The Best Checking Accounts in Maine for 2024
Are you looking for a checking account but need help deciding what bank to choose?
There are so many options available today that it’s no wonder some consumers may find it challenging to select the one that best suits their needs.
This page contains information to help you find the best checking accounts in Maine for your needs, whether you’re interested in local or online banks.
Continue reading to learn about local banks in the state, online options, and what to look for when opening a checking account.
Compare Physical and Online Checking Accounts
Any bank you choose has advantages and disadvantages, so weighing your options is essential.
Here is a comparison of Maine and online banks.
Best Checking Accounts in Maine
If you’re thinking about keeping your banking close to home, there are banks in Maine that can accommodate you.
Here are some of the best checking accounts in Maine.
Machias Savings Bank
When you open a checking account at Machias Savings Bank, you’ll be required to make a $100 initial deposit. However, the bank doesn’t require a minimum balance after opening your account.
The bank provides your first order of checks for free and doesn’t charge monthly fees.
You can also earn cash back on all debit card purchases and have overdraft protection of $500 to $2,500.
Gorham Savings Bank
Gorham Savings Bank offers checking accounts that can make you money.
For example, the Make Cents Checking account earns interest and provides cash back for every purchase you make.
Additionally, you can receive reimbursement for making withdrawals at any ATM in the United States.
The Champion Checking account earns interest but at a higher rate. Customers also receive reimbursement on ATM fees and are not charged for monthly maintenance.
Partners Bank
Partners Bank‘s checking accounts have no minimum balance and do not incur monthly fees.
Customers also receive checks and paper statements for free.
They can access 24-hour Partners Bank Online Banking to view balances and transactions, transfer funds, and use personal finance tools to help them manage their budget and spending trends.
Need Help Finding the Lowest Checking Account Fees?
Many checking accounts have no fees, but if you use a traditional, big-name bank, you could be missing out.
Here are our top checking account picks for those who want to save on checking account fees and enjoy the convenience of online banking.
Pros & Cons of Local Banks
There are many good reasons to do business with a local bank in Maine.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some drawbacks you should know about.
Below is a look at the pros and cons of these banks so you know exactly what to expect when opening an online checking account.
Pros
- Doing business with local banks means you’re putting money in a place that supports your community.
- A community bank is the right choice if you want to build a long-term relationship with your financial institution. These organizations treat people like human beings and provide individualized service.
- Community banks support small businesses in the areas they serve, which helps boost the local economy.
Cons
- Some local banks don’t have as many virtual services as they may like for those who want to do banking online.
- Savings accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts generally have low interest rates.
- The types of accounts may be limited because local banks don’t always keep up with industry trends.
Online Checking for Maine Residents
Although local banks may provide great service, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider online checking accounts available to Maine residents.
If you’re comfortable banking online, these companies actually have a lot to offer.
The following is a look at some of the best to give you an idea of what online banks provide.
Capital One 360
The Capital One 360 Checking account is a no-fee, no-minimum balance account offering a range of features for user convenience.
It includes access to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and the ability to add cash at select stores.
The account also provides overdraft protection options at no cost, including auto-decline and free savings transfer. Users can manage their accounts via a highly rated mobile app with functionalities such as mobile deposit and instant alerts.
The account is FDIC insured, ensuring secure banking for users.
Current
The Current checking account is tailored for mobile banking enthusiasts. It offers no minimum deposit or balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.
Users gain access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and can make mobile check deposits. However, cash deposits incur a $3.50 fee per transaction.
The account includes features for savings, budgeting, and cryptocurrency investing.
Despite lacking physical branches, customer service is readily available through the mobile app and online chat.
Additional perks include instant spending notifications and seamless money management tools.
EverBank
The EverBank Yield Pledge Checking account provides a competitive interest rate guaranteed to be among the top 5% of similar accounts.
It offers cost-effective banking with no monthly maintenance fees and up to $15 in ATM fee reimbursements per month (unlimited for balances above $5,000).
Additional features include mobile check deposits, online bill pay, and access to over 80,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
A $100 minimum opening deposit is required.
The account also ensures FDIC insurance for secure banking, and it offers robust customer support through various channels, including phone and online.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Now that you’ve learned about online banks, you may be considering opening an account. But is this a sound decision?
Online banking can be an attractive option, but it’s not perfect.
Take a look at some of the pros and cons to learn about the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Consumers may have access to customer service 24 hours a day.
- If you move frequently, you’ll always have access to your bank account online and a large ATM network.
- Even if you’re unfamiliar with the bank, if it’s insured by the FDIC, your money is protected.
- For interest-bearing accounts, the rates are often higher than what you’ll find at traditional banks.
Cons
- Not all online banks are able to offer personalized service, though some are doing a good job.
- Depositing cash is likely not going to be an option, though some online banks partner with stores to offer cash deposit services.
- Online banks don’t have ties to your local area, so they likely don’t invest in the community.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Maine
Not all banks are created equally, so you don’t want to keep your money just anywhere. Though every consumer has different needs, there are some common characteristics people tend to look for in a checking account. Whether you’re concerned about banking face-to-face, being able to use mobile apps, or having easy access to ATMs, the following are some things to consider.
Bank Fees
Fees can diminish your balance over time, so the best checking accounts have the least amount of fees.
However, in some cases, fees may not be avoidable. Although you may find banks that don’t charge monthly fees, many do, though some banks will waive them if you maintain a certain balance.
Other fees are more under your control and can be avoided by being careful, such as ATM, insufficient funds, and overdraft fees.
But in the best-case scenario, banks will not charge these fees or will at least keep them low.
ATM and Branch Access
Undoubtedly, having access to your money is essential, and the best banks will give you as much access as possible. For customers who want to do face-to-face banking or make deposits and withdrawals from an ATM, the more branches and ATMs a bank has, the better. Additionally, consider the network of fee-free ATMs available, as this can significantly impact your banking convenience and cost.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
Finding a checking account that offers interest can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
The best banks will offer these accounts and provide a higher-than-normal interest rate.
Some banks also offer checking accounts with specific bonuses to remain competitive, so you may find a bank offering perks like cash back on debit card purchases.
Promotional offers for new accounts can add extra value but always check the attached conditions.
Mobile Banking Apps
Mobile banking apps can enhance your bank experience.
The best banks offer an app with many bells and whistles that allow you to check your balance, make deposits, and take advantage of services like peer-to-peer transfers.
Look for user-friendly interfaces, robust security features, and additional functionalities such as budgeting tools or the ability to manage multiple accounts within the app.
Reviews and ratings of these apps can provide insight into their reliability and ease of use.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service is a critical factor when choosing a bank.
Customer support 24/7, whether through phone, chat, or email, can greatly enhance your banking experience.
Some banks also offer personalized financial advice and support through dedicated banking advisors.
Checking reviews and ratings of customer service experiences can help you gauge the quality of support you can expect.
Account Features and Services
Different banks offer various features and services that can make managing your finances more manageable.
These might include online bill pay, automatic savings programs, or even integration with financial management software.
Assessing what additional features are important to you and whether a bank offers them can help narrow your choices.
Security and Fraud Protection
In today’s digital age, securing your money and personal information is paramount.
The best banks will have robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication, alerts for suspicious activity, and zero-liability fraud protection.
Investigating a bank’s security protocols can provide peace of mind that your finances are well protected.
When choosing a checking account in Maine, taking the time to research and compare these aspects thoroughly will help you find the best fit for your financial needs and lifestyle.
What to Know About Maine Checking Accounts
The banking laws in each state are different, especially when it comes to checking accounts. Here are some unique features of checking accounts in Maine.
- When consumers open checking accounts in Maine, banks are required to disclose the cost of fees they charge. They’re also required to give account holders 30 days’ written notice if there will be a fee increase.
- Maine does not limit the amount banks and credit unions can charge in overdraft or ATM fees.
- Banks are not obligated to cash a check presented six months after its date unless it’s a certified check.
- Banks and credit unions have discretion about which order they process cashed checks. Some organizations process larger checks first, so rent and mortgage payments are paid first. On the other hand, smaller checks may be cashed first to reduce the amount of overdraft fees that may be incurred.
