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Virginia blends old-world charm with a fast-growing economy, making it a place where both tradition and innovation thrive. The state’s banking scene reflects this balance, offering everything from long-standing community banks to nationwide leaders with cutting-edge technology.
Whether you care about low fees, local service, or mobile access, there’s a Virginia bank that fits your financial style.
10 Best Banks in Virginia
Here are the top picks for checking, savings, loans, and everyday banking in the Old Dominion.
SoFi is a standout choice for Virginians looking for a high-earning, fee-free online bank.
Its Checking & Savings account offers up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking—without any monthly fees or minimums.
New users can earn a welcome bonus of $50 to $300, depending on their direct deposit amount.
The account also includes early paycheck access, up to $2 million in FDIC insurance through a network of partner banks, and up to $50 in overdraft coverage with qualifying deposits.
For everyday convenience, SoFi customers get access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint® Network.
Upgrade delivers a fully digital banking experience with strong perks for Virginia customers.
With the Rewards Checking Plus account, you can earn up to 2% cash back on everyday purchases—a rare feature for a checking account.
Upgrade’s Performance Savings account offers an impressive APY of up to 4.02%. Deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Cross River Bank.
The account comes with no monthly fees, no overdraft charges, and no minimum balance requirements. Customers also get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint® Network.
Upgrade’s mobile app makes it simple to manage your account, track spending, and transfer funds, offering a streamlined experience for those who prefer digital-first banking.
Headquartered in Martinsville, Carter Bank & Trust serves Virginia with more than 60 branches, including locations in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, Harrisonburg, Christiansburg, and Charlottesville.
Known for its community focus, the bank offers a wide range of personal banking products with features that encourage saving and reward everyday banking.
All checking accounts require just a $50 minimum deposit and earn interest, giving customers added value with every balance.
The Carter Savings Account avoids the $5 monthly fee when you maintain at least $100, making it accessible for most savers.
One of the bank’s standout programs is Carter Ca$h, a monthly giveaway that offers cash prizes to account holders who consistently grow their savings.
Beyond deposit accounts, Carter Bank & Trust provides credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages.
Chase is a major national bank with a strong and growing presence in Virginia, with branches in cities like Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
It’s currently offering a $300 bonus for new customers who open a Total Checking® account and meet qualifying requirements.
The account has a $12 monthly fee, which can be waived by meeting conditions such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
Chase provides access to over 15,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, along with competitive CD rates and a wide range of top-rated credit cards, including popular rewards and travel options.
For Virginians looking for a full-service bank with strong digital tools and widespread access, Chase is a dependable option.
United Bank is a long-established regional bank with deep roots in Virginia and a strong community presence.
With branches in cities like Charlottesville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach, it offers convenient access for both urban and rural customers across the state.
The bank provides a wide range of personal checking accounts, including options with rewards, fee-free access, and specialized accounts for veterans.
United Bank also offers CDs with competitive rates and flexible terms, making it a solid choice for savers.
Business customers can take advantage of treasury management tools, business checking accounts, and tailored lending services.
With both in-person support and a robust online and mobile banking platform, United Bank offers the flexibility and service needed to manage your finances effectively.
Truist Bank is a well-established option in Virginia, offering a range of products to support everyday banking and long-term financial planning.
The Truist One checking account stands out with a 10% loyalty bonus based on your monthly balance. Adding a Truist credit card can earn you an additional 10% bonus.
The account requires a $50 initial deposit and has no minimum balance. A $12 monthly fee applies but can be waived by meeting certain criteria. Students 25 and under automatically qualify for a fee-free account.
In addition to checking, Truist offers Health Savings Accounts, personal loans, mortgages, investment products, and insurance services.
The Truist Mobile app supports all major banking functions, including mobile check deposit and transfers, making account access easy and convenient.
Navy Federal Credit Union is a strong banking option in Virginia, especially for military members and their families.
With multiple branches throughout the state, including in cities like Virginia Beach and Richmond, it offers convenient access alongside member-focused service.
The credit union provides checking accounts with no monthly fees and no minimum deposit requirements. Members can also receive up to $10 in ATM fee rebates per statement period, making it easy to access cash when needed.
Navy Federal offers a wide range of savings products, including money market accounts and certificates of deposit. It also features competitive rates on auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.
For credit card users, the cashRewards Credit Card gives members the chance to earn cash back on everyday purchases.
Atlantic Union Bank is a Virginia-based regional bank that combines personalized service with statewide accessibility.
With 108 branches across 74 cities and towns, it serves communities like Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, and Winchester.
The bank offers a broad range of personal banking options, including several checking and savings accounts to match different needs. Customers can also take advantage of credit cards, personal loans, auto financing, and mortgage products.
Business customers benefit from tailored services such as business checking, treasury management, and merchant services.
Atlantic Union Bank also provides digital banking tools that allow users to manage accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills online or via its mobile app.
Bank of America is one of the largest national banks in the U.S. It boasts a vast network of branches and ATMs.
They offer a comprehensive array of banking services, ranging from basic checking accounts to complex wealth management solutions.
To open a basic checking account, a customer needs to deposit $100 initially, along with a $12 monthly maintenance fee. However, there’s no ongoing minimum balance requirement, ensuring flexibility for customers.
Additionally, Bank of America provides competitive interest rates on CDs, with rates as high as 4.75% APY.
Their offerings extend to attractive bonuses for new credit card account openings and access to Merrill Edge for wealth planning and investment services, making them a versatile banking option for a wide range of financial needs.
Types of Banks in Virginia
Virginia offers a wide range of banking options, each with its own strengths. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right fit for your needs.
National Banks
National banks like Chase Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America have a significant presence in Virginia. They are known for their extensive range of financial products and services, including various checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment options. These banks operate a vast network of branches and ATMs across multiple states, providing convenience and accessibility.
Regional Banks
Regional banks, such as Truist Bank and Atlantic Union Bank, serve specific regions and are known for their personalized customer service. They often offer a mix of traditional and modern banking services.
Community Banks
Community banks like Carter Bank & Trust focus on serving the local communities. They often provide more personalized services and understand the local market well.
Online Banks
Online banks such as SoFi and Upgrade offer banking services primarily through digital platforms. They are known for their high-interest savings and checking accounts, and often have lower fees due to their online nature.
Credit Unions
Credit unions like Navy Federal Credit Union, PenFed Credit Union, and Langley Federal Credit Union cater specifically to certain groups of people, such as military members and their families in Virginia. They are not-for-profit institutions and are known for offering lower fees and competitive rates.
Each option comes with trade-offs. Whether you want tech-forward features, local service, or the benefits of membership, Virginia has a banking option to match.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Virginia
Finding the right bank in Virginia starts with identifying what matters most to you—whether it’s location, fees, digital tools, or customer service.
Location and accessibility: Check whether the bank has branches or ATMs near where you live or work. Larger banks often serve cities like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, while smaller towns may rely more on community banks or credit unions.
Range of services: Look for a bank that offers what you need. Some focus on basic checking and savings, while others provide business accounts, mortgages, investment services, and more. Choose one that matches both your short-term and long-term goals.
Fees and interest rates: Compare maintenance fees, overdraft charges, and ATM access. Then check interest rates on savings and CDs. A good bank helps you keep more of your money and grow it faster.
Online and mobile banking: Strong digital tools are a must. Make sure the bank’s website and app support mobile deposits, transfers, bill pay, and security features like alerts and two-factor authentication.
Customer service: Good support makes a difference. Look for banks with live chat, 24/7 phone lines, or responsive local branches. Reviews and word-of-mouth can reveal how well a bank treats its customers.
Choosing a bank is personal. With so many options in Virginia, narrowing your search based on how you manage money will help you land on the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Virginia offers a wide range of banks that meet different financial needs, whether you’re looking for low fees, strong digital tools, or in-person service from a community-focused institution. National banks, credit unions, online banks, and regional players each bring something different to the table.
The best choice depends on your daily banking habits and long-term goals. Think about what matters most to you—access to branches, better interest rates, or helpful customer support—and pick a bank that fits how you manage your money. A well-matched bank can make saving, borrowing, and everyday banking simpler and more rewarding.
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