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Top 8 St. Louis Banks and Financial Institutions

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Whether you're looking for a large financial institution or a small neighborhood bank, there is a St. Louis bank or credit union to meet your needs. Banks and financial institutions are listed in order, beginning with your Guide's choice for the "Best Bank In St. Louis." Due to changes in Missouri banking laws a few years ago, many of our locally owned banks have been swallowed up by one of the country's mega banks.

1. Bank Of America
Bank of America is the largest financial institution in St. Louis and one of the country's biggest banks. Many people feel that bigger banks are impersonal and charge many junk fees. This is not the case with Bank of America. Bank employees are friendly and helpful and BOA offers a comprehensive array of services including online banking and free bill pay. Bank of America has more branches and ATM's in the St. Louis area than any other financial institution.

2. First Bank
First Banks, Inc. is one of the largest family-owned bank holding companies in the country. They have over 90 offices in Illinois and Missouri, with most of those branches in the St. Louis Metro area. First Bank and its subsidiaries offer a vast portfolio of products and services in both the business and personal financial service arenas. Founded in 1910 by the Dierberg family, First Bank prides itself in the fact that as a family owned bank it is here to stay and will never be sold.

3. Commerce Bank
In 1865 when Commerce Bank was founded as the National Bank of Commerce, it was the largest bank west of Chicago. Today, Commerce Bank, a Missouri-based company with headquarters in Kansas City and St. Louis, operates in three states with over $14 billion in assets. Commerce has always been a very progressive bank and is known for building strong relationships with its customers. Like totally free checking? Then check out Commerce Bank.

4. National City Bank
As of Saturday, July 31st, St. Louis' Allegiant Bank will be swallowed up by National City Corp. headquartered in Cleveland, OH. With assets of $114 billion, the bank is one of the 10 biggest in the country and recognized for excellent customer service. Former Allegiant president, Shaun Hayes, will remain as president of Missouri operations. National City has established a $3 million fund to benefit the greater St. Louis area.

5. US Bank
US Bank is the second largest bank in St. Louis after Bank of America. US Bank offers many of the same services as Bank of America but for some reason when dealing with this bank, you feel like the personal touch is missing. Several years ago Firstar Corp. bought out our hometown Mercantile Bank and within a few short months merged with US Bancorp.

6. Midwest Bank Centre
Midwest Bank Centre is a fast-growing, community bank with enduring traditions and values. Founded as Lemay Bank & Trust Company, their long history of serving St. Louis began in 1906. With eight locations and nearly $1 billion in deposits, they are a big community bank with small-town spirit. If you like dealing with a smaller organization where the tellers and managers know you by name, Midwest Bank Centre is your bank. Additional services are limited though.

7. Vantage Credit Union
Formerly Educational Employees Credit Union, Vantage Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the Metropolitan St. Louis area. To become a member of the credit union you must live in the metro area and be employed by a member employer. Fortunately, Vantage's list of employers is quite extensive. After becoming a member, you can enjoy many of the credit union's free and discounted services. When fees apply, they are normally much lower than a traditional bank.

8. Regions Bank
Regions Bank is one of the newer banks in the St. Louis area. In September of 1998, Union Planters/Regions Bank bought out Magna Bank headquartered in Belleville, IL. Just six short years later, Union Planters merged with Regions Financial Corporation. of Alabama, becoming one of the top 15 financial institutions in the country. All Union Planters Banks have now taken on the Regions name.

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