KeyBank Review [2026]: Low Fees for Brick-and-Mortar

KeyBank overview

	KeyBank
Best for	Monthly-fee-free checking at a brick-and-mortar bank
Bank accounts	Monthly-fee-free checking Interest checking with ATM rebates Savings accounts Money market accounts Kids' savings account Certificates of deposit (CDs)
Unique banking features/perks	Online banking with Zelle and mobile deposit Automatic saving with EasyUp Get your paycheck up to two days sooner with Early Pay
Number of branches	~1,000
Number of ATMs	40,000+ KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs
FDIC insurance	Yes, KeyBank is a member FDIC (Cert. #17534)
Customer ratings	Mobile app: 4.5/5 on Google Play 4.7/5 on App Store Trustpilot: 1.5/5 stars (160+ reviews) BBB: Accredited with an A+ rating
Year founded	1825

Is KeyBank good for me?

If you live near a KeyBank branch, prefer in-person banking support, and tend to keep a low balance, KeyBank could be a good choice. Key Smart Checking and KeyBank Hassle-Free Checking Accounts are almost-free checking accounts that won't have you worrying about minimum balance requirements. I also like KeyBank's EasyUp tool, which automates saving. When you start racking up a more sizable savings balance, however, I'd suggest moving most of it to a high-yield savings account with a higher APY.

If you tend to live online, you may benefit more from an online bank than KeyBank. With the best online banks, you can often access higher interest rates on checking and/or savings, more budgeting and savings tools, and other perks.

KeyBank banking overview and rates

*Rates are variable and depend on your ZIP code and relationship with KeyBank. Minimum deposit and monthly maintenance fee ranges vary based on the specific account selected.

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Bank of America Advantage Banking

Up to $500 cash offer. Click ‘Learn More' for more details. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.

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5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking

SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY² <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.³ <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

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4.3

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

Enjoy $400 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.⁵ <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 4/15/2026.

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KeyBank checking

Key Smart Checking

• Minimum deposit to open: $10
• Minimum balance: $0
• Monthly service fee: None

Key Smart Checking doesn't earn interest, but it stands out from other brick-and-mortar bank accounts for providing a couple of unusual perks. This puts it among the best monthly-fee-free checking accounts for in-person and full-service banking.

I most like KeyBank's EasyUp round-up savings tool, which lets you automatically save or make an extra debt payment with every debit card purchase. This is really unique. Several online banks offer round-ups, such as Ally, but the option to pay off debt with these transfers is exceedingly rare. What I don't like are KeyBank's savings rates. If you use this feature, you'd be smart to transfer your savings to another account with a higher APY.

Key Select Checking

• Minimum deposit to open: $50
• Minimum balance: $0
• Monthly service fee: $25 (waivable, waived for the first three months)

The Key Select Checking account is interest-bearing, and it often offers promotional rates that are much higher than its standard earning rate. Outside of promotions, it earns a paltry 0.05% (as of 02/02/26) APY.

I think KeyBank asks for a lot to waive the $25 monthly maintenance fee, requiring you to receive $3,000 in eligible direct deposits per statement cycle or maintain a combined balance of $15,000. That's a very high monthly service fee with steep requirements to waive it. And up to $6 in out-of-network ATM rebates per statement cycle is nice but on the low end for this type of reimbursement. That said, the account often offers welcome bonuses worth trying for if you otherwise like it.

KeyBank Hassle-Free Checking

• Minimum deposit to open: $10
• Minimum balance: $0
• Monthly service fee: None

This is a checkless version of the Key Smart Checking account. The main differences are that you can't write paper checks and there are no overdraft fees.

Key Private Client Checking

• Minimum deposit to open: $50
• Minimum balance: $250,000
• Monthly service fee: None

Offering unlimited out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements, higher transfer and withdrawal limits, a dedicated banker and advisor team, and a 0.08% (as of 02/02/26) APY, this account is reserved for clients with a minimum combined balance of $250,000 in qualifying deposits and/or investments.

Other checking accounts we recommend

KeyBank is a solid option if you live near a branch and want to visit it often, but you might prefer one of these accounts if you want more perks.

• SoFi®: SoFi Checking and Savings⁴ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p> offers up to 0.50% APY⁶ <p>Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a></p> on your checking account balance, overdraft protection when you set up direct deposit⁷ <p>Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.</p> , and savings round-ups. Plus, it's one of the easiest bank accounts to open online.
• U.S. Bank: If the option to receive in-person banking support appeals to you about KeyBank, consider U.S. Bank Smartly^® Checking. U.S. Bank runs over 2,000 branches, whereas KeyBank has fewer than 1,000. And the Smartly Checking account is an impressive option from a big bank, giving you your ticket to the Smart Rewards relationship program and perks like Greenlight kids' banking membership.

KeyBank savings

*Rates are variable and based on your ZIP code.

Key Active Saver

Minimum deposit: $10

APY: 0.01% (as of 02/02/26)

Monthly service fee: $4 (waivable)

The Key Active Saver account would be a good option if you need encouragement to save since it offers automatic savings tools, has no limits on the number of withdrawals, and waives the monthly maintenance fee with a linked KeyBank checking account. But its very low APY makes it a poor choice.

The national average savings rate is 0.39% (as of 2/17/26), according to FDIC data. So you wouldn't even be earning the average rate across all savings accounts with Key Active Saver, and it's possible to earn well over 3.00% APY on the best savings accounts today.

Key4Kids Savings Accounts

Minimum deposit: $10

APY: Varies by branch

Monthly service fee: $0

This account is available to children under 18 with an account custodian who's a KeyBank account holder. It has no monthly fee, offers access to mobile banking tools, and automatically converts to a Key Saver account when the child turns 18. You can find out what rate this account offers by calling the branch nearest you, but don't expect the APY to be high.

Key Select Money Market Savings Account

Minimum deposit: $5,000

APY: 0.05% to 0.25% (as of 02/02/26)

Monthly service fee: $20 (waivable)

This account's standard APY doesn't come close to competing with other high-yield savings or money market accounts (MMAs), especially given its $5,000 minimum opening deposit. That's very high for MMAs today. And KeyBank offers bonus APYs only if you have tens of thousands of dollars to save.

Money market accounts offer the benefits of check writing and unlimited transfers, but there are much better options elsewhere.

Other savings accounts we recommend

I don't recommend KeyBank's savings accounts for most people, even if you choose the bank for checking. Here are some alternatives.

• ZYNLO Money Market Account: This account earns an ongoing 3.90% (as of 12/28/25) APY with no monthly fees or balance requirements and unlimited transfers.
• Bread Savings: If you want to earn even more, Bread Savings offers up to 4.00% (as of 02/10/26) APY with a $100 minimum opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fees.

KeyBank CD rates

*Rates vary depending on ZIP code, relationship rewards status, and current promotions.

Compare KeyBank to top alternatives

Customer experience and user sentiment

KeyBank's customer service reputation skews negative, but customer sentiment is similar to that of other large brick-and-mortar banks. You can find horror stories about KeyBank on Reddit, as you can with its competitors, but you can also find happy customers. And the bank has not been the target of government action for illegal and deceptive practices as often as some other big banks.

Reviews and complaints

KeyBank has poor average customer ratings on third-party review sites like Trustpilot, the BBB, ConsumerAffairs, and Yelp. People tend to complain about bad customer service experiences, including unfriendly or argumentative representatives and difficulty disputing incorrect charges.

That said, several customers report positive experiences with in-person customer service at their local branches. Mobile app ratings are also generally positive, with users reporting that the app is easy to use and praising the live chat support.

Customer support

• Visit a branch or ATM: You can make an appointment to get help from a banker.
• 24/7 phone support: Call KeyBank at 1-800-KEY2YOU. Not all banks offer round-the-clock phone support with banking (most offer 24/7 credit card support), so this is a standout feature.
• Live chat: KeyBank offers live chat assistance weekdays from 7 A.M. to midnight and weekends from 8 A.M. to 9 P.M. ET. Outside those hours, you can connect with the MyKey virtual assistant (operated by AI).

Mobile banking app

KeyBank's mobile app offers most of the standard features of modern banking apps. You can use the KeyBank app to:

• Lock and unlock cards
• Transfer money
• Pay bills
• Deposit checks
• Access your FICO score
• Send and receive money with Zelle

KeyBank also has a couple of unique features. For example, you can use QuickView to check your balances instantly without signing in. The app also offers a document hub that lets you store statements and tax documents, saving space in your filing cabinet.

But it lacks some of the features common in top competitor mobile apps (like Chase), such as promotions and rewards, robust budgeting and financial wellness tools, and unique payment plan options. Check out our list of the best banking apps to see what's available.

Banking fees

KeyBank's banking fees are reasonable, especially compared to other traditional banks. Typical overdraft fees are around $35, according to the FDIC, but KeyBank charges just $20 and offers ways to avoid overdraft charges.

Plus, KeyBank doesn't charge non-sufficient funds fees and offers checking without monthly maintenance fees. You may find it easier to avoid fees altogether if you choose an online bank, though.

FAQs

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5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking

High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY² <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.³ <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 3/30/2026. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>

Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit⁸ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>

No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees⁹ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>

Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults

Access to a large ATM network¹⁰ <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>