Quontic Bank Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: Quontic Bank (Expert Score: 4.3/5.0)
Quontic Bank receives an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide’s panel of industry specialists, based on analysis of 18 expert reviews across 5 evaluation criteria. Quontic excels in offering high-yield deposit accounts, with savings APYs often exceeding the national average by more than 10 times. It is best for digitally-savvy consumers seeking to maximize returns on their savings without monthly fees.
Quontic operates as a national, online-only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Astoria, Queens, New York. The bank holds a BBB A+ rating from BBB Serving Metropolitan New York but is not BBB-accredited. Founded in 2009 by Steven Schnall (who passed away in September 2022), the bank is currently led by CEO George Lazaridis (co-founder) and President Robert G. Russell, Jr. Quontic has been subject to multiple federal regulatory enforcement actions, most recently a 2023 Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Quontic Bank earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a leading choice for consumers prioritizing high interest rates and a modern digital banking experience. This detailed Quontic Bank review examines its account offerings, features, and overall value proposition. As a digital-first institution, Quontic focuses on providing highly competitive yields on its savings, checking, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts, appealing to a customer base comfortable with managing their finances entirely online.
Our analysis of multiple Quontic Bank reviews from industry experts reveals a consistent pattern of praise for its innovative products, such as its Bitcoin Rewards Checking account, and its low-fee structure. BestGuide’s rating process incorporates data from 18 independent financial analysts to provide a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. For consumers weighing their options, Quontic’s high-yield accounts present a compelling case against traditional brick-and-mortar banks, which on average offer significantly lower returns.
How Quontic Bank Works
Quontic Bank operates as a fully digital, online-only bank, meaning it has no physical branch locations for customers. It is also a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 2015, which means a portion of its lending is directed toward low-to-moderate income communities. Quontic is the only all-digital CDFI bank in the United States. This unique model allows it to reduce overhead costs and pass those savings to customers through higher interest rates and lower fees.
Opening an Account
The account opening process is entirely online and can be completed in approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and provide a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and funding information. Minimum opening deposits vary by account, starting at $100 for the High Yield Savings account and $500 for Certificates of Deposit (CDs).
Managing Your Funds
Customers manage their accounts through Quontic’s online banking portal or its mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices. These platforms allow for mobile check deposits, fund transfers, and account monitoring. For cash access, Quontic provides access to a network of over 90,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide through the Allpoint, MoneyPass, and SUM networks, a larger network than many of the top 5 national banks.
Who Quontic Bank Is Best For
Quontic Bank is best for digitally proficient savers who prioritize earning the highest possible interest rates on their deposits and are comfortable with an online-only banking relationship. It is an ideal fit for individuals seeking high-yield savings, money market, or CD accounts with no monthly maintenance fees. The bank’s innovative products, like rewards checking accounts, also appeal to consumers looking for more than just a place to store their money.
Quontic Bank Standout Features
Quontic distinguishes itself from competitors through several key features that directly benefit its customers. BestGuide’s analysis identified three primary differentiators that contribute to its high score in our evaluation.
Competitive Quontic Bank High Yield Savings and CD Rates: Quontic consistently offers an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on its savings accounts that is more than 10 times the national average. For example, its High Yield Savings account offers an APY of 5.00%, compared to the FDIC national average of approximately 0.45%. Its Quontic Bank CD rates are similarly competitive, often placing in the top 5% of all U.S. banks for terms of 1 to 5 years.
Innovative Rewards Checking Accounts: Quontic offers two unique checking products. The Cash Rewards Checking account allows customers to earn up to 1.10% cash back on eligible debit card purchases. The Bitcoin Rewards Checking account is one of the first of its kind, enabling customers to earn 1.5% back in Bitcoin on all qualifying debit card purchases, appealing to those interested in cryptocurrency.
Community Development Focus (CDFI): As a designated CDFI since 2015, Quontic uses its deposits to support mortgages and small business loans in underserved communities. The bank specifically targets immigrants, gig economy workers, seniors, and small business owners who may have credit scores of 700+ but face documentation challenges under Dodd-Frank ability-to-repay rules. This provides a socially conscious element to banking with Quontic.
Quontic Bank Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High Interest Rates: Savings APYs up to 5.00% are consistently more than 10 times the national average. | No Physical Locations: The online-only model means there are no Quontic Bank locations for in-person services. |
| Low to No Fees: Most deposit accounts have no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements after opening. | Limited Product Suite: Does not offer personal loans, auto loans, or in-house investment services. |
| FDIC Insured: All deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum limit of $250,000 per depositor. | Regulatory Enforcement History: Subject to OCC consent orders (2018, 2022) and a 2023 Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Written Agreement related to corporate governance, capital, and risk management. |
| CDFI Mission: Only all-digital CDFI bank in the US, designated by US Treasury since 2015. | Not BBB-Accredited: Holds BBB A+ rating but is not formally BBB-accredited (BBB accreditation is optional and Quontic has not sought it). |
Is Quontic Bank Legit?
Yes, Quontic Bank is a legitimate and regulated financial institution. It is a federally chartered savings association (federal thrift) headquartered at 31-05 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106-2648. According to the BBB profile, the Business Started date is March 14, 2005, and the BBB profile was opened December 17, 2012. The bank is 21 years in business per the BBB profile, reflecting the original Golden First Bank entity. Steven Schnall purchased Golden First Bank in late 2009 (a small troubled bank in Great Neck, New York with $24 million in assets), recapitalized it, and renamed it Quontic Bank, with George Lazaridis as co-founder.
It is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). As an FDIC-member bank, all deposits at Quontic are insured by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Quontic also employs robust security protocols, including 256-bit SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect customer accounts and data from unauthorized access.
Founder Steven Schnall passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident in September 2022. George Lazaridis, co-founder and previously head of the mortgage lending division, assumed the role of Interim CEO and continues to serve as CEO. Robert G. Russell, Jr. was appointed President of Quontic in August 2023, joining from Patriot Bank in Stamford, Connecticut, where he had served as President and CEO. Russell brings over 30 years of community banking experience and reports to CEO Lazaridis and the Board of Directors.
Furthermore, Quontic Bank’s designation as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Treasury in 2015 adds another layer of mission-driven legitimacy. This certification is granted to institutions that have a primary mission of promoting community development and providing financial services to low-income and underserved populations. Quontic is the only all-digital CDFI bank in the United States.
Quontic Bank BBB Rating and Accreditation
Quontic Bank holds a BBB A+ rating from BBB Serving Metropolitan New York. However, Quontic Bank is NOT BBB-accredited. The BBB profile explicitly states that “Quontic Bank is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.” BBB accreditation is an optional certification that requires businesses to agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB’s vetting process. BBB accreditation status is independent of the A+ letter grade, which reflects BBB’s assessment of complaint history and resolution practices.
Per BBB data accessed in May 2026, Quontic Bank has 19 total complaints in the last 3 years and 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months. The Customer Review score is 1 out of 5 stars across 4 customer reviews. While the absolute complaint volume is low (reflecting Quontic’s relatively small size at approximately $872 million in assets as of 2022), the low customer review score signals consumer service concerns that prospective customers should consider.
Regulatory Enforcement History
Quontic Bank has been subject to three federal regulatory enforcement actions in five years, which are publicly disclosed but not reflected in the BBB profile:
- October 2018: OCC Formal Agreement citing unsafe and unsound banking practices related to board and management oversight and funds management practices.
- October 31, 2022: OCC Cease and Desist Order (EA2022-048) citing failure to address regulatory concerns from the 2018 agreement, plus unsafe practices related to strategic planning, management oversight, audit, risk management, and mortgage banking activities. The order required Quontic to maintain a total capital ratio of at least 13% and a leverage ratio greater than 9%, establish a compliance committee, and develop a written strategic plan.
- July 5, 2023: Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Written Agreement with Quontic Bank Holdings Corp. and Quontic Bank Acquisition Corp. restricting capital distributions, debt incurrence, and requiring cash flow projections and capital maintenance plans.
President Robert Russell has publicly stated that “the matters outlined in the Consent Order do not allege a risk to depositors’ funds and Quontic Bank is FDIC Insured.” Quontic reported its total capital ratio above 20% as of March 2023, exceeding the 13% requirement. The bank has stated it has made substantial progress in addressing the regulatory concerns.
Quontic Bank Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
Quontic Bank’s fee structure is highly competitive and is a primary driver of its 80% score in Fees and Transparency. Most of its popular deposit accounts, including High Yield Savings and all checking accounts, have no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements after the initial deposit. This places Quontic in the lower-cost range for banking providers, especially when compared to traditional banks that often charge monthly fees of $10 to $15 unless specific requirements are met.
While daily banking is largely fee-free, some specific services do incur charges. For example, a domestic outgoing wire transfer costs $30, while an international one costs $75. A returned deposit item fee is $15. However, the bank avoids common charges like overdraft fees, as it declines transactions that would overdraw an account. Minimum opening deposits are also reasonable, set at $100 for savings and $500 for CDs.
Final Verdict: Quontic Bank Review
Quontic Bank earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0, reflecting its strengths as a high-yield, digital-first CDFI bank. Its primary strengths are its industry-leading interest rates on savings and CD products (often more than 10 times the national average), the absence of monthly maintenance fees on most accounts, and a large fee-free ATM network of over 90,000 ATMs. The CDFI mission and innovative products like Bitcoin Rewards Checking provide additional differentiation for socially-conscious and tech-forward consumers.
However, consumers should weigh these strengths against important considerations. Quontic has been subject to three federal regulatory enforcement actions in five years (OCC 2018, OCC 2022, Federal Reserve Philadelphia 2023) primarily related to corporate governance, capital planning, and risk management. Deposits remain FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, and Quontic reports capital ratios well above regulatory requirements. The bank has a small physical footprint (no branches), no Zelle integration, and a low BBB Customer Review score of 1/5 across 4 reviews. The founder Steven Schnall’s passing in 2022 led to leadership transitions, with George Lazaridis serving as CEO and Robert G. Russell, Jr. as President.
For digitally-savvy savers who prioritize maximum yields and are comfortable with the bank’s recent regulatory history and online-only model, Quontic offers a compelling combination of high returns, low costs, and innovative features. Customers should review the bank’s regulatory history and ensure their deposits remain within FDIC insurance limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quontic Bank
What do experts say about Quontic Bank?
Experts give Quontic Bank high marks for its competitive interest rates and low-fee structure. Based on an analysis of 18 expert sources, BestGuide awarded Quontic an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0, with its Interest Rates category scoring an exceptional 90%. Experts also note Quontic’s CDFI mission and the bank’s regulatory enforcement history as factors to consider.
Is Quontic Bank worth it in 2026?
Yes, for savers focused on high yields, Quontic Bank offers value. Its High Yield Savings account offers an APY up to 5.00%, which is more than 10 times the current national average of 0.45%, making it a top choice for maximizing savings growth. Customers should weigh this against the bank’s recent regulatory enforcement history.
How does Quontic Bank compare to other banks companies?
Quontic Bank excels against competitors in interest rates and innovative checking rewards. However, it offers a more limited product range than large national banks like Chase or Bank of America, lacking options such as auto loans, personal loans, or wealth management services.
Is Quontic Bank FDIC insured?
Yes, Quontic Bank is a full member of the FDIC. This means all customer deposits are insured by the U.S. government for up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, making it a secure place for your funds.
Is Quontic Bank safe?
Yes, Quontic Bank deposits are protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor. The bank uses industry-standard security protocols, including 256-bit SSL encryption and multi-factor authentication. Quontic has been subject to multiple federal regulatory enforcement actions related to corporate governance and risk management, but Quontic Bank President Robert Russell has stated these matters do not allege risk to depositors’ funds.
Is Quontic Bank BBB-accredited?
No. Quontic Bank is NOT BBB-accredited, although it holds a BBB A+ rating from BBB Serving Metropolitan New York. BBB accreditation is an optional certification and Quontic has not formally sought it. Per the BBB profile, Quontic has 19 total complaints over the last 3 years and a Customer Review score of 1/5 across 4 reviews.
Who founded Quontic Bank?
Quontic Bank was founded in 2009 by Steven Schnall and co-founder George Lazaridis. Schnall purchased Golden First Bank (a troubled Great Neck, NY bank with $24 million in assets) and renamed it Quontic. Schnall passed away in a motorcycle accident in September 2022. George Lazaridis currently serves as CEO, and Robert G. Russell, Jr. was appointed President in August 2023.
Has Quontic Bank faced regulatory enforcement?
Yes. Quontic Bank has been subject to three federal regulatory enforcement actions in five years: an OCC Formal Agreement in October 2018, an OCC Cease and Desist Order in October 2022 (requiring elevated capital ratios), and a Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Written Agreement in July 2023 (restricting capital distributions). These actions related to corporate governance, capital planning, risk management, and mortgage banking practices. Quontic has stated its capital ratios remain well above regulatory requirements and that the matters do not allege risk to depositors’ funds, which remain FDIC-insured.
What are Quontic Bank’s CD rates?
Quontic Bank CD rates are highly competitive, frequently offering an APY above 4.50% for terms of 12 months or longer. These rates are significantly higher than the national average and appeal to savers looking for a guaranteed return on their investment.
Does Quontic Bank have physical locations?
No, Quontic Bank is an online-only bank and does not operate any physical branch locations for retail banking. Its corporate headquarters is at 31-05 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106-2648 (Queens, New York). All banking activities, from account opening to daily management, are conducted through its website or mobile app.
What is the minimum deposit for a Quontic Bank High Yield Savings account?
The minimum initial deposit required to open a Quontic Bank High Yield Savings account is $100. After the account is opened, there is no ongoing minimum balance requirement to earn the stated APY.