For many people, the most difficult aspect of investing is knowing where to start. Therefore, Zions Bank investments provide a combination of professional guidance and simple answers for you.
From low-cost online portfolios to tailored financial plans, they focus on making smart investing possible for anyone. Let’s explore how it all fits together.
Who Is Zions Bank?
Zions Bancorporation is one of the most established banking institutions in the United States, with its headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1873, the bank has been serving communities for more than 150 years, evolving from a local lender into a regional powerhouse. Today, it operates under several local brand names across 11 Western states, including Zions Bank, California Bank & Trust, Amegy Bank, and others. This network allows Zions to deliver banking and investment services tailored to each local market while maintaining the strength and resources of a large financial organization.
By the end of 2024, Zions Bancorporation managed nearly $89 billion in total assets and generated about $3.1 billion in net revenue. This strong financial position reflects its ability to adapt to changing markets while staying focused on client needs. The bank’s investment arm builds on this stability, offering a range of Zions Bank investments for individuals, businesses, and institutions looking to grow and protect their wealth.
Main Zions Bank Investment Options
Zions Bank investments come in many forms, each designed to match different goals, risk levels, and stages of your financial journey:
Digital Investing (Guided Wealth Portfolios)
Zions Bank’s Guided Wealth Portfolios are designed for people who want an easy, affordable way to start investing without having to research and pick individual stocks or bonds. These portfolios use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and professionally built models to give you a balanced mix of investments. They aim to provide broad market exposure, spreading your money across different asset types to help reduce risk while still pursuing growth.
What you can expect:
- Low starting minimums: You don’t need a large sum to begin, making it easy for beginners to get started.
- Diversified portfolios: ETFs cover a mix of stocks, bonds, and sometimes alternative assets, depending on how much risk you’re comfortable taking.
- Automatic adjustments: The system rebalances your portfolio when needed and makes tax-smart moves to help you keep more of your gains.
- Full online access: You can open an account online, check your performance anytime, and adjust your settings through an easy-to-use dashboard.
It’s a great choice for beginners taking their first step into the market, busy professionals who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, and anyone who values low fees, transparency, and steady portfolio management without having to check in every day.
Wealth Management & Investment Management
For investors who want a personal touch, Zions Bank investments also include one-on-one guidance from experienced financial advisors. These professionals create custom investment strategies based on your specific goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk.
Services can include retirement planning, tax-efficient investing, and ongoing portfolio adjustments to keep you on track. This option is best for those who value tailored advice and proactive management.
Key features:
- Personalized support: You get a dedicated financial advisor plus a team of experts.
- Custom investment strategies: Portfolios are built to match your personal objectives, which may include alternative investments for added diversification.
- Ongoing guidance: You’ll have access to market research, portfolio updates, and regular reviews to keep your strategy on track.
This option is a smart fit if your finances are more complex. For example, you may need guidance with detailed tax or estate planning, have several income sources to manage, or hold a large portion of your wealth in just a few assets. In these cases, having ongoing, active management and a clear long-term strategy can help you protect and grow your wealth over time.
Private Banking & Deposit Solutions
Designed for high-net-worth individuals and families, this service goes beyond basic investing. Zions Bank combines premium banking products with tailored investment services.
These services include:
- Private savings and lending solutions.
- Professional trust administration and estate planning.
- Coordinated investment and banking relationships, so all parts of your financial life work together.
- Premier Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
- Premier IRA CDs and Jumbo CDs, with flexible terms ranging from just 7 days to 5 years.
Private banking clients often have complex financial needs, such as coordinating multiple accounts, planning for generational wealth transfers, or managing large estates.
A dedicated Private Banker coordinates all aspects of your financial life, ensuring investments, deposits, and lending solutions work together smoothly. Zions offers the personalized attention and discretion required for these situations, along with access to a team of dedicated professionals who understand both the financial and personal aspects of wealth.
Risk Management & Insurance
Life is unpredictable, but Zions Bank investments integrate insurance solutions to help you prepare for the unexpected so you and your loved ones can stay protected.
They provide a variety of personal insurance choices, including:
- Term life insurance: Affordable coverage for a set period of time.
- Permanent life insurance: Lifetime protection with potential cash value growth.
- Long-term care insurance: Financial support if you need extended care later in life.
- Disability insurance: Income replacement if illness or injury prevents you from working.
- Annuities: Reliable income streams for retirement.
For business owners, Zions Bank also provides:
- Buy–sell protection: Ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.
- Key-person coverage: Protecting your company against the loss of a vital team member.
- Executive bonuses: Rewarding and retaining top talent.
- Defined-benefit plans: Providing structured retirement benefits for employees.
Zions Bank’s approach focuses on identifying potential gaps in your protection, tailoring coverage to your specific needs, and integrating your insurance strategy with your overall financial plan, all while keeping tax efficiency in mind.
Fiduciary & Trust Services
If your goal is to preserve and transfer wealth, Zions Bank investments offer fiduciary and trust services. They provide trust administration, whether as co-trustee, sole trustee, or an agent for an individual trustee. This guarantees that your assets are handled responsibly and in line with your strategy. Estate and trust planning specialists handle legal, financial, and tax complexities so you can focus on what matters.
Their services go beyond traditional investments. They manage specialized assets like real estate and oil or gas holdings. They also work with executors, nonprofits, foundations, and charities, helping you create a lasting impact.
These services aim to:
- Safeguard your wealth from unnecessary risks.
- Follow all legal and tax regulations.
- Provide for your family’s long-term security.
- Support your philanthropic goals.
From managing your current assets to ensuring a smooth transition for future generations, their team is committed to protecting what you’ve built and preserving your legacy for years to come.
How Zions Bank Investments Stand Out
Zions Bank Investments has built a reputation for putting clients at the center of its services. Here are how Zions Bank’s investment features help you:
| Feature | Why It Helps You |
|---|---|
| User-Friendly Digital Tools | Invest online easily with low costs and full control. |
| Expert Support Options | Access professional advisors when you need guidance. |
| Flexible Savings & CDs | Enjoy safe, predictable returns with clear terms. |
| Smart Cash Management | Let sweep products grow your idle funds automatically. |
| Sophisticated Access | Tap into bonds, capital markets, and advanced strategies. |
They stand out because:
- Personalized Planning: The team at Zions Bank Investments invests significant time in learning about each client’s financial aspirations. Every plan is carefully crafted to suit the client’s specific situation, offering a balance of practicality and ambition.
- A Team of Experienced Professionals: Clients don’t just work with one advisor, but they gain access to a network of financial experts. This includes experienced financial advisors, trust specialists, and private bankers who pool their knowledge to provide comprehensive, well-informed solutions.
- Flexible Service Options: Zions Bank Investments offers flexibility in how clients manage their finances.
- Comprehensive Financial Services: The firm’s capabilities extend beyond investment management. Their services include retirement planning, risk management, estate planning, and long-term wealth preservation.
- Clear and Unbiased Guidance: One of Zions Bank Investments’ strengths lies in its commitment to transparency and independence. The team provides straightforward, pressure-free advice, with the client’s best interests as the priority.
Ultimately, Zions Bank Investments treats clients as valued partners rather than mere account numbers. Their client-first philosophy, combined with personalized strategies and experienced guidance, positions them as a strong choice for individuals seeking both financial growth and peace of mind.
Investment Philosophy and Process
Zions Bank takes a research-driven, disciplined approach to investing. Its team regularly publishes market updates and mid-year outlooks that highlight major economic trends, from interest rate movements to sector-specific opportunities. The investment philosophy focuses on diversification to help reduce risk, active risk management to adapt to changing markets, and aligning portfolios with big-picture economic conditions such as credit markets, stock valuations, and bond yields.
A key strength is their deep understanding of the municipal bond market. They monitor changes in supply, yield trends, and tax advantages, which is especially valuable for income-focused investors. By combining real-time research with a tailored strategy, Zions aims to keep client portfolios resilient and well-positioned for different market environments.
Fees and Minimums
When you invest with Zions Bank, costs and account minimums vary depending on the service you choose. Here are some main fee types and minimums of Zions Bank investments:
| Fee Type | What It Covers | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Wealth Portfolios – Minimum Account | The minimum amount you need to start an online Guided Wealth Portfolio (GWP) account. | $5,000 minimum. | Zions lists $5,000 as the starting point for opening a GWP account. The exact management or platform fee percentage is not shown online. |
| Advisory / Assets Under Management (AUM) Fees | Annual fees charged for professional investment advice, calculated as a percentage of your account balance. | Not listed online. | Fees depend on which advisor you work with, your account size, and the service package you choose. |
| Brokerage / Transaction Fees | Costs for buying or selling investments, including commissions or trade ticket charges. | Not standardized; varies. | The amount depends on your account type (brokerage vs. advisory), the platform you use, and how often you trade. |
| Fund / ETF Expense Ratios | The annual operating cost built into mutual funds or ETFs you own. | Fund-specific; see each fund’s prospectus. | Guided Wealth Portfolios often use low-cost ETFs, and the exact percentage can be found in the fund documents. |
| Trust / Fiduciary Fees | Charges for trust administration, estate management, executor duties, or tax compliance. | Case-by-case; no flat rate shown. | Costs depend on how complex the trust or estate is, the types of assets, and the services needed. |
| Private Banking / Special Deposit Product Rates | Bonus interest rates or special pricing on products like Premier CDs. | Varies by product and relationship. | Rates change often. Bonus rates may apply if you meet certain relationship requirements. |
| Account Service / Maintenance Fees | Charges for account upkeep, paper statements, transfers, wires, or returned items. | Listed in Zions’ Schedule of Fees; varies by service. | Banking fees like wire transfers are posted publicly, but investment account maintenance costs appear in the account opening documents. |
No matter which Zions Bank investments you choose, it’s smart to request a clear, written fee schedule and a total estimated cost.
How to Open a Zions Bank Investment Account
Opening an investment account with Zions Bank is a straightforward process, but knowing each step in advance can help you save time and start with confidence:
- Choose your service type: Decide between the low-cost Guided Wealth Portfolios, the personalized Wealth Management service, or the high-touch Private Banking & Trust solutions.
- Gather your documents: You’ll need a valid ID, Social Security number, a linked bank account, and recent financial statements to start with Zions Bank investments.
- Apply: Typically, you can start a Guided Wealth Portfolios account completely online. For Wealth Management or Private Banking, you’ll start with an advisor consultation.
- Fund your account and set goals: Define what you want your money to do, build retirement savings, generate income, grow for long-term wealth, or save for college.
- Review your investment plan: Check your asset allocation, risk level, and any tax preferences before finalizing.
- Schedule reviews: Set up periodic portfolio reviews and rebalancing sessions. For advisory accounts, coordinate regular check-ins with your wealth manager.
Before funding your account, make sure that you ask for a sample investment policy statement and a model portfolio so you can see exactly how your money will be managed.
Smart Ways to Use Zions Bank Investments
Using Zions Bank investments effectively is all about matching the right strategies to your financial goals and personal situation:
- Build a safety net first: Keep 3–6 months of living expenses in a savings account before committing money to investments.
- Use tax-smart accounts: Consider IRAs and 401(k)s for retirement to take advantage of tax benefits. Use taxable accounts for flexibility and easier access to your funds.
- Explore municipal bonds for tax-sensitive income: If you’re in a high tax bracket and live in a state where municipal bonds offer attractive yields, they can provide steady, tax-advantaged income. Zions regularly tracks and analyzes muni bond market trends, making it easier to find opportunities.
- Try a hybrid approach: Start with the affordable Guided Wealth Portfolios to gain broad market exposure. As your assets grow or your financial situation becomes more complex, transition to Wealth Management for a more customized strategy.
FAQs about Zions Bank Investments
What is the minimum investment for Zions Bank’s digital portfolios?
- You can start investing with Zions Bank’s Guided Wealth Portfolios with as little as $5,000, making it a straightforward option for those new to investing.
Do I get to speak with a real person when using digital investing?
- Yes. Even though Guided Wealth Portfolios are mostly online, you can still connect with a Wealth Advisor whenever you want personal guidance. This way, you get both the convenience of automation and the value of expert advice.
Who manages my portfolio with Zions Bank Investment Management?
- If you choose their Investment Management service, your portfolio will be overseen by a professional team. They create, track, and adjust your investments to match your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
What fixed-income or bond options can I get through Zions Bank investments?
- Investors can access a wide range of fixed-income products, including government bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate bonds, ideal for those seeking steady income.
Are Zions Bank investment products protected by FDIC insurance?
- No. Investment products, whether digital portfolios or fixed-income options, are not FDIC-insured and carry the risk of losing value, including the potential loss of your original investment.
Zions Bank investments offer a range of options to suit both individual and business needs, from digital portfolios to personalized wealth management. With professional guidance, flexible strategies, and strong market expertise, clients can work toward their financial goals with confidence. Exploring Zions Bank investments could be a smart step toward building a secure financial future.
