16 Best Banks in Kentucky

1. Chase

Chase runs 46 branches in Kentucky, 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 Kentuckians 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. 46 Kentucky 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 Kentucky branch network, claim the $400 with Chase here.

2. Current

A Louisville utility bill and a grocery run can empty an account before Friday. 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. Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank (5/3 Bank) is one of the largest consumer banks in the Midwestern United States. It’s headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with nearly 1,100 branches and customers in 12 states, including Kentucky.

It’s most popular account is the Momentum Checking which we ranked as one of the best checking accounts as it doesn’t require a minimum opening deposit, monthly fees, or minimum balance requirements. If you set up a direct deposit, you can get paid up to two days early. 

Account holders also have access to over 50,000 ATMs across the state. Checking accounts come with a free debit card and online bill pay. 

4. Central Bank

Central Bank operates 26 locations throughout Kentucky and was founded in Lexington in 1938. It also offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and business banking services, in addition to the following checking accounts: 

• Clean Start Checking: This second-chance checking account has a $10 monthly fee that’s reduced to $8 if you set up a direct deposit. You can upgrade this account after 12 months if you keep it in good standing. 
• Bleed Blue Checking: This basic checking account is for anyone over 18. You can waive the $6 monthly fee by choosing eStatements. You can waive one overdraft fee, and account holders over 55 get half off on check orders. 
• Central Classic Checking: Link this account to your other deposit accounts for rewards. You can also waive the $8 monthly fee with a minimum daily balance of $500 or more. 
• Central Interest Checking: Earn interest on your balance with this checking account. You can also waive the $10 monthly fee with a $1,000 minimum daily balance. 
• Central Platinum Checking: This premium interest-earning account has a $15 monthly fee you can waive with $10,000 or more in your account. You also receive a free notary service. 
• Central Student Checking: Directed to students aged 14 to 25, this account has a $4 monthly fee you can waive by opting into eStatements. You’ll also get 50% off a mini pack of checks. 

These checking accounts come with a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking access, and loan discounts. You can open an account online or visit a location for more personalized service. 

5. Citizens Bank of Kentucky

Choose from five different checking accounts with Citizens Bank of Kentucky. This bank operates 12 branches in eight counties and offers online and mobile banking. 

Most checking accounts have a free Visa debit card and unlimited check writing. You can also open a Keepsake Savings account with no minimum opening deposit. 

However, if you don’t meet the monthly balance requirements, there is a $3 monthly fee. You must visit a branch to open most savings accounts besides Keepsake Savings. 

Citizens Bank of Kentucky also offers HSAs, CDs, and IRAs. 

6. Community Trust Bank

Based in Pikeville, Community Trust Bank has 69 locations throughout the state. You can choose from several checking, savings, money market accounts, CDs, IRAs, loans, and mortgages. 

Some of the best bank accounts at Community Trust Bank require a $100 deposit but charge no monthly fees. These accounts have unlimited check writing and online and mobile banking. 

With the Advantage Plus Interest Checking account, you can earn interest on balances of $1,000 or more. Community Trust Bank also offers one savings account that requires $10 to open and earns interest compounded quarterly. 

7. First Southern National Bank

There are nearly 20 First Southern National Bank locations in Kentucky. This bank was founded in Stanford in 1982 and continues to serve the Bluegrass State. 

Besides auto and personal loans, First Southern National Bank offers credit cards, debt consolidation, and business checking accounts. You can also open a Commercial Money Market account to earn a tiered interest rate. 

With the First Southern National Bank Round-Up Savings program, you automatically save every time you swipe your debit card. It’s a great way to bank and save in Kentucky. 

8. First State Bank

Choose below from the five checking accounts First State Bank offers: 

• Free n’ Easy Checking
• Regular Checking
• Now Accounts
• Super Now Accounts
• Senior Checking 

First State Bank’s Free checking account includes a free debit card and eStatements. Choose these electronic statements to waive the monthly fee. 

You must have at least $50 to open a First State Bank checking account. First State Bank also offers online and mobile banking. 

9. Forcht Bank

To open one of the following checking accounts at Forcht Bank, you’ll need $50 to deposit when you open the account: 

• Easy Checking
• Forcht Friend Checking
• iStudent Checking
• 55 Advantage Checking
• Everyday Heroes Checking

You must keep a $100 minimum balance to waive the $6 monthly fee. However, you are welcome to free eStatements, mobile deposits, and online banking. 

Forcht Bank has locations in Lexington and Richmond. 

10. Independence Bank of Kentucky

This Kentucky bank offers some of the best checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees, many of which you can open with a $50 deposit. You can open these accounts online or visit one of the 20 branch locations. 

The Revolutionary Checking account is free and comes with introductory checks. Choose Patriot Checking for two free boxes each year and Veterans Victory Checking to earn interest on your account balance. 

Independence Bank of Kentucky also offers a student checking account, business banking, equipment loans, lines of credit, and agricultural services. Independence Bank of Kentucky is headquartered in Owensboro, Kentucky. 

11. Kentucky Trust Company

Founded in 1995, Kentucky Trust Company is a subsidiary of Whitaker Bank, another Kentucky bank on our list. This bank offers five checking accounts, each with the option to waive the monthly fee if you meet specific minimum balance requirements. 

If you open top-tier checking accounts, you can earn interest on your balance. You can also open the bank’s single savings account with a $5 waivable monthly fee.

Kentucky Trust Company savings accounts earn interest when you have over $100. You can also make free withdrawals up to six times within half as many months. 

12. PNC Bank

This bank ranks among some of the largest banks in the U.S. and offers Kentucky residents many exceptional financial services. There are 68 PNC Bank branches alone in Kentucky. Check PNC branch hours before you visit, since they vary by location. 

PNC combines a checking and savings account with its Virtual Wallet accounts. These offer welcome bonuses year-round and monthly fees range from $7 to $25. 

You can easily waive these fees by meeting one of a handful of requirements. PNC Bank offers credit cards, mortgages, loans, investments, and savings accounts, though the APYs aren’t as competitive as they could be. 

13. Republic Bank & Trust Company

Founded in 1977, Republic Bank & Trust Company offers its Easy Checking account that requires no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Account holders can also access their funds from over 90,000 ATMs. 

Republic Bank & Trust Company’s Easy Checking also requires a $50 opening deposit. With this checking account, you can write unlimited checks, make mobile check deposits via the app, and send and receive money with Zelle. 

You can also opt into the Credit Builder Loan and Savings Program. This program allows you to improve your score in 12 months with affordable monthly payments placed in a short-termed CD. 

14. South Central Bank

This bank operates in 25 locations throughout the state. You can open a Green Tree Checking, Green Tree Plus Checking, or Free Checking account with South Central Bank. 

The Green Tree Checking account offers free checks with no minimum balance requirements. The $6 monthly fee is waivable by enrolling in eStatements and posting 15 monthly debit card transactions. 

Green Tree Plus Checking serves members 62 and older. The monthly fee is reduced to $3, and members receive three free cashier’s checks each month and a 10% discount on safe deposit box rental. 

As the name suggests, the Free Checking account doesn’t require a minimum balance or monthly fee. However, all South Central Bank accounts require a $100 minimum opening deposit. 

15. Whitaker Bank

Whitaker Bank offers five different checking accounts, but the FREE Checking account is the most popular. This account doesn’t require a minimum balance or monthly fees and comes with free eStatements without the need to set up direct deposit. 

Members will also get a free variety pack of checks to start, though there is a $100 minimum opening balance. These accounts include online and mobile banking, unlimited check writing, and free bill pay. 

16. Your Community Bank

This Kentucky bank has undergone several iterations since its opening in 1934. In 2005, it became Your Community Bank, a subsidiary of Community Bank Shares of Indiana, Inc. 

Your Community Bank operates in 30 locations across Kentucky and Indiana. It offers lending options, business services, and lines of credit.