New York is known for Central Park, skyscrapers, and the Statue of Liberty. The best banks in New York can help you—and your finances—reach new heights.
Online accounts you can open from any stateAccounts shown here reflect the most viewed listings on this page based on reader engagement. We may receive compensation from some companies listed. This does not influence ranking order or our editorial scores.
Local branches are only half the picture. These five are available nationwide, so they compete with anything in your state and usually pay more to switch.
The best banks in New York have to work as hard as you do. Rent takes the first bite of every paycheck here. The account holding the rest should pay you something back instead of charging you to keep it.
I compared the banks New Yorkers can open from anywhere in the state, from branch networks across the five boroughs to online accounts paying several times what the big names offer. Two are handing out cash right now: $400 at Chase and $75 at Current. Here is what each one is good for.
14 Best Banks in New York
The best banks in the Big Apple offer several perks, from convenient ATM and physical branch locations to online and mobile banking:
$400 is two weeks of groceries for a lot of New York families, and that's roughly what you leave on the table by sticking with the same checking account you opened years ago. Chase Total Checking® pays new customers a $400 bonus for opening an account and setting up direct deposit, with the bonus typically landing within 90 days. Most working New Yorkers qualify on the first try.
The requirement is simple: open a new Total Checking® account and get $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. The $15 monthly service fee drops to $0 in any statement period you receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, so the account is effectively free.
Chase also has the biggest footprint in the state by far, with branches all over New York City plus Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, and thousands of free Chase ATMs. Add 15,000+ ATMs and thousands of branches nationwide for whenever you head out of state. Zelle® is built in, the mobile app is top-rated, and you can link a Chase savings account or credit card later, all under one login.
If you want the biggest checking bonus around and a bank with a branch on nearly every corner, Chase Total Checking® is worth a look. Check the current bonus and terms on Chase's official website before you open.
New York rent is the single largest bill most people here have, and the MTA takes its cut on top. Whether you are in Brooklyn, Buffalo or Rochester, the pattern is the same: money out early in the month, money in later. A single unexpected expense in the wrong week becomes an overdraft fee you did not budget for.
Current closes that gap. Set up $1,500 or more in Eligible Payroll Deposits within your first 35 days using code WELCOME75 and you get $75. The $1,500 is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks get you there, and the bonus usually shows up within about ten business days. After that you can pull up to $750 of your next paycheck early through Paycheck Advance, with no interest and no credit check.
There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Read the deposit rule carefully, because it is the one place people trip: only genuine payroll direct deposits count. Non-payroll ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-time deposits like a tax refund are all excluded. Worth being precise about the coverage too: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and the debit card come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC, so your deposits get pass-through FDIC coverage up to $250,000 through those partner banks.
New customers only, and it is worth doing in the order above: open the account, enter WELCOME75, then point your payroll at it. Switch your paycheck and claim the $75 here.
3. SoFi
SoFi Checking & Savings is one of the best account options available if you want simple banking with strong rewards. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and you can open your account online in just minutes.
New customers can receive up to a $475 bonus by setting up direct deposit.
This account also includes free access to more than fifty five thousand ATMs nationwide, overdraft protection up to fifty dollars with qualifying direct deposits, and a modern mobile app. You can deposit checks, pay bills, transfer money, and even create savings vaults that automatically set aside money toward your goals.
SoFi combines fee-free banking, high interest rates, and user-friendly digital tools, making it our top pick for anyone looking to open a new account.
4. Wells Fargo
New Yorkers trust Wells Fargo for reliable and accessible banking services, with branches and ATMs throughout New York City, Albany, and Buffalo. The Everyday Checking account offers a $325 bonus for new customers.
Open an account with $25, receive $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days, and enjoy the reward. With robust digital tools and 24/7 fraud monitoring, Wells Fargo is an excellent choice for the Empire State.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
New York banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in New York?
Chase Total Checking pays the biggest bonus on this list: $400 once your qualifying direct deposits total $1,000 or more within 90 days of opening. It is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks clear it, and the cash lands within 15 days. You also get branch access across New York, plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide.
Which bank can spot me money when I need it?
Current lets you draw up to $750 of your next paycheck early, with no interest and no credit check. New customers can also earn a $75 bonus with code WELCOME75 after $1,500 or more in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank; banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC.
Which bank in New York has the most locations?Â
Chase has the most branch locations in New York. Bank of America is a close runner-up, with Citibank a close third. Branch count matters less than it used to. If you bank mostly from your phone, compare the monthly fee and the sign-up bonus instead, which is what our best bank account bonuses roundup tracks.
Which of the best banks in New York offer free checking accounts?
Santander Bank, Apple Bank for Savings, and Navy Federal Credit Union offer free checking accounts. Many other banks on our list offer free checking accounts, but most set out specific requirements to waive the monthly fees. Read the fee schedule first. Our guide to the best checking accounts compares more no-fee options in New York.
What do you need to open a bank account in New York?
To open a bank account in New York, you’ll need identification, your Social Security number, proof of your mailing address, and an initial deposit. However, some of the best banks on our list above waive the requirement for an initial deposit. Several accounts in our best checking accounts roundup ask for no opening deposit and take ten minutes online.
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, wealth management, and even ways to tap your home equity without selling or refinancing.
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?
$400 once your direct deposits total $1,000. You have 90 days from enrolling, and it is cumulative rather than one big deposit.
Paid within 15 days of hitting the requirement.
$15 monthly fee, waivable four ways. $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily balance, $5,000 average across linked accounts, or linking a qualifying checking account. Zelle, cash, checks and wires do not count.
More than 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs.
Bonus paid within 15 days, and it is closed to existing Chase checking customers.
Pros & Cons
$400 for $1,000 of direct deposits, the best ratio here
Up to $475, and it is three separate bonuses. $50 for opening and depositing $500 within 21 days, $25 more for enrolling in SoFi Plus, and up to $400 on direct deposit.
The $400 tier is strict. Eligible direct deposits totalling $5,000 or more inside 25 calendar days. $1,000 to $4,999.99 pays $50, under $1,000 pays nothing.
No fees and no minimums, and savings earns 3.30% APY with eligible direct deposit activity.
Only real payroll counts. Check deposits, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Wise, wires and IRS tax refunds are excluded.
Paid within about 7 business days, and the offer runs to December 31, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Three bonuses stack to $475 if you qualify for all of them
3.30% APY on savings with eligible direct deposit
No monthly fee, no minimum, no overdraft fee
SoFi Bank, N.A. is itself a Member FDIC bank
Bonus pays within about 7 business days
The $400 tier needs $5,000 in eligible direct deposits
$1,000 to $4,999.99 pays only $50
Deposits are totalled over just 25 calendar days
P2P, wires, check deposits and tax refunds do not count
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited. The welcome bonus is tiered: $40 at $10,000, $100 at $25,000, $200 at $50,000, $425 at $100,000 and $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100 on top.
Code STACK has to be entered at sign-up, and it is new customers only.
The first deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026. Balances then have to be maintained for 90 days, and the cash lands within 30 days of qualifying.
Raisin is not a bank. It is a marketplace over 100+ partner banks and credit unions. Your money sits at the partner institution through a custodial bank, so cover is pass-through FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per institution.
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open a product. APY up to 4.40%, accurate as of September 28, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Access to 100+ partner banks and credit unions from one login
Up to 4.40% APY, well above a typical bank savings rate
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open
Spreading across partners can reach $10M+ in FDIC or NCUA coverage
Move money between savings products as rates change
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited
First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026
Balances have to be maintained for 90 days
Code STACK must be entered at sign-up, new customers only
$1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. This is the requirement people miss. It is cumulative, not a single deposit.
$75 with code WELCOME75. New customers only, and the code has to be entered at signup.
Paid within about 10 business days of your deposits reaching $1,500.
Transfers do not count. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits like a tax refund are all excluded.
No credit check to open, and up to $750 before payday. Instant access carries a fee, or wait up to 3 days for free.
Current is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both FDIC members, so cover is pass-through up to $250,000.
Pros & Cons
No credit check to open
$0 monthly fee
Up to $750 of your paycheck before payday
No credit check on Paycheck Advance, and repayments are not reported
Realistic approval after a past bank closure
Needs $1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days
Smallest bonus here at $75
Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and PayPal do not count
Current is a fintech, not a bank, so FDIC cover is pass-through
Instant advances carry a fee unless you wait 3 days
3.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more, and 0.25% below that. It is tiered, so your end-of-day balance sets the rate and it is paid on the whole balance.
$100 minimum to open, and no account opening or monthly service fees.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category. Deposits across First Citizens divisions are combined for that limit.
Opening takes about five minutes online.
APYs accurate as of July 1, 2026 and variable, so confirm before funding.
Every figure above comes from each provider’s own page. For the full breakdown of the checking bonuses, including what counts as a qualifying direct deposit at each bank, see our guide to the best checking accounts.
CIT Platinum Savings APYs 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. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. $100 minimum to open. CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.
Raisin bonus: new customers only, code STACK required at sign-up. Welcome Bonus is $40 at $10,000 through $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100. First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026 and balances maintained 90 days. Raisin is not a bank; deposits are held at FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions through a custodial bank. APY accurate as of September 28, 2026. Raisin charges no platform fees.
Before you go
Two accounts that pay you to switch
Both are open to residents of every state. The only real difference is how much you have to move to earn it.
Brian Meiggs founded My Millennial Guide and has spent over a decade writing about money. He tries every app and product before it goes on the site. No fluff, no guesswork. Named to the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 earlier this year, and featured in WSJ, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur. Off the clock: chess, the gym, a quiet night in.
