18 Best Banks in Maryland You’ll Actually Want to Use

1. Chase

Chase runs 57 branches in Maryland, and it will pay you $400 to open a checking account. That is the largest new-checking bonus any major bank is offering right now, and it is money most Marylanders leave on the table by keeping the account they opened years ago.

Here is the entire requirement. Open a new Total Checking account, then have $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits arrive within 90 days of enrolling in the offer. It is cumulative, so two or three ordinary paychecks clear it, and the bonus is paid within 15 days of you meeting the requirement. The $15 monthly service fee drops to $0 in any statement period with $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily beginning balance, or $5,000 in average beginning day balance across linked accounts. One trap to know: Zelle, cash, checks, wires and interest do not count toward either number.

Past the bonus, the footprint is the argument. 57 Maryland branches plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide means you can deposit cash near home and still use the account anywhere you travel. Zelle is built in, the mobile app is well rated, and you can add a Chase savings account or credit card later under the same login.

The catch worth naming: the bonus is only open to people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. It is reported to the IRS on a 1099-INT. If that fits you, open a Total Checking account and route your paycheck to it.

If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market alongside a real Maryland branch network, claim the $400 with Chase here.

2. Current

A Baltimore commute and rent leave little room for a mid-month surprise. The gap between when a bill is due and when your paycheck lands is where most budgets actually break, and it is the specific problem Current is built for.

The signup math is simple. Open an account with promo code WELCOME75 and get $75 once your Eligible Payroll Deposits total $1,500 or more in your first 35 days. It is cumulative rather than one big deposit, it is new customers only, and the cash arrives about 10 business days after you cross the line. Recurring wages from an employer, a payroll provider or a government payer count. Non-direct-deposit ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits such as a tax refund do not.

The feature that earns its keep after the bonus is Paycheck Advance, which lets you draw up to $1,000 of pay before payday and is offered by Finco Advance LLC rather than a bank. There is no monthly fee on the account, and the whole thing opens from your phone, which is the point in a state where the nearest branch may not be convenient.

One thing to be clear about, because it is routinely written up wrong: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, both Member FDIC, so deposit insurance reaches you on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 and depends on those conditions being met. If that structure is fine with you, open an account with code WELCOME75 and claim the $75.

3. CIT Bank

CIT Bank is a digital-focused bank, prioritizing online and mobile services without local branches.

For long-term savings, CIT Bank’s Term CDs include a 1-Year Term CD at a 4.00% APY.

CIT Bank also has some of the best high-yield savings accounts available. You can experience the power of high-yield savings with CIT Bank’s Platinum Savings Account and unlock an impressive 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more.

The account has no account opening or maintenance fees, and the minimum initial deposit is only $100. You can learn more about CIT Platinum Savings here and maximize your savings potential today with CIT Bank.

APYs (Annual Percentage Yields) for all Term CDs are accurate as of July 1, 2026. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal of principal, and any early withdrawal (principal or interest) will reduce earnings. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs (Annual Percentage Yields) are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100. For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures. CIT Bank, Member FDIC.

4. SoFi

SoFi is an online bank that simplifies money management with features like its combined Checking & Savings account, giving you the convenience of checking and the high yields of savings.

There are no minimum balances, monthly or overdraft fees, making it budget-friendly. With a direct deposit setup, you can get up to a $250 bonus.

The savings yield is a solid 4.30% annually, while the free checking offers 0.50% annually. Your funds are insured up to $2 million by the FDIC.

With access to over 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs globally, cash withdrawals are easy. Plus, direct depositing your paycheck can get you funds two days early.

5. Bank of America

This national bank serves customers in Maryland and nationwide and offers several promotions. You can turn to BofA for your loans, savings, credit cards, checking, and investing needs. 

Checking accounts from Bank of America range from $4.95 to $25 per month. The minimum opening deposit varies between accounts, ranging from $25 on the low end to $100 on the higher side. 

When you open a BofA savings account, you can earn up to 0.04% APY. You can waive the savings monthly maintenance fee if you have a balance of $500 or more or link it to your BofA checking account. 

6. APG Federal Credit Union

In addition to offering checking and savings accounts, APG Federal Credit Union runs a referral program. You can earn $50 every time a referral opens an account and completes the qualifying activities. 

You can earn up to 3.25% APY on APG’s High Yield Checking account. However, you must maintain a balance of $10,000 or more to qualify for this rate. 

APG Federal Credit Union offers Youth Membership Savings Accounts, IRAs, and insurance. You can do your banking online or on your smartphone for banking on the go.

7. Harco Federal Credit Union

This credit union in Maryland has three locations but was founded in 1955. You can earn a $100 bonus when you open a personal free full-service checking account:

• Earn $40 when you open the account
• Get $30 more when you sign up for direct deposits
• Earn your last $30 when you pay your first bill online

Harco Federal Credit Union doesn’t charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance. You are also allowed up to four free non-ATM transactions per statement cycle and get free checks yearly.

8. HSBC

HSBC’s Choice Checking comes with a $15 monthly fee you can waive. Keep $1,500 or more within your account or set up a recurring direct deposit. 

New customers can earn up to $475 when they open a new interest-bearing checking account. You can also earn up to $2,000 when you refer friends. 

In addition to several credit cards, HSBC gives you access to international banking. You can also apply for several credit cards with this bank as well. 

9. Northwest Bank

If you open a Northwest Affinity Checking account, you can earn $160 when you make a direct deposit of $500 or more within a single statement cycle within the first three months of ownership. You must also enroll in eStatements to earn this bonus. 

Northwest Bank offers three variants of the Affinity Checking account, each of which requires a $25 opening deposit. Some don’t come with a monthly fee, while others can go up to $25. 

You can obtain CDs, auto and personal loans, and credit cards from Northwest Bank. Its online tools also make it easy to bank on the go. 

10. PNC Bank

PNC Bank is based out of Pennsylvania, right next door to Maryland. This bank offers many financial products, from credit cards and loans to investments, checking, and savings accounts. If you’re wondering about PNC Bank hours, it’s pretty standard compared to most national banks.

The most famous PNC Bank accounts are the Virtual Wallet accounts. These start at $5 per month, depending on your chosen account.

Regarding PNC overdraft fees, it offers a low cash mode, which gives you more control when your balance is low.

While PNC Bank doesn’t offer free accounts, you can earn up to 0.03% APY on savings if you qualify for Relationship Rates. Remember to check PNC Bank’s website for more information on the various account options, fees, and rates they offer.

11. TD Bank

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank) is one of the largest banks in the US and one of the best banks in Canada. TD Bank offers numerous checking accounts, two savings accounts, and five credit cards. You can also obtain a loan from TD Bank, provided you meet its qualifications.

When you open a TD Essential Banking account, you must pay a $4.95 monthly fee. However, you can earn $300 when you: 

• Open your account and set up direct deposit
• Receive a direct deposit of $2,500 or more within 60 days 

Each TD Bank checking account has a free Visa debit card and standard check orders. TD Bank will also monitor your account for fraud 24/7.

12. Truist Bank

You’ll find the following banking services at Truist Bank:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Insurance
• Loans 
• Mortgages
• Investment accounts
• Retirement accounts

Open a Truist One Checking account, and you’ll never pay an overdraft fee. You’ll also receive up to 50% in miles or cashback rewards. 

However, this checking account does come with a $12 monthly fee you cannot waive. Truist also incorporates three savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts into its products. 

You can also choose the Truist Confidence Account if you want overdraft coverage. You can also avoid the $5 monthly fee when you deposit $500 or more or make 10 qualifying transactions per month. 

13. First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States, with over 500 branches in 23 states. and has two branches in Maryland: Annapolis, and Columbia.

This bank merged with CIT Bank in 2022 but remains family-owned and operated. It offers checking, savings, retirement, investment, wealth management, and small business accounts. 

For individuals in search of a comprehensive banking experience, including access to a free checking account, the First Citizens Checking Account could prove to be a solid choice.

This account has no fees, no minimum balance requirement, and the convenience of 24/7 digital banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits. Enrolling in paperless statements avoids monthly maintenance fees.

14. Atlantic Union Bank

Though based mainly in Virginia, Atlantic Union Bank does have some locations in Maryland and North Carolina. You can open any one of several personal, commercial, wealth, and business accounts with Atlantic Union Bank. 

All Atlantic Union Bank checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit. Members will receive a free Visa debit card when they open a checking account. 

If you open a Preferred Checking Account, you can waive the $25 monthly fee if you have a daily balance of $25,000 or more or a $50,000 combined balance. The three savings accounts from Atlantic Union Bank offer high APY rates to help you plan for the unexpected.  

15. First National Bank

This regional bank offers some of the best checking accounts for a full-service bank. You can choose from five checking accounts in total, including: 

• Freestyle Checking
• Lifestyle Checking
• eStyle Checking
• eStyle Plus Checking
• Premierstyle Checking

Choose the Premierstyle Checking account, and you can get your first order of checks free. First National Bank also offers savings accounts, mortgages, loans, investment planning, insurance, and business accounts. 

16. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union

To open an Educational Systems Federal Credit Union account, you can send your application through the mail, go to a branch physically, or open one online. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union offers the following: 

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Auto loans
• Mortgages
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Money market IRAs

Attendees of schools within Caroline, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Anne Arundel counties qualify for membership, in addition to community college students. You can earn up to 0.05% APY with Dividend Checking and 0.01% APY with an Educational Systems Federal Credit Union savings account. 

17. Freedom Federal Credit Union

If you’re a Harford County Association of Realtors member, you can join Freedom Federal Credit Union. You can also become a member if you’re an employee of the Harford and Baltimore County school district. 

Freedom Federal Credit Union offers both checking and savings accounts. You can also turn to them for home, auto, and personal loans. 

This Maryland-based credit union also offers several courses and seminars on financial topics. You can find more financial education on the credit union’s website. 

18. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is a top pick for Marylanders, with branches and ATMs throughout Baltimore, Annapolis, and beyond.

The Everyday Checking account offers a $325 bonus for new customers who open an account with $25 and meet the $1,000 direct deposit requirement within 90 days.

Known for its robust digital tools and 24/7 fraud monitoring, Wells Fargo makes banking secure and convenient. The $15 monthly service fee can be waived with simple qualifying activities.

Start your journey with Wells Fargo today in Maryland.