12 Best Banks in New York

We encounter artificial intelligence (AI) more often in our daily lives than you might think. From content writing programs to banking applications, AI is part of the engine that moves the world. 

Did you know that AI’s worth in banking is expected to reach $78 billion by the year 2030? Who knows what else the future might bring regarding banking with AI? 

Until then, there are several banks you can work with to achieve your financial goals. The best banks in New York know that banking is more important than ever in a city that doesn’t sleep. 

Our list of the best banks in New York includes several you’re probably familiar with and likely a few new faces. You can use these banks to manage your finances and obtain support through credit cards, loans, and retirement accounts. 

Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in New York? Let’s get started! 

Best Banks in New York 

Based on our research, these are the best banks in New York.

Best Checking Accounts in New York

When searching for the best checking account in New York, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. That means keeping an eye out for low fees, great customer support, and easy access to free ATMs nearby.

And if you happen to find an account that also earns you some interest on your money, well, that’s even better! So, keep these factors in mind as you explore your options and find the checking account that suits you best in New York.

Here are the details on our picks for the best checking accounts this month.

Best Savings Accounts in New York

The best savings accounts in New York have high annual percentage yields (APYs), allowing your money to grow more over time. Look for accounts with competitive APYs to make the most of your savings.

Here are the details on our favorite savings accounts this month.

Best Bank Promotions in New York

Bank account bonuses and promotions often offer attractive cash bonuses when you establish a new checking or savings account. If you’re looking for the best bank bonuses in New York, it’s important to note that these bonuses are typically awarded as one-time perks.

To be eligible for such rewards, you will typically need to arrange for direct deposit with the bank and maintain the account for a minimum duration, often a few months.

Here are the details on the best bank account bonuses this month.

The best banks in the Big Apple offer several perks, from convenient ATM and physical branch locations to online and mobile banking. Check out the banks below to see which offer the best bank account bonuses with direct deposit required and perks you need to bank better in the 21st century.

1. KeyBank (Our Pick)

Key Smart Checking® from KeyBank is one of the best checking account options available to New York 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 single 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 build up savings or pay down debt without even thinking about it.

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®.

You can find more information about fees and availability on KeyBank’s official website.

2. Chase 

With its robust online and mobile banking platforms, Chase provides convenient banking solutions to its customers. With over 100 branch locations, it holds the largest number of branches in New York City. 

In addition, Chase has a vast network of ATMs across New York. 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.

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 and a multitude of sign-up bonuses.

Below is a table highlighting the current sign-up bonus opportunities (up to $3,000 in bonuses) from Chase for New York residents:

3. Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union 

Individuals who live, work, attend school, worship, or volunteer in specific districts of Brooklyn and Queens can become Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union members. The credit union welcomes residents of various Brooklyn localities, including:

• Bedford-Stuyvesant
• Bushwick
• East New York
• Prospect Heights
• Crown Heights
• Weeksville
• Wingate
• Prospect Lefferts Gardens
• Ocean Hill
• Brownsville

Residents of Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, and Ridgewood in Queens are also eligible for membership. There are two Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union branches in Brooklyn. 

If you want to become a member, you must open a shared savings account with a $25 minimum deposit. Out of this amount, $5 is a one-time membership fee, while the remaining $20 goes directly into the member’s savings account. 

Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union doesn’t charge a $6 monthly fee unless your account balance falls below $1200. Membership includes benefits like free online bill pay, unlimited debit transactions, and four free ATM withdrawals per month.

4. Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union 

Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union often provides credit union promotions, offering special deals and benefits to its members as part of its commitment to customer satisfaction. Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union conveniently operates branches in Dansville, Geneseo, and Warsaw.

Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union offers a unique Fresh Start Checking account that caters to individuals with previous financial challenges. With this account, customers can upgrade to a standard account after six months if they maintain good standing by avoiding overdrafts and insufficient funds. 

While the Fresh Start Checking account does not have a monthly minimum balance requirement, it does incur a low monthly fee. Customers are required to make an initial deposit of $5 into a savings account to obtain membership.

5. HSBC Bank 

HSBC Bank is a top choice for customers seeking exceptional customer service. With convenient features like mobile and web chat, HSBC ensures easy accessibility for its customers and is FDIC-insured. 

Customers can even reach out to the bank’s official Twitter account for quick responses to their queries. The bank’s mobile app also receives high ratings.

HSBC Bank offers various account options, including savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, loans, and investment accounts. This bank provides easy methods to waive monthly fees.

For customers looking to maintain a large balance, HSBC’s Premier Account offers the opportunity to earn interest on their funds. Additionally, the bank provides rebates for out-of-network ATMs.

6. Navy Federal Credit Union 

Founded in 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is based in Virginia but offers several branches in New York. NFCU provides many financial services and products to all branches of the armed forces and their families. 

You can choose from deposit accounts, personal loans, IRAs, credit cards, and investment accounts with NFCU. Here are four of the most common checking accounts you can open: 

• Free Active Duty Checking: This account reimburses up to $240 in ATM rebates annually. Free Active Duty Checking is an interest-bearing account that lets you access your paycheck a day early with no minimum balance requirements. 
• Free Campus Checking: For members 14 to 24, NFCU offers Free Campus Checking. Like the Free Easy Checking account, you get $120 per year in ATM rebates, and minimum deposits are not required.  
• Free Everyday Checking: This basic account has a lower APY than other NFCU accounts and doesn’t come with ATM fee reimbursements. 
• Flagship Checking: As the highest-earning checking account, Flagship Checking requires you to keep $1,500 and enroll in direct deposit to earn up to $120 in ATM rebates. You can avoid the monthly fee with a $1,500 balance, too. 

Navy Federal Credit Union also offers credit cards, CDs, and money market accounts. If you’re a member of the armed forces or a close family member, check out NFCU.  

7. People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union 

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union offers membership to individuals who meet specific requirements, with many members residing within designated geographical boundaries. Additionally, those employed by an organization affiliated with the People’s Alliance network are eligible to join. 

The credit union operates branches in various locations, including:

• Jamaica
• Brooklyn
• Westbury
• Ronkonkoma
• Yonkers
• Hauppauge
• JFK Airport

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union provides various checking account options for different needs. These options include PAFCU Standard Checking, Golden Checking, Business Checking, and Checking Plus. 

With no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees, these accounts offer flexibility and affordability. Customers also enjoy free starter checks, direct deposit, and overdraft protection.

8. Santander Bank 

With a network of 108 branches in New York City, Santander Bank ensures accessibility for its customers. In addition to physical branches, the bank provides online and mobile banking services.

Santander Bank offers a range of financial products to cater to various customer needs. Students between 16 and 25 can benefit from a free checking account tailored specifically for them. 

This account includes additional perks, such as free eStatements, providing a convenient and eco-friendly banking experience. However, paper statements incur a fee of $3.

Santander Bank offers personal checking and savings accounts, including specialized options like Student Value Checking and Santander Youth Savings. This bank also provides credit cards and personal loans.

9. Sidney Federal Credit Union 

Sidney Federal Credit Union extends membership eligibility to individuals residing, working, worshiping, or attending school in Oneonta, Sidney, or the surrounding areas. With nine branches in Sidney, Bainbridge, Delhi, Greene, Hancock, Norwich, Oneonta, and Walton, the credit union ensures convenient accessibility for its members. 

Members can utilize numerous shared service centers for added convenience, including 24/7 access to ATMs. Sidney Federal Credit Union prioritizes providing modern banking services to its members with free online and mobile banking. 

Each account also comes with free overdraft protection, providing peace of mind to members. Accounts have no minimum balance requirements and often come with free checks when you sign up for direct deposit. 

10. Van Cortlandt Cooperative Federal Credit Union 

Van Cortlandt Cooperative Federal Credit Union is a credit union in the Bronx, New York. To become a member, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as living in the following areas: 

• Amalgamated
• Park Reservoir
• Mutual
• Orloff Towers
• Cannon Heights Cooperative 

You can qualify if employed or attend school at Amalgamated Housing Corp, Amalgamated Nursery School, or Ampark Neighborhood School. Having an immediate family member who is already a member can also make you eligible to join.

Van Cortlandt Cooperative Federal Credit Union offers various financial services, including checking and savings accounts. The Free Share Draft Checking account provides a convenient option for members, with no minimum balance requirements or fees for writing checks. 

This New York-based credit union provides free online banking and bill pay services. The NCUA protects your funds with Van Cortlandt Cooperative Federal Credit Union.

11. Webster Bank 

Webster Bank offers a second-chance checking account known as Opportunity Checking. With an initial deposit requirement of $50, this account provides an opportunity for individuals with previous financial challenges. 

While the account carries a monthly fee of $16.95, signing up for direct deposit can lower the fee to $11.95. Webster Bank also prioritizes convenience and accessibility for its customers. 

This bank offers free mobile and online banking services. Additional features include bill pay, balance alerts, and a free debit card.

You can find Webster Bank locations in: 

• Yonkers
• New Rochelle
• Larchmont
• White Plains
• Scarsdale
• Rye
• Greenwich 

Webster Bank also has multiple locations in Connecticut. Known for its commitment to technological innovation, Webster Bank provides one of the best banking apps in the industry.

12. Apple Bank for Savings 

Apple Bank for Savings offers various financial services, including free checking accounts. The Extra Value Checking Account is an attractive choice, as it has no minimum balance requirements, opening balance requirements, or monthly fees.

In addition to their checking accounts, Apple Bank for Savings provides savings accounts, youth savings accounts, CDs, and loans. You can also earn a bonus by setting up direct deposit.

Apple Bank for Savings hosts around 80 branches in New York. However, it’s important to note that their mobile and online banking services may not be as robust as those offered by larger banks.

Overall, Apple Bank for Savings prides itself on offering some of the best checking accounts on the market, mainly through the Extra Value Checking Account. With no minimum balance requirements, no opening balance requirements, and no monthly fees, it’s a no-brainer. 

FAQs

Financing Your Future in the Empire State 

Finding the best banks in New York can feel like visiting Times Square for the first time. You might feel lost, confused, and unsure of where to go. 

We hope this article helps you find some of the best banks in New York, whether you’re looking for checking and savings accounts or credit cards, CDs, and individual retirement accounts. With these banks, you can forge ahead confidently. 

The best banks offer several financial services to help you throughout life. These include personal loans, business banking, and wealth management services. 

Now that you know more about the best banks in New York, it’s up to you to choose one that fits your needs. Which of the best banks in the Empire State can boost you to the next level?