Best Banks in Pennsylvania
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Ready to find the perfect bank for you in Pennsylvania? Keep reading this guide to discover the best one that suits your needs.
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- Chase Total Checking®:
$300 Bonus - Bank of America Advantage Banking:
$200 Bonus Offer - Citibank:
Checking with Enhanced Direct Deposit - $300 Cash Bonus - TD Beyond Checking:
$300 Cash Bonus - PNC Bank:
Virtual Wallet with Performance Select Checking - $400 Bonus - KeyBank:
Key Smart Checking® - $300 Bonus - Citizens Bank:
Personal Checking and Savings Account - $400 Bonus - Huntington:
Personal Checking Account - $600 Bonus - Truist Bank:
Personal Checking Account - $400 Bonus - M&T Bank:
Personal Checking Account - $200 Bonus
Did you know that the first-ever bank in the United States was established in Pennsylvania?[1]
It's no surprise that hundreds of banks are operating in the state today. While Pennsylvanian residents have plenty of banks to choose from, picking the right one can be tough.
So, keep reading to find out about some of the best banks in PA.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 9/30/2024.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
KeyBank: Key Smart Checking® - $300 Bonus
- Open a Key Smart Checking® account online by December 13, 2024.
- Make the minimum opening deposit of $10, plus one eligible direct deposit of at least $1,000 within the first 60 days of account opening.
- Your $300 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Account must not be closed at the time of gift payment.
Best Banks in Pennsylvania
With so many banks and credit unions to choose from in Pennsylvania, deciding where to open an account can be challenging.
Here are some of the top options available to you in the state:
PNC Bank: Largest Branch Network
When it comes to physical presence in Pennsylvania, PNC Bank is your best bet. It is headquartered in the state with over 260 branches. [2]
PNC Bank offers a variety of financial services for all including individuals, small businesses, and corporations. This includes checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and more.
But even if you can't visit a local branch any time soon, it's no problem. PNC Bank also provides online banking and financial tools to assist you in managing your finances from anywhere.
PNC Bank: Virtual Wallet with Performance Select Checking - $400 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select checking account and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus will be awarded within 60-90 days of meeting the requirements.
PNC Bank: Virtual Wallet Checking Pro - $200 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet Checking Pro online. Set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 60 days of account opening.
PNC Bank: Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend Checking - $200 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend checking account and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus will be awarded within 60-90 days of meeting the requirements.
Who Is It Best For
PNC Bank is a solid choice if you want to manage your finances in one place. Their PNC Virtual Wallet merges online checking and savings accounts, making it easy to earn interest while keeping track of your money on a single platform.
Pros + Cons
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Citizens Bank: Best All-Rounder Bank
Citizens Bank is one of the largest banks in the US with a vast presence on the East Coast. They have over 230 branches just in Pennsylvania and 3,200+ ATMs across 14 states.[3]
Citizens Bank provides an array of banking services for individuals and businesses such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans. Their easy-to-use online and mobile banking platforms let customers manage their accounts and access funds anytime.
Citizens Bank: Personal Checking and Savings Account - $400 Bonus
Earn $300 when you open a new qualifying checking account and have at least one single direct deposit of $500 or more post to your new checking account within 60 days of account opening. Open a new qualifying savings account and deposit $100 or more every month for 3 consecutive months. Accounts must be opened at the same time via the offer page to qualify for the bonus.
Citizens Bank: Personal Checking Account - $300 Bonus
Earn $300 when you open a new qualifying checking account and have at least one single direct deposit of $500 or more post to your new checking account within 60 days of account opening.
Citizens Bank: 8-Month CD - 5.00% APY
Who Is It Best For
Citizens Bank is best for those who want access to several savings options with good features. They have various savings accounts with decent interest rates. Plus some offer no monthly fees and can include overdraft protection.
Pros + Cons
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Dollar Bank: Best Long-Term Savings
Dollar Bank is a community bank in Pittsburgh serving parts of Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.[4] If you live in Pennsylvania, it's a great choice with over 40 branches in the state and access to a network of more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide.
Additionally, Dollar Bank offers an extensive range of financial products tailored for both individuals and businesses, such as checking and savings accounts, various loan products, insurance, and treasury management services.
Dollar Bank: 7-Month CD - 5.00% APY
Dollar Bank: Free Checking
- No monthly service charge
- No minimum balance requirement
- Online Banking and Dollar Bank Mobile App
Dollar Bank: Traditional Term CD
Term | APY |
---|---|
3-Month | 0.10% |
6-Month | 1.00% |
7-Month | Up to 5.00% |
9-Month | 1.00% |
12-Month | 2.25% |
13-Month | Up to 4.65% |
18-Month | 2.50% |
24-Month | 2.50% |
25-Month | Up to 4.25% |
30-Month | 2.50% |
36-Month | 2.50% |
48-Month | 2.50% |
49-Month | 0.25% |
60-Month | 3.00% |
72-Month | 3.00% |
120-Month | 3.00% |
Who Is It Best For
Dollar Bank is an excellent option for people committed to long-term saving. They provide a range of CD options with varying rates and balance requirements, so you're guaranteed to find one that fits your financial situation.
Pros + Cons
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Wells Fargo: Best Second-Chance Banking
Wells Fargo is a prominent bank in the US, with more than 100 branches in Pennsylvania alone. They also offer free access to approximately 11,000 ATMs across the country, ensuring your funds are easily accessible wherever you go.
As a full-service bank, they offer virtually most personal and business banking services you might need, including:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Debit and credit cards
- Different types of loans
- Student and retirement accounts
- Wealth management services
Wells Fargo: Personal Checking Account - $2,500 Bonus
Open a new Premier Checking account or upgrade your existing checking account to a Premier Checking account. Use promo code at account opening. Offer code can be obtained by providing your email address. Deposit $250,000 or more to qualifying linked accounts within 45 days of account opening or upgrade. Maintain a balance of $250,000 or more in the qualifying linked accounts for at least 90 days after account opening or upgrade. Link your accounts with a banker or online.
Wells Fargo: Savings Account - $525 Bonus
Open a new eligible consumer savings account. Provide the bonus code at account opening. Bonus code can be obtained by providing your email address. Deposit $25,000 or more in new money to the savings account within 30 days of account opening. Maintain at least $25,000 in the account until 90 days after account opening.
Wells Fargo: Personal Checking Account - $325 Bonus
Open a new qualifying consumer checking account. Receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the new checking account within 90 calendar days from account opening (qualification period). Bonus will be deposited to the account within 30 days after the qualification period. This offer is for new checking account customers only.
Who Is It Best For
Wells Fargo is a great choice for folks who could use some extra support in managing their finances, like teens or those with a negative banking history.
They offer the Clear Access Banking account, specifically designed as a second-chance option. It comes with a $5 monthly service fee and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25.[5]
Pros + Cons
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First National Bank: Best Free Checking Account
First National Bank offers a wide range of banking and wealth management services. They serve communities in Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
It's a top pick because, not only is it headquartered in the state, but it also has over 180 branches across Pennsylvania alone.[6]
Who Is It Best For
First National Bank's Freestyle Checking is great for a hassle-free, no-cost account. Its Freestyle Checking account has no minimum balance, no monthly fees, unlimited check-writing, and free access to more than 1,600 FNB ATMs.[7]
Pros + Cons
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Ally Bank: Best Online Bank
Ally Bank is an online-only bank. But, they have a wide range of products, including checking, savings, credit cards, and loans. They're popular for offering competitive rates, making them a good choice to grow your savings.
They don't have any physical branches in Pennsylvania or anywhere else in the US. However, customers have access to 43,000+ no-fee Allpoint ATMs and a robust online banking platform.
Ally Bank: Online Savings Account - 4.20% APY
$0 minimum opening deposit. No minimum balance requirement. No fees to open or maintain account.
Ally Bank: Money Market - 4.20% APY
- 4.20% APY
- Unlimited deposits and ATM withdrawals, and up to 10 additional transactions
- $10/month rebate for ATMs outside of Ally Network
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- $0 monthly fee
- FDIC insured
- Daily compounding interest
Ally Bank: Interest Checking
- 0.10% APY for daily balances less than $15,000
- 0.25% APY for daily balance over $15,000
- $10/month rebate for ATMs outside of Ally Network
- $0 minimum opening deposit
- No fees to open or maintain account
- FDIC insured
- Daily compounding interest
Who Is It Best For
Ally Bank is an excellent choice for those who are interested in digital banking. Their online and mobile banking platform is top-notch, with user-friendly features and effective money management tools.
Moreover, they provide 24/7 customer service, ensuring you can reach them anytime and from anywhere.
Pros + Cons
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How to Choose the Best Bank
Before settling on a bank in Pennsylvania, it's important to consider these factors:
Accessibility
Online banking is quite common now. But having nearby branches is still important for convenience. A bank with local branches means easier access to your money and getting in-person assistance.
Online Banking
An easy-to-use online banking system is crucial because a lot of transactions can now be done online. If you're short on time and can't visit an ATM or branch, a good online/mobile banking platform means you can manage your money with just a few taps.
Products and Services Offered
Choose a bank that offers various financial services so you can build a long-term relationship. For example, you can start with a checking account and later add a savings account. Having these options makes banking more convenient.
Monthly Fees
Certain banks might hit you with monthly fees, especially if you don't meet conditions like a minimum balance. These fees can chip away at your money, so it's wise to look for a bank with no fees or where you can easily meet the requirements.
Is a Local Bank Better Than a Big Bank?
Local banks can be a better choice for some people. Many offer lower fees and personalized services. Meanwhile, big banks have more accessibility and a wider range of financial products. Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs and preferences.
For example, if you need a local bank with physical branches, PNC Bank is your best bet. However, if your priority is to grow your funds, a bank out of state or even an online bank may offer better savings and investment options.
When it comes to presence and locations, PNC Bank is one of the most popular banks in Pennsylvania with over 260 branches in the state.
Bottom Line
Pennsylvanians have a wealth of options for personal and business banking services. From the big names to smaller local institutions, there's a diverse range to explore.
In the end, it's all about what works best for you and your money. Just remember to consider factors like branch accessibility, online banking, fees, and more before you decide!
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking Checking Account - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new eligible business checking customers only.
- Offer expires 12/31/2024.
- To qualify, deposit $5,000 or more in New Money* directly into a new eligible Bank of America Business Advantage Banking account within thirty (30) days of account opening.
- Maintain an average balance of $5,000 in that new Business Advantage Banking account during the Maintenance Period**.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *New Money is new funds deposited into your business checking account that are not transfers from other Bank of America deposit accounts or
Merrill investment accounts.
- ** The Maintenance Period begins thirty-one (31) calendar days after account opening and ends ninety (90) calendar days after account opening.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC
Citibank: Checking with Enhanced Direct Deposit - $300 Cash Bonus
Earn a $300 cash bonus when you open a new eligible checking account with Enhanced Direct Deposit and complete required activities. Deposit at least two Enhanced Direct Deposits directly into your new checking account within 90 calendar days from account opening. Your total combined Enhanced Direct Deposit must equal $1,500 or more. Your cash bonus will be deposited to your open, eligible checking account within 30 calendar days after required activities have been completed.
TD Beyond Checking - $300 Cash Bonus
Earn $300 when you have $2,500 in qualifying direct deposits within 60 days.
PNC Bank: Virtual Wallet with Performance Select Checking - $400 Bonus
Open a new Virtual Wallet with Performance Select checking account and make qualifying direct deposits totaling $5,000 or more within 60 days of account opening. Bonus will be awarded within 60-90 days of meeting the requirements.
Citizens Bank: Personal Checking and Savings Account - $400 Bonus
Earn $300 when you open a new qualifying checking account and have at least one single direct deposit of $500 or more post to your new checking account within 60 days of account opening. Open a new qualifying savings account and deposit $100 or more every month for 3 consecutive months. Accounts must be opened at the same time via the offer page to qualify for the bonus.
Huntington: Business Checking Account - $1,000 Bonus
Open a new Huntington Unlimited Plus Business Checking, Business Analyzed Checking, or Non-Profit Analyzed Checking account using offer code. Make a minimum cumulative new money deposit into the new checking account of at least $20,000 within 30 days of account opening. Account must maintain an open status for at least 90 days to be eligible.
This offer is only available to applicants residing in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. This offer is only available to new business checking customers. All current Huntington business checking customers, including those with business checking accounts closed within the last six months, are not eligible. $1,000 bonus will be deposited to your new checking account within 14 days after completing requirements.
Truist Bank: Personal Checking Account - $400 Bonus
Open a new Truist One Checking account online. Use promo code TRUIST400DC24 at account opening. Set up and receive at least one qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more within 90 days of account opening. Make at least 15 qualifying debit card purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Chase Total Checking® + Chase Savings℠ - $900 Bonus
- Earn $300 when you open a new Chase Total Checking® account and set up and receive a direct deposit within 90 days of coupon enrollment
- Earn $200 when you open a new Chase Savings℠ account, deposit $15,000 or more in new money within 30 days of coupon enrollment, and maintain $15,000 or more for 90 days of coupon enrollment.
- Earn an additional $400 when you open a new Chase Total Checking® and new Chase Savings℠ at the same time and complete qualifying activities for both accounts.
The information for Chase Total Checking® and Chase Savings℠ have been collected independently by CreditDonkey. The details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the bank.
M&T Bank: Personal Checking Account - $200 Bonus
Open a new M&T MyChoice Premium Checking account. Make a total of at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening.
Fidelity Bank (PA): Personal Checking and Savings Account - $550
Open a new qualifying checking account. Set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,500 per month for 3 consecutive months. Make 60 point-of-sale debit card transactions for 3 consecutive months. Sign up for online banking with EZ statements.
Open a new savings account at the same time as the checking account. Deposit $10,000 in new money at account opening. Maintain a balance of $10,000 or more in the savings account for 3 consecutive months.
WesBanco: Business Checking Account - $500 Bonus
Open a new qualifying business checking account. Use promo code WSBCBiz500 at account opening. Maintain an average daily balance of at least $15,000 in the first 60 days after account opening.
Clearview Federal Credit Union: Personal Checking and Savings Account - Up to $500 Bonus
$200/$300: Open a Basic, Simple, Fresh Start, Fresh Start Pro, or Absolute Checking account, and make a recurring electronic deposit of $500 or more within the first 60 days of account opening and sign up for eStatements.
$100: Open a savings account, money market account, or a certificate with a 12 month or greater term within 7 business days of checking account opening. Deposit a total of $15,000 or more in new money and maintain a $15,000 average daily balance for 90 days.
$100: Get an automatic additional $100 bonus on the anniversary date of your checking account opening, as long as you maintain a recurring electronic deposit of at least $500 or more.
Fulton Bank: Personal Checking Account - $200 Bonus
Open a new Team Advantage Banking Checking account. Within 60 days of account opening, complete at least 15 debit card purchases, or set up recurring direct deposit in totaling $250 or more. This offer is available to employees of companies participating in the Workplace Banking Program.
Fidelity Bank: Personal Checking Account - $200 Bonus
Open a new personal checking account. Set up and receive recurring electronic direct deposit credits of $2,500 per month for a minimum of three consecutive months. Complete 15 point-of-sale debit card transactions. Bonus requirements must be completed within 120 days of account opening. Enroll in online banking and EZ statements.
Unify Financial Credit Union: Personal Checking Account - Up to $150 Bonus
Earn $50 when you open a new qualifying checking account with a Visa debit card. Earn $50 when you establish a qualifying monthly direct deposit of at least $500 within 60 days of account opening. Get an additional bonus up to $50 by earning $1 bonus for each debit card transaction that exceeds $5 made with your Visa debit card within the first 60 days of account opening.
BHCU: Personal Checking Account - Up to $150 Bonus
Open a new iSAVE Free Checking account. BHCU will match up to $50 of member's first ACH that posts to the checking account within 30 days of opening. HCU will refund up to $50 of member's first payments using bill pay from the checking account within 30 days of opening. BHCU will refund up to $50 of all debit card purchases (excludes ATM withdrawals) that post to the checking account within 30 days of opening.
References
- ^ FDIC. U.S. Banking and Deposit Insurance History, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ PNC Bank. PNC Locator, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ Citizens Bank. Locations, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ Dollar Bank. About Dollar Bank, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ Wells Fargo. Clear Access Banking, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ First National Bank. Locations in Pennsylvania, Retrieved 05/01/2024
- ^ First National Bank. Freestyle Checking, Retrieved 05/01/2024
Write to Darlene Santos at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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