- Hundreds of branch locations in Florida.
- Handle all banking needs with a single bank.
- ATMs in convenient locations nationwide.
Best Banks in Florida in 2024
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Personal Finance
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Florida is one of the most populous states in the U.S. and offers residents access to dozens of banks, credit unions, and online banking options. Whether you’re new to the state or simply want to refresh your financial setup, finding the best bank in Florida could be helpful. We’ve looked at banks with the most branches in Florida, as well as those offering the best fees and interest rates. Follow this guide to learn about the top banks in Florida that could meet your needs.
Our recommendations
Best for: branch locations
Chase Total Checking®
Best for: branch locations
Chase Total Checking®
APY*
N/A
Monthly fee
$12 ($0 with qualifying activities); $34 NSF Fee
Welcome offer
$300*
Why we like it:
Chase is one of the largest banks in Florida, with hundreds of branch locations dotting the state. As the largest bank in the United States, you’ll find it has robust offerings and is easy to use nearly anywhere your travels take you nationwide. Be on the lookout for high fees and poor interest rates on savings, which is common for traditional banks with brick-and-mortar locations.
With bank accounts, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, and investing, there’s a good chance you could meet all your needs with a single banking relationship. You’ll also find Chase ATMs in many convenient locations, but be aware that you’ll pay fees for using non-Chase ATMs. Chase offers excellent customer service and is a good option for most Floridians looking for in-person banking through many available branches.
Account details:
Types of accounts
- Checking.
- Savings.
- CDs.
- Credit cards.
- Home loans.
- Auto loans.
- Investments.
- Business banking.
Number of branches in Florida
Hundreds of branches in Florida and more than 4,900 nationwide.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
Cons:
- High fees for many banking services.
- Low interest rates for savings accounts.
- Minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly service charges.
*Welcome offer details:
Bonus/Account Information: Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.
Best for: online banking
Sofi Online Checking Account
Best for: online banking
Sofi Online Checking Account
APY*
0.50% (though 4.20% can be earned on savings account balances)
Monthly fee
$0
Welcome offer
Up to $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits available through 12/31/24
Why we like it:
SoFi is an online-only bank offering accounts to customers nationwide, including Florida. If you don’t need a bank branch for in-person customer service, you’ll likely find SoFi to be a good choice, thanks to high interest rates for savings and very low fees. With banking, credit cards, mortgage loans and investments offered, you may find all of your banking needs met with a single mobile app and online login.
There are no overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements. While SoFi won’t reimburse you when using out-of-network ATMs, it offers more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs in convenient locations through the Allpoint network. It’s not ideal if you regularly need to deposit cash, but it’s great for people who are paid through direct deposit and like to handle their finances online.
Account details:
Types of accounts
- Checking.
- Savings.
- Credit card.
- Investments.
- Student loans.
- Personal loans.
- Mortgages.
Number of branches in Florida
None
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- High interest rates.
- Low fees.
- Handle all banking through a single app.
- More than 50,000 ATMs nationwide.
Cons:
- No branch locations.
- Direct deposit required for the best interest rates.
- No ATM fee reimbursement.
Best for: low fees
Chime® Banking App
Best for: low fees
Chime® Banking App
APY*
0.00%
Monthly fee
$0
Welcome offer
$100 with referral program and direct deposit
Why we like it:
Chime is an online-only bank offering simple checking, savings, and credit card products. Accounts are almost completely fee-free. The only charge for Chime checking and savings accounts is for using an out-of-network ATM. Otherwise, there are no minimums or fees to worry about. The savings account offers an interest rate well above the national average, but it’s not the top rate you’ll find if earning interest is your top priority. Users can overdraft up to $200, and there are no overdraft fees.
The Chime credit card is an interesting stand-out offering. It’s a secured credit card, meaning you must put down a cash deposit to cover your spending balance. But with that in mind, you can get the card even with no credit or bad credit, and you’ll never have to pay interest or annual fees while improving your credit. Additionally, Chime offers more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs and offers fee-free cash deposits at Walgreens stores.
Account details:
Types of accounts
- Checking.
- Savings.
- Secured credit card.
Number of branches in Florida
None
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Almost no fees for all banking needs.
- More than 60,000 fee-free ATMs.
- Cash deposits offered at Walgreens stores.
Cons:
- No bank branches are available.
- No loans or investment products.
- Only secured credit cards are offered.
Best for: traditional in-person banking
PNC Virtual Wallet
Best for: traditional in-person banking
PNC Virtual Wallet
APY*
Up to 0.05%
Monthly fee
$7 to $25 (waived in several ways)
Welcome offer
Up to $400
Why we like it:
PNC Bank is one of the largest banks nationwide, ranking in the top 10 by deposits, and operates 184 branches across Florida. As a large, diversified bank, it offers a range of accounts, including banking and lending options that could meet all of your needs with a single banking relationship. The PNC Virtual Wallet is a checking and savings account combo with useful online and mobile banking features, and it acts as PNC's flagship bank account option.
As with many other traditional banks with in-person branch locations, you’ll find minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees and interest rates below the top of the market. But it offers nearly anything someone would need from a bank with plenty of locations around the Sunshine State.
Account details:
Types of accounts
- Checking.
- Savings.
- Credit cards.
- Home loans.
- Auto loans.
- Retirement.
Number of branches in Florida
184 in Florida and over 2,300 nationwide.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Nearly 200 branch locations throughout Florida.
- Extensive in-person and online banking offerings.
- Options to manage all banking through a single relationship.
Cons:
- Minimum balance requirements apply to bank accounts.
- High fees for some transactions.
- ATM fees apply unless you have a Performance Checking account.
Best for: international banking
HSBC Premier Checking
Best for: international banking
HSBC Premier Checking
APY*
N/A
Monthly fee
$50 (waived in several ways)
Welcome offer
$1,500 or $2,500 (offer expires Nov. 22, 2024)
Why we like it:
HSBC is a unique bank on this list, offering an array of banking services in the United States and abroad. It offers a single branch in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, but as most banking is easily handled online, it’s still a top choice for Florida households with international banking needs, including family or residences outside of the United States. The bank’s Global Money account is a one-of-a-kind checking account offering the ability to hold multiple foreign currencies at the same time.
HSBC offers accounts in the United States and more than 20 foreign countries, making it ideal for someone who regularly travels for work or maintains a foreign residence. In general, HSBC accounts are geared toward households with a high net worth and extensive HSBC relationships. However, it’s a top choice to consider for people with international banking needs and the ability to cover account fees.
Account details:
Types of accounts
- Checking.
- Savings.
- CDs.
- Credit cards.
- Personal loans.
- Mortgages.
- Business banking.
Number of branches in Florida
1 in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area.
Pros & cons:
Pros:
- Multi-currency bank accounts available.
- Maintain international accounts in more than 20 supported countries.
- Location in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area.
Cons:
- High requirements to open and maintain an HSBC checking or pay a $50 monthly fee.
- Few branch locations around Florida.
- Mediocre interest rates for savings accounts.
Best banks in Florida compared
| Bank | Best for | Account types | Bonus/Welcome offer | Zelle available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Branch locations | Checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, investments, business banking | $300* | Yes | |
Online banking | Checking, savings, credit card, investments, student loans, personal loans, mortgages | Up to $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits available through 12/31/24 | No | |
Chime | Low fees | Checking, savings, credit card | $100 with referral program and direct deposit | No |
Traditional in-person banking | Checking, savings, credit cards, home loans, auto loans, retirement | Up to $400 | Yes | |
HSBC | Best for international banking | Checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, business banking | $1,500 or $2,500 (offer expires Nov. 22, 2024) | No |
Methodology
To choose the best banks in Florida, we reviewed banks with locations in Florida and online banks with a Florida presence. We considered the number of Florida branch locations, account fees, savings interest rates, and the types of accounts offered. Our goal was to provide a list of banks suitable for a wide range of common banking needs.
More about best banks in Florida
In Florida, you’ll find most national banks, including Wells Fargo and Bank of America, alongside regional banks and credit unions represented. While there’s no perfect bank for everyone, understanding your banking needs can lead you to the best bank in Florida for your finances.
Remember that the closest bank may not be best, and you may not need in-person branches at all.
Types of banks in Florida
Florida is home to many types of banks and financial institutions. Those include:
- National banks: These banks operate across the country and offer a wide range of services, making them a good choice for customers who travel frequently or need diverse financial products.
- Regional banks: Focused on serving the specific needs of their local communities, regional banks in Florida often provide more personalized customer service.
- Credit unions: Member-owned financial institutions that typically offer lower fees and better interest rates than traditional banks, but you may need to meet certain criteria to join.
- Online banks: These banks operate exclusively online with no physical branches, offering higher interest rates and lower fees due to lower overhead costs.
How to choose the right bank in Florida
When picking the right bank for your needs, consider your financial goals and how you prefer to do your banking. It’s important to look closely at available accounts, fee structures, interest rates, and customer service. If you prefer banking at a branch rather than online, it’s vital to consider available branch locations, particularly near your work and home.
Evaluate the ATM networks offered, which often include the expansive Allpoint and MoneyPass networks. Some banks offer reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees, which can be extremely valuable depending on your ATM habits.
TIME Stamp: Create a short list based on priorities
Knowing your banking preferences, you can create a short list of the best banks in Florida for your financial needs. Branch locations, ATM availability, and how you can access money away from home are important factors. With a strong grasp of your priorities, you can choose the best bank in Florida for your household.
Frequently asked question (FAQs)
Which bank has the most branches in Florida?
Banks with the most branches in Florida include Wells Fargo, Truist, Bank of America, Chase, Regions Bank, and PNC Bank.
How old do you have to be to open a bank account in Florida?
You’ll typically need to be 18 years of age or older to open a bank account anywhere in the United States. Younger applicants most likely need a parent or legal guardian to cosign and open it as a joint account.
How do you open a business bank account in Florida?
To open a business bank account, you’ll likely need to provide detailed business information, including your business’s articles of incorporation and employee identification number (EIN). Contact your preferred bank to find specific requirements.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.
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