FIND THE BEST BANK FOR YOU

Don't settle for a bank that no longer fits your needs. Whether you prioritize high yields, low fees, premium services or other features, we have great options for you.

- BY ELLA VINCENT

ARE you looking for a better bank? You're in the right place. With the help of Curinos, a financial-data provider, we've analyzed accounts at 40 financial institutions, evaluating them based on criteria including fees, minimum balance requirements, yields and the availability of extra perks, such as free checks or financial planning services. (For more on how we judged the contenders, see the box on page 47.)

With that information, we've compiled a list of the financial institutions (named in alphabetical order) that earned top marks in three broad categories: national banks, internet banks and credit unions. We've also highlighted two winners that may be strong options for customers in each of three profiles: high-net-worth clients, retirees and travelers.

Even if you don't want to overhaul your banking relationship, you may find ideas to supplement your strategy. If you regularly go on overseas trips, for example, you might open a separate checking account that waives foreign-transaction fees on debit card purchases and withdrawals and cuts you a break on out-of-network ATM surcharges, using the account primarily when you travel.

Do you have kids at home? Check out the youth-oriented accounts that some of these institutions offer.

If you're looking for a place to park some extra savings—and to lock in a high yield before the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates further—consider the certificates of deposit listed here. Some of them yield 4% or more.

Interest rates change frequently, so before you commit to any of these accounts, check the current yield.

Yields and other terms listed here are as of early July.

BEST NATIONAL BANKS