MonitorBankRates
☰
Home › Checking Accounts › Iowa Checking › Ames, Iowa iAdvertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure Some of the institutions listed may have a business relationship with MonitorBankRates. However, our proprietary systems independently track and verify all rates and data displayed. Advertiser relationships do not influence our Health Safety Rating, Star Ratings or Texas Ratio calculation, or the rates shown.

Best Banks & Checking Accounts in Ames, Iowa - May 2026

Content reviewed by
Brian McKay Brian McKay
Brian McKay

Brian McKay

Founder & Data Architect
Expertise
  • Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
  • Location-Based Rate Tables
  • Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
  • Bank & Credit Union Star Ratings
  • Finance Calculators
Brian is the Founder of MonitorBankRates.com. For over 18 years, he has utilized his background in enterprise infrastructure to engineer proprietary systems that track rates from over 8,000 financial institutions.
Read Full Bio →
| i Editorial Disclosure
Editorial Disclosure The rates displayed are actual, verified rates sourced directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions. Our editorial content is independent of any advertiser relationships.
| ✓Fact Checked | Checking Account Rates — Last Updated and Verified: May 12, 2026

The best checking rates for Ames, Iowa include Greater Iowa Credit UnionGreater Iowa Credit Union801 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 8.63% Greater CheckingTM at 5.00% APY, First National Bank Ames, IowaFirst National Bank Ames, Iowa405 5th St, Ames, IA 50010A-5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 15.05% Premier Checking at 0.15% APY, Midwest Heritage BankMidwest Heritage Bank640 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.99% Premier Checking Account at 0.15% APY, Exchange State Bank Ames, IAExchange State Bank Ames, IA823 Wheeler St, Ames, IA 50010A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.00% Checking with Interest at 0.10% APY, and Members1st Community Credit UnionMembers1st Community Credit Union423 Main St, Ames, IA 50010A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.76% FREE Checking at 0.00% APY. Checking account rates as of May 12, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.

Ames has 5 local institutions in our database, with checking rates as high as 5.00% APY from Greater Iowa Credit Union at 801 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA, 50010. Use the tabs below to compare all available checking account types. Rates are continually updated — we recommend checking back frequently.

Checking account rates reflect recent market quotes and representative offers available to depositors in Ames, Iowa. Checking Account Rates Last Updated and Verified: May 12, 2026

Compare Checking Account Rates Today in Ames, Iowa & the Surrounding Area

Institutions:
Source: Verified Checking Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Institution
Product
APY
Min Deposit
Profile
Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater CheckingTM
5.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate4.89%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $20,000

First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking
0.15%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.15%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Midwest Heritage Bank
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.99%
640 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking Account
0.15%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.15%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking
0.12%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.12%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Exchange State Bank Ames, IA
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.00%
823 Wheeler St
Ames, IA 50010
Checking with Interest
0.10%
$100
View
▼
Rate0.10%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Midwest Heritage Bank
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.99%
640 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking Account
0.10%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.10%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater Iowa Prestige CheckingTM
0.10%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.10%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking
0.10%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.10%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater Iowa Prestige CheckingTM
0.08%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.08%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.07%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.07%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Midwest Heritage Bank
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.99%
640 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking Account
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater Iowa Prestige CheckingTM
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Commercial Checking Business
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.03%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.03%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater Iowa Prestige CheckingTM
0.03%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.03%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Premier Checking
0.02%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.02%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.01%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.01%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Classic Checking
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Entrepreneur, Business, & Commercial Checking Business
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Source: Verified Checking Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Institution
Product
APY
Min Deposit
Profile
Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater CheckingTM
5.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate4.89%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $20,000

Exchange State Bank Ames, IA
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.00%
823 Wheeler St
Ames, IA 50010
Checking with Interest
0.10%
$100
View
▼
Rate0.10%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.07%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.07%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.03%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.03%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Premium Checking
0.01%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.01%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Metco Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.80%
Ultimate Checking
5.09%
$0
View
▼
Rate5.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $15,000.00

Collins Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.97%
Advantage Protect Checking
4.85%
$0
View
▼
Rate4.75%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $25,000.00

Collins Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.97%
Advantage Checking
4.85%
$0
View
▼
Rate4.75%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $25,000.00

Cent Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 2.81%
PerCENTage Checking
4.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate3.93%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $10,000.00

PSB Indianola, IA
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 1.82%
Kasasa Cash Checking
3.50%
$100
View
▼
Rate3.45%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $20,000

Cobalt Federal Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 7.59%
Cobalt Elite Checking Account
3.25%
$0
View
▼
Rate3.20%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Bank Plus
Institution Rating:
A-4.9 ★ Texas Ratio: 16.50%
3.06%
$0
View
▼
Rate3.02%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $10,000.00

Affinity Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 4.17%
eGreen Rewards Checking
3.04%
$100
View
▼
Rate3.00%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $24,999.99

Heritage Bank N.A.
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 6.65%
PAYROLL PLUS CHECKING ACCOUNT
3.04%
$0
View
▼
Rate3.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $100,000.00

Advantage Credit Union Newtown, IA
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 11.83%
Checking Accounts
3.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.96%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $10,000.00

Dupaco Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 4.16%
1st Rate Checking Account
3.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.96%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Denver Savings Bank
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.54%
DSBOne Rewards Checking
2.60%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.57%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $20,000.00

Cent Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 2.81%
Cool Club Checking
2.50%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.47%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $5,000.00

Members Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.40%
Checking 2.0
2.25%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.25%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Source: Verified Checking Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Institution
Product
APY
Min Deposit
Profile
PSB Indianola, IA
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 1.82%
Kasasa Cash Checking
3.50%
$100
View
▼
Rate3.45%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $20,000

Bank Plus
Institution Rating:
A-4.9 ★ Texas Ratio: 16.50%
3.06%
$0
View
▼
Rate3.02%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $10,000.00

Affinity Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 4.17%
eGreen Rewards Checking
3.04%
$100
View
▼
Rate3.00%
Min Deposit$100
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $24,999.99

Denver Savings Bank
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.54%
DSBOne Rewards Checking
2.60%
$0
View
▼
Rate2.57%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

Qualifications Required; Qualifying balance up to $20,000.00

Source: Verified Checking Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Institution
Product
APY
Min Deposit
Profile
Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Greater Iowa Basic Blue CheckingTM
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Members1st Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 3.76%
423 Main St
Ames, IA 50010
FREE Checking
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

FreedomBank Elkader, IA
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.43%
FREEDOMPLUS CHECKING
0.10%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Community 1st Credit Union Ottumwa, IA
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.52%
C1st Free Checking
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Members Community Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.40%
Free Checking
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Cobalt Federal Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 7.59%
Free Checking Account
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Vibrant Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.61%
Everyday Checking
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

No Student accounts found at this time.
Source: Verified Checking Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Institution
Product
APY
Min Deposit
Profile
First National Bank Ames, Iowa
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.05%
405 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
Commercial Checking Business
0.05%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.05%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Greater Iowa Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.63%
801 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Entrepreneur, Business, & Commercial Checking Business
0.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 10, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Flanagan State Bank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.36%
Premier Business Checking Business
1.50%
$10,000
View
▼
Rate1.49%
Min Deposit$10,000
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

Minimum Deposit to Open and Obtain APY*: $50,000 and Over

Vibrant Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.61%
Community Business Checking Business
1.00%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Siouxland Federal Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 3.96%
Checking Accounts - Personal & Business Business
0.75%
$25
View
▼
Rate0.75%
Min Deposit$25
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 7, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

R.I.A. Federal Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 7.00%
Premier Business Checking Business
0.50%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.50%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 7, 2026
Details

Qualifying balance up to $4,999.99

Flanagan State Bank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.36%
Premier Business Checking Business
0.50%
$10,000
View
▼
Rate0.50%
Min Deposit$10,000
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

Minimum Deposit to Open and Obtain APY*: $25,000 - $49,999.99

Community 1st Credit Union Ottumwa, IA
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.52%
Commercial Checking (Account No Longer Offered) Business
0.40%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.40%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

TruBank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.56%
Commercial Plus Checking Business
0.40%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.40%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Home State Bank Royal, IA
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 0.00%
Business Interest Checking Account Business
0.35%
$1,000
View
▼
Rate0.35%
Min Deposit$1,000
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Siouxland Federal Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A+5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 3.96%
Checking Accounts - Personal & Business Business
0.30%
$25
View
▼
Rate0.30%
Min Deposit$25
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 7, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

TruBank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.56%
Commercial Plus Checking Business
0.30%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.30%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

TruBank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.56%
Commercial Plus Checking Business
0.25%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.25%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Flanagan State Bank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.36%
Premier Business Checking Business
0.25%
$10,000
View
▼
Rate0.25%
Min Deposit$10,000
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

Minimum Deposit to Open and Obtain APY*: $10,000 - $24,99.99

Vibrant Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.61%
Standard Business Checking Business
0.25%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

TruBank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 10.56%
Commercial Plus Checking Business
0.20%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.20%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Community 1st Credit Union Ottumwa, IA
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.52%
Business Interest Checking (Account No Longer Offered) Business
0.20%
$2,500
View
▼
Rate0.20%
Min Deposit$2,500
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Vibrant Credit Union
Institution Rating:
A-5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 15.61%
Standard Business Checking Business
0.15%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.00%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 4, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Reliance State Bank
Institution Rating:
A5.0 ★ Texas Ratio: 8.77%
Commercial Checking with Interest Business
0.15%
$0
View
▼
Rate0.15%
Min Deposit$0
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 5, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Community 1st Credit Union Ottumwa, IA
Institution Rating:
B-4.3 ★ Texas Ratio: 23.52%
Corporate Checking
0.15%
$50
View
▼
Rate0.15%
Min Deposit$50
Min Balance—
UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Details

No additional details provided.

Ames, IA Checking Rate Trends

Compare local Ames, IA checking rate quotes against the statewide average

Daily checking rate averages tracked across our database of 8,500+ banks and credit unions — updated every evening.

View Full Iowa Checking Trends →
High-Yield Checking — IA Avg
1.339%
▼ 0.896 vs 7 days ago

Iowa high-yield checking rates fell 0.896 points over the past 7 days to 1.339% APY.

Free Checking — IA Avg
0.756%
▲ 0.136 vs 7 days ago

Iowa free checking rates rose 0.136 points over the past 7 days to 0.756% APY.

As of May 14, 2026 • Rate data sourced from 8,500+ monitored institutions Powered by MonitorBankRates

Methodology & Data Sources

Direct-Sourced & Verified Checking Rate Data: We aggregate checking account rates for Ames, Iowa directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using a combination of our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. By pulling this data straight from the institutions’ own digital properties and manually verifying the yields daily, we ensure that every checking rate displayed on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.

Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems and team constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available yields in Ames, Iowa. We feature a comprehensive mix of financial institutions, allowing you to easily compare localized checking rates from neighborhood credit unions, competitive offers from mid-sized regional banks, and high-yield checking accounts available to account holders in IA.

Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: To maintain the highest level of data integrity, our rate updaters verify and update checking rates daily. Because checking account yields can fluctuate based on market conditions, every single checking product listed on our platform features its own specific “last updated” date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do checking accounts in Ames, Iowa earn interest?

Most traditional local checking accounts in Ames, Iowa earn 0% interest. However, High-Yield Checking or Rewards Checking accounts from online banks and select local credit unions can pay interest rates comparable to savings accounts.

Are banks in Ames, Iowa FDIC insured?

Yes. Legitimate banks with branches in Ames, Iowa are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor. Local Credit Unions are similarly insured by the NCUA.

What fees should I watch out for?

Common fees include Monthly Maintenance Fees (often waivable with direct deposit), Overdraft Fees, and Out-of-Network ATM fees. We recommend looking for “Free Checking” accounts that explicitly state no monthly fees.

What is a Rewards Checking account?

Rewards Checking accounts (sometimes called Kasasa accounts) offer high interest rates or cash back on debit card purchases in exchange for meeting monthly requirements like a minimum number of debit card transactions, direct deposit enrollment, or e-statement signup.

Best Checking Rates in Ames, Iowa

Based on our current data, some of the highest checking account APYs available to residents of Ames, Iowa include:
  • Greater Iowa Credit Union
    Greater CheckingTM — 5.00% APY
  • First National Bank Ames, Iowa
    Premier Checking — 0.15% APY
  • Midwest Heritage Bank
    Premier Checking Account — 0.15% APY
  • Exchange State Bank Ames, IA
    Checking with Interest — 0.10% APY
  • Members1st Community Credit Union
    FREE Checking — 0.00% APY
Checking Account Rates reflect actual verified offers from banks and credit unions actively accepting deposits in Ames, Iowa. Your final available rate may depend on qualifying activity and daily market movements. Last Updated and Verified: May 12, 2026

Ames, Iowa Rates & Resources

$
Ames, Iowa CD Rates
$
Ames, Iowa Savings Rates
$
Ames, Iowa Money Market Rates
$
Ames, Iowa Mortgage Rates
$
Ames, Iowa Auto Loan Rates
$
Ames, Iowa Personal Loan Rates