2018 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING KANSAS CITY BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS
Try These Top 7 Best Kansas City Banks & Credit Unions for Great Benefits (+1 Bank to Avoid)
Kansas City, Missouri sits in the Heartland of America, noted for down-to-earth values that come from hard work and clean living. Besides being the largest city in Missouri, Kansas City is also known for its tradition of jazz music and a unique take on barbecue.
Award Emblem: Top 7 Best Bank and Credit Unions in Kansas City
If you reside in “KC” you may have wondered which credit union or bank in Kansas City to sign up with for the best deals on interest rates, discount programs, or credit card rewards programs. After all, there’s extra money to be had if you know where to look!
Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve researched multiple credit unions and banks in Kansas City, Missouri to bring you the top 7 best. Our rankings include details on the types of perks each one offers to earn you more on your money and what people say about their customer service.
Don’t forget to check out the FAQ for the types of “extras” you should look for when evaluating the best Kansas City banks and credit unions. Plus, we’ll let you know which bank we think you may want to stay away from.
Top 7 Best Banks & Credit Unions in Kansas City (+ 1 to Avoid) | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Best Kansas City Banks & Credit Unions | 2018 Ratings |
| Bank Midwest | 5 |
| CommunityAmerica Credit Union | 5 |
| First Federal Bank of Kansas City | 5 |
| Kansas City Credit Union | 5 |
| Mobank | 5 |
| Mazuma Credit Union | 3 |
| Security Bank of Kansas City | 3 |
| Central Bank of Kansas City | 1 |
Table: Top 7 Best KC Credit Unions & Banks (& 1 to Avoid) | Above list is sorted by rating
Where to Bank in Kansas City | AdvisoryHQ FAQ | What Type of Banking “Extras” Should You Look For?
These days more than ever, each bank or credit union in Kansas City is trying to earn your business. That’s good news for you, because you can find all types of perks that mean extra money in your wallet.
If you know to look for them, you can save big time on things like credit card balance transfers or auto loan rates. You may be surprised at some of the money saving benefits that you may be missing out on at your current KC credit union or bank.
Some of the perks at the best Kansas City banks & credit unions include:
- Debit cards that give you cash back on purchases
- Free wealth management advisors and tools
- CD rate increase when you have a checking or savings account
- Credit union profit payouts to their members
- Free discount programs on products and services
- Youth or senior accounts with waived fees and free services
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed AdvisoryHQ Review – Top Ranking Best Bank or Best Credit Union in Kansas City (and 1 to Avoid)
Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top credit unions and banks in Kansas City, Missouri. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed each KC credit union or bank to score so highly in our selection ranking
Click on any of the names below to go directly to the review section for that firm.
- Bank Midwest
- CommunityAmerica Credit Union
- First Federal Bank of Kansas City
- Kansas City Credit Union
- Mobank
- Mazuma Credit Union
- Security Bank of Kansas City
- Central Bank of Kansas City
Bank Midwest Review
Bank Midwest is part of NBH bank, which has a presence in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. This regional bank in Kansas City believes in providing simple, common sense banking and being supportive of their local communities.
Below are the highlights that make Bank Midwest stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City.
Perks You’ll Find at Bank Midwest in Kansas City at a Glance:
- Credit cards with $25 – $50 cash back after your first purchase
- Rate discount on a home equity loan with Premium Checking or auto payment
- Refer a friend and you each get $50
- Free interest-bearing checking with qualifying minimum balance
- Credit monitoring for $5.99 per month
Bundling to Get Lower Rates
If you’re looking to open a home equity loan or line of credit for extra cash, this is one of the best Kansas City banks to get bundled rate perks. They have an introductory rate as low as 3.74% for 12 months, plus you can get a 0.25% discount if you make payments automatically from checking and 0.50% discount for Premium Checking customers.
Rating Summary
Bank Midwest scored a 5 on our ranking of the top banks in Kansas City, Missouri. They get praise from customers for helpful staff and having a full suite of banking services. They’ve also earned an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If you’re looking for the convenience of several locations in KC and the surrounding area, you’ll find they have banks in Overland Park, KS, as well as several other nearby suburbs.
Their bundled loan discounts can save you hundreds of dollars when borrowing, and you can also earn a little extra cash from their credit card rewards and by referring a friend. There are a lot of little extras that can add up to big savings for you at this KC bank.
See Also: Best Banks & Credit Unions in Philadelphia
CommunityAmerica Credit Union Review
CommunityAmerica Credit Union was started in 1940 to service airline employees. Today, this best credit union in Kansas City is one of the top 10 Kansas City-based financial institutions and they have 29 branches in the KC area. They’re also part of the CO-OP shared branches network.
Below are the highlights that make CommunityAmerica Credit Union stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City.
Perks You’ll Find at CommunityAmerica Credit Union at a Glance:
- Profit payouts to members
- Free checking with 1% cash back
- High interest savings at 4.00% APY with an active checking account
- Credit card with 0% APR for 12 months on purchases & balance transfers
- Exclusive member discounts on entertainment, products & services
They Gave Back $8,000,000 To Members This Year
When you’re trying to decide between the best bank or best credit union in Kansas City, it’s important to know that credit unions are non-profits. This means that they often give back profits to their account holders.
CommunityAmerica gave an average of $100 cash back to qualifying households in the most recent year, which is free money back in your pocket just for banking there.
Rating Summary
“Awesome service” and straight forward loan and account rates are just two of the reasons members love CommunityAmerica Credit Union. We rated them a 5 on our listing of the top credit unions and banks in Kansas City, Missouri.
If you enjoy the convenience of multiple locations in the area, this is the top KC credit union for you. They have more than most financial institutions on our list. It’s also hard to beat their high interest savings and membership discounts program for scoring you more money.
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First Federal Bank of Kansas City Review
This mutual bank doesn’t have any shareholders, like Kansas City credit unions they’re mutually owned by the customers that bank there. First Federal Bank of Kansas City prides itself on being hometown focused and providing personalized customer service.
Below are the highlights that make First Federal Bank of Kansas City stand out on AHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City, MO.
Perks You’ll Find at First Federal Bank of Kansas City at a Glance:
- Community loan program with grants up to $2,500 per mortgage
- Free checking with 2.50% cash back on debit card purchases
- Free business checking with no service fee or minimum balance
- Free eBooks on money management and dominating debt
- 25% rate discount on auto loan if you pay from a First Federal checking account
Kasasa Tunes® Free Checking
Looking for a Kansas City bank that “rocks your world?”, you’ve found it with First Federal Bank. Their Kasasa Tunes® free checking gives you refunds on music and app purchases with iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon music. You get $15 just for opening the account and up to $10 in music refunds per month.
Rating Summary
We rated First Federal Bank of Kansas City a 5 on our listing of the best Kansas City banks. Although they have a few mixed reviews relating to mortgage loans and drive-thru hours, most customers enjoy their helpful service and saving money on loan rates.
We noticed that they work to answer complaints and resolve any issues, which is why they maintain an A+ BBB rating. They also go the extra mile to provide multiple free checking options with a choice of different rewards to meet different spending habits.
Related: Best Banks & Credit Unions in Chicago, IL | Ranking
Kansas City Credit Union Review
Kansas City Credit Union was started to serve city employees over 75 years ago. They’ve expanded their membership since those early days, and anyone that lives, works, or worships in Jackson or Clay County, MO is eligible to join.
Below are the highlights that make Kansas City Credit Union stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City, Missouri.
Perks You’ll Find at Kansas City Credit Union at a Glance:
- Free financial check up with credit score
- Auto loans starting at 1.90% APR
- Member discount program for local attractions, products & services
- $25 discount on Metro Bus Pass
- Holiday Club Account that earns dividends on balances over $100
Short-Term Freedom Loans
Most of us have needed some extra short-term cash for an emergency. But payday lenders can cost a fortune in interest. Kansas City Credit Union understands that members that could use a short-term loan shouldn’t be gouged with interest penalties.
Their Freedom Loans have a 36% flat rate, as compared to 190% to 780% for typical payday lenders. They also give you up to 6 months to repay the loan.
Rating Summary
Kansas City Credit Union gets high praise and great reviews across multiple sites from their members. Service with a smile and excellent loan rates are just two of the reasons. We rated them a high 5 on our ranking of the best Kansas City credit unions and banks.
Their flexible loan terms and excellent interest rates make this one of the top KC credit unions to go to for borrowing money. The Love My Credit Union Rewards program gives you savings on multiple products and services that can add up to more cash in your pocket fast.
Mobank Review
While Mobank is part of BOK Financial, a top 25 U.S.-based bank, they’re still very focused on supporting their local Kansas City community. They provide community lending, community investment, and support local charities.
Below are the highlights that make Mobank stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City.
Perks You’ll Find at Mobank in Kansas City at a Glance:
- Free personal finance and wealth management resource libraries
- Checking with free wire transfers & checks
- 10% rate increase on CDs with Premier Checking account
- Visa® Bonus Rewards cards with $25 to $50 cash back after first purchase
- Introductory rate on home equity line of credit of 2.99% APR
Several Ways to Earn with Checking
Looking to earn interest on your checking account at banks in Overland Park, KS or Kansas City, MO? Mobank gives you several different options. You can earn 0.02% to 0.04% APY with a Select or Premier checking account or 0.05% APY with a personal money market account.
Rating Summary
Customers of Mobank love the fact that they can walk in and be greeted warmly by name. Many feel more like family than just customers here. Due to glowing reviews and some of the best customer service around, we rated them a 5 on our listing of the best Kansas City banks.
If you like free money management resources, this bank in Kansas City has a ton of them to help you get on the right financial path. They also have straight forward rates listings on all their loan and savings products, so you can easily compare them with others in the KC area.
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Mazuma Credit Union Review
This next Kansas City credit union has personality plus! You can immediately see that Mazuma Credit Union is not your ordinary place to bank when reading their website. They’re not only an award-winning credit union, they’ve been a KC staple for over 65 years.
Below are the highlights that make Mazuma Credit Union stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City, MO.
Perks You’ll Find at Mazuma Credit Union at a Glance:
- Sprint and Enterprise car sales discounts
- Interest-bearing checking as high as 0.17% APY
- Mazuma Rewards program with cash back on debit card purchases
- Access to free budgeting and financial management tools
- 12 month CD with 0.90% APY
Helping Members Aspire for Better
Looking for ideas on how changing banks in Overland Park, KS, Kansas City, MO or other surrounding towns can make your life better? Look no further than Mazuma Credit Union’s Aspire for Better section of their website.
Whether it’s retiring in style, making home ownership a reality, or financing a home remodel, you can read real member stories of how they made living happier happen.
Rating Summary
We rated Mazuma Credit Union a 3 on our list of top credit unions and banks in Kansas City, Missouri. They have some negative reviews relating to loans, online tools, and customer service. However many members note their efficient and helpful customer support.
Membership eligibility is pretty easy, just live or work in Jackson, Cass or Clay counties in MO or Wyandotte or Johnson counties in KS to qualify. In addition to your typical banking product and services, they also offer a full suite of insurance products.
Security Bank of Kansas City Review
Security Bank of Kansas City, just made our list of top credit unions and banks in Kansas City, Missouri. Though they have a few mixed ratings online, they’ve got some banking perks that we haven’t seen anywhere else.
Below are the highlights that make Security Bank of Kansas City stand out on our 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Kansas City.
Perks You’ll Find at Security Bank of Kansas City at a Glance:
- Free high interest rate checking at 1.25% APY
- Spend just $10 on your Mastercard® for a chance to win a free vacation getaway
- CD loans that allow you to borrow against a certificate of deposit
- Remote check deposit for businesses
- IRAs from 0.45% to 1.15% APY
High Interest & Free Checking
If you want to earn one of the best rates we’ve seen on your checking account with just a minimum $100 deposit, then Security Bank of Kansas City is a bank you’ll want to consider. Their free checking account with high interest earns you 1.25% APY on balances up to $25,000.99.
The account also comes with free nationwide ATM access. It’s such a great deal that it’s limited to one account per household.
Rating Summary
Security Bank of Kansas City was rated a 3 on our list of the best bank or best credit union in Kansas City. Their C+ at the Better Business Bureau is curious as they only have 1 customer complaint.
While their website isn’t quite as robust as some of the other top Kansas City credit unions & banks, their high interest earning checking account is hard to beat. Customers that rate them high on Yelp mention convenient Saturday hours and good customer service.
Also of note is their 37 locations in Kansas City and the surrounding area. So if you’re looking for the convenience of tons of branch options, you’ve got it with this bank in KC.
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Central Bank of Kansas City Review
In any other town, Central Bank of Kansas City may rank as a top bank, but Kansas City is full of such amazing banks and credit unions, it makes their lack of locations and positive online reviews stand out. So this is the Kansas City bank that we recommend you may want to avoid until a few improvements are made.
Below are some of the improvements we feel would help Central Bank of Kansas City score higher on a future 2018 best Kansas City banks listing.
Add More Locations
When you’re competing with other Kansas City credit unions and banks that have multiple locations both in KC and surrounding towns, having just two locations is a liability. If they worked to add just a few more branches, it would help boost their convenience factor.
Rating Summary
Central Bank of Kansas City was given a 1 as a bank that we feel needs a few more improvements in order to be ranked higher on a future listing. Adding locations and promoting happy customers to review them online would definitely go a long way.
With just a few negative reviews on Yelp for customer service, if there were some positive ones to balance those out, potential customers may look upon Central Bank more favorably. We look forward to reviewing them again to see how they’ve grown for a future best Kansas City banks ranking.
Conclusion – Top 7 Best Kansas City Credit Unions & Banks for Great Perks (& 1 to Avoid)
Are you making the most you can from your money? You don’t have to play the stock market to earn extra cash, just choosing the best bank or best credit union in Kansas City can mean reaching your financial goals faster.
From interest rates on checking to member only discounts on product and services, you can find perks to match just about every spending lifestyle. It pays to shop around and compare, and these top 7 KC banks and credit unions are a great place to start.
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