The Best United States Banks
- dollars image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
The best banks in the United States tend to be the largest, as they are in positions to offer more flexibility to customers when it comes to lending and other services. Despite the financial crisis of 2008-2009 and the controversial bailout that has led to a major shake-down of the financial services sector, most of the banks that were on top prior to the crisis remain in the leading positions. - Bank of America, which is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the United States' largest bank in terms of its assets (according to the National Information Center), and the second largest American bank in terms of market capitalization (according to Bloomberg). Nearly every Fortune 500 company works with Bank of America, as well as 83 percent of Fortune Global 500 companies. As of 2009, Bank of America holds more than 12 percent of all deposits in the United States, according to the Wall Street Journal. Much of the bank's success has been attained through key acquisitions. Its main divisions are consumer, corporate, investment management and international relations.
Bank of America
bankofamerica.com - Citibank belongs to Citigroup, one of the United States' largest financial services corporations. Outside the United States, Citibank operates in more than 100 countries around the world. Half of its offices are situated in the United States, operating mostly in large metropolitan areas, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and Washington, D.C. The bank was formed in New York City in 1812, under the name the City Bank of New York. In the 1950s, it merged with the First National Bank and changed its name to First National City Bank of New York, before shortening it to First National City Bank seven years later. It was not until the 1970s that the bank would change again to its current name, upon its merger with the Citigroup corporate structure.
Citibank
citibank.com - Prior to the financial crisis of 2008-2009, Wells Fargo was the only bank in the United States with a triple A rating by S&P. While that rating has since been lowered to AA-, Wells Fargo undoubtedly remains one of the best, and most powerful, financial institutions in the country. As of 2009, Wells Fargo boasts some 6,650 retail branches throughout the United States. Among its other accomplishments, Wells Fargo is notable for its eco-friendly policies; it is currently in the top 25 of the Green Power Partnership.
Wells Fargo
wellsfargo.com
