Best Checking Accounts in Ohio for 2024

Are you thinking about switching from a big bank to a local one? If so, you’re not alone. Some consumers leave larger banks in favor of opening a checking account closer to home because they prefer a more personal experience. But what community bank should you choose?

On this page, we look at some of the best checking accounts in Ohio you can open. Also, if you want to learn about online banks that offer checking accounts, we provide information on these options, as well as a comparison between virtual and brick-and-mortar financial institutions.

Compare Ohio and Online Checking Accounts

Are you debating which type of bank is best for you? While online banks may be great for some consumers, traditional options may be better for others. Let’s compare some important characteristics of both.

Convenience and Service

• Online banks: All you must do is let your fingers do the walking when you have an account at an online bank. You can conveniently check your balances and make transfers through the bank’s app or website. Additionally, customer service may be available through online chat — sometimes even 24 hours a day. If you prefer to speak to someone about your account, customer service can also be reached by phone.
• Physical banks: Physical banks have websites and apps where you can access your account information and make transactions. If you want to speak to someone, customer service is available by phone, though the hours may be somewhat limited. Also, going to a branch may not be as convenient as you prefer since the hours may make it difficult to fit a visit into your busy day.

Fees

• Online banks: You may be able to save quite a bit of money in fees since online banks often charge very low maintenance fees for checking accounts, and in some cases, they may not charge any monthly fees at all. However, you may be charged fees for withdrawals since online banks don’t usually have their own ATM networks. Some banks, however, may waive some of these fees in certain situations.
• Physical banks: Physical banks may charge monthly maintenance fees, as well as fees for using ATMs outside of their networks and making international transactions. Certain fees may be waived in some cases.

Interest Rates

• Online banks: Online banks have no overhead, which gives them the freedom to offer healthy interest rates.
• Physical banks: Though interest rates vary from one bank to the next, they tend to be lower than those offered by online banks.

Withdrawals and Deposits

• Online banks: Consumers can easily make withdrawals through ATMs and deposits by online transfers. Depositing cash, however, is difficult, if not impossible.
• Physical banks: Physical banks allow consumers to make deposits and withdrawals by ATM or at a branch. Deposits can also be made via electronic transfer and, in some cases, through a mobile app.

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.

Best Checking Accounts in Ohio

If you want to keep your money in a local bank, there are good options available. Below are some of the best checking accounts in Ohio and what they have to offer.

The Middlefield Banking Company

The Middlefield Banking Company offers checking accounts that give customers access to online services, including mobile check deposits, person-to-person payments, e-statements, and a digital wallet. The bank also provides text alerts so consumers can stay abreast of account activity and access to an ATM network with 40,000 locations around the United States.

Customers at The Middlefield Banking Company can choose the Rewards Checking account, which offers cash back rewards and interest. The Clean Slate Checking account is designed for people with a difficult financial history who need help re-establishing a relationship with a bank.

Hocking Valley Bank

All checking accounts at Hocking Valley Bank provide access to a debit card, online and mobile banking, and unlimited transactions at in-network ATMs. Customers can also stay on top of their finances with the bank’s debit card alerts and fraud monitoring services.

Those who want a basic checking account can open the Select Account with a $25 opening deposit. There is a $7 monthly service charge, which is waived for customers at least 62 years old, and a $3 charge for paper statements. The Alliance Account is for customers who want more from their checking account, as it offers a tiered interest rate system to incentivize maintaining higher balances. This account can also be opened with a $25 minimum deposit and has a $7 monthly service charge.

First State Bank

First State Bank offers several checking accounts to meet the diverse needs of people in the community. For example, the Student Checking account is for those aged 13 to 21. The account rewards students for their academic performance, so those who earn all A’s during a semester can receive a $50 reward, as well as a $25 reward for earning all B’s.

The Golden Opportunity Checking account is for customers at least 62 years old. This interest-bearing account offers unlimited transactions, access to a small safe deposit box, and check images provided with monthly statements.

Pros & Cons of Local Banks

As a consumer, you need to know the good and the bad of doing business with any company, and banks are no exception.

There are many things to like about local banks, such as the ability to help your community because the money you deposit is used to support area residents and businesses.

Also, local banks are all about relationship building, so you can receive more personalized service and really get to know the people who work at the branches.

However, working with local banks is not all positive.

If you’re looking for a mobile app with a lot of bells and whistles, chances are a local bank will offer nothing more than a basic one, if it offers a mobile app at all.

Similarly, local banks may not be up-to-date with the latest trends, so some products offered by big banks may not be available.

Online Checking for Ohio Residents

As people become more accustomed to doing business online, virtual banking is growing in popularity. Are you curious about the online checking accounts offered to Ohio residents?

Review what online banks have to offer below to find out how you may benefit when you open an account.

Ally Bank Checking

Ally Bank’s checking account, known as the Interest Checking Account, offers a digital-first approach with no physical branches. This account provides a small but steady interest rate on balances, which is uncommon for checking accounts, and its tiered interest rates slightly favor higher balances. Ally’s account is free of monthly maintenance fees, and it provides users with access to over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs. Although there are no overdraft fees, Ally’s “CoverDraft” feature, a form of overdraft protection, provides limited buffer funds, which may not suit everyone.

Ally’s mobile app is robust, supporting digital check deposits and bill pay alongside budgeting tools. However, cash deposits are limited due to the lack of physical branches, potentially posing challenges for cash-based users. Overall, the Ally Interest Checking Account is suited for users seeking online banking with minimal fees and some interest earnings but may not serve those with frequent cash needs.

Citi Checking

Citi offers a range of checking accounts, with its Basic Banking package being the entry-level option. This account includes essential services like access to more than 65,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, Zelle for easy person-to-person transfers, and a standard suite of online and mobile banking tools. A $12 monthly maintenance fee applies, but it’s waived if you maintain a balance of $1,500 or set up a direct deposit and pay at least one bill per month.

Citi also has options tailored to different needs, including the Access Account (which limits overdrafts) and premium accounts with wealth management perks. These higher-tier accounts may have stricter balance requirements to waive fees, often in the range of $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the account. Customers over 62 also benefit from automatic fee waivers and expanded ATM access. Citi’s branch presence is concentrated in major metro areas, so non-Citi ATM usage may lead to fees in certain regions​.

Quontic Bank

Quontic Bank offers two types of checking accounts, both appealing to those who prefer digital banking and want to earn rewards or interest. The Cash Rewards Checking account provides cash back on qualifying debit card purchases, capped at $50 per month, a straightforward incentive for regular debit users. For those interested in earning interest, Quontic’s High-Interest Checking offers a competitive rate among online banks.

Both accounts come with no monthly fees, overdraft fees, or foreign transaction fees and provide access to over 90,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. However, cash deposits are restricted to one ATM in Queens, New York, which can be limiting for users outside that area.

Additionally, Quontic doesn’t have physical branches, so all banking is handled online or through mobile. With a low $100 minimum opening deposit, these accounts are accessible options with solid perks for digital banking enthusiasts

Pros & Cons of Online Checking Accounts

Like local banks, online financial institutions may be a good choice for some and a bad choice for others. Before opening an account, think about the pros and cons of what online banks have to offer.

For example, if you aren’t concerned about doing face-to-face transactions, online banking may be very comfortable for you.

Also, online banks tend to have longer customer service hours, so you can reach someone on the phone or through an online chat outside of business hours. In fact, in some cases, customer service may be available 24 hours a day.

Additionally, if you open an interest checking account at an online bank, it’s likely that the interest offered will be much higher than you would receive from a local bank. This is because online banks don’t have the operating expenses that their brick-and-mortar counterparts do, so they’re able to provide higher interest rates.

On the other hand, the nature of online banks is impersonal.

If you want personalized service that meets your specific needs, online banks won’t provide it.

In addition, online banks may not offer many product options, which means you may need to do business with multiple companies to meet all of your needs.

What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in Ohio

We all have individual financial needs, so it makes sense that we will all focus on different things when looking for a checking account. However, there are some common characteristics we should think about as we weigh our options. Below are details on what to look for when choosing a checking account in Ohio.

Fees

Fees are a big deal because they can really add up. Ideally, you’ll find a bank that charges no fees, but if you can’t, look for an account that has low fees or provides opportunities to waive fees. For example, some banks that charge monthly fees may waive them if you maintain a minimum balance in your account. Similarly, some banks may waive certain fees for making withdrawals at out-of-network ATMs.

Access

Having as much access to your money as possible makes a bank attractive. Look for a bank that has as many in-network ATMs and branches as possible so you can do your banking conveniently. Additionally, having access to a mobile app with many features can make it easier to get information about your account and to make transfers when you need to.

Perks

There are several perks that you may be looking for in a checking account. For example, although earning interest on checking accounts is uncommon, there are companies that do offer this benefit — though the interest rates may or may not be as favorable as you would like. Similarly, some banks offer other perks, like signing bonuses, which give them an edge in the market when attracting customers.

What to Know About Ohio Checking Accounts

• When consumers open a checking account, banks are required to inform them about the terms and conditions in written or electronic form. When changes are made to the terms, the bank should provide the information to customers in writing or electronically.
• To open a checking account in Ohio, consumers must present a valid driver’s or commercial license or identification card. If these types of identification aren’t available, people may submit an identification document that includes their full name, date of birth, and signature.
• Banks in Ohio can set a cutoff time of day for adding entries of deposits to their books. As a result, when consumers make a deposit after the cutoff time, it will be treated as if it was received on the following banking day.
• Except for certified checks, banks are not obligated to pay a check presented more than six months after the date it was issued.