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You're not alone if you live in Kentucky and need to find a new bank. We’ve compiled this list of the best banks in the Bluegrass State to help you find one that suits your needs.
Many of the banks below offer free checking accounts with several perks. Even if the checking accounts aren’t free, the bank still offers many products and services you can use throughout your life.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Kentucky? Let’s get started!
14 Best Banks in Kentucky
The Kentucky banks below connect their members to several financial resources. Which of the best banks will you open an account with?
1. 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.
Explore the benefits of Fifth Third Bank's Momentum Checking: no monthly fees, no minimum deposits or balance requirements. Get paychecks and tax refunds faster with Early Pay, and access quick cash advances with MyAdvance, without credit checks. You can also get a $200 bonus when you open an account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
How to Access Your Bank Account in 2024
Accessing your bank account in 2024 has become more convenient and accessible than ever, thanks to rapid technological advancements. Here's a guide on how to access your bank account in the modern age:
- Online banking: Most banks now offer online banking services, allowing you to access your account anytime, anywhere. Visit your bank's website or download their mobile app from your smartphone's app store. Log in using your username and password or biometric authentication if available.
- Mobile banking apps: Install your bank's mobile banking app on your smartphone. These apps provide a user-friendly interface to manage your finances, check balances, view transactions, transfer funds, pay bills, and even deposit checks using your phone's camera.
- ATMs: Use your bank's debit card to withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer funds, and deposit cash or checks. Many ATMs now offer advanced features like contactless transactions and cardless access using your smartphone.
- Telephone banking: Some banks provide telephone banking services where you can access your account by calling a dedicated phone number. Follow the instructions provided by the bank's interactive voice response system or speak with a customer service representative for assistance.
- In-person banking: If you prefer face-to-face interaction, visit your bank's branch. Speak with a bank representative who can assist you with your account inquiries, transactions, and other banking needs.
With these modern banking options, you can conveniently manage your finances in 2024. Just be sure to keep your credentials safe to avoid your account being hacked.
FAQs
There are over 200 banks located in Kentucky. Our list includes 14 of the best banks in the Bluegrass State.
First State Bank, South Central Bank, Whitaker Bank, and Independence Bank of Kentucky offer free checking accounts. Many other banks in Kentucky may offer free checking accounts if you meet specific requirements to waive the monthly fees.
You can find several national banks in Kentucky, including Fifth Third Bank, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Chase. These banks offer a broader network of services but often cannot compete with the local perks of community banks.
Sing Along to Superior Finances in the Bluegrass State
Whistling a tune and banking are easy as pie with the best banks in Kentucky. You don’t have to be a trained thoroughbred horse to win the race to find a bank that helps you better manage your money in this state.
We hope this article assists you in finding a Kentucky bank account that boosts your finances to the next level. Whether you choose a bank or credit union, you can connect to several invaluable resources to get your finances going in the right direction.
Which of the best banks in Kentucky will you bet on?
A free account with unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. You don't have to worry about keeping a minimum balance with Axos' Rewards Checking. As with the bank's other checking accounts, there are no monthly fees, and all fees charged by domestic ATM operators are reimbursed. Axos doesn't charge any ATM fees itself.
