How to apply for the Best Banks to Work For 2026

American Banker’s annual Best Banks to Work For program is accepting applications for 2026.

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Now in its 14th year, Best Banks to Work For recognizes employers of choice within the banking industry. The honorees, including 90 from last year, tend to be banks that prioritize steady employee engagement and place high value on communication, support, well-being and fun.

Last year’s ranking included repeat honorees such as Oakworth Capital Bank and Pinnacle Financial Partners, and newcomers such as Wood & Huston Bank, which captured the No. 1 spot.

There is no fee to apply or participate in the Best Banks to Work For program. Applicants must be savings banks, commercial banks, thrifts, mutual associations, mutual savings banks or savings and loan associations, and must have been in business for at least one year. They must also have at least 50 full- or part-time employees based in the United States. 

The list is created in partnership with the Best Companies Group, which determines the rankings based on two assessments. The first is a detailed questionnaire to be completed by banks and their CEOs, which focuses on employee benefits and policies. The second is an employee survey that focuses on eight areas of engagement and satisfaction, such as leadership and planning, work environment, pay and benefits, and training, development and resources.

Deadlines for each step of the Best Banks to Work For program are available here. American Banker’s publication of the rankings typically occurs in early November.

Coverage of Best Banks to Work For 2025 included short profiles of each honoree, a feature story about the top-ranked bank and two stories about employee and workplace trends. It also included separate rankings by bank-asset category. The full 2025 program can be found here.

Applications must be submitted by June 19. A link to the application page can be found here. Please send any questions to Allissa Kline at [email protected].

Credit unions are not eligible to apply for Best Banks to Work For, as there is a separate program for credit unions. The deadline to apply for Best Credit Unions to Work For is May 1, 2026.