online banks

Branchless financial institutions

Online banks are financial institutions that operate primarily or exclusively through the internet, without traditional brick-and-mortar branches.

They offer standard banking services—checking accounts, savings accounts, loans—typically with lower fees and higher interest rates than conventional banks, since they don't maintain physical locations.

I switched to an online bank for the better savings rate.

Opposites
physical presence

online bankscommunity banks

Local financial institutions

credit unions · savings and loans

Family

online, banks

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G