Don’t leave your financial destiny up to fate—choose from the best banks in Ohio to find one that suits your needs. You can bank better in the Buckeye State.
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.
Managing your finances can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have someone to turn to for advice. In fact, a recent study revealed that 1 in 4 Americans doesn’t have trusted financial guidance.
That’s where the right bank can make all the difference. From basic checking accounts to loans and retirement planning, Ohio’s top banks offer personalized service that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Ready to find the best bank for you? Let’s dive in and explore the options!
17 Best Banks in Ohio
Several community and local banks are listed below, some of which offer services that rival the best national banks. Which of the best banks in Ohio provides you with the most perks?
If you'd rather bank with a name you've known for decades, Chase Total Checking® is worth a look, and right now it comes with a welcome bonus for new customers. Open a Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit, and you can earn a cash bonus, typically deposited within 90 days. For many Ohio retirees, that's found money for simply moving the direct deposit you already receive.
Here's how it works: open a new Total Checking® account and receive $500 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days. There's a $15 monthly service fee, but it's waived automatically in any month you have qualifying direct deposits (or by keeping a $1,500 minimum daily balance), so most account holders never pay it.
What makes Chase a comfortable choice is access. There are branches throughout Ohio, in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and Akron, so you can sit down with a banker in person when you want to. You also get thousands of free Chase ATMs, plus a nationwide network for when you travel or spend winters out of state. Zelle® is built in for sending money to family, and the mobile app lets you deposit checks and check balances from home, with fraud monitoring working behind the scenes.
An Ohio winter runs long and the heating bill runs with it. Columbus rent has climbed hard, Cleveland and Cincinnati are not far behind, and one furnace repair in January can put you underwater until the next deposit clears. Most of the expensive surprises do not arrive on payday.
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
If you live in Ohio and want a bank account that is simple, fee free, and actually rewards you, SoFi Checking & Savings is hard to beat. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and you can open your account online in minutes.
New customers can qualify for up to a $475 bonus just by setting up direct deposit.
You also get free overdraft coverage up to fifty dollars with qualifying direct deposits, access to more than fifty five thousand free ATMs nationwide, and a mobile app that makes managing your money simple. SoFi even lets you create separate savings vaults for different goals, whether you want to build an emergency fund, save for travel, or pay down debt faster.
Unlike most banks, SoFi gives you both high earning potential and modern digital tools in one account. It is an excellent choice for Ohio residents who want to get more from their money without paying extra fees.
4. Liberty Savings Bank
Liberty Savings Bank is a family-owned community bank that offers personal and commercial banking services, mortgages, and savings products. The bank was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Ohio, with branches in the Sarasota-Manatee County area of Florida.
Liberty Savings Bank offers convenience savings accounts with low minimum balances, no monthly fee if the minimum balance is maintained, and interest paid on the entire balance.
They let you earn an impressive APY on its high-yield savings account, which is usually 11.6x higher than the national average. FDIC insured. No fees. And with a history of serving communities across America.
5. Firelands Federal Credit Union
This Ohio-based credit union requires a $25 deposit if you want to become a member. You’ll also need to open a share savings account with a minimum of $5.
You must also live, work, worship, or attend school in the following counties:
Huron County
Erie County (specifically Groton, Berlin, and Oxford townships)
Milan
York Township in Sandusky County
Several townships in Seneca County, including Adams, Thompson, Reed, Venice, and Green Spring
Firelands Federal Credit Union offers a free Visa debit card and unlimited check writing with its checking account. While the account incurs a $5 monthly fee, you can waive it by signing up for direct deposit.
Similar to the best digital banks, this credit union also prioritizes digital banking services, providing free online banking to its members. Firelands Federal Credit Union has branches in Bellevue, Bucyrus, Galion, Monroeville, and Norwalk.
6. First Financial Bank
First Financial Bank is a regional bank serving Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. With a comprehensive range of financial services, including checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and investments, First Financial Bank caters to diverse customer needs.
Regarding checking accounts, First Financial Bank offers six options, two of which earn interest. They also provide a specialized student checking account.
While some checking accounts have monthly fees ranging from $40 to $45, customers can avoid these fees by meeting specific criteria outlined by the bank. In terms of savings accounts, First Financial Bank offers five different options, including money market accounts.
The DREAMmaker Savings account serves as a basic savings account with no monthly fees. This account allows customers to make one free withdrawal per month.
7. First Federal Bank of the Midwest
Ohio’s own First Federal Bank of the Midwest is headquartered in Defiance. The Simple Checking account requires a $50 minimum opening deposit.
However, you don’t have to pay a monthly fee or maintain a minimum balance. If you’re looking for a simple way to bank in Ohio, look no further than First Federal Bank of the Midwest.
8. First Federal Savings and Loan Association
This Ohio-based bank opened in 1934. There are six physical First Federal Savings and Loan Association locations in the following northwest Ohio cities:
Toledo
Whitehouse
Waterville
Swanson
Delta
Holland
The NOW Checking account from First Federal Savings and Loan Association is one of the more popular accounts. This account is interest-bearing and provides unlimited check-writing capabilities.
If you are a senior citizen, you can waive the monthly fees for your checking account of choice. The same goes for students.
9. Huntington Bank
Huntington Bank, headquartered in Columbus, is a reputable full-service bank that operates across seven states, including:
Ohio
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Huntington Bank offers comprehensive financial services, including commercial, small business, consumer, mortgage, wealth management, and military banking. It also operates over 400 branches in Ohio alone.
One of the standout features of Huntington Bank is its Asterisk-Free Checking account. This account has gained recognition as one of the best checking accounts available.
The Asterisk-Free Checking account stands out for its customer-friendly features, including no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no minimum deposit. These features make it an attractive option for individuals seeking a hassle-free banking experience.
Additionally, Huntington Bank offers the Premier Savings Account. There are no fees for this account for customers who have a checking account with the bank.
Huntington Bank offers a 24-hour grace period for overdraft fees to provide extra peace of mind. This option can make rectifying overdrafts easier before you incur costly fees.
10. Park National Bank
Park National Bank is a community bank serving the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Ohio. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, lines of credit, credit cards, investment options, and financial planning services.
You can find 96 branch locations in Ohio. Regarding checking accounts, Park National Bank provides four different options to cater to various needs.
The Simplicity Account offers a no-frills banking experience, and customers can avoid the monthly fee by opting into eStatements. Additionally, customers enjoy the convenience of free introductory checks and overdraft protection for added peace of mind.
For savings needs, Park National Bank offers a traditional savings account along with several special savings options. While the exact monthly fees are not disclosed, customers must maintain a minimum balance of $250.
The bank offers respectable interest rates on their savings accounts, allowing customers to grow their funds over time. In addition to these services, Park National Bank also provides personal loans.
11. Republic Bank
Republic Bank offers a second-chance checking account called the Checking Builder Account. You must have at least $50 to open this account.
This account has a $12.95 monthly fee. However, you can reduce that by signing up for a direct deposit or conducting at least 20 monthly transactions.
One of the key advantages of the Checking Builder Account is that there is no minimum balance requirement. In addition, the account comes with free online banking, bill pay, and unlimited check-writing capabilities.
Republic Bank also offers free ATM transactions through various networks, including Allpoint, MoneyPass, Presto, Sum, and their own ATMs. This extensive network ensures account holders can access fee-free ATM withdrawals at numerous locations.
12. Superior Federal Credit Union
Superior Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking account designed to give account holders a second chance at responsible checking. You’ll receive a free debit card for transactions, but you don’t have any check-writing capabilities or the option to deposit money at an ATM.
The Fresh Start Checking account incurs a $5 monthly fee. However, it does not require a minimum balance.
Superior Federal Credit Union offers free online and mobile banking services for added convenience. You can also make free withdrawals through MoneyPass and Alliance One ATMs.
After maintaining a positive account status for a year, account holders can switch to the standard Superior checking account, which includes check-writing capabilities. Superior Federal Credit Union has branch locations in Kenton, Lima, Fostoria, Coldwater, and St. Mary's, ensuring accessibility for members in these areas.
You can also take advantage of credit union promotions if you meet the eligibility requirements. These promotions can boost your savings or even lower the cost of obtaining an account.
13. The Savings Bank
The Savings Bank, a community bank established in 1912, offers diverse financial products and services. With six branches, it provides convenient access to its services and is committed to serving the local community.
The bank offers various checking and savings account options. A free checking account is available to active duty service members or those who have served in the military.
For customers who prefer additional benefits, the Smart Essentials Checking account is available with a minimal $2 monthly fee. The Savings Bank also prioritizes modern banking conveniences, providing mobile and online banking platforms for easy account management.
In addition to checking and savings accounts, The Savings Bank offers a variety of other financial products. The bank provides competitive interest rates on their savings accounts, but customers are encouraged to contact the bank directly for the most up-to-date information.
They also offer Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help customers plan for future financial needs. You can choose from various loan options, from personal to business.
14. Vacationland Federal Credit Union
Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers convenient banking services to individuals residing in Erie County, Ohio. Their Regular Checking account provides members with unlimited check-writing capabilities and a free debit card for seamless transactions.
In addition, free online banking and bill pay services are available. Vacationland Federal Credit Union offers overdraft protection options on its accounts for added peace of mind.
You are required to open a share savings account with a minimum $25 deposit to become a member. This membership requirement ensures that members have a stake in the credit union and can take advantage of its various services and benefits.
Vacationland Federal Credit Union has branch locations in Huron, Sandusky, Vermillion, and Norwalk. It’s just one of many of the best credit unions in Ohio.
15. Dollar Bank
This Ohio bank has been in business for over a century. It also stands as one of the largest independent mutual banks in the United States.
You can open an Everything Checking account with Dollar Bank to manage your finances with all the typical checking account trimmings. This account also earns you a higher rate for any Dollar Bank CDs you open.
16. First National Bank
First National Bank, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has expanded its reach to seven other states, including Ohio. Established in 1864, the bank offers a network of nearly 90 branches for customers who prefer in-person banking experiences.
Customers at First National Bank have access to a diverse range of financial products and services.
From various checking account options, savings accounts, IRAs, CDs, HSAs, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, lines of credit, investment services, to insurance coverage including home, life, and auto insurance, the bank provides comprehensive solutions to meet customers' needs.
One standout offering from First National Bank is Freestyle Checking, designed specifically to cater to individuals' everyday banking needs. This account grants customers the convenience of unlimited check writing and a debit card.
Additionally, there are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements, making Freestyle Checking a reliable and straightforward option for effectively managing day-to-day finances.
17. Civista Bank
Civista Bank opened in 1884 and is one of the best-known community banks in Ohio. Its Choice Checking account has a $7 monthly fee and a free checkbook each year.
You don’t need a minimum opening deposit to open a Civista Bank Choice Checking account. There are no minimum balance requirements either.
Ohio banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in Ohio?
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 Ohio, 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 of the best banks in Ohio offer free checking accounts?
Huntington Bank and The Savings Bank offer free checking accounts. You can also obtain free checking accounts from other banks in Ohio, though you may have to meet 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 Ohio.
What is the largest bank in Ohio?
KeyBank is the largest bank in Ohio. Other large banks include SoFi Bank, U.S. Bank, Huntington Bank, PNC Bank, and Fifth Third Bank. 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.
What do you need to open a bank account in Ohio?Â
When you open a bank account in Ohio, you’ll need identification, your Social Security number, proof of your mailing address, and an initial deposit. Some of the best banks in Ohio offer checking accounts that you can open without an initial deposit. Several accounts in our best checking accounts roundup ask for no opening deposit and take ten minutes online.
Bullseye Banking in the Buckeye State
Ohio might not be known for its many banks and credit unions, but these two financial institutions are just as crucial to Ohio residents as to residents of any other state. Indeed, they are part of the economy that makes this state thrive.
We hope our list of the best banks in Ohio inspired you to take a closer look at your own bank account(s). If you aren’t satisfied with what you’ve got and want to make a change, you’ve got a list of banks ready to pursue.
Sometimes staying with your bank is the better option, and that’s okay. Now you can rest easy knowing that the bank you’re with is the right one for you.
Will you open an account with one of the best banks in Ohio?
$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.
