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From upstate towns to the heart of the city, New Yorkers have access to nearly every kind of bank—big national names, long-established local banks, credit unions, and fully online options. But with so many choices, it can be tough to know which banks actually deliver when it comes to fees, interest rates, and overall convenience.
Whether you care most about mobile banking, in-person service, or rewards for everyday use, the best bank for you is the one that fits how you manage money.
10 Best Banks in New York
This list includes a mix of traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks—all of which are available to New York residents. Each one stands out for different reasons, whether it’s strong customer service, high-yield savings, or low fees.
Here’s our list of the 10 best banks and credit unions in New York to help you narrow it down to one solid option.
SoFi is a top-rated online bank known for its high-yield Checking & Savings account.
You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% on checking—with no monthly fees or minimum deposit required.
Set up direct deposit and you’ll get access to your paycheck up to two days early, plus up to $50 in free overdraft coverage. SoFi also offers FDIC insurance up to $2 million for added protection.
New customers can earn a welcome bonus of $50 to $300, depending on the direct deposit amount. You’ll also get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint® Network.
TD Bank is a national bank with over 140 branches across the Empire State, including big cities like New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Yonkers.
When it comes to their checking account, you’ll have to pay a $4.95 monthly fee. The good news is, you won’t get hit with any overdraft fees. Also, there’s no need for a minimum opening deposit or to maintain a specific balance in your account.
TD Bank offers competitive rates on savings accounts. Their CDs provide even higher returns, and there is an option to adjust the rate if interest rates increase.
Beyond the deposit accounts, TD Bank offers around-the-clock online customer service. If you lose your debit card, they’ll replace it the same day. All these features make TD Bank a solid choice for anyone in New York looking for a reliable bank.
Chase Bank is a household name in the U.S., known for its extensive network of branches and ATMs across 48 states and the District of Columbia.
This national bank offers numerous financial products to help you get ahead.
Starting with checking, Chase currently has a special offer: a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking account. This account does come with a $12 monthly fee, but you can get it waived.
All you need to do is receive at least a $500 direct deposit each month, keep a $1,500 minimum balance, or maintain an average daily balance of $500 across all your Chase accounts.
Chase Bank offers fee-free withdrawals at over 15,000 ATMs nationwide. For those interested in CDs, Chase provides competitive rates. Additionally, Chase is known for its top-tier rewards and travel credit cards.
Upgrade is a strong option for New York residents looking for a modern banking experience with no monthly fees and added perks for everyday spending.
While it’s an online-only platform, it offers a checking account that stands out for its rewards and savings potential.
The Rewards Checking Plus account comes with up to 2% cash back on debit card purchases, no ATM fees, and no monthly service fees. Pair it with the Premier Savings account to earn 4.02% APY on balances over $1,000—well above the national average.
Upgrade doesn’t use ChexSystems and only runs a soft credit check, so it may be a good fit if you’ve had trouble opening accounts in the past. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking to combine checking, savings, and lending options under one roof.
All accounts are FDIC-insured through Cross River Bank, and you can manage everything through the Upgrade mobile app.
M&T Bank is a regional bank with deep roots in New York and a strong presence across the state.
With branches in cities like Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and White Plains, M&T is a convenient option for both urban and suburban residents.
The bank offers several checking options, including EZChoice Checking, which has no monthly maintenance fee when you meet basic activity requirements.
M&T also provides competitive rates on savings accounts, along with a wide range of personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Customers can manage their accounts easily through M&T’s highly rated mobile banking app, which supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, and account alerts. The bank also offers 24/7 online access and ATM availability throughout New York.
Whether you prefer in-person service or digital convenience, M&T delivers flexible options backed by a long-standing commitment to the communities it serves.
NBT Bank, headquartered in Norwich, New York, is a regional bank that extends to several states, including Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut.
Branch locations in New York include Poughkeepsie, Schenectady, Albany, Syracuse, Rome, Binghamton, Saratoga Springs, Oswego, and many more.
The bank offers two checking accounts, both of which are free of monthly fees. The Classic Checking account caters to those who value the traditional banking experience and includes features like unlimited check writing.
On the other hand, NBT’s eChecking account is more hands-on and digitally focused. The best part about eChecking is that it allows your balance to earn interest, which is a plus if you’re looking to grow your money over time.
As an extra benefit, NBT Bank also has competitive rates on various types of loans. If you’re a business owner, you’ll also appreciate the availability of multiple business checking accounts tailored to different needs.
Santander Bank is a regional bank with branches in several states, including New York. They offer a free checking option called Simply Right Checking.
This account comes with a $10 monthly fee, but the fee is easily waived if you make at least one transaction each month, such as a deposit, withdrawal, or payment.
Opening an account is fairly straightforward with a $25 initial deposit. There’s also no minimum balance requirements, so it’s accessible for many customers.
If you’re interested in earning more with your money, Santander offers competitive rates on their CDs.
For additional financial management, the bank provides wealth management services. They also offer a user-friendly mobile banking platform, so you can manage your money on the go.
HSBC is a multinational bank with a strong presence in the U.S. and around the globe, making it a good choice for international travelers. However, it caters mainly to high-balance customers.
The monthly fee for its checking account is a hefty $50 unless you meet specific requirements. These include maintaining a $75,000 balance, having a monthly direct deposit of at least $5,000, or taking out a residential mortgage loan of at least $500,000.
On the bright side, if you do a lot of international travel, HSBC has a major perk: you can use your debit card at any ATM worldwide without any fees. In addition, HSBC rebates up to five third-party ATM fees in the U.S. each month.
Starting an account comes with no minimum deposit requirement. However, you’ll need at least $5 in your account to earn interest.
Competitive rates are available on savings accounts and CDs, making them attractive options for savers. Additional features include rewards credit cards and a mobile app that supports managing international transactions.
Corning Credit Union is a regional bank that primarily serves residents of Chemung County or Corning, New York. It also extends its membership to certain areas in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
The credit union offers competitive interest rates on checking accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
Their savings accounts and share certificates also feature attractive rates, with the latter offering better returns for long-term investments.
Additional benefits include various loan products and a range of rewards-earning credit cards.
Dime Community Bank focuses on serving small businesses in New York City and Long Island, offering a range of business checking options with flexible fee structures.
The standard $12 monthly fee is waived if you maintain a $10,000 balance. For higher-volume accounts with over 250 monthly items, the fee increases to $25—but is waived with a $20,000 average balance.
There’s no minimum deposit to open an account, and the setup process is straightforward. Dime also offers various business loans and credit solutions, including lines of credit, equipment financing, and commercial mortgages.
What sets Dime apart is its access to professional services—business clients can connect with legal, real estate, and accounting partners through the bank’s network, adding extra value for growing operations.
How to Choose the Best Bank in New York
Choosing the right bank in New York comes down to a few key factors:
Location and access: Make sure the bank has branches and ATMs near your home, work, or regular stops—especially if you prefer in-person service.
Fees and policies: Look for accounts with low or no monthly fees, and check if you can waive them with direct deposit or a minimum balance.
Interest rates: Compare APYs on checking, savings, CDs, and money market accounts. Higher rates can help you grow your money faster.
Account options: Whether you need basic checking, high-yield savings, or business accounts, make sure the bank offers what you need.
Digital tools: A solid mobile app and online platform can make banking easier, from mobile check deposits to transfers and bill pay.
Customer support: Look for responsive service with 24/7 options if possible. Customer reviews can help you spot banks with a good track record.
Deposit insurance: Confirm the bank is insured by the FDIC or NCUA to protect your funds.
Extra services: Consider whether you’ll need things like loans, credit cards, or investment options down the road.
Bonuses and perks: Some banks offer sign-up bonuses or rewards, but don’t let those overshadow fees or lower interest rates.
Weighing these factors will help you find a bank that fits your everyday needs and long-term financial goals.
Types of Banks in New York
The banking landscape in New York is diverse, offering various types of financial institutions to meet different needs and preferences. Here is a quick overview of the primary categories:
National banks: These are large banks with branches across the country. They offer an extensive range of financial products, from basic checking accounts to investment options. You’ll also find a wide network of ATMs and branches. Examples include Bank of America, Chase Bank, Capital One, and PNC Bank.
Regional banks: These banks typically operate within specific geographic areas, such as the Northeast or the Mid-Atlantic region. Regional banks may offer a mix of traditional and modern banking services and tend to have fewer branches than national banks. NBT Bank, Santander Bank, and Valley National Bank are examples of regional banks.
Community banks: These are smaller, local banks that focus on serving their local communities. They usually offer personalized customer service and may provide favorable loan terms for local businesses. Dime Community Bank fits this category.
Online banks: These banks operate exclusively online or via mobile apps, without physical branches. Online banks tend to offer higher rates and lower fees than traditional banks due to reduced operational costs. SoFi and GO2bank are examples of online banks.
Credit unions: These are member-owned financial institutions that typically offer favorable interest rates and low fees. To join, you typically need to meet specific membership criteria. Corning Credit Union, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Hudson Valley Credit Union, and United Nations Federal Credit Union are examples of credit unions in New York.
Bottom Line
New York offers a rich variety of banking options to fit every lifestyle and financial need. From high-yield savings accounts to convenient mobile apps, the best banks in New York provide features that make managing your money easier and more efficient. Remember to weigh the factors that are most important to you and your financial situation to find your perfect match. Happy banking!
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.
