How Do U Just Zelle Usaa App

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that pay us a commission. It's how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts' opinions aren't influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Mobile banking apps have become everyday necessities, and banks are constantly upping the ante. Most online banking apps have become full-service mobile banking powerhouses. They provide many of the same bank account services as a brick-and-mortar bank -- without the lines and long waits. Take a look at our list of best mobile banking apps for December 2021 to see if your bank makes the cut.

The Ascent's best banking apps:

Bank of America: Best bank app overall
Discover: Best online banking app
Chime: Best modern banking app
Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union app
USAA: Best military banking app
Wells Fargo: Best full-service banking app with peer to peer payments
Chase: Best full-service banking app with in app support
Capital One: Best banking app to monitor your credit score
PNC: Best banking app with budgeting tools
Ally: Best online banking app to automate savings

1. Bank of America

Bottom line: Bank of America has seen a lot of tech come and go over the last century, and adaptation is part of its DNA. That extends to its current mobile banking app, which has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, including Bank of America credit card and bank account management.

But the Bank of America app takes it a step further with Erica, a virtual banking assistant. Erica can help with your transactions, check checking and savings account balances, and even provide insights into your spending. That's on top of all the typical services like money transfers, mobile bill pay, check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Bank of America bank review

2. Discover

Best full-service banking app Discover Bank

Learn More

Bottom line: Discover consistently ranks highly for customer service, and its app does not disappoint. In fact, Discover's mobile banking app is The Ascent's best full-service bank app. This robust app is easy to use and works on several different devices.

Discover's mobile app provides a wide range of online banking features for both your bank accounts and Discover credit cards. For example, you can customize a basic "Quick View" that won't require a full login. The app lets you access account balances and transaction history, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks. You can view and send secure messages, complete Zelle transfers, and handle all your credit card needs from the online banking app.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Discover bank review

3. Chime

Bottom line: The once-sparse field of online-only banks has grown. However, Chime continues to stand out from the crowd -- thanks, in part, to its great mobile banking app. It's so good, we named it the best online bank app. The app is both attractive and easy to use.

It has a host of handy services and features, including account management and savings tools. Chime users can even access direct deposits up to two days early. You can also take advantage of Chime's free internal peer-to-peer transfer service, Pay Friends, which makes it easy to send money to other Chime users.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Chime review

4. Alliant Credit Union

Bottom line: Alliant Credit Union is a consistent front-runner as the best credit union. Simply put, its diverse array of low-to-no fee account types and competitive rates are among the best you'll find at a credit union or a bank. But that lead doesn't end with its product suite. Alliant's mobile app scores high marks with users who value the apps simplicity, ease of use, and rich feature set to manage their money on the go.

iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Alliant Credit Union review

5. USAA

Bottom line: USAA has been serving military members and their families for years. Its mobile banking app carries on the proud tradition and is our best for military mobile app pick. Users can access their bank, credit card, and insurance accounts from anywhere in the world, with secure login options like fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition.

The simple user interface contains a lot of features, including the basics like mobile deposits, bill pay, and Zelle transfers. USAA auto insurance users can access ID cards and report claims. Credit cardholders can track due dates, make payments, and check out special offers.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $0

6. Wells Fargo

Best full-service banking app with peer to peer payments Wells Fargo

Learn More

Bottom line: Wells Fargo may be an old bank, but they have a few new tricks. All of the features you'd want are right at your fingertips, including the ability to manage all of your Wells Fargo accounts (bank, Wells Fargo credit cards, and investments) in one place.

You'll get all the services you see in our other best mobile bank app picks. It has bill pay and Zelle transfers, as well as investment features such as stock trading and fund research. Security-wise, you can instantly freeze your cards to prevent unauthorized access and choose extra-secure sign-in options like fingerprint or facial recognition. Importantly, it also includes a handy feature with peer to peer payments via Zelle.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Wells Fargo bank review

7. Chase

Best full-service banking app with in app support Chase

Learn More

Bottom line: If you like rewards credit cards, you probably have at least one Chase card. Luckily, Chase's mobile app makes it easy to manage all of your Chase accounts. You can securely access both Chase credit card and banking accounts from the same mobile app. And you can set up facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in for extra security.

Inside the app, you can check balances, make payments, and deposit checks, as well as send or receive money through Zelle. Credit card users can track transactions, redeem cash back or Ultimate Rewards, and add the latest Chase deals to their favorite card. Chase's in-app 24/7 support is a critical differentiator that users give high regards.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Chase bank review

8. Capital One

Best banking app to monitor your credit score Capital One

Learn More

Bottom line: Capital One's mobile banking app is a full-featured online banking experience. It bundles checking, savings, loans, and Capital One credit card account management into one app. Users can view account activity, pay bills, deposit checks, and make payments. You can also set up account alerts and activate new credit or debit cards.

Credit card customers can view and redeem rewards, and all Capital One customers can check their Creditwise credit scores. The app is also compatible with Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers. Safety-wise, you can use the mobile app to freeze your debit and credit cards. You can also use fingerprint and SureSwipe technology for secure logins.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Capital One bank review

9. PNC

Best banking app with budgeting tools PNC Bank

Learn More

Bottom line: With many of the features you want in an online banking app, the PNC app compares well with those of larger banks. It has mobile bill pay, Zelle transfers, and account management. You'll also find multiple login security features, including fingerprint and facial scanning.

It's PNC's extra personal finance tools that really make the PNC banking app stand out. You can track your spending, set up an upcoming payments calendar, and even build a budget right in the app. The smart app will help you see what you can spend based on known bills and expenses, and alert you if you're in danger of overdrafting your account.

iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> PNC bank review

10. Ally

Best online banking app to automate savings Ally

Learn More

Bottom line: Ally Bank was one of the original online-only banks, and its low fees and bountiful services mean it remains popular. It also has one of the best mobile banking apps. Ally's best online banking app title comes with all the services you'd expect, including account management options, account transfers, mobile check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.

You can also access tools to automate your savings, set debit card controls, and send secure messages. If the Android app reviews are any indication, investment account users might find some of the app's services are limited. That said, savings and checking account users give the app high marks.

iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 3.8/5 stars
Cost: $0

READ MORE >> Ally bank review

Features of the best banking apps

There are some important features you'll find in all the best banking apps. For example, you'll need all-in-one account management to keep on top of your bank and credit card accounts in one place. There's also a set of standard tools to look for in the best banking apps:

Accounts balances
Transaction history
Bill payments
Mobile check deposits
Money transfers
Zelle compatibility
ATM locators

Of course, some apps take it even further, with extras that help them stand out amongst the best banking apps. For example, a few of our best banking apps include budgeting, saving, and money management tools. And any bank with best mobile banking status will offer additional security in the form of facial, fingerprint, or even voice recognition during login, as well as the option to freeze your debit and credit cards from the app. You may even get extras like cardless ATMs, where your mobile app can stand in for your debit card.

Do you need a mobile banking app?

You don't specifically need a mobile banking app. But it can be a highly convenient tool in this modern age where just about everything has gone mobile. After all, you probably already carry a smartphone. Why not make your banking life easier while you're at it?

The best banking apps make it simple to track and manage your money. For example, you can check your balance on the go to ensure you have the funds for a purchase. You can do a quick Zelle transfer to a friend to help pay for dinner. And the extra security features offered by the best online banking apps mean you can keep your account information safe as you enjoy the convenience of an app.

FAQs

Probably. Banks have gone to great lengths to make their mobile banking apps secure because many mobile app users are concerned about account safety. The best banking apps include a range of robust security features, including biometric login options like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.
The best online banking apps can do just about anything you can do in a bank branch -- but with less hassle. You can manage your accounts, make check deposits, track your transactions, and find local ATMs. The best banking apps also allow Zelle transfers and have enhanced security features like fingerprint and facial recognition.

Additionally, the best banking apps provide all-in-one account access. It should be simple to manage your credit cards in the same app as your checking account. This allows you to easily track your card purchases, pay your credit card bill, and redeem your purchase rewards.