10 Best Banks in Kentucky for 2024

Kentucky has some of the best banks in the country. Choosing a bank account, whether with a national or a local bank, can be more complicated than you think.

To help you make the best decision, we’ve listed the best banks in Kentucky. This post will review their financial services and products and what you can expect for fees.

10 Best Banks in Kentucky

Here’s a list of the top banks in Kentucky you can open an account with today:

1. US Bank: Best for Physical Locations
2. Fifth Third Bank: Best for Checking Account Options
3. Community Trust Bank: Best for Extra Rewards
4. PNC Bank: Best for Combination Accounts
5. Regions Bank: Best for Low Opening Deposit
6. Citizens Bank of Kentucky: Best for Low Monthly Fee
7. First State Bank: Best for ATM Refunds
8. Forcht Bank: Best for Waivable Monthly Fee
9. Republic Bank & Trust Co.: Best for Military Personnel
10. Kentuck Trust Co.: Best for Product Selection

See the Best Bank Bonus Offers & Promotions in Kentucky

1. U.S. Bank

Best For: Brick-and-mortar locations

U.S. Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S. It ranks 5th overall and mainly focuses on the West and Midwest. It has 114 branches in Kentucky.

Accounts

U.S. Bank offers two checking accounts – Bank Smartly and Safe Debit. Safe Debit comes with a fixed monthly fee of $4.95 (which you can’t waive), while Bank Smartly has a monthly maintenance fee of $6.95, which the bank will waive when you meet the account’s criteria. Available features include an overdraft paid fee waiver, access to branches in over 25 states, and many others.

U.S. Bank also offers one traditional savings account with a monthly fee of $4.00. The bank will waive the fee when you meet the set requirements, while the minimum opening deposit is $25. The current APY is 0.01%.

U.S. Bank also offers MMAs (Money Market Accounts), CDs, credit cards, personal loans and lines, home and vehicle loans, and investment and retirement options. They also cater to business and corporate banking needs.

Learn More:

• U.S. Bank review

U.S. Bank

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The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account earns variable interest and comes with a wealth of benefits to help you manage, move, and spend your money wisely.

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2. Fifth Third Bank

Best For: Checking Account Options

Fifth Third Bank is a community-focused bank based in Ohio, serving customers in several states. In Kentucky, they operate 69 locations from Alexandria to Walton, with the highest concentration in Louisville and Lexington.

Accounts

The bank offers three checking accounts: Momentum, Preferred, and Express. Momentum is a middle-of-the-road account with no monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Preferred Checking is reserved for those with $100,000 or more in investable assets, while Express targets those needing financial help.

Fifth Third Bank also offers a savings account called Momentum Savings. It has a waivable monthly service charge of $5, while the APY is 0.01% across all balances. The account has features to help you reach your savings goals and even help you automate savings.

Fifth Third Bank also offers CDs (Certificates of Deposit), credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, equity lines, personal loans, lines of credit, insurance, investment options, and business and commercial banking services.

Learn More:

• Fifth Third Bank Review
• Visit 53.com↗

3. Community Trust Bank

Best For: Extra rewards

Community Trust Bank is a community bank based in Pikeville. It serves customers in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. It currently operates 71 locations in Kentucky and a handful of locations in the other two states.

Accounts

Community Trust Bank offers three checking accounts. Their basic account has no monthly maintenance fee and comes with a complimentary debit card. Alternatively, you can opt for Advantage Checking, which has a waivable monthly fee of $7.00.

This account has a few more perks, including IDProtect®, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, $hopping Rewards™, and many others. Both accounts have a minimum opening deposit of $100. You can also opt for Advantage Plus Interest Checking, which earns interest on balances of $1,000 and over.

Community Trust Bank offers one savings account with a minimum opening deposit requirement of $10. There is a quarterly maintenance fee, and interest is compounded and paid every quarter. They also offer a Savings Club account, which allows you to save for a special occasion, like holiday shopping.

Community Trust Bank also offers CDs, IRAs, MMAs, loans, mortgages, and business banking solutions.

Learn More:

• Visit CTBI.com↗

4. PNC

Best For: Combination accounts

PNC is one of the largest banks in the U.S. It operates in 29 states, including Kentucky, with 66 branches. The bank focuses extensively on community impact with programs such as PNC Grow Up Great and charitable giving.

Accounts

While PNC offers separate checking and savings accounts, you can also opt for a Virtual Wallet, which combines the two. You can also earn a welcome bonus of between $50 and $400 – depending on your account combination.

Monthly service charges range between $7 and $25 – which PNC will waive when you meet any of the three requirements. The standard APY rate is 0.01%; however, this can go up to 0.05% with relationship rates.

In addition to checking and savings accounts, PNC offers credit cards, prepaid cards, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, and investment options. They also have small business and corporate banking products.

Learn More:

• PNC Review
• Visit PNC.com↗

5. Regions Bank

Best For: Low opening deposit requirements

Regions Bank is a regional bank based in Alabama and serves customers in the Midwest, South, and Texas. It has a sizable presence in Kentucky, making it a good option for those who prefer face-to-face banking.

Accounts

Regions Bank offers six checking accounts – three are for general use and three for specific needs. Monthly fees start at $5.00 and top out at $18, while the minimum opening deposit ranges between $10 and $50. The top-tier account earns interest and can help you earn cash back.

Regions Bank also offers a good selection of savings accounts, with monthly fees starting from $0. Some accounts also offer a savings bonus over and above the interest rate paid, making it a good motivator to save some extra bucks.

In addition to checking and savings accounts, Regions Bank offers MMAs, CDs, prepaid cards, credit cards, investment options, loans, lines of credit, mortgages, and small business and corporate banking.

Learn More:

• Regions Bank Review
• Visit Regions.com↗

6. Citizens Bank of Kentucky

Best For: Low monthly fees

Citizens Bank of Kentucky is a local Kentucky bank. It has a presence in eight counties where it operates 12 branches.

Accounts

Citizens Bank of Kentucky offers five checking accounts with monthly charges starting from $0. Account features vary by account but typically include a free Visa debit card, unlimited check writing, and many others.

Citizens Bank of Kentucky also offers one traditional savings account called Keepsake Savings. It has no minimum deposit requirement – but you’ll pay $3 per statement cycle if you don’t meet the balance requirements. While the bank offers other savings accounts, such as a Health Savings Account, Education Savings, or Christmas Club Savings, you must visit a branch to open these.

Citizens Bank of Kentucky offers other banking products, including CDs, IRAs, credit cards, consumer loans, home equity loans, and mortgages. They also offer business banking products.

Learn More:

• Visit WeRCitizens.bank↗

7. First State Bank

Best For: ATM refunds

First State Bank is a very common name, with more than a handful of banks using it across the U.S. The one serving customers in Kentucky has three locations: Louisa, Inez, and Warfield.

Accounts

First State Bank offers six checking accounts with monthly fees starting from $0. The checking accounts have various perks and features, including ATM fee refunds, cash back, interest, etc. The APY rate on interest-bearing accounts can go up to 5.00%

First State Bank also offers a good selection of savings accounts, including free savings accounts. Kasasa Saver is one such account. It has no monthly fees and a $50 minimum opening deposit requirement. The APY interest rate is tiered and can reach 2.00% when meeting requirements.

Other account options at First State Bank include personal loans, credit cards, CDs, IRAs, HSAs, home equity loans, auto loans, and business banking.

Learn More:

• Visit FSB4Me.com↗

8. Forcht Bank

Best For: Waivable monthly fees

Forcht Bank is a community bank that is part of the Forcht Group of Companies with headquarters in Lexington and Corbin. It operates 26 banking centers across Kentucky and Ohio.

Accounts

The bank offers six checking accounts, two of which are not specialized. All accounts, except Safety Net Checking, have a $50 minimum opening deposit, while monthly service charges range between $5 and $6. One difference is that the lower the monthly charge, the higher the balance requirement to avoid the fee, so be sure to read the fine print before committing to an account.

Forcht Bank also offers two traditional savings accounts. The minimum deposit requirement ranges between $100 and $500, while the waivable monthly service charge is $5 or $6, depending on the account. The APY interest rate ranges between 0,05% and 0.10% – depending on the account and balance.

Forcht Bank also offers money market accounts, CDs, Christmas Club Savings, mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards, and investment options. They also have a wide selection of business products.

Learn More:

• Visit ForchtBank.com↗

9. Republic Bank & Trust Company

Best For: Military personnel

Republic Bank and Trust Co. is the company that manages Republic Bank. The bank is based in Louisville and serves customers in areas within Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee.

Accounts

Republic Bank & Trust offers four checking accounts with monthly fees starting from $0. The minimum opening deposit requirement ranges between $10 and $50. Two of the accounts pay out interest. Those who served in the military have access to a tailored account.

The bank also offers two traditional savings accounts with an APY of 0.35% across all accounts and balances. Monthly fees range between $0 and $10. Depending on your chosen account, the opening deposit requirement varies between $10 and $5,000.

Republic Bank and Trust also offers MMAs, CDs, CDARS, IRAs, credit cards, mortgages, loans, business banking, and treasury management services.

Learn More:

• Visit RepublicBank.com↗

10. Kentucky Trust Co.

Best For: Large selection of products

Kentucky Trust Company is a subsidiary of Whitaker Bank – a state bank with headquarters in Lexington. It was founded in 1995 following the bank’s acquisition by an out-of-state institution. Kentucky Trust Co. focuses on wealth management; however, you’ll find accounts offered by the parent bank – Whitaker Bank.

Accounts

There are six checking accounts, with maintenance fees starting from $0. The bank will waive the monthly fee when you meet the set balance requirements. Top-tier accounts also pay interest. However, you’ll need to maintain a certain balance.

Kentucky Trust Company also offers one traditional savings account with a quarterly maintenance fee of $5. You can have the bank waive the fee, and the account earns interest when you maintain a minimum balance of $100. Free withdrawals are limited to 6 every three months, with a fee for any above this amount.

Kentucky Trust Company also offers wealth management, IRAs, HSAs, CDs, MMAs, personal loans, credit cards, insurance, and business banking services.

Learn More:

• Visit WhitakerBank.com↗

Credit Unions in Kentucky

You may want to consider the following credit unions in Kentucky:

• Navy Federal Credit Union
• Abound Federal Credit Union
• University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union

Credit unions work like banks in many ways; the main difference is that you become a member rather than a customer. Furthermore, since credit unions are not-for-profit institutions, they offer better terms than many banks.

Membership is based on specific criteria such as working or living in Kentucky, making joining relatively easy. Keep in mind that, in many cases, credit unions might not have the reach of big banks. Make sure you look for NCUA-insured credit unions since this provides an extra layer of protection.

How to Choose the Best Bank in Kentucky

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

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 Kentucky.

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.