Connecticut residents have several banking options, including national, regional, and online banks. Choosing the best bank in Connecticut can be challenging when you have so many choices.
I’ll help you narrow down your choices while I share some of the best banks in Connecticut, highlighting their standout features, services, and fees so that you can make the best financial decision.
9 Best Banks in Connecticut
Here are the best banks in Connecticut that you can open an account with today:
- Chase Bank: Best for Physical Bank Presence
- Bank of America: Best for Mobile Banking
- Citizens Bank: Best for In-Person Banking
- Capital One: Best for No-Fee Banking
- Chime: Best for Large ATM Network
- Liberty Bank: Best for Full-Service Banking
- Bankwell Bank: Best for High APY Checking
- Union Savings Bank: Best for Product Selection
- Webster Bank: Best for Checking Account Selection
See Connecticut’s Best Bank Bonus Offers & Promotions
1. Chase Bank 
Best For: Large physical bank presence
Chase Bank is currently the largest bank in the U.S., with 4,700 branches across 48 states and over 67 in Connecticut. Chase has everything you need in a bank, including personal banking, business banking, a credit card, loans, or wealth management.
Accounts
Chase has five checking accounts for everyday banking, premium accounts, and three accounts for children/students. Most accounts, except the Chase First Checking℠ for kids, include online bill pay, mobile banking, and Zelle transfers. Each account for adults has a monthly service fee, but it can be waived with minimum balances.
Like most large banks, Chase Bank’s savings accounts pay minimal interest but can be good for overdraft protection on your checking accounts.
Pros:
- Full range of financial services
- Large network of branches and ATMs
- Generous bonuses and cashback rewards
Cons:
- Low savings APY
- Several account fees
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2. Bank of America 
Best For: Mobile banking
One of the nation’s largest banks, Bank of America (BoA), has branches in over 60 cities and towns in Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford, making it accessible and convenient. Plus, the mobile banking app is easy to use and allows you to manage your account 24/7.
Accounts
Bank of America offers Connecticut residents various products and services, including checking and savings accounts, personal and business loans, credit cards, retirement accounts, CDs, IRAs, 529 plans, and wealth management services (through Merrill Edge).
Many of its accounts have monthly maintenance fees, including both checking and savings, but with a minimum daily balance or becoming a Preferred Rewards Member, you can avoid them. Preferred Rewards Members also earn higher APYs but are on the lower end of what other banks offer, but it includes other benefits like cashback rewards and discounts on certain products.
Pros:
- Extensive network of branches and ATMs
- Accounts can be opened in person or online
- Access to BankAmeriDeals cashback rewards
Cons:
- Savings rates are low, even with a tiered structure
- A high account balance necessary to qualify for Preferred Rewards
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3. Citizens Bank 
Best For: In-person banking
If you’re looking for an in-person banking experience and a full range of banking products and services, consider Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank is a regional bank that operates in 14 states, with over 3,000 ATMs and 1,000 locations, with over 30 branches in Connecticut alone.
Accounts
Citizens Bank has five checking accounts, one meant for students under age 25. Several of the checking accounts have no fees and those that do, offer ways to waive them. The checking accounts include features like Zelle, a digital wallet, and overdraft solutions.
Citizens Bank also has three savings accounts, but the Citizens Quest® Savings is only for customers who open a Citizens Quest® Checking account. Each account has waivable fees.
Citizens Bank also offers money market accounts, IRAs, CDs, HELOCs, student loans, auto loans, and small business banking.
Pros:
- Easy to avoid monthly maintenance fees
- Overdraft grace period
- Get paid two days early with a direct deposit
Cons:
- APY for the savings account is very low
- Overdraft fees are high ($35)
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4. Capital One 
Best For: No-fee banking
Capital One is an excellent option for any resident who prefers to bank with a national financial institution. As one of the top ten largest banks in the U.S., Capital One has banking services to fit every need.
While Capital One does not have any physical branches in Connecticut, you can bank online anytime, whether it’s through your online portal or its highly-rated mobile app. Customers can access over 70,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, with hundreds in Connecticut.
Accounts
Capital One is FDIC-insured and offers various services, including bank accounts (including for children and teens), credit cards, CDs, auto loans, and business and commercial banking.
The Capital One 360 checking account is free with no minimum balance or fees. It is also a high-yield account with an impressive APY with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Capital One also offers impressive overdraft options, putting you in control of your money.
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- High-yield savings account
- Competitive CD rates
Cons:
- No branches in Connecticut
- No money market accounts
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5. Chime 
Best For: Large ATM network
While Chime is not technically a bank, it is a digital banking provider with unique features that make it an ideal choice for online banking. Chime is 100% online, meaning you can manage your finances anytime.
Chime doesn’t charge any fees, including monthly, minimum balance, or overdraft fees. You may pay a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, but that shouldn’t be an issue with access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs.
Accounts
Chime’s checking account includes a free Visa debit card with multiple security features and the ability to deposit cash at any Walgreens location. You’ll also have access to Chime’s SpotMe feature, which lets you overdraw your account up to $200 without incurring any fees.
Chime’s high-yield savings account offers a respectable interest rate, helping you grow your money faster than a traditional savings account.
With a mobile app with high ratings for iPhone and Android users and a 24/7 customer support team, Chime is an excellent option for Connecticut residents looking for a simple online banking experience; however, they don’t have business banking options.
Pros:
- No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- Get paid early if you have direct deposit
Cons:
- Limited accounts to choose from
- No physical branches
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6. Liberty Bank
Best For: Full-service banking
Headquartered in Middletown, Liberty Bank is a member FDIC community bank with 56 physical branches in Connecticut and one in Massachusetts.
With nearly 200 years of experience in the banking industry, Liberty Bank is a full-service financial institution offering personal and business banking, money management, mortgages, loans, insurance, and wealth management services.
Accounts
Liberty Bank offers four checking accounts with online bill pay, digital wallet access, and no minimum balance requirement. Each has unique features, including ATM refunds, cashback when you spend over $25, or no overdraft fees.
Liberty Bank also has three savings accounts—Cinch Savings (with zero ATM fees), Overdraft Savings (automatic transfers to cover a Liberty account overdraft), and Club Savings for holiday spending (which you must open in person). Interest rates are tiered and currently range between 0.05% and 0.15%.
Liberty Bank also offers CDs, money market accounts, IRAs, mortgage loans, investment services, and business banking.
Pros:
- Numerous physical locations in Connecticut
- Well-rated mobile app
- No minimum balance on most accounts
Cons:
- Money market rates are lower than online bank options
- CDs require a minimum $500 deposit
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7. Bankwell Bank 
Best For: High APY on checking
Established in 2002, Bankwell Bank is a community bank headquartered in New Canaan and serves those in New Haven and Fairfield counties. Whether you bank online or in one of the nine brick-and-mortar locations, Bankwell Bank has an array of banking solutions.
Accounts
Bankwell offers one checking (Smart Checking) and one savings account (Smart Savings).
Both accounts are free and interest-bearing (with competitive APYs) with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. With Bankwell, you can use any ATM nationwide fee-free. If you do get charged from another bank or financial institution, Bankwell will reimburse you.
Bankwell also offers a money market account, CDs, IRAs, and business banking products.
Pros:
- No ATM fees
- Competitive APYs, especially with Smart Savings
- Live chat on Bankwell’s website
Cons:
- One option for checking and savings accounts
- No credit cards
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8. Union Savings Bank 
Best For: Product selection
Founded in Danbury over 150 years ago, Union Savings Bank (USB) provides financial services to customers in Western Connecticut. USB offers plenty of banking and finance options, including checking accounts, MMAs, CDs, IRAs, health savings accounts (HSAs), credit cards, mortgage loans, financial planning, investing, and life insurance, as well as business banking products.
Accounts
Union Savings Bank has three checking accounts, each with eStatements, online banking, a Visa debit card, and the ability to link to several digital wallets. Account holders can also take advantage of the Early Payday feature, where you get paid two days early when you have direct deposit.
USB also has three savings accounts—standard savings, high-yield savings, and a savings account for children to learn good money habits. You can also open a Club Savings account to set aside funds for a specific goal (holiday gifts, vacation, etc.) Interest rates are based on the amount in your account and compounded monthly.
Pros:
- Strong focus on the local community
- Early Payday pays you two days before your direct deposit hits
- Automatic round-ups when you use your debit card
Cons:
- Mobile app ratings could be better, especially on Google Play
- Low-tier rates could be higher
Learn More:
9. Webster Bank 
Best For: Checking account selection
Founded in 1935, Webster Bank is a regional bank headquartered in Stamford, serving the residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.
As the second largest bank in Connecticut, Webster Bank provides various banking products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, HSAs, and lending options.
Accounts
Webster Bank offers five checking accounts, including those who need second-chance banking or premium checking options with no-fee ATM use worldwide. There are checking accounts for every stage of life and financial need.
Webster Bank also has robust savings accounts that require only $25 to open. If you have a Premier Checking Account, you get a savings account with no monthly maintenance fee.
Pros:
- Wide variety of banking products and services
- Competitive rates on their money market account
- Opportunity Checking is helpful for those who need a fresh start with their finances
Cons:
- Checking accounts have high fees
- Savings APYs are low
Learn More:
How to Choose the Best Bank in Connecticut
At BankBonus.com, we’re committed to providing consumers with the resources they need to select a bank or credit union.
Here’s an overview of the steps we recommend our readers take to choose a bank:
- Understand different types of banks: You have access to traditional banks, online banks, credit unions, and neobanks. It’s important to understand the differences between them and determine which type of institution aligns best with your preferences.
- Choose the right account: Checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts are the most common types of bank accounts. Understand what each offers and choose a bank with the type of account(s) you need.
- Look for low-fee banks: Account fees can add up quickly. As you compare bank accounts, look for an account that doesn’t charge unavoidable monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees.
- Consider branch and ATM access: If having access to branches matters to you, choose a bank with physical locations. Regardless, you should prioritize banks that have a vast ATM network or reimburse ATM fees.
- Compare account features: Determine which features you’re looking for. A few common bank account features to consider are interest, cashback, mobile features, cash deposits, and minimum account balance requirements.
- Check out reviews and ratings: It’s crucial to pick a reputable bank. To get an idea of a bank’s customer experience, you can read expert reviews and look to sources like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau, and J.D. Power.
- Read the fine print: Don’t sign up for an account without understanding the terms and conditions. Make sure the account is FDIC or NCUA insured and get a sense of its requirements, fees, and expiration dates for bank bonuses.
- Look at the bank’s additional products: If you want to manage all of your finances under one roof, look into each bank’s additional products. A lot of banks also offer credit cards, wealth management, investment accounts, and loans.
Read our full guide to choosing a bank here.
Our Methodology
The BankBonus team has analyzed dozens of banks to provide our readers with thoroughly informed and accurate reviews. We evaluated digital financial platforms, online banks, regional banks, and national banks with a presence in Connecticut.
Our assessment of each bank factors in these considerations:
- Product lineup: We review the types of accounts, loans, and services offered by each bank, as well as the number of accounts.
- Fees and pricing: We also consider each institution’s fees, including monthly maintenance fees and other service charges.
- Account features: To compare banks, we take a close look at the features, limits, and capabilities each one has to offer.
- Interest: Along with these features, we consider whether or not the bank offers interest-bearing accounts and compare their rates to industry averages.
- Brand reputation: The bank accounts we recommend have been carefully vetted to ensure they are legitimate, secure, and backed by FDIC insurance.
- User experience: Additionally, we consider the ease of use and availability of resources on each bank’s website and factor in reviews of the mobile app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Branch and ATM access: To gauge convenience, we also look at each bank’s branch and ATM availability and consider their ATM reimbursement policies.
- Customer service: In our review process, we also explore their customer service channels, hours of availability, and third-party reviews.
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