Best Banks in Israel
10 expert-ranked Israeli banks evaluated for digital services, English support, and Olim benefits.
Last updated: December 28, 2025 | How we rank
Top 10 Banks in Israel - 2025 Rankings
| Rank | Bank | Overall Score | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bank Leumi (Pepper) | 9.4 | Traditional/Digital | Digital Innovation & Tech integration |
| 2 | Bank Hapoalim | 9.3 | Traditional | Largest network & Business banking |
| 3 | Israel Discount Bank | 9.0 | Traditional | Students & Young Professionals |
| 4 | Mizrahi-Tefahot | 8.9 | Traditional | Mortgages & Personalized service |
| 5 | First International Bank (FIBI) | 8.7 | Traditional | Investments & Private Banking |
| 6 | One Zero | 8.6 | Digital Neobank | AI-driven insights & No branch hassle |
| 7 | Bank Yahav | 8.4 | Traditional | Public sector employees & Low fees |
| 8 | Bank of Jerusalem | 8.2 | Specialized | Savings deposits & Real estate |
| 9 | Mercantile Discount | 8.1 | Traditional | Small businesses & Local communities |
| 10 | Bank Massad | 7.9 | Specialized | Teachers & Educational sector |
Banking in Israel: Key Insights
The Israeli banking system is advanced but can be bureaucratic. Fees (Amalot) are a common complaint, so negotiating account terms or joining specific "clubs" (Soldiers, Students, Engineers) can save significant money.
Oleh Hadash Benefits
New immigrants (Olim) are entitled to special banking benefits, including fee waivers and favorable loan terms during their first years. All major banks have dedicated English-speaking desks for Olim.
Digital Revolution
Digital wallets like Bit (Hapoalim generally) and PayBox (Discount) are ubiquitous for P2P payments in Israel, making bank choice slightly less critical for daily transfers.