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NBKC Bank review 2025: High-APY checking, MMAs, and CDs

Joseph HostetlerBy Joseph HostetlerStaff Writer, Personal Finance
Joseph HostetlerStaff Writer, Personal Finance

    Joseph is a staff writer on Fortune's personal finance team. He's covered personal finance since 2016, previously serving as a reporter and editor at sites like Business Insider and The Points Guy. He has also contributed to major outlets such as AP News, CNN, Newsweek, and many more.

    The NBKC Bank logo on a blue and purple background.
    Illustration by Fortune; original logo from NBKC Bank

    Whether you’re looking for a new financial institution to do all your banking or you simply want to pounce on a generous APY by opening a certificate of deposit (CD) or two, NBKC Bank is worth investigating. 

    Founded in 1999 as Horizon National Bank in Kansas City, NBKC is a primarily online bank with a slew of banking options—from checking accounts to mortgages to personal loans. It’s got a handful of branches around the Kansas City area. 

    For better or worse, NBKC does some things a bit differently than you’re probably used to. And some of its loans are only available to those in the Kansas City metro area. Here’s what you need to know about NBKC Bank. 

    All rates and fees are current as of Aug. 18, 2025, and are subject to change. 



    NBKC Bank at a Glance 

    NBKC Bank

    Checking account 1.75% APY with no monthly fees
    Money market accounts $0
    CD rates Up to 4.30% APY with between $250 and $1,000 minimum opening deposit
    The NBKC Logo.
    View offer

    at MoneyLion

    • Year Founded: 1999
    • Company Headquarters: Kansas City, MO
    • CEO: Michael Bartkoski

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025. 

    Who is NBKC Bank good for? 

    With solid return rates for its CDs, money market account, and even its checking account, NBKC is a good option for those who want to earn passive income on excess funds. 

    It’s also great for those worried about ancillary fees eating away at their earnings. You won’t pay monthly, overdraft, stop payment, returned item, or insufficient fund fees. NBKC even refunds up to $12 in out-of-network ATM fees each month. 

    Who shouldn’t use NBKC Bank? 

    With just four brick-and-mortar locations, NBKC Bank operates as an online-only bank for anyone who doesn’t live near Kansas City. If you prefer an in-person experience, choose a different financial institution. 

    Also, some of NBKC’s account types aren’t available nationwide. For example, its personal loans are exclusively for those who live in the Kansas City metro area. Make sure the bank offers everything you need before beginning your transition. 

    Pros

    • High-interest MMA and CDs
    • Checking account charges no monthly fees
    • Limited fees and $12 in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement each month

    Cons

    • Only four branch locations
    • Several loan options, such as auto loans and personal loans, are not available nationwide
    • No standalone savings account option

    NBKC Bank rates and products 

    NBKC Bank offers personal checking, money market, and CD accounts online. Its free checking account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. All of its deposit accounts (including checking) earn interest. 

    Checking account1.75% APY
    Money Market account3.00% APY
    Standard CDs3.25%–3.75% APY

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025. 

    Checking account 

    NBKC offers just one checking account—and it’s a unique one. Named the “Everything Account, it’s meant to serve the purpose of both a checking and savings account. 

    For example, you’ll earn an above-average 1.75% APY, which is considerably higher than a standard checking account—but considerably lower than many of the best high-yield savings accounts offer. You’ll get the ability to spend your money like a standard checking account, with access to more than 90,000 ATMs. But similar to a savings account, your Everything Account allows you to create savings goals and track your progress toward them. 

    All to say, you’ll get the best of both words with this account. You just can’t have them separately, as NBKC doesn’t issue a standalone checking or savings option. 

    NBKC Bank Everything checking account features

    Account opening bonusNo publicly available offer
    Minimum opening deposit$0
    Monthly fees$0
    APY1.75%
    ATM reimbursementUp to $12 in out-of-network ATM fees each month
    Domestic wire feesOutgoing wire: $5
    International wire fees$45

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025. 

    Money market account 

    A money market account (MMA) is like a hybrid checking and savings account. That may sound eerily similar to the aforementioned “Everything Account”—but think of an MMA as savings-first with the ability to occasionally spend directly from your account if need be through, say, check writing and bank transfers. 

    NBKC’s MMA earns 3.00% APY on all balances with no maximum and no requirements to meet to earn the interest rate. While the return from some of the best money market accounts offered by competitors may be higher, NBKC is a strong option thanks to the lack of fees and qualification requirements and a solid interest rate. Plus, there’s no limit to the number of withdrawals you can make each month. 

    NBKC Bank MMA features

    Minimum opening deposit$0
    Monthly fees$0
    APY3.00%
    ATM reimbursementUp to $12 in out-of-network ATM fees each month
    Domestic wire feesOutgoing wire: $5
    International wire fees$45

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025. 

    Certificates of deposit 

    NBKC Bank offers both standard and IRA CDs. However, only standard CDs can be opened online. You can’t call to open, either. To open an IRA CD, you’ll have to visit a branch in the Kansas City metro area. 

    The bank offers eight standard CD term lengths and six IRA CD term lengths. Each type offers terms from six months to five years. For standard CDs, APY goes as high as 4.30% as of this writing—while IRA CDs top out at 3.25%. 

    The minimum opening deposit for CDs are between $250 and $1,000, depending on your term length. 

    NBKC Bank standard CD features

    Minimum opening deposit– Terms of 12 months or fewer: $1,000  
    – Terms above 12 months: $250  
    Available term lengths– Standard CDs: 6, 7, 11, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months 
    – IRA CDs: 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months
    APY range3.25%–3.75%
    Early withdrawal penalty– Terms of of 11 months or less: 90 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 1 year: 180 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 2-3 years: 360 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 4+ years: 540 days interest on principal withdrawn
    Grace period10 days
    Automatic renewalYes

    NBKC standard CD rates

    CD termAPY
    6-month CD3.75%
    7-month CD4.30%
    11-month CD4.05%
    1-year CD3.75%
    2-year CD3.50%
    3-year CD3.25%
    4-year CD3.25%
    5-year CD3.25%
    6-month CD
    APY3.75%
    7-month CD
    APY4.30%
    11-month CD
    APY4.05%
    1-year CD
    APY3.75%
    2-year CD
    APY3.50%
    3-year CD
    APY3.25%
    4-year CD
    APY3.25%
    5-year CD
    APY3.25%

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 

    NBKC IRA CD rates

    CD termAPY
    6-month CD2.00%
    1-year CD3.00%
    2-year CD3.25%
    3-year CD2.25%
    4-year CD2.25%
    5-year CD2.25%
    6-month CD
    APY2.00%
    1-year CD
    APY3.00%
    2-year CD
    APY3.25%
    3-year CD
    APY2.25%
    4-year CD
    APY2.25%
    5-year CD
    APY2.25%

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 



    Business banking products 

    NBKC Bank offers business versions of its checking, money market, and CDs. You can expect the same low-fee approach to these accounts. You won’t pay for things like overdrafts, stop payments, check deposits, etc. 

    Business checking account 

    NBKC’s Business Account is a checking account with features such as a platform to send, receive, and track invoices. NBKC even integrates with payment platforms to help you do business—such as Autobooks, which lets you accept contactless payments within your bank app. 

    Unlike its counterpart for personal banking, the NBKC business checking account doesn’t earn interest. 

    NBKC Bank Business checking account features 

    Account opening bonusNo publicly available offer
    Minimum opening deposit$0
    Monthly fees$0
    ATM reimbursementUp to $12 per month for out-of-network ATMs
    Domestic wire fees$5 for outgoing wires
    International wire fees$45

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 

    Money market account 

    NBKC’s business MMA brings the same no-fee energy with a slightly less generous APY than you’ll find with a personal MMA. You can earn a respectable 2.75% return. Again, you aren’t restricted to the number of withdrawals you can make from this account. 

    NBKC Bank Business MMA features 

    Minimum opening deposit$0
    Monthly fees$0
    Top APY2.75%
    Domestic wire feesOutgoing wires: $5
    International wire feesOutgoing and incoming: $45
    Monthly transaction limitsNone

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 

    Certificates of deposit

    NBKC offers seven business CD term lengths, from seven months to five years. Unfortunately, you can only open two of them online (the seven- and 11-month options). 

    Return rates for business CDs range from 2.50% to 4.05%, depending on the term. No matter which you choose, you’ll be required to deposit at least $1,000 to open an account. 

    NBKC Bank business CD features

    Minimum opening deposit$1,000 
    Available term lengths 7, 11, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months 
    APY range 2.50%–4.05%
    Early withdrawal penalty – Terms of 11 months or less: 90 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 1 year: 180 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 2-3 years: 360 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    – Terms of 4+ years: 540 days interest on principal withdrawn 
    Grace period 10
    Automatic renewalYes

    NBKC business CD rates 

    CD termAPY
    7-month CD4.05%
    11-month CD4.05%
    1-year CD2.50%
    2-year CD2.75%
    3-year CD3.25%
    4-year CD3.25%
    5-year CD3.25%
    7-month CD
    APY4.05%
    11-month CD
    APY4.05%
    1-year CD
    APY2.50%
    2-year CD
    APY2.75%
    3-year CD
    APY3.25%
    4-year CD
    APY3.25%
    5-year CD
    APY3.25%

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 

    Other services NBKC Bank offers 

    NBKC offers more than just deposit accounts. You’ll also find: 

    • Personal loans: NBKC offers personal loans, but the only one available nationwide is a bridge loan. Other personal loans are only available to borrowers in the Kansas City area. 
    • Business loans: The bank offers commercial, real estate and construction loans, lines of credit, and more. But again, loans are only available for those in the Kansas City area. 

    Online banking 

    NBKC provides digital banking services, including online banking and bill pay. Both services are free for both personal and business customers. Through online banking, you can set savings goals and receive automatic transfers. 

    You can view e-statements, check account balances, view loan balances, and make loan payments with the desktop and mobile apps. It also offers a handy feature called “Financial Snapshot” to help you keep an eye on things like budgeting, debt, net worth, and more. You can view trends and view all your finances in one place. 

    NBKC gives you fee-free mobile check deposit within its app. And NBKC payments work with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.  

    Check Out Our Daily Rates Reports

    The NBKC Bank platform and customer support  

    The NBKC Mobile Banking app is well-rated, earning 4.4 stars out of 5 in the Google Play Store and 4.5 stars out of 5 in the Apple App Store, with over 1,700 reviews in all. 

    NBKC Bank customer service is available by phone or live chat from Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time. You can also contact them via live online chat on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.Central Time. 

    If you prefer, you can email customer service at customersupport@nbkc.com.  

    Is NBKC Bank secure? 

    NBKC implements a number of security measures to ensure your data and money stay safe. From multi-factor authentication for high-risk transactions to customized alerts to occasional text confirmations when you swipe your debit card, the bank works hard to keep you in the know. 

    It’s worth noting that NBKC Bank customers were notified of a potential data breach in 2023. No other breaches have been reported since. 

    NBKC Bank user reviews 

    NBKC Bank has excellent reviews online. It has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 1,000 reviews, of which 92% are five-star ratings.  

    Positive reviews were pleased with the bank’s customer service and lack of fees. There are positive reviews on Trustpilot regarding both personal and business accounts. The negative reviewers comment on what users say is lack of transparency such as undisclosed account spending limits, as well as delays in opening loans. 

    Compare NBKC alternatives 

    Two popular institutions for those comfortable with online banking are Discover and Capital One. See how they stack up against NBKC’s offerings below. 

    The NBKC Bank logo.
    NBKC Bank
    Discover Bank logo
    Discover Bank

    Capital One
    Checking account APYChecking account APYChecking account APY
    1.75%Not interest bearing (but debit card that earns up to 1% back on purchases)0.10%
    Savings account APYSavings account APYSavings account APY
    N/A3.50%3.50%
    MMA top APY MMA top APY MMA top APY 
    3.00%Up to 3.45% N/A 
    CD APYCD APYCD APY
    Up to 3.75%Up to 3.50%Up to 4.20%
    Checking account monthly feeChecking account monthly feeChecking account monthly fee
    $0 $0 $0
    Learn moreLearn moreLearn more
    View offer
    at MoneyLion
    View offer
    at Discover Bank
    View offer
    at MoneyLion

    Note that while Capital One acquired Discover in 2025, the two brands maintain distinct suites of products as of this writing. 

    Bank details checked Aug. 18, 2025 

    Is NBKC Bank right for you? 

    NBKC Bank is likely a great option for the fee-averse who also want to benefit from respectable rates and earn interest from a checking account, MMA, or CD. Though it may be possible to find higher APYs elsewhere, NBKC’s conspicuous lack of fees means your earnings won’t be negated by fees that some other banks charge. 

    It’s also a good choice for those who like the simplicity of a checking account that functions in some ways like a savings account. By contrast, it won’t be the right pick for those who want distinct checking and savings account, or simply a high-yield savings account. 

    Lastly, remember that NBKC only offers physical branches in the Kansas City metro area—and many of its lending products are only available to customers around that area. This could be a deal breaker, depending on your needs. 

    Frequently asked questions

    Is NBKC Bank FDIC insured?

    Accounts at NBKC Bank are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category.

    Is NBKC Bank available nationwide?

    NBKC Bank’s deposit accounts are available nationwide, but there are some products that only those in the Kansas City metro area qualify for—such as personal loans.

    How do I contact NBKC Bank customer service?

    You can contact NBKC Bank customer service via phone and live chat Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. Live chat is also available on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT. 

    Does NBKC Bank have physical locations?

    NBKC Bank has four branch locations in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. Branches are located in Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri, and Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas. 

    How do I deposit money into NBKC? 

    There are multiple ways to deposit money into NBKC. Other than visiting a branch, you can deposit checks through its app’s mobile deposit feature. If you’ve got cash, you’ll have to find a deposit-enabled ATM.

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