Best banks and credit unions in the northeast

The east includes nine states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. These countries are home to thousands of banks and credit unions, so finding the right accounts can feel overwhelming.

We researched leading financial institutions operating within these states and evaluated them based on their accounts, interest rates, fees, deposit requirements and customer satisfaction. Based on that information, we identified the five best banks in the northeast for 2026:

*KilePrices and fees were as of Oct. 14, 2025.

As an online and traditional bank, Alternative operates branches in 16 states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York in the northeast. The bank’s ATM network includes more than 70,000 locations, and offers checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs. AUTO NAVIGARAFAT by Auto Navigator helps customers find cars, get pre-approved for auto supply and adjust things like payments, duration and more to create a deal that’s right for them.

Its 360 checking account charges no monthly maintenance fee, requires no minimum opening balance and offers early payment access. Meanwhile, its 360 performance savings account offers 3.40% apy while also requiring no minimum balance or charging a monthly fee. CDS ONE BOLL FOR MAKING COMMUNITIES FOR FREE ranging from six months to six months, but the bank does not offer market accounts.

Bank of America is the second largest US bank by assets with 3,857 branch locations in addition to 15,000 ATM locations. The bank has a strong presence in the northeast, and offers checking accounts, savings accounts, student accounts and CDs.

Its CDs are where the bank comes from. With terms ranging from 28 days to 10 years and aps as high as 3.51%, Bank of America CDs has favorable options for long-term and long-term borrowers. They do, however, require a minimum deposit of $1,000. This year, the US bank ranked highly in the JD Power 2025 US Retail Banking Subs Advisory Satisfaction Index.

Keybank offers many checking account options, including a free checking account with no monthly maintenance fees. The Smart Basic checking account includes benefits such as free paper checks, and you can open an account for $10. With most banks, only accounts with monthly fees are eligible for new customer promotions. But with keybank, customers can qualify for hundreds of offers with its free trial options. Additionally, Keybank offers checking accounts for seniors and students with no monthly fees.

However, KeyBank has unusually high deposit minimums for its money market accounts and CDs, so those with limited funds available may find its deposit minimum to be a significant obstacle. And its savings accounts tend to have very low interest rates. Keybank operates branches in 15 states, including Connecticut, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont in the northeast.

Liberals Banks offers savings, checking, money market and student accounts and CDs. There are two different checking accounts available through Liberty Bank. Its quarterly checking account lets you earn 25 cents on debit card purchases over $25, while its cash checking account offers $15 a month in cash back. Both of these accounts are free with limited balances and no monthly maintenance fees.

The bank receives a trust rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, but they only have 55 branch locations, most of them in Connecticut. To open a checking account, Libelt Bank requires a minimum opening deposit of $25.

Despite its National Footprint category, TD Bank’s limited area is the Northeast, where it operates branches in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It has many savings accounts to choose from, with low deposit requirements and high portability. With TD Bank, there are options for savings, checking and student accounts and CDs. However, the bank does not offer money market accounts and its checking account has a $15 monthly fee.

Where TD Bank separates itself from the pack is customer satisfaction. According to the JD Strengths of JD 2025 US Retail Banking Satisfaction survey, the Bank holds the highest scores for trust and problem solving and was ranked first Online banking satisfaction among national banks in the Past Bank Satisfaction Study. In addition, TD Bank’s call center is recognized for its outstanding customer service.

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How we chose the best banks in 2026

To determine our list of the best banks in 2026, money was evaluated by hundreds of large commercial banks, credit unions, regional and state banks and online banks ranked by the property. We then compare average opening requirements, interest paid, capital and features to determine our top picks.

We researched the leading banks and unions operating in the northeast, revealing their accounts, rates, fees and customer options to choose the top institutions in that region in 2026. We have placed a particular emphasis on banks and unions with Broad Broad and ATM networks in the northeast, as well as online offerings that increase availability.

You can read our full guide here.

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