First National Bank of Pennsylvania Review: Robust Checking Account Options and Low Minimums

3.6

GBR RATING

GOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

A wide variety of banking products and services

First National Bank of Pennsylvania is best for those looking for a variety of products, from checking and savings accounts to loans, mortgages, investing, retirement, insurance and business solutions.

First National Bank offers customers a good range of low-minimum accounts in its service area, which now covering seven states and the District of Columbia. Although there is limited fee-free ATM access, the bank’s monthly maintenance fees are generally easy to avoid. 

Why First National Bank of Pennsylvania Is a Good Fit for Students

First National Bank of Pennsylvania makes everyday banking simpler for students who want to keep costs low and avoid unnecessary hassles. Several of FNB’s checking options offer low or no monthly fees, and many don’t require a minimum balance, which can be a big plus when your income changes from month to month.

Students also get easy access to mobile and online banking, so it’s simple to check balances, deposit checks, and pay bills without visiting a branch. Digital payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay make everyday purchases quick and convenient, while built-in alerts and account tools can help students stay on top of spending and avoid fees.

Overall, FNB works well for students who want straightforward banking, modern digital tools, and an easy way to build smart money habits while they’re in school.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Checking Accounts

First National Bank offers five types of checking accounts: Freestyle Checking, Lifestyle Checking, eStyle, eStyle Plus and Premierstyle Checking. Together, these accounts cover a range of needs, from low-fee everyday banking to interest-earning options with added perks.

Here are some key highlights to know:

• Account fees and features vary by option, giving customers flexibility to choose what fits their banking habits
• Lifestyle Checking, eStyle Plus, and Premierstyle Checking can earn interest when certain balance requirements are met, with higher balances earning higher rates
• Freestyle Checking does not earn interest but stands out for its no-fee structure, unlimited check writing, online bill pay, and no minimum balance or transaction requirements
• Service charges on other accounts can be waived by meeting specific criteria, typically by maintaining a minimum balance; eStyle account holders can also avoid fees by setting up direct deposit and completing five monthly transactions
• Lifestyle Checking includes a free first order of checks and a safe deposit box
• All checking accounts come with mobile banking, online banking, and digital payment access

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Checking Accounts

Start Banking

Best For

Mobile App

Students

Low Monthly Fees

Loan Options

Investment Services

Flexible Options, No-Fee Checking

First National Bank of Pennsylvania offers five checking account options, including no-fee and interest-earning, with features like unlimited check writing and mobile banking.

Fees

$0 to $25

APY

Up to

Min Opening

$50

Pros

• eStyle account has no overdraft fees.
• Freestyle Checking has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

Cons

• You can only earn interest on the Lifestyle Checking account if you maintain a balance of $2,500 or more.
• Low APY on checking account
• $25 monthly fee for the eStyle Plus account, which can only be waived with $1,000 or more daily balance or $25,000 in combined daily balance

Quick Take

First National Bank of Pennsylvania has a variety of great checking options, many of which are interest-bearing which is a great feature for your go-to bank account. 

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First National Bank of Pennsylvania Savings Accounts

First National Bank has a single savings account, called FirstRate Savings. Here are a few key takeaways: 

• A straightforward, no-frills savings account with low minimums and a fee that’s easy to avoid
• Maintain a $500 average daily balance to have the $5 monthly service fee waived
• Includes a free Visa debit card with access to Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay
• This account pays APY for balances up to $999.99 and APY on balances of $1,000 or more

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Savings Accounts

Start Banking

Best For

Mobile App

Students

Low Monthly Fees

Loan Options

Investment Services

Free Debit Card, Tiered Interest

First National Bank of Pennsylvania’s FirstRate Savings account offers tiered interest, a free debit card and a waivable $5 monthly fee with a $500 balance.

Fees

$5

APY

to

Min Opening

$0 at branch; $50 online

Pros

• $0 opening deposit requirement if your savings account is opened in person
• Earns a tiered interest rate, so you can earn more if you put more into the account

Cons

• Requires a $50 minimum opening deposit online
• $5 monthly maintenance fee if you don’t maintain an average daily balance of $500 or more

Quick Take

First National Bank of Pennsylvania offers a solid standard savings account with tiered interest and easily waivable fees.

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First National Bank of Pennsylvania CD Accounts

First National Bank offers CD accounts with terms ranging from three to 60 months and fixed interest rates that compound quarterly. A $500 minimum deposit is required to earn interest.

Most standard CDs earn the same APY, with the exception of the 60-month CD, which offers a slightly higher rate. The bank also provides flexible interest payment options.

In addition to standard CDs, First National Bank offers promotional CDs with higher rates. Current CD specials range from five to 61 months, giving savers more opportunities to lock in a competitive rate.

3.7

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania CD Accounts

Start Banking

Best For

Mobile App

Students

Low Monthly Fees

Loan Options

Investment Services

Promotional CDs With Higher Rates

First National Bank of Pennsylvania offers CDs with competitive APYs, including promotional rates for various term lengths, starting at a $500 minimum deposit.

Fees

No monthly service fee

APY

Min Opening

$500

Pros

• Offers standard and flexible CDs as well as CD Specials for a variety of term-length and APY options.
• Competitive APYs

Cons

• CD Specials have better rates, but come with higher minimum opening deposit requirements.

Quick Take

If you are ready to up your savings game, First National Bank of Pennsylvania has different CD rates and term lengths available.

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First National Bank of Pennsylvania Money Market Accounts

First National Bank offers two money market options: the FirstRate Money Market and the Private Banking Select Money Market accounts. Here are a few key things to know:

• The FirstRate Money Market account requires a higher balance to avoid monthly fees
• There is no minimum opening deposit if you open the account at an FNB branch, while online openings require a $50 minimum deposit
• The account carries a $10 monthly service fee, which can be waived by maintaining a $5,000 average daily balance
• Standard interest rates are tiered, ranging from to depending on your balance

The Private Banking Select Money Market account offers a more flexible option:

• There is no minimum opening deposit
• The $10 monthly service fee is waived with a $5,000 average daily balance or higher
• The account earns tiered interest at higher rates than standard savings
• There is no FNB fee for using non-FNB ATMs

3.3

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Money Market Accounts

Start Banking

Best For

Mobile App

Students

Low Monthly Fees

Loan Options

Investment Services

Tiered Interest, No ATM Fees

First National Bank offers two money market accounts with tiered interest rates, $0 opening deposit at branches and waived monthly fees with a $5,000 balance.

Fees

$5 to $10, waivable

APY

Up to

Min Opening

$0 to $50

Pros

• $0 opening deposit requirement if you open an MMA in a branch
• Earns more interest than a standard savings account

Cons

• You need to keep $100,000 or more in the account to earn the highest tier of interest which is out of reach for many customers.

Quick Take

First National Bank of Pennsylvania has money market accounts that can boost your savings and help you more efficiently meet your financial goals. 

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Banking Experience

First National Bank is a full-service bank that offers customers more than an impressive number of checking and savings accounts. Its product lineup also includes a range of products designed to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers, such as certificates of deposit, a money market account, IRA savings and health savings accounts. 

The bank also provides a variety of loans, including mortgages and home equity loans as well as personal and vehicle loans. Customers can take advantage of investing and private banking services and insurance options to protect loved ones and property.

However, for a bank of its size, First National Bank has limited customer service options. Customers can visit a branch, call during business hours or send an email.

Its mobile app, FNB Direct, lets customers review transactions, deposit checks, transfer funds, manage debit cards and locate branches and ATMs.

How Does First National Bank Compare?

Here’s a look at how First National Bank stacks up against other banks in the area.

Checking

Savings

CDs

Money Market

SELECTED BANK

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Checking Accounts

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MOST COMPARABLE

4.1

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

PNC Checking Account

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

4.3

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Citizens Bank Checking Account

Read Review

Fees

Fees

Fees

$0 to $25

$7 to $25, waivable

$0 to $25

APY

APY

APY

Up to

N/A

Min Opening

Min Opening

Min Opening

$50

$0 to $25

$0

SELECTED BANK

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Savings Accounts

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MOST COMPARABLE

PNC Standard Savings Account

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

Citizens Bank Savings Accounts

Read Review

Fees

Fees

Fees

$5

$0 to $5 waivable monthly charge

$0 to $4.99

APY

APY

APY

to

Up to

–

Min Opening

Min Opening

Min Opening

$0 at branch; $50 online

$0 to $25

$0

SELECTED BANK

3.7

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania CD Accounts

Start Banking

MOST COMPARABLE

3.1

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

PNC CD Accounts

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

Citizens Bank CD Accounts

Read Review

Fees

Fees

Fees

No monthly service fee

No monthly service fee

No monthly service fee

APY

APY

APY

Up to

–

Min Opening

Min Opening

Min Opening

$500

$1,000

$1,000- $25,000

SELECTED BANK

3.3

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania Money Market Accounts

Start Banking

MOST COMPARABLE

4.9

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

Ally Bank Money Market Accounts

Read Review

MOST COMPARABLE

Citizens Access Money Market Accounts

Read Review

Fees

Fees

Fees

$5 to $10, waivable

$0

No monthly service fee

APY

APY

APY

Up to

Up to

Min Opening

Min Opening

Min Opening

$0 to $50

$0

$0

First National Bank of Pennsylvania vs. PNC

PNC has a larger service area than First National Bank and more surcharge-free ATMs, but First National makes up for the lack of branches with an impressive menu of services. First National customers can choose from five checking accounts, compared to three available at PNC — and all of them come with service charges that cannot be waived easily. First National also offers standard certificates of deposit with a lower minimum opening balance than PNC.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania vs. Citizens Bank

Like First National Bank, Citizens offers five checking accounts, but only one has no monthly service fee, and one account has no option for waiving the fee. Citizens has three savings accounts, which is more than FNB’s one option.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania vs. Capital One

Capital One has taken advantage of its strong financial position thanks to its credit card division to offer online banking products and services such as checking, savings and CD accounts with no monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements to worry about. 

Final Take

The bottom line is that First National Bank is a decent option for customers in the bank’s service area. All of the basic banking account types are available, and checking accounts offer a good range of options. Although most account maintenance fees can be waived, APYs for interest-bearing accounts can be quite low.

The bank is best for customers who live in the bank’s service area and want an excellent fee-free checking account. However, if you’re looking for a low-fee, high-APY institution, there are better options available.

Allison Hache, Cynthia Measom, John Csiszar and Vance Cariaga contributed to the reporting for this article.

Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 30, 2025. 

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

To discover the Best Banks by state, GOBankingRates analyzed the top institutions (excluding online banks and neobanks) by state branch locations. To determine rankings, GOBankingRates looked at the following factors: (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) checking product minimum deposit; (3) monthly checking fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); (4) savings product minimum deposit; (5) savings product APY; (6) Bauer rating (out of 5 stars); (7) products/services offered (auto loans, mortgage loans, credit cards, investment services and insurance); and (8) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1), (2) and (4) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (5) was weighed 2.5 times and factor (7) was weighed 1.5 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Dec. 30, 2025, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 30, 2025. To qualify as one of the Best Banks in the state, the institution needed at least five branch locations in the respective state, with some exceptions for larger and/or smaller states.

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