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Kentucky is home to both growing cities like Louisville and Lexington and small towns with deep community ties. The best banks in Kentucky offer strong financial services while staying connected to the people they serve.
Whether you’re in a college town like Bowling Green or along the Bourbon Trail in Bardstown, there’s no shortage of banking options. Finding the right one comes down to your financial priorities.
14 Best Banks in Kentucky
Kentucky has everything from national banks with broad resources to community banks with a local focus. This list breaks down the top options to help you choose the best fit for your banking needs.
Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through May 6, 2025. Member FDIC.
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account includes a free debit card with lock/unlock features, no ATM fees at U.S. Bank ATMs, and surcharge-free access to over 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs.
A $25 deposit is required to open the account, with a $6.95 monthly fee that can be waived for customers 24 and under, 65 and over, or military members (must self-disclose).
The fee is also waived with monthly deposits of $1,000 or more, an average balance of $1,500 or more, or by holding an eligible U.S. Bank credit card. Qualifying for any Smart Rewards® tier also eliminates the fee.
SoFi is an online bank that offers a simple way to manage money without the fees that come with traditional banks.
Its hybrid Checking & Savings account pays up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking balances—rates that outshine many conventional banks. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $2 million.
Customers benefit from no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirements. Eligible direct deposits can also earn a bonus of up to $300.
SoFi provides access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide, allowing easy cash withdrawals. Setting up direct deposit can also get you paid up to two days early.
Fifth Third Bank, headquartered in Cincinnati, has a strong presence in Kentucky with branches in cities like Bowling Green, Covington, Elizabethtown, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Paducah, and Richmond.
Customers can use over 40,000 fee-free ATMs through Fifth Third Bank and its partners.
In addition to checking, the bank offers savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and investment services—making it a solid full-service option for Kentucky residents.
Upgrade is a strong online banking option in Kentucky, offering fee-free accounts with cash back rewards and competitive savings rates.
The Rewards Checking Plus account has no monthly fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements.
Customers can earn up to 2% cash back on everyday purchases, recurring payments, and subscriptions.
When paired with Performance Savings, customers can earn up to 4.02% APY. Other perks include early direct deposit up to two days ahead, mobile check deposits, and seamless transfers between Upgrade checking and savings accounts.
Customers also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide through the Allpoint® ATM Network.
Upgrade also provides FDIC insurance coverage up to $250,000 through its partnership with Cross River Bank.
Chase combines the convenience of a top-rated mobile app with in-person service at branches throughout Kentucky.
You’ll find locations in cities like Bowling Green, Florence, Hopkinsville, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, and Richmond.
New customers can earn a $200 bonus by opening a Total Checking® account and either setting up at least $500 in direct deposits per month or maintaining a $1,500 daily balance.
The account has a $12 monthly fee, but it’s waived when you meet one of those requirements. There’s no minimum deposit required to get started.
Chase also offers competitive CD rates, giving savers a secure option to grow their money over time.
Whitaker Bank is a familiar presence in Kentucky, with 34 branches across cities like Berea, Georgetown, Lexington, London, Mount Sterling, Nicholasville, Richmond, Somerset, Versailles, and Winchester.
The Whitaker FREE Checking account is a standout option, offering no monthly fees and no balance requirements. You’ll need just $100 to open an account.
All checking accounts come with online and mobile banking, unlimited check writing, free bill pay, eStatements, and debit card access with no transaction limits.
In addition to personal banking, Whitaker Bank provides a wide range of financial services tailored to the needs of local individuals and businesses.
First State Bank serves Breckinridge County with branches in Hardinsburg and Irvington, offering a community-focused approach to personal banking.
The bank provides a range of checking and savings accounts, including a no-fee checking option with no balance requirements and just a $25 minimum opening deposit.
Customers benefit from personalized service while still having access to key banking features like online and mobile banking, debit cards, and account management tools.
With its local roots and full-service offerings, First State Bank is a strong choice for residents seeking reliable, small-town banking.
Based in Louisville, Republic Bank offers a range of checking options, including the Simple Access account, which provides access to funds through a network of 90,000 ATMs nationwide.
The Simple Access account has a $4.95 monthly fee, but it can be waived by making one direct deposit, using the debit card for a transaction, or completing an online bill pay transaction each month.
Beyond checking, Republic Bank offers competitive interest rates on savings accounts and CDs, often exceeding what many other banks provide.
Located in Bowling Green near Western Kentucky University, American Bank & Trust is a community-focused bank known for its reliability and local service.
The free checking account is a popular choice, offering no minimum balance requirements, making it a great option for students, families, and other residents. Opening an account requires a $50 initial deposit.
Beyond checking, the bank provides savings accounts and loan options designed to meet customer needs. For those seeking a local bank that understands the Bowling Green community, American Bank & Trust is a strong choice.
With 25 branches across Kentucky, South Central Bank is one of the best banks in Kentucky for friendly service and a variety of banking services. South Central offers multiple checking accounts, including several with no monthly maintenance fee.
To avoid the $6 monthly fee with certain accounts, you’ll need to opt for e-statements and record at least 15 debit card transactions per month.
Besides checking accounts, South Central Bank provides a host of solutions such as savings accounts, personal loans, and wealth management services encompassing investment guidance and retirement planning.
Opening a checking account requires a $100 minimum opening deposit, and there’s no minimum balance requirement, offering ease of banking to all its account holders.
Headquartered in Owensboro, Independence Bank makes the list of best banks in Kentucky due to its competitive rates on CDs and various free checking accounts. With 20 branch locations across the state, the bank is easily accessible.
The bank caters to active-duty military personnel and veterans with specially designed checking accounts laden with benefits.
A unique feature of this Kentucky bank is the availability of “ITMs,” or interactive teller machines, allowing for real-time interaction with live tellers.
Moreover, the bank extends its services to meet various needs, including business checking accounts, equipment loans, lines of credit, and agricultural loans.
To open a free checking account, a minimum deposit of $50 is required, and you can enjoy banking without worrying about monthly fees.
Based in Pikeville, Community Trust Bank is a community bank with a strong presence in 69 locations throughout Kentucky, as well as branches in Tennessee and West Virginia.
Branch locations in Kentucky can be found in cities like Ashland, Campbellsville, Danville, Flemingsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Hazard, Lexington, Richmond, Winchester, and more.
The bank offers multiple checking accounts, including a free checking account. You can open a checking account with a $100 minimum deposit, and enjoy the advantage of having no monthly fees.
In addition to checking, Community Trust Bank provides a broad array of products such as savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, IRAs, persona loans, and mortgages.
Hometown Bank serves Corbin, London, Barbourville, and Williamsburg, providing convenient local banking with a strong community focus.
The Simply Free checking account is a standout option, offering a free debit card, online banking, and a complimentary “Thank You” gift.
It requires a $50 initial deposit, but has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
In addition to checking, Hometown Bank offers a range of savings accounts and other financial services designed to fit different needs, making it a trusted choice for residents in the region.
PNC Bank is one of the most accessible banks in Kentucky, with 68 branches across the state and a presence in 29 states nationwide.
A key feature is the Virtual Wallet, which combines checking, savings, CDs, and money market accounts into a streamlined banking experience.
New customers can also qualify for a welcome bonus between $50 and $400, depending on the account combination they choose.
Beyond personal banking, PNC offers business accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, and investment options, making it a well-rounded choice for various financial needs.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Kentucky
With so many banking options in the Bluegrass State, finding the right fit depends on your financial needs and priorities. Here are key factors to consider:
Type of bank:National banks and regional banks offer extensive services, while local banks and credit unions provide personalized service. Online banks often have lower fees.
Account offerings: Look for free checking accounts, savings accounts, and investment options that align with your financial goals.
Fees: Check for monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and ATM charges.
Online banking: A strong mobile app and online banking platform make managing money easier.
Customer service: A responsive support team can be invaluable for resolving issues.
Loans and credit: If you’ll need a mortgage, auto loan, or business financing, compare loan terms and rates.
Location and accessibility: If in-person banking matters, choose a bank with nearby branches and ATMs.
Community involvement: Some banks actively support local initiatives, which may be important to you.
Reviews and recommendations: Ask friends or check online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
The best bank for you depends on your financial habits and long-term goals. Take the time to compare options before making a decision.
Best Credit Unions in Kentucky
Kentucky’s credit unions are known for strong community ties, competitive loan rates, and member-focused service. Here are some of the top choices:
Commonwealth Credit Union: Founded in Frankfort, Commonwealth has grown into a community-driven institution offering diverse financial services.
Abound Credit Union:Abound is one of Kentucky’s largest credit unions, known for its member engagement and broad range of products.
Park Community Credit Union: Based in Louisville, Park Community provides a full suite of banking services with a focus on local development.
University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union (UKFCU): Originally serving UK students and faculty, UKFCU now offers competitive rates and services to the broader community.
Service One Credit Union:Service One is a Bowling Green institution recognized for its personalized service and commitment to exceeding member expectations.
Class Act Federal Credit Union: Serving Louisville’s education sector, Class Act offers specialized products and educational resources.
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU): While not exclusive to Kentucky, NFCU provides top-tier financial products for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Each of these credit unions delivers a strong mix of local service, financial benefits, and specialized offerings.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky offers a wide range of banking options, from national banks with extensive resources to community banks and credit unions focused on personalized service. Whether you need a free checking account, competitive savings rates, or specialized financial products, there’s a bank or credit union that fits your needs.
Before choosing, compare fees, account features, and accessibility to find the best match. A bank that aligns with your financial goals can make managing money easier and more rewarding.
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured on a variety of top finance sites, including Money Under 30, GoBankingRates, Retirable, Sapling, and Benzinga.
