--- title: Best Traditional Banks for 2027 description: Here are Money's top picks for the best brick-and-mortar, traditional banks for 2027. authors: - name: Kat Tretina role: Contributor url: https://money.com/author/kat-tretina/ education: B.A in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College, M.A. in Communications from West Chester University at_money_since: 2025 articles: 24 covers: - Banking - Insurance - Loans former_staff: true editors: - name: Jordan Chussler role: Editor, Investing and Banking url: https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/ bio: Jordan is an investment editor who specializes in topics ranging from traditional equities, retirement savings and income investing to alternative assets and commodities, specifically focusing on gold and other precious metals. He combines his personal interests and professional experience in finance and education to help readers increase their financial literacy and make better investment choices. Jordan is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. education: Lynn University certifications: Certified Personal Finance Counselor at_money_since: 2023 articles: 132 covers: - Banking - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - Weiss Ratings - 24/7 Wall Street - Better Investing - Yahoo Finance - Nasdaq - Investing.com - Marketbeat - MSN Money social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chussler-b3597811/ published: '2026-10-14T14:44:01.000Z' modified: '2026-10-14T14:44:01.000Z' section: Banking tags: - best banks word_count: 1001 canonical: https://money.com/best-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![Best Traditional Banks for 2027](https://img.money.com/2026/10/Best-Banks-2026-Traditional.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![SEE OFFER](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/go/2fde472a583e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638331&pmeta=p129-c561-u60151&ptid=683109348&ptoken=e5a3975524d74a7e87f6be43520fa659&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Up to 3.30% APY² with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period.** - Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.20% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.8  - $0 min. balance to earn APY - Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up - Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3 - Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M on deposits4 - No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6 \*Terms Apply **\[AFFILIATE LINK: Open SoFi Account Today\]** * * * ![SEE OFFER](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/go/1b26e96d61d0?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638334&pmeta=p129-c561-u60151&ptid=683109348&ptoken=dea274bc377945aac0d1846e1d9b31a7&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn 4.25% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance when you open a Platinum Savings Account** - $5,000 min. balance to earn top APY - $100 minimum deposit to open an account - No account opening or monthly service fees - Member FDIC \*Boosted rate for 6 months; 3.75% APY after. \*Enter promo code BOOST50 for APY bonus. Rate as of 9/29/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![SEE OFFER](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/go/b90106910f2d?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638337&pmeta=p129-c561-u60151&ptid=683109348&ptoken=82bbb6218d0dd400a64f8b087c9bbe16&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn Up to 4.35% APY (inclusive of 0.35% APY Boost)\*\*** - $500 minimum opening deposit - Keep more of your money with no fees - Trusted device security with quick face or fingerprint login - Member FDIC, Santander Bank, N.A. Rates as of 10/14/2026 \*\*New Customers only. Terms Apply. Santander Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The APY Boost will apply for (6) months from the date the account is opened. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** ## Key Takeaways - PNC earns the title of best brick-and-mortar traditional bank in Money's 2027 rankings. The bank is recognized for combining a large network of 2,300 physical branches and nearly 60,000 ATMs with high CD rates and specialty account offerings for students, seniors and members of the military. - Financial institutions that cater to specific banking needs also rank high on Money's list. Huntington Bank is recognized for its fee-free Asterisk-Free Checking, Citi for its high-yield Citi Accelerate Savings account, Regions for its low-deposit requirements for CDs and U.S. Bank for its money market rates. - Money's selection criteria emphasizes physical presence and yields. The rankings evaluated major institutions based on asset size, branch and ATM networks, fee waivers and interest rates. Although online banking is increasingly popular, there are times when a traditional brick-and-mortar bank can be beneficial. In fact, about 9% of bank account holders prefer to handle banking tasks by visiting a local branch, according to a 2025 American Bankers Association **s**tudy. Whether you have a cash-based job and regularly need to deposit physical dollars or prefer to get personalized, face-to-face customer service from a teller, a traditional bank may fit your needs. There are over 4,400 banks operating in the U.S. To help you find [the right brick-and-mortar bank](https://money.com/physical-bank-branches-comeback), we researched the leading banks and evaluated their account options, fees, annual percentage yields (APYs) and customer service ratings. Here are Money's top picks for the best traditional banks for 2027: - **[PNC](#pnc):** Best Overall - **[Chase](#chase):** Best for Branch Access - **[Fifth Third Bank](#fifth):** Best for Customer Service - **[Citi](#citi):** Best for Savings Accounts - **[Huntington Bank](#huntington):** Best for Checking Accounts - **[Regions](#regions):** Best for CDs - **[U.S. Bank](#usbank):** Best for Money Market Accounts *\*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of Oct. 9, 2026.* ## Open a High-Yield Savings Account today and start earning interest ### Take advantage of an FDIC insured, High-Yield Savings Account from SoFi®. Click on your state and find out more. [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/b6d40efa5682?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F) ## Best Overall: PNC ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/8109/large_334c78a9-8089-450d-af68-0348d02e39eb.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/u0a9a894094a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) Although [PNC](https://money.com/pr/yff9267a6af4?data-trk-company=pnc-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=yff9267a6af4&encoded_id=) only operates branches in select states, it's one of the largest financial institutions in the country based on consolidated assets. PNC has about 2,300 branches and nearly 60,000 PNC and partner ATMs, so you can quickly and easily access your money. PNC offers a wide range of banking products, including deposit accounts like certificates of deposit (CDs) and savings accounts. You can earn a higher-than-usual APY with its CDs (APYs as high as 4.25%). Although PNC does charge monthly maintenance fees on checking, savings and money market accounts, there are several ways to qualify for fee waivers based on your age, student status or account balance. **Pros** - Enormous ATM network - Higher-than-average APYs on CDs - Banking options for students, seniors and service members **Cons** - Branches only available in 27 states - Low-than-average APYs on savings accounts - Fees on checking accounts ## Best for Branch Access: Chase ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40459/large_31853ecb-e791-49bb-be96-bb2f04daa90d.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/p855444b1139?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) When it comes to branch accessibility and in-person service, [Chase](https://money.com/pr/i7be8f252370?data-trk-company=chase-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=i7be8f252370&encoded_id=) stands out from the competition. It has the largest branch network of any bank in the U.S., operating over 5,000 branches. It also has a network of over 14,000 ATMs, and you can deposit and withdraw cash at most Chase ATMs. For those who have cash-based jobs, that feature is particularly useful. Chase's checking accounts have monthly service fees, but you may be eligible for an account fee waiver by maintaining a minimum average daily balance or receiving qualifying direct deposits. The bank also offers specialty accounts for kids and teens to help them learn how to manage their money. **Pros** - ATMs accept cash deposits - Largest branch network in the U.S. - Kid and teens accounts available **Cons** - Checking accounts have monthly service fees - Lower-than-average APYs on savings accounts - No rewards or added benefits ## Best for Customer Service: Fifth Third Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25750/large_80dc1ff2-46f0-424f-99f7-7effe2657c86.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/gc6c9adc18b9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) [Fifth Third Bank](https://money.com/pr/b86e9281f6bb?data-trk-company=fifth-third-bank-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=b86e9281f6bb&encoded_id=) is a regional bank that operates over 1,000 branches in 12 states. Despite its limited footprint, it has better-than-average customer reviews on Trustpilot compared to the other banks Money evaluated, and its mobile apps have stellar ratings. Fifth Third Bank has a robust number of banking products and services, including fee-free checking account options. Plus, it has some uncommon options like 529 college savings plans and wealth management tools. **Pros** - Higher-than-average Trustpilot reviews - Highly rated mobile apps - Free checking account options **Cons** - Branches only available in 12 states - Cannot open CDs online - Monthly fees on savings and money market accounts ## Best Savings Accounts: Citi ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/31815/large_12757c71-6755-4cda-b042-bf133ad7065e.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/a322ae5c1a93?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) If you're saving to buy a home or to establish an emergency fund, a [Citi](https://money.com/pr/r30962eb44b8?data-trk-company=citi-savings-account&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=r30962eb44b8&encoded_id=) savings account can help you accomplish your goal. Currently, you can earn up to 3% APY with a Citi Accelerate Savings account, and you can access your money at a Citi branch or by withdrawing cash at one of Citi's 65,000 fee-free ATMs. Citi doesn't have a minimum deposit requirement to open a savings account. Although it does charge a monthly service fee, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you have a Citi checking account or maintain a $500 average monthly balance. **Pros** - Higher-than-average APYs on savings accounts - No minimum opening deposit requirement - Relatively low balance requirement for fee waivers **Cons** - Lower rankings in the JD Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study - Branches only in 10 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. - No money market accounts ## Best Checking Accounts: Huntington Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25778/large_05ec63d4-6c1c-4fe4-8d88-225b9e50a019.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/c2ff12d367fa?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) A checking account is the bank account most people use the most. It's what you use to receive your paycheck, pay bills and write checks. [Huntington Bank](https://money.com/pr/h65451fcdb24?data-trk-company=huntington-bank-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=h65451fcdb24&encoded_id=) has four checking account options, making it Money's pick for the best checking accounts at traditional banks. The Asterisk-Free Checking option is popular for cost-conscious customers who want a simple checking account. There is no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fee. For those looking for more benefits, the Hunting Bank Platinum Perks Checking account is an interest-bearing checking account that includes perks like ATM fee reimbursement and identity and credit score monitoring. **Pros** - Multiple checking accounts, including a fee-free option - Interest-bearing checking options - Extra benefits like credit monitoring on some accounts **Cons** - Branch locations only in 21 states - Monthly fees on some checking account options - Free checks only with some accounts ## Best CDs: Regions ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40429/large_7a2d4046-814f-4204-8f01-507656d25a51.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/l891c04ab5e2?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) When you open a CD with Regions, you can earn up to 3.66% APY, which is more than double the national average. These CDs are only available by visiting a branch in person, but [Regions](https://money.com/pr/a4a929ed87c2?data-trk-company=regions-bank-savings-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=a4a929ed87c2&encoded_id=) offers CD terms that range between seven days and six years. Although CDs with terms of 89 days or less require at least $2,500 deposit, longer CD terms have a lower minimum requirements — you can open a CD with just $500, a lower-than-usual requirement. Regions operates branches in 15 states, primarily in southern and midwestern states. **Pros** - Low minimum deposit for CDs - Broad range of CD terms - Significantly higher than average APYs on CDs **Cons** - Must visit a branch to open a CD - Shorter maximum CD term than some competitors offer - No step-up or penalty-free options ## Best Money Market Accounts: U.S. Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40501/large_0b2bb538-7a0b-45b9-9b15-7b69f2e544a9.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/lb95b6e948e6?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&url=) Money market accounts combine the convenience of a checking account with the higher APYs you typically see with high-yield savings accounts. With [U.S. Bank](https://money.com/pr/c1c6ac6c2338?data-trk-company=us-bank-savings-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=c1c6ac6c2338&encoded_id=)'s Elite Money Market Account, you can earn up to 3.4% APY on your balance. Although the account does have a monthly fee, you can qualify for a fee waiver by maintaining a balance of $10,000. U.S. Bank operates 2,100 branches in 28 states, and it has over 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. **Pros** - Higher-than-average APYs - Fee waivers apply - Broad ATM network **Cons** - Branches locations in only 28 states - High balance required to earn higher APY on money market accounts - Monthly fee for balances under $10,000 ### Up to 2-day-early paycheck ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/47992db4b690?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638383&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683109355&ptoken=6543fd47f92c4a23bfc37bd41d5b9b98&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### Open an account in 5 minutes ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/ab467b15ce7c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638392&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683109355&ptoken=909b0ce94f125aa246e8667601dedc33&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### $500 minimum opening deposit ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/a0465a449b83?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-brick-and-mortar-traditional-banks%2F&bidid=4221638394&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683109355&ptoken=2e523cfb58bd90d40a2881f2a4b9434a&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ## FAQs ### How do traditional brick-and-mortar banks compare to digital online-only banks? Traditional banks offer physical branch locations, in-person customer service, immediate cash handling and safe deposit boxes. However, because they maintain high overhead costs associated with physical real estate, they typically offer APYs on savings and charge higher monthly maintenance fees. Online banks skip physical locations to pass those operational savings along to customers via higher APYs and low-or-no account fees. ### How can I avoid paying monthly maintenance fees at a traditional bank? Many major traditional banks offer multiple fee-waiver thresholds. For example, customers who set up direct deposit for recurring deposits, maintain minimum daily balances, link multiple accounts or meet student or age requirements may be eligible for fee waivers. ### What factors should I prioritize when picking the best traditional bank? When evaluating traditional banks, focus on extensive branch and ATM access, fee structures and the ease at which those fees can be waived, the digital banking experience the brick-and-mortar bank provides as well as the breadth of the financial services offered. ## How we chose the best traditional banks for 2027 To identify the best traditional brick-and-mortar banks, Money analyzed the largest banks based on their consolidated assets and focused on institutions that operate physical branches or financial centers and provide in-person services. We researched each banks' account options, fees, interest rates and deposit minimums. Additionally, we considered Trustpilot customer reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings and ratings in the JD Power Direct Banking Study. We prioritized banks that had low fees and higher-than-average APYs on core checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. For comparison, we looked at the national average APYs according to data from the FDIC: - **Savings accounts:** 0.37% - **Interest-bearing checking accounts:** 0.07% - **Money market accounts:** 0.63% - **12-month CDs:** 1.73% AI was not used in the sourcing of Best Banks data, the analysis of that data or the content subsequently produced by Money's editorial team. 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