Best Banks in Kentucky
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
Choosing the right bank in Kentucky comes down to your priorities — whether that’s earning interest on checking accounts, accessing a wide ATM network or finding competitive certificate of deposit (CD) rates. Kentucky offers a mix of local banks, national institutions and credit unions, each with its own strengths. GOBankingRates’ list of the best banks in Kentucky will help you compare your options and find the best fit for you.
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GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased bank reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our in-depth bank review methodology.
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TOP KENTUCKY BANKS AT A GLANCE
Bank/Institution
Savings APY
Notable Features
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Banks in Kentucky
Kentucky is filled with banking options, but some banks are better than others. Here are GOBankingRates’ picks for the best banks in Kentucky.
Gold Winner: U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank operates more than 2,000 branches across 28 states and offers savings accounts where all balances earn interest. Its CDs frequently feature competitive APYs, and the U.S. Bank mobile app consistently earns high ratings in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Best For
Investment Management
Personal Loans
Corporate and Commercial Banking
Home Loans
National Banks
$25 Minimum Deposit for Checking Accounts
U.S. Bank provides services for everyday banking and specialty services like loans, investments and commercial banking. The U.S. Bank app is user friendly and there are approximately 2,200 ATMs across 26 states.
Total Branch Locations
Over 2,200
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Everyday banking, investment management, corporate and commercial banking, home, vehicle and personal loans
Pros
- Diverse product offerings
- Extensive branch and ATM network
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Low interest rates on savings accounts
- Monthly maintenance fees
- High overdraft fees
Why We Like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a wide range of banking products, including checking, savings, loans and investment services, making it a one-stop solution for financial needs. It has an extensive branch and ATM network and a user-friendly app.
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Silver Winner: Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank has a comprehensive suite of products, including checking, savings, CDs and money market accounts. Fifth Third Bank’s app ranks high in the Apple Store and Google Play. Fifth Third Bank also offers CDs that have high APYs, earning up to APY. 
Best For
Mobile Banking
No Minimum Deposit
Low Monthly Fees
Loan Options
Wealth Management
Resources for All Areas of Your Financial Life
Fifth Third Bank stands out for its Momentum Banking, which helps you set up your new account for direct deposit, gives you a free 90-day overdraft window, and then pays your direct deposit two days early. There's no minimum deposit and no monthly service fee.
Total Branch Locations
Over 1,000
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.6 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, loans and wealth management services
Pros
- Help transfer your old account and set up direct deposit
- Different banking programs for all kinds of needs
- Award-winning mobile app
Cons
- Savings interest rate is low
- Express Checking has a $5 per month fee that can't be waived
Why We Like Fifth Third Bank
First Third Bank is among the top banks because it offers holistic banking services that can help you take charge of your finances. From help transferring your direct deposit to checking and savings accounts that work together, this is a bank that grows with you.
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Bronze Winner: PNC Bank
PNC Bank offers access to more than 60,000 ATMs and a full lineup of checking accounts. Its high-yield savings account earns APY with no minimum deposit required — just $1 starts earning interest. PNC also provides a wide range of CD options for savers.
Best For
Credit Cards
National Banks
Home Loans
Student and Personal Loans
Small Business Banking
Highly Rated Mobile App
PNC Bank has financial and budgeting tools, diverse product options, and an extensive network of branches and ATMs. The app is highly rated in the App Store.
Total Branch Locations
Over 2,300
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.5 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Home loans, credit cards, student and personal loans, small business banking
Pros
- Competitive savings APY
- Large branch network
- Budgeting and financial planning tools
Cons
- High overdraft fees
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Lower APYs on standard accounts
Why We Like PNC
PNC Bank has a helpful wallet tool to help customers budget and develop a financial plan. It also offers a full suite of products, including checking and savings accounts, loans and small business offerings.
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Best Banks
Best Checking Accounts
Best Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Best Money Market Accounts
Research Methodology
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 Nov. 8, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Sept. 4, 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.
How To Choose the Right Bank in Kentucky
Finding the best bank in Kentucky starts with matching your financial goals to the right features. As you compare banks, keep these points in mind:
- Local vs. national banks: You may want personalized attention for your bank transactions. If that is the case, then consider a local bank. National banks are a good option for those who want ATM and branch access. 
- Digital banking availability: Do you like conducting transactions while on your phone? If on-the-go access is important to you, you’ll want an app that isn’t difficult to navigate. Check out the digital platform of the bank you’re considering to determine if it works for you.
- Branch and ATM access: National banks have many branches and ATMs across the country. If you need to conduct several in-person transactions, branch access is a must. 
- Fees and waivers: Examine the fee schedule and find out if basic account access requires minimum deposits and balances. You don’t want fees cutting into the funds you’re earning in your accounts. 
- Community involvement: Some banks support local initiatives — visit the bank’s website or ask staff if this matters to you.
Final Take
If you want the right bank in Kentucky, you need to determine what matters the most in terms of your financial goals. It could be a checking account with no minimum balance requirements or a savings account that has a high APY. Explore GOBankingRates’ picks for the best banks in Kentucky and start your application today.
FAQs About Banking in Kentucky
Here's more information to help you find the best Kentucky bank for your needs.- What is the best bank for high-yield savings in Kentucky?
- PNC Bank offers a high-yield savings account earning 3.95% APY with no minimum deposit required.
- Which banks have the most ATMs in Kentucky?
- PNC Bank and U.S. Bank both have a significant number of ATMs across Kentucky.
- Are there any banks in Kentucky with no monthly fees?
- Fifth Third Bank offers Momentum Banking with no minimum deposit and no monthly service fee.
More Resources for Banking
Best Banks
Best Checking Accounts
Best Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Best Money Market Accounts
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