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Ohio is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the birthplace of aviation, and some of the most iconic college football rivalries in the country. But beyond the headlines, it’s also a great place to build a life—with solid job markets, affordable living, and strong local communities.
Whether you’re managing everyday expenses or planning for long-term goals, choosing the right bank can help you make the most of your money. Ohio has a wide range of options, from national banks with high-tech tools to community banks that focus on personal service.
10 Best Banks in Ohio
To help you narrow it down, we’ve reviewed the best banks in Ohio based on account features, fees, accessibility, and overall value. Whether you prefer online banking or in-person service, there’s a fit for every type of account holder.
Current is a modern, mobile-first bank that’s ideal for Ohioans looking to avoid fees and stay in control of their finances.
With no monthly charges, up to $200 in fee-free overdraft coverage, and early access to direct deposits, it’s a flexible choice for anyone who banks on the go.
The bank’s Savings Pods let you earn up to 4.00% APY on up to $6,000 in savings—perfect for setting aside money for short-term goals or emergencies.
Current also helps users build credit with a debit card, allowing you to improve your credit score without needing a traditional credit line.
Current rounds out its offering with 40,000+ fee-free ATMs, cashback rewards, and virtual card protection—making it a smart digital choice for Ohio residents.
PNC Bank has one of the largest footprints in Ohio, with more than 200 branches across the state.
You’ll find locations in major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, and Toledo, along with dozens of smaller towns and suburbs.
PNC’s standard checking account comes with a $7 monthly fee, but it’s easy to waive by setting up just $500 in direct deposits each month. Customers also get access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, making it a convenient choice for both in-state and out-of-state use.
The bank’s Virtual Wallet® account is a standout option that combines checking and savings with built-in tools to help track spending and set financial goals. PNC’s mobile app is also well-reviewed and supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, and real-time alerts.
In addition to personal banking, PNC offers loans, investment services, and business banking.
SoFi is a top pick for Ohioans who prefer online banking with strong perks.
Its Checking & Savings account earns up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking—without any monthly fees.
New customers can also earn a bonus between $50 and $300, depending on the amount of their initial direct deposit.
Additional features include early direct deposit, which gives you access to your paycheck up to two days early, and up to $50 in overdraft protection if you have qualifying deposits.
Your money is FDIC insured up to $2 million, and you’ll have access to over 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs nationwide for easy, fee-free withdrawals.
Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, is a major regional player with a strong presence throughout Ohio.
With branches in cities like Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, it offers widespread access for those who prefer in-person banking.
Its Momentum Checking account is a standout option, with no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum deposit to open, and no ongoing balance requirements.
Customers also benefit from Fifth Third’s Extra Time feature, which gives you until midnight the next business day to resolve overdrafts before a fee is charged.
Beyond checking, Fifth Third offers early direct deposit and competitive rates on CDs. While savings account yields are lower, the bank’s extensive ATM network—over 40,000 fee-free partner ATMs nationwide—adds convenience and flexibility.
Huntington National Bank, headquartered in Columbus, stands out as one of the top banks in Ohio, with more than 400 branches statewide.
You’ll find locations in major cities like Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo—making it easily accessible across the state.
The bank’s checking account is fee-free and includes a 24-hour grace period for overdrafts, plus coverage for up to $50 in overdrawn transactions without a fee.
Customers can also benefit from early direct deposit and the Standby Cash program, which offers a small line of credit based on your account history.
While standard savings rates are modest, Huntington offers strong returns on CDs and money market accounts.
Its large footprint, helpful features, and competitive rates make it one of the most well-rounded banking options in Ohio.
Wright Patt Credit Union is one of Ohio’s largest credit unions, serving members across 20 counties.
It operates branches in cities like Beavercreek, Centerville, Columbus, Dayton, and Springfield, making it accessible throughout Central and Southwest Ohio.
Its checking account comes with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no opening deposit requirement.
Members also earn strong interest on the first $1,000 in savings, with competitive rates available on CDs and money market accounts.
WPCU provides fee-free ATM access through its own machines and the nationwide CO-OP network.
It also supports local nonprofits through the Sunshine Community Fund and offers affordable personal loans, making it a well-rounded option for Ohio residents.
Chase Bank is a well-known national bank with a major presence across Ohio, including branches in cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.
It’s a convenient option for anyone looking for broad access and a wide range of financial services.
The Chase Total Checking® account is one of its most popular options. While it carries a $12 monthly fee, that can be waived with at least $500 in direct deposits, a $1,500 daily balance, or $5,000 combined across Chase accounts.
Chase also offers a Student Checking account for customers ages 18 to 24, with no monthly fee for up to five years. You’ll have fee-free access to over 16,000 Chase ATMs nationwide.
Interest rates on savings accounts are modest, but CD rates are more competitive. Chase also stands out for its credit card lineup, offering strong rewards and bonus offers for everyday spending.
Woodforest National Bank operates in several states, including Ohio, with branches in cities such as Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a community-centered bank with flexible options.
The basic checking account has a $6.95 monthly fee, but that’s waived with direct deposit or a $100 minimum balance. You only need $25 to open the account, making it accessible for most.
Woodforest also offers a second chance checking account, ideal for those rebuilding their financial standing. For savers, CD rates are competitive, and small business owners can take advantage of loan options designed to meet various needs.
You can also monitor your credit score easily through the bank’s mobile app, adding an extra level of convenience for keeping tabs on your financial health.
Park National Bank serves Ohio, the Carolinas, and Northern Kentucky, operating a total of 96 locations. This community bank offers various checking accounts to choose from.
Their Simplicity Account is a basic checking account with no monthly fees, as long as you opt for electronic statements. The account also includes free introductory checks and overdraft protection options.
For savers, Park National Bank provides a traditional savings account, along with specialized options like health savings accounts and a Christmas Club Savings Account.
Beyond that, they offer an array of financial products including loans, credit cards, and investment accounts.
Civista Bank is a regional bank with strong roots in Ohio, serving cities such as Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Sandusky.
It also extends into Southeastern Indiana and Northern Kentucky, offering both local service and broader access.
The bank keeps things simple—no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and just $50 to open a checking account. This makes Civista accessible for individuals looking to manage their money without added costs.
Civista stands out for its homebuyer assistance grants, helping first-time buyers get a leg up in today’s housing market.
Business owners also benefit from a range of business checking options, making it a solid choice for both personal and commercial banking needs.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Ohio
Finding the right bank depends on your goals, habits, and preferences. Here are the key things to consider:
Branch and ATM access – Look for a bank with convenient locations or fee-free ATM access nationwide if you travel often.
Account options – Make sure it offers the accounts you need, such as checking, savings, CDs, or money market accounts.
Fees and requirements – Watch for monthly fees, overdraft charges, and ATM fees. Many banks offer ways to avoid them with direct deposits or minimum balances.
Interest rates and perks – Compare rates on savings and CDs, and look for extras like early direct deposit, debit card rewards, or new account bonuses.
Digital features – A good mobile app and online banking platform should make it easy to manage your money from anywhere.
Security and service – Confirm the bank is FDIC- or NCUA-insured and offers solid customer support—whether online, by phone, or in person.
Community involvement – If supporting local initiatives matters to you, consider community banks or credit unions that invest locally.
The best bank is one that supports how you manage, save, and spend—without unnecessary costs or hassle.
Types of Banks in Ohio
When searching for the best bank in Ohio, you have various banking options available. Here’s a detailed look at the different types of banks you can consider, along with some examples based on the Ohio banks we’ve discussed:
National banks: These banks have a broad reach, with branches and ATMs that span multiple states. They offer an array of financial services, from basic checking accounts to specialized investment products. In Ohio, Bank of America and Chase Bank are well-known national banks.
Regional banks: These banks focus primarily on a specific geographical region, providing a mix of widespread reach and community-focused services. Fifth Third Bank, First Financial Bank, PNC Bank, and U.S. Bank are leading examples of regional banks in Ohio.
Community banks: Tailoring their services to local preferences, community banks typically offer more personalized customer service. Civista Bank, Park National Bank, and Union Savings Bank are examples of community banks serving various areas in Ohio.
Online banks: These are online-only banks that typically have higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower fees than brick and mortar banks. SoFi and GO2bank are online bank options that Ohioans may be interested in.
Credit unions: Owned and operated by their members, credit unions are often a viable option for those looking for better interest rates and a more customized service experience. Wright Patt Credit Union and General Electric Credit Union are examples of credit unions in Ohio that provide a range of beneficial financial services.
Bottom Line
The banking options available to Ohio residents are diverse. From large national banks with extensive services to community banks that focus on personalized customer care, the best banks in Ohio are designed to provide reliable and convenient financial solutions.
Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or looking to retire, there’s a bank in Ohio that fits your requirements. Keep in mind the factors that are most important to you, be it interest rates, fees, or specialized accounts, as you make your choice. Happy banking!
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured on a variety of top finance sites, including Money Under 30, GoBankingRates, Retirable, Sapling, and Benzinga.
