Is Zions Bank a legitimate bank? (Please only answer if you live near a branch)?

I don't live near a branch, and most people who do aren't aware of it because they operate through a number of subsidiaries.

See http://www.zionsbancorporation.com/ Unless the company has created an Enron-style fraud, it seems to be good. Its stock is quoted on the NASDAQ, so it's not a huge bank with a lot of shareholders.

ASK FIRST: "Is what I am about to invest protected by FDIC insurance?" (I looked at http://www.zionsbank.com/ and didn't see the answer, but it's inconceivable that it wouldn't be. BUT ASK.)

A lot of people lost money in the Savings & Loan scandal -- notoriously in the Silverado fiasco in which George W Bush's brother was involved -- because they didn't ask that question (in that case about the FSLIC). Time deposits and CDs are normally protected. Money-market funds may be protected by another federal scheme. Or not at all.

they are publicly traded company and very much a legitimate bank.

sounds like a jewish bank so you know they will be around for awhile.