reverse-tiered account
Earn highest APY on balances under $25,000
Earn only 0.10% APY without monthly direct deposits of $500 and enrollment in digital statements
Interest is compounded and paid monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Affinity Plus lets you speak with a live agent if you ask the Affinity Plus chatbox. The chatbox will appear on the bottom right corner of the screen when you’re browsing through specific pages on the website.
Amalgamated Bank will donate the equivalent of half the interest you earn to charity of your choice
Overdraft protection available
Cons
$100 minimum opening deposit
$34 overdraft fee
$2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Highlights
More Information
Branches in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, DC; You can also open an online-only account
Access to over 40,000 free ATMs through the Allpoint network
Amalgamated Bank will match the equivalent of half the interest you’ve earned on your account and donate it to a participating non-profit organization of your choice
Free overdraft protection that lets you link your checking account to an Amalgamated Bank savings account
Earn 0.90% APY if you have an account balance under $2,500
Earn 0.95% APY if you have an account balance over $2,500
Interest compounded daily and deposited monthly
FDIC insured
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Click on the chat feature on the bank’s Customer Service page. A chat box page will appear and you’ll enter your name, then you’ll wait until the next customer representative is available.
Measure the carbon impact of your deposits through Atmos
Create up to six accounts for individual savings goals
Cons
No joint bank accounts
Highlights
More Information
Atmos is an eco-friendly online banking platform that has pledged to finance zero fossil fuel companies and projects
Earn a base rate of 1.60% APY
Earn 3.20% APY if you choose to make monthly recurring donations to a non-profit organization on the Atmos app
Interest compounded daily and deposited monthly
Funds FDIC insured through Evolve Bank & Trust
How to use live chat feature: You can schedule a web conference meeting with a customer specialist by scrolling to the bottom of the platform’s website and clicking on “Book 15 Min Mtg” under the Support tab.
Use the promo code RC100 when you apply for a Rewards Checking account by 07/31/23. Then have qualifying direct deposit(s) to earn up a $100 welcome bonus!
Zero monthly maintenance fees
Zero overdraft or NSF fees
Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
Online debit card management
Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
Only $50 to open an account
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Axos Bank lets you speak with an Axos Team Member if you ask the EVO Virtual Financial Assistant. EVO is usually located at the bottom of the bank’s website.
Waive $12 monthly service fee by doing one of the following: receive $250/month in direct deposits, keep $1,500 minimum daily balance, enroll in Preferred Rewards, or be a student under age 25
If you use Balance Connect and link your checking account to a backup account, there’s a $0 overdraft protection transfer fee
FDIC insured
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Bank of America’s live chat feature pops up when you’re browsing through certain pages on the bank’s website. You’ll find it in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
No checking account or debit card, so you must transfer funds to an external bank account to access your money
Compounds interest daily to maximize earnings
Interest compounded daily, deposited monthly
FDIC insured
How to use live chat feature: If you are a customer of Barclays, live chat is available in the Barclays mobile app. Speak with a consumer representative by logging into your account, and going to the Contact Us section.
Perks such as roadside assistance, ID theft aid, cell phone protection, and more
No minimum opening deposit
Easy to waive monthly fee on Basic plan
Doesn’t charge out-of-network ATM fees
Free overdraft protection when you automatically transfer funds from savings
Cons
$8 monthly fee for Basic plan if you don’t meet requirements to waive
$7 per month for Premium plan and $9 per month for Premium plan, with no options to waive
Doesn’t refund any fees charged by out-of-network ATMs
$35 non-sufficient funds fee and $30 overdraft fee
Highlights
More Information
20 branches in Colorado and Wyoming, and you can open accounts online from around the US
30,000 free ATMs and 5,000 shared branches in the Co-op network
The easiest way to become a member of Blue FCU is to donate $5 to the Blue Foundation; you’ll also qualify if you work for a Select Employee Group or one of several armed forces groups
NOVA Basic plan is free if you complete one transaction per month or maintain a minimum $8 balance; otherwise, you’ll pay an $8 monthly service fee
Basic plan includes online and mobile banking, bill pay, a debit card, and eStatements
Premium plan costs $7/month; includes everything you get with Basic, plus buyer’s protection and extended warranty, ID theft aid, roadside assistance, health savings card, cell phone protection, BaZing savings when you shop local, and accidental death coverage
Elite plan costs $9/month; includes everything you get with Premium (with higher limits on buyer’s protection and extended warranty, ID theft aid, cell phone protection, and accidental death coverage), plus Billshark to negotiate bills, rebates on loans, and higher rates on term shares
Elite plan only costs $7/month for military, first responders, and students age 23 or under
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Blue Federal Credit Union lets you speak with a customer representative if you’re browsing through the website. You might find the chatbox at the bottom right corner of the bank’s homepage or the Contact page.
$25 overdraft fee if you don’t enroll in protection
Highlights
More Information
24/7 live online chat
No ATM network, but unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
Interest compounded daily, paid monthly
FDIC insured
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Click on the chat feature on the Charles Schwab Customer Service page. You’ll have to log into online banking if you have an account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll have to share your email and full name to verify your identity.
Must keep at least $5 in account to maintain membership
Highlights
More Information
To become a member of Clean Energy Credit Union, you’ll need to become a member of a participating organization or work at Clean Energy Credit Union, Our Climate, or 350 Colorado
Must keep at least $5 in account to maintain membership
Interest compounded and deposited monthly
NCUA insured
How to use live chat feature: To use the online chat feature, you’ll need to sign into Clean Energy Credit Union online banking or mobile banking.
14. Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking Account
Only 4 free transactions per month, then $3 per transaction
Highlights
More Information
Credit union that serves a Hispanic American community
27 locations in El Paso, Texas, and part of the CO-OP Shared network
To become a member, you or a family member need to work or live in El Paso County, Dona Ana County, or Hudspeth County
To earn APY, you need to maintain $100 in your account daily
Interest compounded and deposited quarterly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: GECU lets you speak with a customer representative if you’re a customer. On the right side of the page, there’s a chat button.
Over 50,000 free ATMs through the KeyBank and Allpoint ATM networks
To avoid overdraft fees, you may link your checking account to a savings account or get a a line of credit
Key Cover Zone allows you to overdraw up to $20 from your account and you won’t be charged overdraft fees as long as you restore your account balance by the end of the day
Member FDIC
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: You must bank with KeyBank to initiate live chat. Log into online banking or visit the contact us page and click on the Live Chat sign-in.
No required initial deposit or minimum account balance
No monthly service fee
Cons
No digital check deposit
No physical branch locations
Highlights
More Information
No fees and no minimum deposit
Link other bank accounts for incoming and outgoing transfers
US-based contact center open 7 days a week
FDIC insured
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Only customers of Marcus have access to the bank’s live chat tool. Sign into online banking to reach out to a representative
Refunds up to $20 per month in out-of-network ATM fees
Receive direct deposits one day before payday
No monthly service fee if you set up military direct deposits
Free personalized checks
3 overdraft protection options: savings transfer, line of credit, or optional overdraft protection service
Cons
Interest compounded monthly, not daily
Free Active Duty Checking is only for active military, retired military, or reservists
Highlights
More Information
Available to active military, retired military, or reservists
Join Navy Federal Credit Union as an active military member, military veteran, Department of Defense employee/retiree, or family member of any of the aforementioned groups
355 branches worldwide, including on select military bases
30,000 free ATMs
Interest compounded monthly, paid monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Navy Federal Credit Union lets you speak with a customer representative if you’re browsing through the website. Look for the chat feature at the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
21. Juno
Juno Basic Checking Account
4.25/5
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.00% yearly bonus on deposit balances up to $25,000; 4.00% yearly bonus on deposit balances from $25,001 to $250,000
4.00% or 5.00% (depends on deposit amount)
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Learn more
Juno Basic Checking Account
4.25/5
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
5.00% yearly bonus on deposit balances up to $25,000; 4.00% yearly bonus on deposit balances from $25,001 to $250,000
Online banking institution with 1 branch in Boston, Massachusetts
Earn 4.50% APY regardless of your account balance
Interest compounded monthly, deposited monthly
Member FDIC
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: LendingClub lets you speak with a customer representative if you’re browsing through the website. Look for the chat feature at the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
Overdraft protection available as a transfer from savings or as a line of credit
Cons
$1.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Doesn’t reimburse fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers
$2 overdraft transfer fee when you exceed 3 transfers per month
Highlights
More Information
Join Security Service FCU if you are a member of select military branches at certain military bases; are an employee of the Department of Defense; live, work, worship, study, volunteer, or have a business in CO, TX, or UT; are related to someone who is already a Security Service FCU member
67 branches in CO, TX, and UT; 5,000 shared branches in the CO-OP network
Over 30,000 free ATMs in the Security Service FCU, CO-OP, and Stripes networks
Federally insured by the NCUA
How to use live chat feature: Security Service lets you speak with a live agent if you ask the AVA virtual assistant. AVA is usually located at the bottom of the bank’s website.
25. SoFi
SoFi Checking and Savings
4.25/5
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.40% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.40% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 7/11/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.40% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.40% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 7/11/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.40% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.40% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 7/11/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Show more
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Editor’s Rating
4.25/5
4.25 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
FDIC insured for $2 million
High interest rate
Earn a higher interest rate if you set up direct deposit
No minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
No overdraft fees
Up to $250 bonus with qualifying direct deposit (terms apply)
Earn up to 15% cash back at local retailers if you use a SoFi debit card
No-fee overdraft coverage if you overdraw up to $50
Savings tools
Early direct deposit
Joint account available
Cons
Declined purchase if you overdraw by more than $50
May deposit cash at Green Dot locations but there’s a $4.95 fee
Highlights
More Information
FDIC insured for $2 million
Free access to 50,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide
Hybrid checking/savings account
Earn up to 15% cash back on local retailers when you use a SoFi debit card; Retailer information is available through online banking
Earn 4.40% APY on savings balances (Vaults included) and 0.50% APY on checking balances if you set up direct deposit
Earn 1.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings if you don’t set up direct deposit
Earn up to $250 cash bonus available through December 31, 2023; receive a $50 bonus if you make a direct deposit between $1,000 and $4,999 in the first 30 days of opening an account; receive a $250 bonus if you make a direct deposit of $5,000 or more in the first 30 days of opening an account
Create up to 20 Money Vaults to save for individual savings goals like an emergency fund or vacation
$4.95 fee each time you deposit cash at a Green Dot location
To get no-fee overdraft coverage you must have at least $1,000 in direct deposits
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Only SoFi customers have access to the bank’s live chat tool. Sign into online banking to reach out to a representative
Only reimburses $5/month in out-of-network ATM fees
Highlights
More Information
Access your cash online, by phone, or via ATM
No opening deposit or minimum account balance
Comes with a debit card and paper checks
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Anyone using Synchrony’s website may use the live chat feature. Head to the contact page and see if a live agent is available.
No reimbursements on fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers
Highlights
More Information
Join VyStar by living or working in certain parts of Florida or Georgia, or by having a relative who is already a member; Active military and veterans are also eligible
Free access to over 20,000 ATMs in the US, Canada, and Mexico
If you overdraw from your account you can transfer money from another account for a $29 charge
Interest compounded and deposited monthly
Federally insured by the NCUA
Additional Reading
Read our review
How to use live chat feature: Initiate live chat by clicking on the VyChat button, which can be found on the right side of the screen on most of the bank’s pages.
Frequently asked questions
How does live chat bank customer service work?
Live chat varies between financial institutions. Some places, like Ally and Capital One 360, require you to log into online or mobile banking to use the live chat feature.
Other institutions have a live chat feature on the bank website. There will usually be a chat box at the bottom of the screen or a link on the contact page. You won’t need to be a customer to talk to a representative. You can ask questions if you’re exploring banking services.
What’s the difference between live chat and an automated virtual assistant?
Live chat isn’t necessarily the same as an automated virtual assistant. With live chat, you’ll be speaking to an actual person. Automated virtual assistants, otherwise known as virtual chats, are essentially AI bots that answer frequently asked questions.
Some virtual assistants let you speak with a representative if you ask them. However, this won’t work with all virtual assistants.
Which bank offers the best customer experience?
When you’re considering where to bank, think about what you prioritize most.
Most of the financial institutions on this list have various ways of providing customer service. Representatives might be available over the phone, through email, or via online chat. You may like banking with one of the financial institutions on this list if you’re looking for multiple ways to reach representatives or haven’t been satisfied with customer service in the past.
If you find yourself struggling to contact a bank during normal hours, you may also want to consider switching to a place that offers 24/7 customer support. You’ll be able to get help at any time of day, and often with a quicker turnaround since there are more online representatives.
Sophia Acevedo, CEPF
Banking Reporter
Sophia Acevedo is a banking reporter at Insider. She covers bank reviews, banking guides, and banking and savings articles for Personal Finance Insider. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). Sophia joined Insider in July 2021 and is an alumna of California State University Fullerton where she studied journalism and minored in political science. She is based in Los Angeles. You can reach out to her on Twitter at @sophieacvdo or email sacevedo@insider.com. Read more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services >> Below are links to some of her most popular stories:
Are banks open today? Here’s a list of US bank holidays for 2023
Best CD rates
Best High-yield savings accounts
These banks and credit unions allow you to exchange foreign currency at a branch, over the phone, or online
Four reasons why your debit card might be denied even when you have money
American Dollar Exchange Rate