Best Banks in NYC
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Looking for the right bank in New York City? Check out this helpful guide to the best banks in NYC to see which is right for you.
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Citi Priority Account - Earn up to $2,000 Cash Bonus
- Earn up to $2,000 cash bonus when you open a new eligible Citi Priority Checking Account with required activities
- Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds.
- Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day.
- If your balance falls to a lower tier at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes.
- Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit
- Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
TD Beyond Checking - $300 Cash Bonus
- Earn $300 when you receive direct deposits totaling $2,500 or more within 60 days
- Get more from your checking account. With TD Beyond Checking with Payback Plus, you'll earn interest and get reimbursed for non-TD ATM transactions, Overdraft Payback and more.
- Monthly maintenance fee waived when you receive monthly direct deposits of $5,000 or more within a statement cycle, or maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,500, or a combined balance of $25,000 across eligible TD accounts.
- TD ATM fees waived at any ATM and non-TD fees reimbursed when you keep at least a $2,500 daily balance
- Get overdraft fees automatically reversed up to two times a year.
- Get your money where it needs to go —fast— with Rush Bill Payments, Send Money with Zelle®, incoming wires and a reimbursement for one outgoing wire (domestic or international) per statement cycle.
- TD checking accounts come with an instant-issue debit card - and, you can pay with confidence with contactless technology Visa Zero Liability protection and 24/7 fraud monitoring.
- Monthly maintenance fee waived on one TD Simple Checking℠ account and any Savings accounts. Plus, get free standard check orders, money orders, official bank checks and stop payments.
As a New Yorker, you want a bank that's convenient to use. One that doesn't add stress to your already busy life.
So which NYC banks are worth your time?
Whether you're new to the city or just looking for a change, this guide will help you identify the top banks that New Yorkers trust. Keep reading to see which one suits you best.
The Best Banks in New York City
There are several important factors in order to identify the best banks in New York City. This includes reputation, the services they offer, their size, and the number of branches they have.
Not every bank is right for everyone, so make sure to check out the whole list so that you don't miss out on the best fit for you.
Citi Priority Account - Earn up to $2,000 Cash Bonus
Earn up to $2,000 cash bonus when you open a new eligible Citi Priority Checking Account with required activities. Within 20 days of opening, deposit the minimum amount of new-to-Citibank funds. Maintain a minimum balance for 60 consecutive calendar days from the 21st day. If your balance falls to a lower tier at any point during the maintenance period, the bonus changes. Bonus will be paid within 30 days after you successfully complete all required activities.
Balance Levels | Maximum Bonus |
---|---|
$10,000 - $29,999 | $200 |
$30,000 - $74,999 | $500 |
$75,000 - $199,999 | $1,000 |
$200,000 - $299,999 | $1,500 |
$300,000 and above | $2,000 |
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started.
- No overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of $50 a month on fees after opening their account.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send money with Zelle® all for a $4.95 monthly service fee.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase Online℠.
TD Convenience Checking℠ - $200 Cash Bonus
- Earn $200 when you receive direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 60 days
- Low minimum daily balance of $100 waives the $15 monthly fee.
- Students and young adults ages 17 through 23 get additional perks like no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fee.
- Instantly replace a lost, stolen, or damaged debit card by visiting a TD Bank location near you
- Access accounts via Online Banking with Bill Pay, Online Statements, Send Money with Zelle and TD Bank Mobile Deposit. Plus, get 24/7 cash access at TD ATMs in the U.S. and Canada and around-the-clock Live Customer Service.
- TD checking accounts come with an instant-issue debit card - and, you can pay with confidence with contactless technology Visa Zero Liability protection and 24/7 fraud monitoring.
- Get a 0.25% discount on TD Bank Home Equity and Personal Loans.
Chase Bank: Best Branch Access
If you're a New Yorker who needs regular, reliable access to bank tellers and ATMs, then Chase Bank is worth your consideration.
With nearly 500 physical branches in the city, Chase operates over double the number of locations than any other retail banks do. That means that with a Chase Total Checking Account, you'll have ready access to your money just about wherever you are in New York.
Plus, you can find Chase banks with 24/7 ATMs every several blocks in many neighborhoods of the city, meaning you can withdraw cash for free.
Chase offers a variety of useful features including personal checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home and auto loans, and investing services through Investing by JPMorgan.
Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit
- Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started.
- No overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of $50 a month on fees after opening their account.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send money with Zelle® all for a $4.95 monthly service fee.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase Online℠.
Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus
- Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
- No Monthly Service Fee for up to 5 years if you're a student between the ages of 17-24 at account opening with proof of student status.
- Students ages 18-24 with a Social Security Number can open an account online or at a Chase branch. Students with no Social Security number and 17-year-olds can only open an account at a branch.
- Manage your money, see your accounts, and pay your bills using the Chase Mobile® app.
- Send and receive money in moments using Zelle®.
- Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
Chase Private Client - $3,000 Bonus
- You're eligible for up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
- Speak with a Private Client Banker to open your Chase Private Client Checking account today. Schedule your meeting at your nearest branch or over the phone.
- Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker who is ready to help you.
- Earn $1,000 when you deposit $150,000 or earn $2,000 when you deposit $250,000 or earn $3,000 when you deposit $500,000
- No ATM fees worldwide.
- No Chase fee on incoming or outgoing wire transfers; can be completed online or over the phone.
- Experience a financial relationship that brings you more.
- Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
- Get up to $700 when you open and fund a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account with qualifying new money.
- $700 when you fund with $250,000 or more
- $325 when you fund with $100,000-$249,999
- $150 when you fund with $25,000-$99,999
- $50 when you fund with $5,000-$24,999
- Get unlimited commission-free online stock, ETF, fixed income, and options trades when you open an account.
- $0 Online Commission trades
- Choose an account that's right for you: General Investing, Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
- Access our secure, easy-to-use trading experience online or through the Chase Mobile® app.
- Our powerful tools and resources are built to help you take control of your investments.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE:
Apple Bank for Savings: Best Free Checking
Apple Bank, a New York exclusive, provides customers with access to free checking accounts, which none of the other banks on this list can claim.
Apple Bank's ExtraValue Checking Account is entirely free, without restrictive conditions like activity requirements or minimum balances.
They also offer a range of personal banking services including checking and savings accounts, Youth Savings accounts, CDs, loans, and more.
New customers at Apple Bank may even be able to receive a $100 bonus when they set up recurring direct deposits, like those from an employer or benefit program. While other banks may have flashier bonuses, few will offer accounts with as few requirements as Apple Bank.
Keep in mind, Apple Bank is smaller than the other banks on this list, with only about 80 branches in total. That means you'll have less accessibility outside of New York, and it also means that their mobile and online banking systems are not as robust as some of their competitors.
If you prefer online banking, you may be better off choosing a different bank.
Capital One: Best for Small Businesses and Online Savings
Most readers will probably already be familiar with Capital One. If you're a small business owner looking to open a checking account, or an everyday New Yorker interested in an online savings account, Capital One may be the best option for you.
Both of Capital One's business checking accounts, the Capital One Spark Business Basic Checking and Capital One Spark Business Unlimited Checking, offer easy ways to waive their monthly fee.
Both small business owners and regular customers will have access to branches and Capital One Cafés, which provide ATM access around the city in addition to those found at certain Target stores.
Citizens: Best for Customer Service
If you're looking for a personal touch when it comes to your banking, you might consider Citizens Bank (formerly HSBC, until they began transitioning out of the U.S. retail banking market in 2021).
The bank is regarded as one of the best in New York. According to a Pew study conducted in 2015, the bank ranked best in fairness, transparency, dispute resolution, and in their policy toward overdrafts.[1]
While many banks use questionable practices to increase the chances of their customers having an overdraft, Citizens processes daily transactions in order from low-to-high to decrease potential fees. They also don't charge fees on overdrafts of $10 or less.
Citizens offers customers a range of products and services including personal checking and savings, Premier Relationship Savings accounts, credit and debit cards, home loans, and more.
Santander Bank: Best for Students
For students aged between 16 and 25 years old, Santander Bank offers a free checking account and fee-free incoming wire transfers.
Whether you're from New York originally, or have just come there for school, this can be a valuable asset for receiving money from parents and other family members.
Electronic bank statements are free at Santander Bank, but paper ones cost $3, so it's best to take the environmentally friendly option. The bank has 108 branches in most parts of the city, save for Harlem and Brooklyn, where students may have more trouble finding access.
There are, however, a large number of locations near the NYU and Columbia campuses.
Santander Bank offers online and mobile banking. Their services include personal checking and savings accounts, Student Value Checking, Santander Youth Savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and more.
How to Choose the Right Bank for You
There's a lot to consider when you're choosing a new bank. Your top five factors will include:
- High-quality banking products
- Convenience
- Accessibility
- Good customer service
- Features that suit your lifestyle
At the end of the day, you want a bank that makes it easy to manage your finances, whether that's withdrawing cash, depositing paychecks, applying for loans, or simply keeping your savings safe.
Finding the right bank doesn't have to be difficult, but isn't a decision you should make lightly either. Think of banking like a long-term relationship. Choosing the right one can have a big impact on your life and finances.
Bottom Line
There are plenty of excellent banking options for residents of New York. If you're a small business owner, you can get a lot out of an account with Capital One.
If you're a student, Santander bank will offer free checking, which can provide valuable savings when money is tight.
For the best access, choose Chase, which has over 500 branches in NYC alone, and many more around the country. And if customer service is your primary concern, then Citizens is likely your best choice.
References
Jeremy Harshman is a creative assistant at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Jeremy Harshman at jeremy.harshman@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the Capital One Shopping extension using the links provided.
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