Best Checking Accounts in New Hampshire 2024
Maybe you just want a safe place to store your money. Perhaps you want a bank that will offer services that help you reach your financial goals, or you want to feel like the bank you do business with cares about serving your community.
Whatever is important to you, when you look for a checking account, you want to make sure that it’s also essential to the bank you choose. For many people, local banks are a good option for this reason.
On this page, you’ll find information about the best checking accounts in New Hampshire to help you understand what local banks offer. Also, if you’re interested in online banking, we look at online checking accounts.
Compare New Hampshire and Online Checking Accounts
Traditional and online banks have many of the same services, but notable differences exist.
The following is a comparison so you know what to expect when you do business at either type of financial institution.
Best Checking Accounts in New Hampshire
You may have decided that a local bank is the best option, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop around. The following is a look at some of the best checking accounts in New Hampshire.
Bank of New Hampshire
Consumers who open checking accounts at the Bank of New Hampshire can access mobile banking, overdraft protection, 55,000 ATMs, and online banking.
In addition, the bank offers different types of accounts designed to fit consumers’ unique lifestyles. For example, the Slate Checking account is for people who only need basic services.
This account requires a minimum $50 opening deposit and a $3 paper statement fee, which you can avoid by getting eStatements. In addition, there is a $6 monthly service charge. However, this can be waived by having at least $5,000 in your account or receiving direct deposits.
Customers who want to maintain higher balances can open a Prestige Checking account, which provides tiered interest with rate levels based on the services they use.
Primary Bank
Primary Bank offers a basic checking account with unlimited check writing, online banking, and bill payment services. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you want a little bit more, the bank also offers an interest-bearing checking account.
Savings Bank of Walpole
Consumers over 62 years old can take advantage of the senior checking account offered by the Savings Bank of Walpole, which does not charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance.
Account holders can earn interest on balances exceeding $100 and receive free or discounted checks. The bank also has basic and free checking accounts.
Where to Find the Lowest Checking Account Fees
You could be paying too much in checking account fees each month.
Check out some of 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 and Regional Banks
Pros
- Local banks in New Hampshire allow you to keep money in the community, which benefits residents and small businesses alike.
- Local banks may offer more personable service, so you can build a relationship with the place you entrust with your money.
Cons
- Local banks may not have as many branches as national ones, so getting to a branch may be difficult depending on the bank and where you live.
- Local banks don’t always provide the industry’s latest services because their small size may preclude them from taking advantage of the trends.
Online Checking for New Hampshire Residents
Although local banks may be able to meet your needs, they’re not the only financial institutions that can.
Several online banking options are available to consumers in New Hampshire, and some of them may have the attractive features you’re looking for. The following are some online checking accounts for New Hampshire residents.
Discover® Cashback Checking
The Discover® Cashback Checking account offers a no-fee, easy-to-manage option for those looking for a straightforward digital banking experience.
It has no monthly maintenance fees, no insufficient funds fees, and no minimum balance requirements, which makes it appealing to budget-conscious users.
One of the standout features is the 1% cashback on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month, providing a modest reward for everyday spending.
The account provides access to over 60,000 ATMs nationwide, and the mobile app is user-friendly for depositing checks, paying bills, and transferring funds.
However, it doesn’t offer branch access, which may be a drawback for those who prefer in-person banking services.
Additionally, unlike some other online checking accounts, it doesn’t offer interest on balances. Overall, Discover’s online checking is a solid choice for individuals who want a simple, fee-free account with the added perk of cashback rewards.
KeyBank
KeyBank’s online checking account offers various options, including the Hassle-Free Account and Key Smart Checking, each catering to different needs. The Hassle-Free Account is a basic, no-fee option with no overdraft fees, while the Key Smart Checking has no monthly maintenance fees if you meet simple requirements, such as a small monthly deposit.
KeyBank provides access to over 1,000 branches and a large ATM network, making it appealing to those who want both online and in-person banking options.
The mobile app is functional, allowing users to manage payments, deposits, and transfers conveniently. However, the account doesn’t earn interest, and some accounts may have fees that users should be aware of, particularly if they don’t meet the minimum deposit or balance requirements.
While the range of services is solid, customers looking for interest-bearing options might need to consider alternatives. KeyBank’s offerings are ideal for those seeking basic banking without excessive fees.
SoFi® Checking and Savings
The SoFi Checking and Savings account combines the benefits of a checking and savings account into one, offering a fee-free experience with no monthly charges, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements. One of the main attractions is the ability to earn interest on balances, with competitive rates that are higher than many traditional checking accounts.
SoFi Checking and Savings offers features such as free ATM access through its vast network, direct deposit options, and the convenience of paying bills and making transfers via its mobile app. Additionally, it provides cash-back rewards for eligible purchases, which adds an extra incentive for everyday spending.
However, while a SoFi Checking and Savings account is excellent for those comfortable with online-only banking, it lacks branch access, which might not appeal to everyone. The account also doesn’t offer check-writing capabilities, which could be a drawback for those who rely on checks.
Overall, it’s a good option for those seeking a high-interest, no-fee online account with modern conveniences.
Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Pros
- Longer customer service hours.
- Often higher interest rates on interest-bearing accounts and linked savings.
- Mobile apps with advanced features.
Cons
- Not having access to branches for face-to-face transactions.
- Lack of community involvement.
- Limitations on product offerings.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in New Hampshire
Checking accounts offered by local banks in New Hampshire are not all the same, and that’s a good thing. You can weigh the features that matter most as you decide which is best for you.
Below, we outline some essential features to look for when choosing a checking account.
ATM and Branch Access
Access to your money is probably at the top of the list of features you should consider when looking for a bank. The best checking accounts in New Hampshire will give you the most access to your funds, so look for banks with the most branches and in-network ATMs.
Mobile Banking
If you love apps and feel comfortable banking online, having access to a mobile app through mobile banking may be a plus. Some apps offered by local banks in New Hampshire only have basic features — such as the ability to check your balances and make mobile deposits — while others have more advanced options, including peer-to-peer transfer services and financial management tools.
Monthly Fees
Though many banks charge monthly maintenance fees, there are ways you can avoid them in some cases. While finding a bank that doesn’t charge monthly fees on checking accounts is ideal, if that’s not an option, you may have these fees waived by keeping a certain amount of money in your account at all times.
Other Fees
Keeping an eye on fees is important because they can quickly become a significant monthly expense. For example, if you make a lot of withdrawals, you will want access to as many in-network ATMs as possible to avoid being charged fees. If this isn’t possible, some banks may waive several ATM withdrawal fees made out of network every month. Other charges to pay attention to include overdraft, insufficient funds, and international transaction fees.
Interest Rates
Typically, checking accounts don’t bear interest, but some banks offer interest-bearing checking to make opening an account much more attractive. However, remember that you’ll get a more favorable interest rate from online banks because they don’t have the overhead costs that local ones do.
What to Know About New Hampshire Checking Accounts
- When someone with a joint checking account with someone else dies, the other account owner is entitled to the funds, whether they made deposits into the account or not.
- Banks may close inactive accounts, meaning there has been no deposit or withdrawal activity for a certain amount of time.
- Banks are not obligated to cash checks dated after the date it is presented for payment.
- When consumers want to stop payment on a check, they must make a request in writing that is valid for six months.
- Consumers are required to make another request to the bank to extend the stop payment.
