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NBKC Bank Review: Overall Rating

FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)
Savings/checking4.25
CD4
Money market4.5
Trustworthiness 5
Total4.5

NBKC Bank Pros and Cons

Pros:Cons: 
  • Solid rates on checking/savings, money market accounts, and CDs compared to brick-and-mortar banks

  • No monthly service fees or minimum balances requirements on checking/savings or money market accounts

  • Debit card and/or paper checks available with money market account

  • Other online banks may have higher interest rates 
  • High early withdrawal penalties on CDs
  • Checking/savings is one combined account, which may not be for everyone
  • Branch locations are only available in Kansas City, Missouri

About NBKC Bank

NBKC is an online bank, but you can bank in person if you live near a branch near Kansas City, Missouri. You have free access to over 37,000 MoneyPass ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM and the provider charges a fee, NBKC will reimburse up to $12 per month.

The NBKC mobile app has received 4.4 out of 5 stars in the Apple store, and 4.2 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.

You can call customer support Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. NBKC doesn't offer customer support on weekends.

All of your deposits are FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, or $500,000 for a joint account.

Is NBKC Bank Trustworthy? 

The Better Business Bureau gives NBKC Bank an A+ rating. A great BBB score signals that a company is honest in its advertising, is transparent about business practices and responds effectively to customer complaints.

NBKC doesn't have any current public scandals. Between the clear history and strong BBB score, you may decide you're comfortable banking with the company.

NBKC Bank FAQS

What does the NBKC Bank stand for?

NBKC Bank stands for National Bank of Kansas City. NBKC has locations near Kansas City, Missouri, but you may also open accounts from anywhere in the US.

Is NBKC Bank safe?

Yes, NBKC Bank is an  FDIC-insured financial institution.  This means that your insured deposits are secure if the bank is shut down. Up to $250,000 per depositor is safe in an FDIC-insured bank account.

Is NBKC Bank a good bank? 

NBKC Bank is a good choice if are comfortable with online-only banking or if you live close to an NBKC branch (locations are in the Kansas City, Missouri area). You also might like NBKC if you like the idea of a hybrid checking/savings account.

Does NBKC have fees?

NBKC does not charge monthly bank maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or incoming domestic wire transfer fees. There is a $5 outgoing domestic wire transfer fee and a $45 incoming or outgoing international wire transfer fee, though.

NBKC Bank Reviews

NBKC Everything Account

The NBKC Everything Account is a hybrid checking/savings account that pays NBKC Everything Account APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on all account balances.

You might find that keeping your spending and saving money all in one account simplifies your finances. You can also set up individual savings goals in your account, like "Emergency Fund" or "New Car" to track your progress and keep yourself from dipping into your savings.

You may or may not like how the overdraft rules are set up, though. On the plus side, NBKC doesn't charge overdraft fees. If your purchase would overdraw your account, NBKC will just deny the transaction. However, this could put you in a tough spot if you need to overdraw funds but don't have the option.

NBKC CD

NBKC Bank has a variety of CDs, but the minimum opening deposit varies depending on the term you choose. You also can find higher interest rates at other online banks.

NBKC Money Market Account

The NBKC Money Market Account is an overall strong option if you're looking for a money market account. This account pays a solid interest, and unlike many banks, NBKC doesn't require a minimum opening deposit.

The main appeal of a money market account over a traditional savings account is that it typically makes it easier to access your money than a savings account does. NBKC sends you both a debit card and paper checks, making it especially easy to tap into your savings.

How NBKC Bank Compares

NBKC Bank vs. Ally Bank

NBKC and Ally both give you the ability to set and name savings goals. Ally has a separate savings and checking account, so if you prefer to keep it all in one account, then you might like NBKC.

You also might prefer NBKC if earning a decent interest rate on your checking balance is important to you. Ally pays interest on your checking account, but it may not be as high as what the NBKC Everything Account pays. Ally may be a better choice if you'd like to earn a high interest rate on a savings balance, though. Ally savings rates pay Ally Savings Account - APY APY.

Ally also has good customer service. You can contact a live representative 24/7, either over the phone or via online chat. Its mobile app is also very robust, with mobile check deposit and ATM locator features

Ally Bank Review

NBKC Bank vs. Capital One 360

Capital One doesn't have a money market account, so you'll want to go with NBKC if having a money market account is important to you. And although Capital One pays interest on your checking account, it isn't as high as what NBKC pays.

Unlike NBKC, Capital One lets you open separate checking and savings accounts for minors, so it could be a good bank for families.

You also may prefer Capital One if you want more customer service options. Its phone hours are extensive, and you can chat online with a live representative 24/7.

Capital One 360 Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed NBKC Bank

For our  NBKC Bank review, we used our bank account methodology and certificate of deposit methodology. We rate each account on a scale from 0 to 5.

We evaluate ethics, mobile apps, and customer service for every type of account. Other factors we consider depend on which type of account we're reviewing. For example, we look at early withdrawal penalties for CDs, and whether you have easy access to money through a debit card or checks for money market accounts. 

Read the original article on Business Insider