Pennsylvania is one of the largest states in the East, besides Maine and New York. Which of the best banks in Pennsylvania can help you achieve your financial goals?
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.
Did you know that 7% of Americans don’t have bank accounts as of 2023? For some of us, a bank account is a part of our daily lives, but for others, it’s a luxury they can’t afford.
However, opening a bank account can be easier than you think. In fact, our list of the best banks in Pennsylvania includes a few that simplify the process so you can have a bank account and use it to your advantage.
While some banks in Pennsylvania might require a minimum opening deposit, several of them waive the monthly fees if you meet specific requirements. Most of these requirements are easy to complete, especially if you actively use your new bank account.
In addition, our list of the best banks in Pennsylvania also includes several that offer welcome bonuses and account perks. Use these to help you fund your new savings account or even add to your existing nest egg.
The best banks nationwide help you manage your money, from paying bills to sending money to friends and family. The banks on our list include these features and more.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Pennsylvania? Let’s get started!
The History of Banking in Pennsylvania
Banking in Pennsylvania began as early back as the 1780s when the Bank of North America was founded in Philadelphia. The Bank of Pennsylvania was opened only a few years later in 1793.
As banks large and small began to sprout up across the East, they began to cater to specific interests. For example, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society served those underserved by larger banks catering only to the wealthy.
Beyond serving the public, Pennsylvania banks also gave the state economic and financial recognition. Such an accomplishment helped PA to compete with neighboring states for a large portion of commerce within the area.
Presently, there are hundreds of banks that operate within Pennsylvania. These include the best banks in Pennsylvania listed below.
10 Best Banks in Pennsylvania
The best national banks can offer various perks when opening a checking or savings account. However, working with local banks can sometimes get you a better deal and more personalized service.
Chase Total Checking® is one of the most popular checking accounts among Pennsylvania residents, offering convenience and accessibility across the state's largest bank network. With over 4,700 branches nationwide and thousands of ATMs, Chase provides unmatched access for everyday banking.
This account requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and carries a $15 monthly maintenance fee, which you can waive by maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance or setting up direct deposit. Chase Total Checking® comes with a Chase Debit Mastercard, free online and mobile banking, bill pay, and Zelle money transfers for convenient funds movement.
New customers may also qualify for welcome bonuses when opening online. If you prefer in-person banking support or need a wide network of branches throughout Pennsylvania, Chase Total Checking® delivers the reliability and accessibility of a major national bank.
Current takes the #4 spot in Pennsylvania thanks to its fee-free banking, early direct deposit, and easy-to-use mobile app. With no minimum balance requirements and built-in tools to help you manage your money, it’s one of the best options for anyone who wants a modern alternative to traditional banks.
Current is a mobile banking app that eliminates the fees most traditional Pennsylvania banks still charge. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees. Members who set up direct deposit can receive their paycheck up to two days early and may qualify for a Paycheck Advance of up to $750 with no interest, no credit check, and no impact to their credit score.
For context, the average overdraft fee at a traditional bank runs about $35, and monthly maintenance fees at Pennsylvania banks range from $5 to $25. Deposits are FDIC insured through Current's partner bank, Choice Financial Group, and customer support is available 24/7 through the app.
3. SoFi
SoFi Checking & Savings is one of the best banking options available if you want simplicity, no fees, and a strong welcome bonus. There are no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements, so you can open an account and start using it right away without worrying about hidden costs.
New customers can qualify for up to a $475 bonus by setting up direct deposit.
This account also comes with free access to more than fifty five thousand ATMs nationwide, fee free overdraft protection up to fifty dollars when you have qualifying direct deposits, and a modern app that makes it easy to manage your money. You can deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds, and set up automatic savings vaults directly from your phone.
Unlike most banks, SoFi combines higher earning potential with the convenience of online and mobile banking, giving you an account that truly works for you.
4. Members 1st Federal Credit Union
With over 60 branches across Central Pennsylvania, Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a trusted local institution that blends personalized service with competitive financial products. Founded in 1950, it has grown to serve more than half a million members throughout the state.
Members 1st offers a full suite of financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment services. Their free Simply Free Checking account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirement, making it a solid choice for everyday banking. Members also enjoy access to 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
You can manage your money through a robust mobile app that includes mobile deposit, bill pay, and budgeting tools. If you prefer in-person service, their friendly, community-focused branches deliver the support you expect from a local credit union.
Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in much of Pennsylvania. It's also open to family members of current members, making it easy to join.
5. First National Bank
First National Bank, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has expanded its reach to seven other states. Established in 1864, FNB offers a network of nearly 90 branches for customers who prefer in-person banking experiences.
This bank offers a wide range of financial solutions to meet customers' needs, including checking and savings accounts, IRAs, CDs, HSAs, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, lines of credit, investment services, and insurance coverage such as home, life, and auto insurance.
FNB 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.
6. Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union is one of two credit unions on our list. It offers both checking and savings accounts and many other banking services, including:
Money market accounts
Personal loans
CDs
Auto loans
Philadelphia Credit Union serves over 100,000 members and is the eighth-largest credit union in the state. This credit union serves many of Pennsylvania’s citizens (and their families) who work in various government positions.
7. Citizens Bank
Speaking of financial tools, Citizens Bank offers a ton of resources in that department. This national bank hosts 1,000 offices nationwide, with just under 300 of them in Pennsylvania alone.
You can choose from the following checking accounts if you’re a PA resident:
One Deposit: This basic account comes with no maintenance fees if you have a qualifying deposit every 30 days.
Students Checking: If you’re a student under 25, you won’t have to worry about a monthly maintenance fee with this checking account. Citizens Bank will also reimburse your ATM fees if you use an out-of-network machine.
Platinum Checking: This account and the tier above it (Platinum Plus Checking) accrue interest on your balance. This account comes with a 0.2% APY and access to many other financial products, such as money market accounts.
Platinum Plus Checking: Earn up to 0.3% APY with this checking account, which helps you make the most of your money, even if you only pay bills.
Citizens Bank also offers Citizens Checkup. This free planning tool provides suggestions and recommendations for achieving goals such as saving for retirement.
8. PNC Bank
PNC Bank is based in Pittsburgh and came about from merging two banks. Both of these banks, ironically enough, used the “PNC” abbreviation.
You can visit over 400 PNC Bank physical locations in Pennsylvania. If you like visiting a teller or bank representative directly to manage your money, PNC Bank is a strong contender. Like most traditional banks, PNC Bank is open five or six days a week, depending on the location.
PNC Bank competes with several of the largest banks in the U.S. Standard PNC Bank checking accounts require $25 to open, but you can avoid the $7 monthly fee as long as you have at least $500 in your account.
You can also open a Performance Select Account to earn a respectable APY. Deposit more than $2,000, and you can earn a competitive APY to save even more passively.
In addition to a full suite of banking services, PNC Bank also offers mobile and online banking. You can send and transfer money with Zelle and receive reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees.
PNC Bank is also one of many banks that don’t require Social Security numbers from their new members. You can use your ITIN, passport, or other type of identification to open your new PNC Bank account.
9. Santander Bank
With over 150 locations in Pennsylvania, Santander Bank has made a name for itself among PA residents. This bank also offers over 650 locations and 2,000 ATMs nationwide so you can bank on the go without worrying about costly fees.
Santander offers the free Simply Right Checking checking account you can use through their mobile app or online portal. You’ll need at least $25 to open this account but to waive the monthly fee, you must make at least one deposit.
You’ll need at least $100 to deposit into your new TD Bank business account. The $25 monthly fee goes away if you keep at least $1,500 in your account.
Complete up to 500 free transactions per month with this account. TD Bank also offers small business loans and home equity lines of credit.
Alternatives to Regional and Local Banks: Online-Only Banks
Local and regional banks can help you bank better, but there are alternatives. Online-only banks can help you manage your money from anywhere, no matter what state you’re in.
Many online-only banks can offer the perks they do because they don’t have to pay substantial overhead costs. Rather than staffing bank tellers and paying for a physical location, these digital banks focus on their online presence and customers.
Axos Bank
If you’re after a strong ATM network, check out Axos Bank’s network of 91,000 ATMs. This online-only bank offers everything from checking and money market accounts to CDs and savings accounts with tons of banking promotions.
The Rewards Checking account comes with no monthly fees and the chance to earn a high APY. Like the other three online-only banks on our list, Axos also holds the bar high for customer service, which is available 24/7, even on holidays.
Discover
Available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, Discover’s mobile app incorporates several convenient features. In addition to an extensive ATM network, this bank offers 24/7 customer service and competitive APYs for its savings accounts. It also has a zero-fee policy, so you don’t have to pay monthly maintenance, overdraft, or out-of-network ATM fees.
Ally Bank
This online-only bank also has limited fees for its checking and savings accounts. Ally is known for its saving “buckets” that let you save for up to 10 different goals at a time. You can reach Ally customer service online through live chat, email, or regular mail. Customer support is also available 24/7 by phone, so you don’t have to worry about talking to a real person if you have any questions.
nbkc bank
Don’t let the small letters fool you. This online-only bank offers various financial products, from checking and savings accounts to CDs and money market accounts. You can combine your checking and savings accounts without paying a single monthly fee. You can also use any ATMs outside of the nbkc bank network because Ally reimburses up to $12 in ATM fees.
Pennsylvania banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania, 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.
What are some of the most popular banks in Pennsylvania?
Some of the most popular banks in Pennsylvania include Citizens Bank, TD Bank, Santander Bank, and PNC Bank. You’ll also find several national banks in Pennsylvania, including Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America. If you bank mostly from your phone, compare fees and bonuses instead. Our best bank account bonuses roundup tracks both.
What are some of the best credit unions in Pennsylvania?
PSECU and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union are two of the best credit unions in Pennsylvania. While credit unions do require you to join, both of these credit unions make it easy to meet those requirements. All of them insure deposits through the NCUA to $250,000. Our credit unions vs. banks comparison covers which fits you better.
Which is better: regional or online-only banks?
Regional banks can offer localized perks for customers, from free ATM access to physical branches for in-person support. However, online-only banks don’t have to worry about supporting a physical location, so they can offer higher APY rates and similar fee-free accounts. Otherwise the online account usually wins on cost. Our best checking accounts roundup includes both kinds.
Banking Right in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may be one of the largest states in the East, but it’s a great place to raise a family and manage your finances to achieve your dreams. With the best banks in Pennsylvania, you can take advantage of local perks to get more out of your bank account(s).
We hope this article on the best banks in Pennsylvania has helped you learn more about what’s available. Finding the best banks to work with can help put you on the right path toward reaching your financial goals.
The good news is that you also have national and online-only banks to choose from if none of these banks fit the bill. No matter what you need from your bank account, you’ll likely find it with national, local, or online-only banks.
$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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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.
