NBKC Bank review: An online bank with high rates, exceptional service

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Are you tired of banks with confusing fee structures and limited online features? NBKC Bank is a full-service online bank offering various financial products and services.

With competitive interest rates, minimal fees, and a user-friendly digital platform, NBKC Bank is an attractive option for consumers looking for a seamless online banking experience.

About NBKC Bank 

NBKC Bank, short for National Bank of Kansas City, is a full-service online bank headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1999, NBKC Bank has become a leading online bank, offering customers a wide array of financial products and services.

What sets NBKC Bank apart from many other online banks is its commitment to providing a comprehensive banking experience. In addition to CDs, money market, and checking accounts, NBKC Bank offers personal loans, home loans, and auto loans, making it somewhat of a one-stop shop for all your banking needs.

While it’s primarily an online bank, NBKC Bank does have a limited number of branch locations in the Kansas City area for customers who prefer in-person banking.

NBKC Bank accounts

NBKC Checking account 

What to know:

• APY: 1.75% 
• Minimum deposit to open: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: None 
• Minimum balance requirement: $0.01 
• ATM access: 37,000+ in-network ATMs
• ATM fee reimbursement: Up to $12 per month 

NBKC Bank's Everything Account is a unique rewards checking account. It comes with a competitive interest rate, higher than what you’ll find with most other banks. 

With no minimum balance requirements, no maintenance fees, and up to $12 per month in ATM fee reimbursements, this account is an attractive option for those looking to maximize their checking account funds. Plus, you’ll have access to over 37,000 free ATMs in the MoneyPass® network. 

This account also comes with digital tools to help you track your spending, set savings goals, and use autopay. 

NBKC Bank money market account 

What to know:

• APY: 3.00% 
• Minimum deposit to open: $0
• Monthly maintenance fee: None 
• Minimum balance requirement: $0.01 

NBKC Bank's Money Market Account offers a somewhat competitive APY. This account also has no minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. It comes with savings and budgeting tools similar to those of the Everything Account. 

NBKC Bank CDs

What to know:

• APY: 3.25%-5.25% 
• Terms: 6 months to 5 years 
• Minimum deposit to open: $250-$1,000, depending on term length 

If you can lock away your money for some time, you may want to consider one of NBKC’s CDs. It offers several traditional CDs with terms ranging from six months to five years. As of June 2024, rates were as follows: 

NBKC also offers IRA CDs for those who want to maximize their retirement savings. 

Additional products NBKC offers 

In addition to its core banking products, NBKC Bank offers a wide array of financial products and services. This includes: 

• Mortgages 
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
• Personal loans 
• Car loans 
• Land loans
• Business loans

Is NBKC Bank a good bank to bank with?

NBKC Bank is an excellent choice for those who want a more holistic online banking experience. The bank's CDs and rewards checking account offer attractive benefits for savers and spenders. Its wide range of loan options can provide access to funds when needed.

One of NBKC Bank's standout features is its exceptional customer service. The bank receives high marks for its responsive and knowledgeable support team, available via phone, email, and live chat.

But, NBKC Bank may not be the best fit for everyone. If you prefer in-person banking or want access to a large network of physical branches, you may want to consider other options. 

Additionally, while the bank offers a suite of financial products, it does not currently offer a high-yield savings account, which may be a drawback for some.

NBKC Bank fees 

Unlike some banks, which impose monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, NBKC aims to ensure that banking remains affordable and accessible for all customers.

The bank does not charge monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance fees, or overdraft fees. There also aren’t fees for non-sufficient funds or out-of-network ATM use.

However, there is a $5 fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers and a $45 fee for both incoming and outgoing international wire transfers. These fees are relatively low compared to many other banks and are easily avoidable depending on how you use your account. 

NBKC Bank customer service

One of the standout features of NBKC Bank is its exceptional customer service. It currently has a 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, which is unusually high for its industry and higher than many other competitors. The bank offers multiple channels for support, including:

• Phone support: Available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT
• Email support: Typically responded to within one business day
• Live chat: Available through the online banking platform and mobile app
• Social media: Active on Twitter and Facebook for general inquiries and support

Customers praise NBKC Bank for its responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly support team, which is a testament to its commitment to customer satisfaction.

NBKC Bank online and mobile banking experience

As an online bank, NBKC Bank offers a comprehensive digital banking experience. The bank's website is easy to navigate, allowing customers to easily manage their account and transfer funds.

The NBKC Bank mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices, offers a feature-rich banking experience on the go. With the app, customers can:

• Check account balances and transaction history
• Deposit checks remotely using mobile check deposit
• Transfer funds between NBKC Bank accounts and external accounts
• Pay bills and manage bill payees
• Locate fee-free ATMs
• Contact customer support

The mobile app has relatively solid user ratings for its ease of use and functionality. It currently has a 4.4/5 on the Apple App Store and a 4.2/5 on Google Play.

How we rated this bank 

Every bank review we publish has undergone a rigorous editorial process to ensure accuracy and objectivity.

We rate all financial institutions on a 10-point system, with 10 being the highest possible score and 1 being the lowest possible score. We assess each card across several key factors, weighted based on what our research shows matters most to readers like you. Learn more about our methodology here. 

Here are some of the factors that influenced this bank’s overall score: 

• Interest rates: NBKC Bank stands out for its competitive interest rates on its checking, money market, and CD accounts.
• Fees: The bank's fee structure is customer-friendly, with no monthly maintenance fees or overdraft fees. 
• Requirements: NBKC Bank has no minimum deposit requirements for checking and money market accounts and low to moderate requirements for CDs. 
• Product mix: The bank offers various account types and lending products, catering to its customers' diverse needs. 
• Customer service: NBKC Bank emphasizes customer satisfaction and convenience as part of its core business model.
• Digital experience: The bank's digital experience prioritizes user-friendliness and reliability, with features like online account opening, mobile check deposit, and various funding options.
• Fees & branch access: NBKC Bank offers ATM fee reimbursements and early direct deposit for checking account holders, enhancing accessibility to funds. 

Bottom line

NBKC Bank is a full-service online bank that offers a compelling combination of competitive rates, minimal fees, and exceptional customer service. 

While the bank may not be the best fit for those who prefer in-person banking or require access to a large network of physical branches, its user-friendly online platform, and robust mobile app make it a convenient choice for many. 

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.