Managing your finances in these uncertain times can be challenging, especially if you don’t have someone to turn to. In fact, a recent study revealed that a quarter of Americans say they don’t have someone to ask for trusted financial guidance.
Trusted banks and credit unions can help fill that gap and assist you when you need it most. Their knowledgeable representatives know how to navigate the tricky waters of finance, from basic accounts to more complicated services like loans and individual retirement accounts.
Our list of the best banks in Ohio includes several banks that offer financial education and a friendly resource you can depend on. Though these banks can’t necessarily rival larger national banks, they do provide personalized service that’s increasingly hard to find.
With the best banks in Ohio at your side, you can work toward your financial dreams. Like the greats in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the members of pro sports teams, you can rise to the top.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Ohio? Let’s get started!
Best Banks in Ohio
Several community and local banks are listed below, some of which offer services that rival the best national banks. Which of the best banks in Ohio provides you with the most perks?
1. KeyBank (Largest Bank in Ohio)
Key Smart Checking® from KeyBank is one of the best checking account options available to Ohio residents. With no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements, it’s designed for simplicity and convenience.
New customers can earn a $300 bonus by opening an account online by December 13, 2024, making a $10 minimum deposit, and completing one eligible direct deposit of $1,000 or more within the first 60 days. This is one of the easiest bank account bonuses to score.
This account offers several perks, including free access to KeyBank and Allpoint® ATMs nationwide, overdraft protection with no transfer fees when your checking account is linked to an eligible KeyBank credit or savings account, and you may be able to get paid up to two days early with Early Pay.
Additionally, the EasyUp® feature helps you save automatically by rounding up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar.
Key Smart Checking® also provides robust online and mobile banking services, allowing you to deposit checks, pay bills, and manage your account securely from anywhere. Enjoy added security and convenience with a KeyBank Debit Mastercard®.
For more information on fees and availability, visit KeyBank’s official site.
Earn $300 with qualifying activities
Key Smart Checking®
4.6
Key Smart Checking® from KeyBank offers no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, making it affordable. It provides convenient online and mobile banking features, including mobile check deposit and contactless payments. With a large network of ATMs and overdraft protection options, it’s ideal for tech-savvy and budget-conscious users.
2. Chase
With its robust online and mobile banking platforms, Chase provides convenient banking solutions to its customers. With over 200 branch locations, it holds the 4th largest number of branches in New York City.
In addition, Chase has a vast network of ATMs across Ohio. The bank offers various financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts.
One of Chase’s notable checking account options is the Chase Total Checking® account, which offers features like Venmo and Zelle integration for easy money transfers. While this account has a $12 monthly fee, you can avoid it by having $500 in direct deposits or maintaining a balance of $1500 or more.
Earn $300 bonus
Chase Total Checking®
5.0
Bonus: $300 with direct deposit
- Largest bank in the U.S.
- More than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 physical locations
- New customers can qualify for a $300 intro bonus
- User-friendly online and mobile banking tools
- No minimum deposit to open
- Chase Overdraft Assist and Zero Liability Protection
- $12 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived
- Low APYs on savings accounts and CDs
Chase also caters to business banking needs, providing tailored services and solutions to entrepreneurs and businesses with the Chase Business Complete Checking® account.
Customers can also benefit from Chase’s credit cards and loan options.
Earn $300 bonus
If you’re new to Chase and open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn up to a $300 welcome bonus. To complete the requirements for this consumer checking account, set up a direct deposit within 90 days. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
Earn $300 bonus
If it’s a business bank account you’re looking for, look no further than the Chase Business Complete Checking® account that allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying activities.
Earn $100 bonus
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. Once you complete the requirements, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days.
Earn $100 bonus
Open a Chase College Checking℠ account to earn a $100 bonus. To qualify for this promotion, you’ll need to make at least 10 transactions within the first 60 days between debit card transactions. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
Earn $3,000 bonus
The Chase Private Client experience unlocks access to lower rates when financing a big purchase and connects you with a private banker and investment advisor whenever you like. Save time and money with better banking benefits and special services, plus a $3,000 welcome bonus.
3. Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank has over 250 locations in Ohio and you can open any of the following checking accounts at any Fifth Third Bank:
- Momentum Checking: Besides no monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements, this account comes with early direct deposit.
- Express Checking: Similar to the Momentum Checking account, you won’t pay a monthly fee or have to meet a minimum balance requirement. Instead, you can cash your checks and set up a direct deposit with this account.
- Preferred Checking: You must open this account at a physical branch in person. You must deposit at least $100,000 or more to the account once you’ve opened it.
Momentum Checking is one of the best checking accounts at Fifth Third Bank that doesn’t require a minimum opening deposit, monthly fees, or minimum balance requirements. If you set up a direct deposit, you can get paid up to two days early.
$400 welcome bonus
Fifth Third Momentum Banking
4.0
Explore the benefits of Fifth Third Bank’s Momentum Checking: no monthly fees, no minimum deposits or balance requirements. Get paychecks and tax refunds faster with Early Pay, and access quick cash advances with MyAdvance, without credit checks. You can also get a $400 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 90 days of account opening.
4. Liberty Savings Bank
Liberty Savings Bank is a family-owned community bank that offers personal and commercial banking services, mortgages, and savings products. The bank was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Ohio, with branches in the Sarasota-Manatee County area of Florida.
Liberty Savings Bank offers convenience savings accounts with low minimum balances, no monthly fee if the minimum balance is maintained, and interest paid on the entire balance.
They let you earn an impressive APY on its high-yield savings account, which is usually 11.6x higher than the national average. FDIC insured. No fees. And with a history of serving communities across America.
5. Firelands Federal Credit Union
This Ohio-based credit union requires a $25 deposit if you want to become a member. You’ll also need to open a share savings account with a minimum of $5.
You must also live, work, worship, or attend school in the following counties:
- Huron County
- Erie County (specifically Groton, Berlin, and Oxford townships)
- Milan
- York Township in Sandusky County
- Several townships in Seneca County, including Adams, Thompson, Reed, Venice, and Green Spring
Firelands Federal Credit Union offers a free Visa debit card and unlimited check writing with its checking account. While the account incurs a $5 monthly fee, you can waive it by signing up for direct deposit.
Similar to the best digital banks, this credit union also prioritizes digital banking services, providing free online banking to its members. Firelands Federal Credit Union has branches in Bellevue, Bucyrus, Galion, Monroeville, and Norwalk.
6. First Financial Bank
First Financial Bank is a regional bank serving Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. With a comprehensive range of financial services, including checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and investments, First Financial Bank caters to diverse customer needs.
Regarding checking accounts, First Financial Bank offers six options, two of which earn interest. They also provide a specialized student checking account.
While some checking accounts have monthly fees ranging from $40 to $45, customers can avoid these fees by meeting specific criteria outlined by the bank. In terms of savings accounts, First Financial Bank offers five different options, including money market accounts.
The DREAMmaker Savings account serves as a basic savings account with no monthly fees. This account allows customers to make one free withdrawal per month.
7. First Federal Bank of the Midwest
Ohio’s own First Federal Bank of the Midwest is headquartered in Defiance. The Simple Checking account requires a $50 minimum opening deposit.
However, you don’t have to pay a monthly fee or maintain a minimum balance. If you’re looking for a simple way to bank in Ohio, look no further than First Federal Bank of the Midwest.
8. First Federal Savings and Loan Association
This Ohio-based bank opened in 1934. There are six physical First Federal Savings and Loan Association locations in the following northwest Ohio cities:
- Toledo
- Whitehouse
- Waterville
- Swanson
- Delta
- Holland
The NOW Checking account from First Federal Savings and Loan Association is one of the more popular accounts. This account is interest-bearing and provides unlimited check-writing capabilities.
If you are a senior citizen, you can waive the monthly fees for your checking account of choice. The same goes for students.
9. Huntington Bank
Huntington Bank, headquartered in Columbus, is a reputable full-service bank that operates across seven states, including:
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Huntington Bank offers comprehensive financial services, including commercial, small business, consumer, mortgage, wealth management, and military banking. It also operates over 400 branches in Ohio alone.
One of the standout features of Huntington Bank is its Asterisk-Free Checking account. This account has gained recognition as one of the best checking accounts available.
The Asterisk-Free Checking account stands out for its customer-friendly features, including no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no minimum deposit. These features make it an attractive option for individuals seeking a hassle-free banking experience.
Additionally, Huntington Bank offers the Premier Savings Account. There are no fees for this account for customers who have a checking account with the bank.
Huntington Bank offers a 24-hour grace period for overdraft fees to provide extra peace of mind. This option can make rectifying overdrafts easier before you incur costly fees.
10. Park National Bank
Park National Bank is a community bank serving the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Ohio. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, lines of credit, credit cards, investment options, and financial planning services.
You can find 96 branch locations in Ohio. Regarding checking accounts, Park National Bank provides four different options to cater to various needs.
The Simplicity Account offers a no-frills banking experience, and customers can avoid the monthly fee by opting into eStatements. Additionally, customers enjoy the convenience of free introductory checks and overdraft protection for added peace of mind.
For savings needs, Park National Bank offers a traditional savings account along with several special savings options. While the exact monthly fees are not disclosed, customers must maintain a minimum balance of $250.
The bank offers respectable interest rates on their savings accounts, allowing customers to grow their funds over time. In addition to these services, Park National Bank also provides personal loans.
11. Republic Bank
Republic Bank offers a second-chance checking account called the Checking Builder Account. You must have at least $50 to open this account.
This account has a $12.95 monthly fee. However, you can reduce that by signing up for a direct deposit or conducting at least 20 monthly transactions.
One of the key advantages of the Checking Builder Account is that there is no minimum balance requirement. In addition, the account comes with free online banking, bill pay, and unlimited check-writing capabilities.
Republic Bank also offers free ATM transactions through various networks, including Allpoint, MoneyPass, Presto, Sum, and their own ATMs. This extensive network ensures account holders can access fee-free ATM withdrawals at numerous locations.
12. Superior Federal Credit Union
Superior Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking account designed to give account holders a second chance at responsible checking. You’ll receive a free debit card for transactions, but you don’t have any check-writing capabilities or the option to deposit money at an ATM.
The Fresh Start Checking account incurs a $5 monthly fee. However, it does not require a minimum balance.
Superior Federal Credit Union offers free online and mobile banking services for added convenience. You can also make free withdrawals through MoneyPass and Alliance One ATMs.
After maintaining a positive account status for a year, account holders can switch to the standard Superior checking account, which includes check-writing capabilities. Superior Federal Credit Union has branch locations in Kenton, Lima, Fostoria, Coldwater, and St. Mary’s, ensuring accessibility for members in these areas.
You can also take advantage of credit union promotions if you meet the eligibility requirements. These promotions can boost your savings or even lower the cost of obtaining an account.
13. The Savings Bank
The Savings Bank, a community bank established in 1912, offers diverse financial products and services. With six branches, it provides convenient access to its services and is committed to serving the local community.
The bank offers various checking and savings account options. A free checking account is available to active duty service members or those who have served in the military.
For customers who prefer additional benefits, the Smart Essentials Checking account is available with a minimal $2 monthly fee. The Savings Bank also prioritizes modern banking conveniences, providing mobile and online banking platforms for easy account management.
In addition to checking and savings accounts, The Savings Bank offers a variety of other financial products. The bank provides competitive interest rates on their savings accounts, but customers are encouraged to contact the bank directly for the most up-to-date information.
They also offer Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help customers plan for future financial needs. You can choose from various loan options, from personal to business.
14. Vacationland Federal Credit Union
Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers convenient banking services to individuals residing in Erie County, Ohio. Their Regular Checking account provides members with unlimited check-writing capabilities and a free debit card for seamless transactions.
In addition, free online banking and bill pay services are available. Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers overdraft protection options on its accounts for added peace of mind.
You are required to open a share savings account with a minimum $25 deposit to become a member. This membership requirement ensures that members have a stake in the credit union and can take advantage of its various services and benefits.
Vacationland Federal Credit Union has branch locations in Huron, Sandusky, Vermillion, and Norwalk. It’s just one of many of the best credit unions in Ohio.
15. Dollar Bank
This Ohio bank has been in business for over a century. It also stands as one of the largest independent mutual banks in the United States.
You can open an Everything Checking account with Dollar Bank to manage your finances with all the typical checking account trimmings. This account also earns you a higher rate for any Dollar Bank CDs you open.
16. First National Bank
First National Bank, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has expanded its reach to seven other states, including Ohio. Established in 1864, the bank offers a network of nearly 90 branches for customers who prefer in-person banking experiences.
Customers at First National Bank have access to a diverse range of financial products and services.
From various checking account options, savings accounts, IRAs, CDs, HSAs, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, lines of credit, investment services, to insurance coverage including home, life, and auto insurance, the bank provides comprehensive solutions to meet customers’ needs.
One standout offering from First National Bank is Freestyle Checking, designed specifically to cater to individuals’ everyday banking needs. This account grants customers the convenience of unlimited check writing and a debit card.
Additionally, there are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements, making Freestyle Checking a reliable and straightforward option for effectively managing day-to-day finances.
17. Civista Bank
Civista Bank opened in 1884 and is one of the best-known community banks in Ohio. Its Choice Checking account has a $7 monthly fee and a free checkbook each year.
You don’t need a minimum opening deposit to open a Civista Bank Choice Checking account. There are no minimum balance requirements either.
FAQs
Huntington Bank and The Savings Bank offer free checking accounts. You can also obtain free checking accounts from other banks in Ohio, though you may have to meet specific requirements to waive the monthly fees.
KeyBank is the largest bank in Ohio. Other large banks include U.S. Bank, Huntington Bank, PNC Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.
When you open a bank account in Ohio, you’ll need identification, your Social Security number, proof of your mailing address, and an initial deposit. Some of the best banks in Ohio offer checking accounts that you can open without an initial deposit.
Bullseye Banking in the Buckeye State
Ohio might not be known for its many banks and credit unions, but these two financial institutions are just as crucial to Ohio residents as to residents of any other state. Indeed, they are part of the economy that makes this state thrive.
We hope our list of the best banks in Ohio inspired you to take a closer look at your own bank account(s). If you aren’t satisfied with what you’ve got and want to make a change, you’ve got a list of banks ready to pursue.
Sometimes staying with your bank is the better option, and that’s okay. Now you can rest easy knowing that the bank you’re with is the right one for you.
Will you open an account with one of the best banks in Ohio?