Best banks and credit unions in New York

Chase: Best for ATM access

Not only is Chase the largest bank in the US, but it’s also headquartered smack dab in New York City. This means you’ll be hard pressed to find a bank that has more branch locations and brand-name ATMs than this leading giant. For these reasons, we’ve dubbed Chase Bank best for accessibility.

• Accounts

  Chase offers a range of products to meet most of your banking needs, including personal and business checking, savings and CDs. The best part? Most of these accounts have attractive sign-up bonuses for first-time customers and a low, $0 opening deposit. But as with most traditional banks, its APYs are low and most accounts have monthly fees. Chase is a solid choice if you want the security and accessibility of a large financial institution, but it’s not ideal if you’re after high interest rates.

• Customer experience

  Chase has over 4,900 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the country. It pairs its vast network with an intuitive site and mobile app that makes it easy to manage your money wherever you are. You can stay on top of your credit, view past transactions, get a personalized snapshot of your spending and use Chase Autosave to stash away money for the future — all from the mobile app. If you have multiple accounts with Chase, such as an auto loan, credit card or mortgage, you can also view those in one succinct place.

  It has a robust mobile app, which allows you to e-deposit checks, pay bills, manage your transaction history and more.

HSBC Bank: Best for competitive interest rates

HSBC is an international bank with its US headquarters right in New York City. It offers a range of accounts for personal and business use, but it’s HSBC Direct accounts are especially attractive thanks to their high APYs.

• Accounts

  If you’re looking for high APYs, you may be interested in the HSBC Direct accounts. The Direct Savings account earns a whopping 0.15% APY and Direct CDs earn up to 0.4% depending on the term.

  Its regular accounts have some added perks too. New customers can enjoy cashback bonuses on direct deposits when they open an HSBC Premier or Advance Checking account. And most accounts have low opening deposit requirements. There are monthly fees to watch out for, but you can avoid them when you maintain certain direct deposit or balance requirements.

• Customer experience

  HSBC has about 220 branches in 10 states and a handful of ATMs to boot. It offers around the clock customer support by live chat. Plus, you can get assistance by phone and Twitter.

Read Review

M&T Bank: Best for businesses

You’ll find a variety of over 20 checking, savings and CD options at M&T Bank. But businesses may find this institution extra appealing thanks to its tiered accounts and concise fee structures.

• Accounts

  Consumers can choose from four checking and three savings accounts, along with a wide range of CDs. Some are free and others earn interest. There are some monthly fees to watch out for, but you can avoid them when you meet certain transaction thresholds, direct deposit or minimum balance requirements.

  Its business accounts are where M&T really shines. As a business owner, choose from seven checking accounts, including some just for small businesses, nonprofits, medical professionals and those with professional service firms. There are monthly fees to watch out for. Some are unavoidable, but you can avoid others when you maintain a certain balance.

• Customer experience

  M&T Bank has 1,600 ATMs and over 690 locations in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia. Customer service is available weekly by phone and email and in-person during normal banking hours.

TD Bank: Best for locals

If you’re the type of person who likes to bank face to face, look no further than TD Bank. Many of its branches are open weekly, giving the ultimate flexibility to bank when and how you need it.

• Accounts

  Most TD Bank checking and savings accounts have low opening deposits, although you may have to maintain a higher balance to earn interest. APYs vary by location, so you’ll need to hop on the bank’s website or call customer service to see what you qualify for. On the bright side, TD Bank offers relationship rates, so you’ll likely earn more interest when you open multiple accounts.

• Customer experience

  TD Bank puts an emphasis on convenience. It has over 1,300 branches and 1,900 ATMs scattered across the East Coast and Canada. Plus, it offers 24/7 customer service and extended banking hours on the weekends.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union: Best for military members

As home to five military bases, New York has no shortage of service men and women. If you’re affiliated with the military and looking for a new bank, PenFed may fit the bill. It has a concise list of product offerings and military-specific resources.

• Accounts

  PenFed is known for its high interest rates and low monthly fees. The Premium Checking account earns 0.2% to 0.5% APY depending on your account balance. Savings accounts and CDs earn up to 1.4%. You can open most checking and savings accounts with as little as $5, but you need at least $1,000 to open CDs.

• Customer experience

  PenFed doesn’t participate in shared branching. But members get access to 68,000 ATMs nationwide — many of which are located in Target, CVS, Walgreens, Circle K and Safeway. Customer service is available on weekends and it has an intuitive mobile app with solid user ratings.

  This credit union has an entire deployment guide on its website where you can download essential forms and get step-by-step guidance on how to get your affairs in order before you leave. As a credit union member, you also get access to special discounts for auto, finances, home and retail.