Best Banks in Ohio in 2024

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by Eric Rosenberg

updated: July 17, 2024

edited by Mary Hall

Julia Kagan

If you’re new to Ohio or want to find a bank that’s better for your needs, you may be looking for the institution with the most branches or accounts with the best features. The following list will help you find the ideal bank in Ohio for your needs.

Best banks in Ohio compared

	Best for	Account types	Bonus/Welcome offer	Zelle available
PNC Bank	Branch locations	Checking, savings, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, retirement	Up to $400 when you open and use a new Virtual Wallet	Yes
Chase Bank	Nationwide banking	Checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, investments, business banking	$300 with eligible direct deposit	Yes
SoFi	Online banking	Checking, savings, credit card, investments, student loans, personal loans, mortgages	$300 with eligible direct deposit	No
Chime	Low fees	Checking, savings, credit card	No	No
U.S. Bank	Borrowing options	Checking, savings, CDs, money market savings, credit cards, investing, personal loans, auto loans, home loans	Up to $700 when you meet specific account and activity requirements	Yes

Our recommendations

Best for branch locations: PNC Bank

PNC Bank is one of the largest banks in Ohio, with more than 200 branches statewide. It’s also the sixth-largest bank nationwide by deposits. It offers a wide range of bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and other services, making it a good option for someone looking to handle all their banking needs with a single financial institution. And, if you prefer in-person customer service, a branch is likely located near your home or work location.

Virtual Wallet is the main checking and savings product from PNC. It’s an online banking app that links your accounts via an intuitive interface. However, be aware that minimum balance requirements apply, or you’ll have to pay a hefty monthly fee. You’ll need a fairly high balance across PNC Bank accounts to get the best rates.

Types of accounts

Checking.
Savings.
Credit cards.
Home loans.
Auto loans.
Retirement.

Number of branches in Ohio

PNC has more than 200 branches in Ohio and 2,300 nationwide.

Pros:

One of the biggest banks in Ohio by number of branches.
Could meet all needs with a single banking relationship.
Offers extensive online and in-person service.

Cons:

Minimum balance required to avoid monthly fees.
Low interest rates without high savings account balances.
ATM fees apply unless you have a Performance Checking account.

Best for nationwide banking: Chase Bank

Chase is the largest bank in the U.S. and the fourth-largest bank in Ohio with more than 200 branches. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for your money, Chase offers a wide range of banking and investment products. As with other large, traditional banks, interest rates leave something to be desired, and account fees can be high.

But Chase stands out for customer service and the number of national locations. It operates more than 4,700 branches and 15,000 in-network ATMs. It also offers business banking and one of the best credit card rewards programs around.

Types of accounts

Checking.
Savings.
CDs.
Credit cards.
Home loans.
Auto loans.
Investments.
Business banking.

Number of branches in Ohio

Chase has more than 200 branches in Ohio.

Pros:

The largest bank nationwide and one of the biggest in Ohio.
Can handle all financial needs with one institution.
Excellent customer service.
Online banking.

Cons:

Minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees.
Poor interest rates for savings.
High fees for many account activities.

Best for online banking: SoFi

If you don’t need to visit a bank branch and don’t require in-person customer service, SoFi is a top choice. This major online bank offers checking, savings, credit cards, investments, and borrowing products—making it easy to manage all of your finances with a single login and mobile banking app. The high-yield savings account has low fees, making it a top choice for many households. However, you must set up direct deposit to your SoFi account to get the best interest rates.

The big drawback is that you can’t visit a bank branch in person. If you regularly get paid in cash, as is common for restaurant servers and valet parking attendants, you may struggle with a lack of options to deposit cash. Otherwise, SoFi offers many fee-free ATMs and a combination of accounts that’s tough to beat.

Types of accounts

Checking.
Savings.
Credit card.
Investments.
Student loans.
Personal loans.
Mortgages.

Number of branches in Ohio

SoFi is an online bank, so there are no branches in Ohio.

Pros:

Low fees and high interest rates.
Can handle all finances with a single login.
A huge network of fee-free ATMs.

Cons:

No branches for in-person customer service.
Difficult and expensive to cash deposits.
No refund for out-of-network ATM fees

Best for low fees: Chime

Chime is not a bank but an online fintech offering simple checking, savings, and credit card accounts. Chime is noteworthy for having almost no fees. The only exception is a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee. While you can’t visit a branch in person, Chime offers a network of more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. You can also deposit cash at Walgreens stores for free.

If you are new to credit or looking to rebuild your credit, the Chime Visa is a secured credit card with no annual fee or interest charges. It doesn’t offer as many types of accounts as other banks on this list, but it’s a top choice for anyone looking to avoid fees while managing their money.

Types of accounts

Checking.
Savings.
Secured credit card.

Number of branches in Ohio

Chime is an online financial technology company offering banking products and does not have physical branches in Ohio.

Pros:

Checking and savings accounts with almost no fees.
Large ATM network for fee-free withdrawals.
Can deposit cash at any Walgreens location.

Cons:

No ATM fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATMs.
Will likely need additional financial accounts.
No loan or investment products.

Best for borrowing: U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank is the fifth largest bank in the United States, with over 2,300 branches. In Ohio, the bank is one of the biggest, with more than 170 branches. It offers an array of banking, borrowing, and investing services. Among the banks we reviewed, U.S. Bank features the most extensive lending programs, including credit cards, personal loans, personal lines of credit, auto loans, and home loans.

It’s also a good choice when traveling around the U.S., as it has physical branch locations in about half of the states. Customers can also make free withdrawals from U.S. Bank and MoneyPass ATMs. However, take note of potentially high fees when using out-of-network ATMs. Like other large, traditional banks, interest rates and fees are not as competitive as those of many online banks.

Types of accounts

Checking.
Savings.
CDs.
Money market savings.
Credit cards.
Investing.
Personal loans.
Auto loans.
Home loans.

Number of branches in Ohio

U.S. Bank has more than 170 branches in Ohio.

Pros:

Personal loans, auto loans, and home loans.
Large branch network across Ohio.
Branches and ATMs available throughout the U.S.

Cons:

Account requirements to avoid monthly fees.
Low standard interest rates for savings accounts.
High fees for common banking activities.

Methodology

To choose the best banks in Ohio, we reviewed dozens of banks—considering the number of statewide branches, bank account fees, savings account interest rates, ATM availability, and ability to serve diverse banking needs. We looked to find a range of banks meeting various financial needs.

More about banks in Ohio

Ohio is a highly populated state with dozens of options for banking, including national banks, regional banks, credit unions, and online banking. Unless you’re regularly paid in cash, considering an online-only bank could be a good option, as they typically have lower fees and interest rates.

Types of banks in Ohio

You can find banks and other financial institutions big and small across Ohio. Depending on your preferences, one of these may be the best fit:

National banks: Offer a wide array of financial services to customers nationwide. Ideal for those who are always on the move or require a broad spectrum of banking products.
Regional banks: Cater directly to the distinct needs of their surrounding communities, often delivering a customized touch in customer service.
Credit unions: Generally offer lower costs and more favorable rates than conventional banks, though joining might require specific requirements.
Online banks: These modern banking solutions offer better interest rates and reduced fees, thanks to their lower overhead costs.

How to choose the right bank in Ohio

Selecting a new bank is an important financial decision that requires careful consideration. Here's how to approach it:

Assess your financial needs: Start by understanding what you need from a bank. Are you looking for basic checking and savings options, or do you need more specialized services like investment advice or business banking?
Research bank offerings: Compare banks’ products, services, and fees. Consider regional banks, credit unions, and online banks, in addition to large national institutions.
Check accessibility: Think about how you prefer to bank. If you value in-person service, look for convenient branch locations. If you're more of a digital user, look for a robust online and mobile banking platform.
Review fees and rates: Look closely at the fee structures and interest rates for checking accounts, savings accounts, and any other products you're interested in. Lower fees and higher interest rates will benefit your financial health in the long run.
Consider customer service: Good customer service can be a lifesaver during financial stress. Read reviews or ask for recommendations to gauge the bank's reputation.

Tips on banking in Ohio

In Ohio, check out bank and credit union offerings to find the best fit for you. Look for attractive rates, minimal fees, and a mix of in-person and online banking solutions tailored to your lifestyle. Also consider special deals or programs aimed at Ohio residents, ranging from home-buying incentives to support for local small businesses.

Stay current on state-specific banking regulations and perks. When in doubt, consult with local financial experts or tap into community resources for tailored guidance on the Ohio economic environment. Engaging in local financial education events or community groups can provide valuable tips and connections.

TIME Stamp: Finding the best banks in Ohio is a personal choice

The best bank in Ohio isn’t the same for everyone. Understanding your financial needs and how you prefer to interact with your bank can help guide you to the right financial institution. Whether it’s a national, online, or local bank, or credit union, with the right knowledge, you can pick the best bank for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best bank in Ohio?

The "best" bank in Ohio depends on how you prefer to bank. Factors include low fees, competitive interest rates, and how you prefer bank interactions. These considerations will help you choose the right bank for you.

What are the biggest banks in Ohio?

The biggest banks in Ohio, by number of branches, are Huntington Bank, Fifth Third Bank, PNC Bank, Chase, US Bank, and KeyBank. Each has more than 100 Ohio branches.

What is the most common bank in Ohio?

Huntington Bank has the most branches of any bank in Ohio, with more than 300 locations in the state.

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