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Pennsylvania blends historic charm with modern living—from the rolling hills of Lancaster to the busy streets of Philadelphia. Whether you’re in a small town or a major metro area, reliable banking is essential.
From community-focused credit unions to nationwide banks and top-tier online options, Pennsylvania offers plenty of choices. Whether you’re after low fees, strong APYs, or in-person service, there’s a bank that fits your needs.
10 Best Banks in Pennsylvania
To help you narrow it down, we’ve reviewed the best banks in Pennsylvania based on fees, features, accessibility, and account options.
PNC Bank, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has 273 branches across Pennsylvania, including locations in Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Scranton.
The Standard Checking account waives its $7 monthly fee with either a $500 daily balance or $500 in monthly direct deposits.
You’ll need just $25 to open an account, and there’s no ongoing balance requirement. Customers can access over 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs through PNC and its partners.
PNC’s savings account rates are modest, but its money market accounts are more competitive. New customers can earn up to a $200 bonus with a Virtual Wallet account, and the mobile app includes built-in budgeting and savings tools.
Upgrade makes a strong case as one of the best online banks in Pennsylvania, especially for those seeking modern, fee-free banking.
The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account has no minimum deposit, no monthly maintenance fees, and no overdraft or transfer fees.
It also offers early direct deposit, giving you access to your paycheck up to two days early, and up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.
Pair it with the Upgrade Premier Savings account to earn 4.02% APY on balances over $1,000. You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, making it easy to get cash wherever you are.
TD Bank is a national bank with more than 180 branches in Pennsylvania, including locations in Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton.
The bank’s Convenience Checking account waives the $15 monthly fee with just a $100 daily balance.
There’s no minimum opening deposit, and new customers can earn up to a $300 bonus by meeting activity requirements in the first 60 days.
TD Bank also offers competitive rates on savings accounts and CDs, plus perks like a grace period on overdrafts and 24/7 online customer support
Its strong branch presence and solid digital tools make it one of the best banks in Pennsylvania.
First National Bank is a regional bank with a strong presence in Pennsylvania, including branches in cities such as Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Reading.
The bank also operates in Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia.
It offers several personal checking accounts, including one that’s free and pays interest if you keep a balance of $2,500 or more.
Opening an account online is simple thanks to a shopping cart-style application that lets you add services and finalize your setup when you’re ready.
While there’s a $50 minimum deposit to open an account online, this requirement is waived if you open it in person.
Savings accounts earn modest interest, but money market accounts offer higher yields. For even better returns, First National Bank also provides CDs with rates that can go as high as 5.00% APY.
CIT Bank is an online bank, known for offering competitive interest rates and a simple, fee-free banking experience.
It’s especially appealing for savers who want to grow their money faster without the usual banking hassles.
The standout product is the Platinum Savings account, which earns a strong 4.10% APY on balances of $5,000 or more. If your balance falls below that threshold, the APY drops to 0.25%.
You can open an account with just $100, and there are no monthly service fees to worry about.
As a fully digital bank, CIT offers a clean and convenient mobile banking experience. You can easily manage your account online, deposit funds, and monitor your savings. Plus, your deposits are FDIC insured up to the standard limits, giving you added peace of mind.
Backed by First Citizens Bank, a 125-year-old bank with a reputation for financial strength, CIT Bank offers a modern, high-yield savings option for those looking to earn more without adding complexity.
Citizens Bank is a regional institution with a substantial presence in Pennsylvania, where it has 248 branches.
Whether you’re in a big city like Philadelphia or a smaller town like Stroudsburg, you’re likely to find a convenient location.
The bank offers several checking accounts to fit different needs. One attractive option allows you to avoid monthly fees just by receiving at least one deposit each month.
The $9.99 monthly maintenance fee can be waived by meeting this simple requirement, and there’s no minimum balance needed to keep the account open.
For those interested in saving, Citizens Bank also offers CDs with competitive rates. This makes it an ideal spot for parking money you don’t need immediate access to.
In addition to its banking products, Citizens Bank provides a credit card that offers cash back, adding another layer of value for its customers.
PSECU, or Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, is the largest credit union in the state, with a strong presence in cities like Harrisburg, State College, and Philadelphia.
Membership is available to state and local government employees, educators, students, select employers, and their families. Others can join by paying a $20 membership fee—or $10 if applying online.
PSECU offers free checking with no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum deposit to open.
You’ll also earn interest on your balance and get access to 70,000+ fee-free ATMs through its own, Allpoint, and CO-OP networks. With direct deposit, the credit union reimburses up to $20 in third-party ATM fees monthly.
Loan rates are a highlight, especially for auto loans, home equity products, and small business financing.
Customers also benefit from a rewards debit card and competitive CD rates, making PSECU a solid choice for a range of financial needs.
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, commonly known as PFCU, is a go-to option for those who live, work, study, or worship in Philadelphia or Columbia County.
Setting up a checking account with PFCU is straightforward. There’s no minimum deposit required to open an account, and you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees.
In addition, PFCU helps members avoid ATM fees by providing access to a wide network of ATMs that accept cards with various logos, including CO-OP, CU$, PLUS, and others.
You can earn returns on both savings accounts and CDs. These accounts provide options for growing your money based on your savings strategy.
PFCU also offers various mortgages, business banking products, and reward-earning credit cards available for its members.
Santander Bank has a strong presence in multiple states, including Pennsylvania.
The bank’s Simply Right Checking Account comes with a $10 monthly fee, but they waive it if you make just one transaction per month.
With a modest minimum opening deposit of just $25, the checking account offers financial flexibility that many customers will find attractive.
Though the bank’s savings accounts pay less interest, it shines in the area of money market accounts and CDs. For those who want to grow their savings, these are excellent options.
Other services provided by Santander Bank include wealth management and a highly rated mobile banking app, adding an extra layer of convenience for its customers.
Considering its versatile financial products, reasonable fees, and competitive rates, Santander Bank easily ranks among the best banks in Pennsylvania.
How to Choose the Best Bank in Pennsylvania
Finding the right bank in Pennsylvania depends on your financial habits, goals, and preferences. Here are the top factors to consider:
Location and accessibility – Choose a bank with nearby branches or a strong ATM network, especially if you rely on in-person banking. Many banks partner with national ATM networks, making cash access easier.
Account types – Whether you need checking, savings, CDs, or money market accounts, make sure the bank offers what you’re looking for—along with terms that match your needs.
Fees and charges – Watch out for monthly fees, overdraft penalties, and ATM charges. Look for banks that keep fees low or offer easy ways to waive them.
Interest rates – If growing your savings is a priority, compare APYs across banks. Some offer strong yields on savings and CDs, while others keep rates minimal.
Online and mobile banking – A good app and online platform should let you pay bills, transfer money, and deposit checks without visiting a branch.
Customer service – Responsive support matters. Look for banks with 24/7 phone service, live chat, and helpful in-branch staff.
Extra services – If you need loans, credit cards, or investment tools, choose a bank that offers these with competitive terms.
Promotions – Many banks offer new-customer bonuses. These can be a nice perk—just make sure the account still fits your long-term needs.
Account security – Stick with banks insured by the FDIC (or NCUA for credit unions), which protects deposits up to $250,000.
Types of Banks in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you have numerous banking options to suit different financial needs and preferences. Here’s a quick overview of the types of banks you’ll encounter:
National banks: These financial giants operate branches and ATMs across the country, setting them apart from regional and local banks. In Pennsylvania, Bank of America, Chase Bank, and Wells Fargo are prominent examples of national banks.
Regional banks: These banks operate in specific regions and often have a significant presence in particular states. Citizens Bank and PNC Bank are examples of regional banks you’ll find mainly in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Community banks: These are smaller banks that focus on local areas. Fulton Bank and Beneficial Bank are examples of community banks serving specific communities in Pennsylvania.
Online banks: These are online-only banks with no physical branches. They typically have higher rates on savings accounts, and lower rates on loans compared to brick and mortar banks. Examples of online banks include SoFi, Ally Bank, and GO2bank, all of which offer services to Pennsylvania residents.
Credit unions: These are member-owned institutions that often offer competitive rates and community-focused services. Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union are two of the best credit unions in the state.
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania offers a rich selection of financial institutions, each with its own set of features, advantages, and even drawbacks. From online banking options to traditional banks with physical branches in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and beyond, the best banks in Pennsylvania are designed to suit various lifestyles and financial objectives.
Assessing your individual needs is essential when striving to find the best bank in Pennsylvania. So, whether you’re seeking an everyday checking account or planning for long-term savings, you’re sure to find an option that aligns with your financial goals. Happy banking in the Keystone State!
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.
