Working with the best banks in the sunshine state can almost top a day at the beach. Our guide includes everything you need to know about the best banks in Florida.
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Local branches are only half the picture. These five are available nationwide, so they compete with anything in your state and usually pay more to switch.
When you think of Florida, you probably don’t think about banks, at least not the ones that hold cold hard cash. However, many banks in this tropical state can help you manage your money and achieve your financial goals.
Banks in Florida serve over 6.8 million customers who hold over $800 billion in deposits. Considering it’s a favorite state among those in their wisest age, it’s no wonder many banks in Florida hold some of the largest collections of wealth.
If you’re looking for the best banks in Florida to bank with, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide includes all the finer details about banks in Florida (and across the nation) serving customers far and wide.
Once you’ve read through our list, you can pick out your favorite banks. You may even be able to open a free checking account and earn some rewards simultaneously.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Florida? Let’s get started!
12 Best Banks in Florida
If you’re looking for the best checking accounts in Florida, look no further than these 10 best banks near the Gulf of Mexico.
Ensure you meet eligibility requirements before inquiring about signing up for a new bank account.
Chase runs 435 branches in Florida, and it will pay you $400 to open a checking account. That is the largest new-checking bonus any major bank is offering right now, and it is money most Floridians leave on the table by keeping the account they opened years ago.
Here is the entire requirement. Open a new Total Checking account, then have $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits arrive within 90 days of enrolling in the offer. It is cumulative, so two or three ordinary paychecks clear it, and the bonus is paid within 15 days of you meeting the requirement. The $15 monthly service fee drops to $0 in any statement period with $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily beginning balance, or $5,000 in average beginning day balance across linked accounts. One trap to know: Zelle, cash, checks, wires and interest do not count toward either number.
Past the bonus, the footprint is the argument. 435 Florida branches plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide means you can deposit cash near home and still use the account anywhere you travel. Zelle is built in, the mobile app is well rated, and you can add a Chase savings account or credit card later under the same login.
The catch worth naming: the bonus is only open to people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. It is reported to the IRS on a 1099-INT. If that fits you, open a Total Checking account and route your paycheck to it.
If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market alongside a real Florida branch network, claim the $400 with Chase here.
A Jacksonville power bill in August does not care when payday falls. The gap between when a bill is due and when your paycheck lands is where most budgets actually break, and it is the specific problem Current is built for.
The signup math is simple. Open an account with promo code WELCOME75 and get $75 once your Eligible Payroll Deposits total $1,500 or more in your first 35 days. It is cumulative rather than one big deposit, it is new customers only, and the cash arrives about 10 business days after you cross the line. Recurring wages from an employer, a payroll provider or a government payer count. Non-direct-deposit ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits such as a tax refund do not.
The feature that earns its keep after the bonus is Paycheck Advance, which lets you draw up to $750 of pay before payday and is offered by Finco Advance LLC rather than a bank. There is no monthly fee on the account, and the whole thing opens from your phone, which is the point in a state where the nearest branch may not be convenient.
One thing to be clear about, because it is routinely written up wrong: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, both Member FDIC, so deposit insurance reaches you on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 and depends on those conditions being met. If that structure is fine with you, open an account with code WELCOME75 and claim the $75.
3. SoFi
SoFi is one of the top online banks for anyone who wants to earn more without the hassle of traditional banking. You can open a SoFi Checking and Savings account and earn up to a $450 bonus when you set up direct deposit.
The app makes it easy to save automatically, track spending, and even invest from the same dashboard.
SoFi also offers personal loans, credit cards, and investment accounts, giving you everything you need to manage your money in one place. If you want a bank that’s fast, flexible, and rewarding, SoFi is one of the best options out there.
4. Wells Fargo
With over 500 branches and ATMs throughout Florida, Wells Fargo is a leading choice for Sunshine State residents. Whether you’re in Miami, Tampa, or Orlando, you’ll find Wells Fargo’s Everyday Checking account convenient and rewarding.
Open an account with $25, set up $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days, and earn a $325 bonus. The account includes fraud monitoring, robust online tools, and a $15 monthly fee that’s waivable through qualifying activities.
Start your account today and bank better with Wells Fargo in Florida.
5. First Citizens Bank
Though First Citizens Bank offers a free checking account, it’s not interest-bearing. However, there are over 30 physical locations in Florida that you can visit to open a new account and manage your money.
First Citizens Bank has been family-owned for over three generations. It offers checking, and savings accounts with no minimum balances, direct deposit requirements, or monthly maintenance fees.
You can use your First Citizens Bank checking account to pay bills and do everything else you would with a traditional bank account. However, avoiding the monthly fees associated with these accounts can be difficult, and the First Citizens Bank Savings account offers a low annual percentage yield.
6. Fifth Third Bank
Open a Momentum Checking account with Fifth Third Bank, and you can bank for free online, through your mobile app, and in-branch.
Fifth Third Bank doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees or require you to set up direct deposit. In addition, you won’t be able to earn any interest on your checking account balance.
This bank offers a mix of physical locations and ATMs. You can also use your debit card to spend money from your Fifth Third Bank account.
7. Bank of America
You can choose from several Bank of America promotions throughout the year to earn more by banking with BofA. These modern bank accounts offer everything your typical bank account does, from writing checks and spending funds to paying bills.
Unfortunately, Bank of America doesn’t make it very easy to avoid monthly maintenance fees, no matter which bank account you choose. However, this bank does offer superior customer service and many credit cards to choose from.
In fact, you can easily automate your savings. You’ll also earn rewards when you shop using your Bank of America credit card.
8. Regions Bank
Regions Banks is one of a few banks that don’t use ChexSystems, making it easier to open an account if you’ve had trouble in the past. This bank has over 300 physical branch locations in Florida alone, so it’s a popular choice among residents.
You can lean on Regions Bank for any of the following services:
Personal checking accounts
Savings accounts
Investments
Financial planning
Loans and lines of credit
Regions Bank also offers several perks for businesses. Visit a Regions Bank near you to find out more.
9. PNC Bank
PNC Bank was founded in 1983 after two banks with the initials “PNC” merged. Both banks serve the Pennsylvania region but also extend south to Florida.
In addition to physical locations, PNC Bank offers financial management tools through its mobile app. You can perform most of the same functions through PNC Bank’s website.
You’ll need at least $25 to open a PNC Bank checking account. Overdrafts will incur a $36 fee, but you can avoid this by returning your account to the positive before 24 hours are up through Low Cash Mode.
Florida residents can take advantage of several PNC Bank promotions, including business and personal checking accounts.
This coastal bank doesn’t claim as many locations as other banks on our list, but it does serve Tallahassee residents. Plus, it offers free checking accounts with no minimum balances, no monthly maintenance fees, and no direct deposit requirements.
You can use your Capital City Bank account to do almost anything with your money, from depositing and withdrawing it to paying bills and saving up. You can also use the network of ATMs to bank on the go if need be.
Capital City Bank does charge overdraft penalties, so be wary of these. You’ll also pay a fee for any out-of-network ATMs you use.
11. Suncoast Credit Union
If you’re looking for some of the best bank accounts that offer rewards for new customers, look no further than Suncoast Credit Union. Though you must meet eligibility requirements to join the credit union, the rewards are well worth it.
One of the biggest reasons Suncoast Credit Union is on our list is the $500 reward you can earn when you open a new account. You’ll earn a $100 Visa eGfit Card when you deposit at least $25 into your account within 30 days of opening and keep it there for 45 days.
You can then earn $25 per referral who opens a new checking account. These earnings are capped at $500 per year, giving you a chance to make extra money by spreading the word.
Suncoast Credit Union doesn’t charge monthly account fees and offers respectable APY rates. Check it out if you’re a Florida resident needing a new bank account.
12. TIAA Bank
Did you know that TIAA Bank is headquartered in Florida? TIAA Bank offers checking and savings accounts, small business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards.
Many customers choose TIAA Bank for their retirement and investment needs. TIAA Bank will help you with estate planning, trusts, and endowments, among many other services.
Open a Yield Pledge Checking account, and you won’t have to worry about a monthly fee. You’ll only need $10 to deposit into your new TIAA Bank account.
TIAA Bank doesn’t charge transfer fees if you submit payments through Bill Pay. Your funds are also protected by FDIC insurance.
Types of Banks in Florida
Some of the best digital banks serve Floridian customers. However, you will find a mix of banks available to Florida’s residents, including:
National banks: You’re likely most familiar with these banks, which include Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America. These banks are big names among all the financial institutions.
Regional banks: A regional bank serves a broader area than a community bank, but that doesn’t mean it rivals a national bank. Instead, most regional banks begin in a single state and branch out from there.
Community banks: These banks serve a smaller customer base than the previous types of banks. However, they may offer lucrative perks not otherwise found at regional or national banks.
Online banks: Virtual banks are quickly gaining popularity, especially since they are so convenient. While you can find online banks in any state, they’re certainly part of the banking ecosystem in Florida.
The good news is that you can pick and choose which banks you like best for managing your money and investments. Some have physical locations, while others cut costs through online-only offerings.
What Makes for the Best Banks (Across the Nation)
The best banks can be found across the nation. Here are a few common threads among the best banks:
Variety of financial products and services: Most of the best banks offer several types of financial services, from checking and savings accounts to CDs and more. If you can bank, finance, invest, and save in one spot, it’s a no-brainer.
Modern tools: Most banks have a mobile app to manage your account. The best banking apps make it easy to figure out how to manage your money without a fuss. Without these mobile apps, the best banks aren’t the most convenient.
Top-notch customer service: The best banks make it a habit to please their customers and appreciate their business. Many of the banks on our list above include those that always offer superb customer service.
Accessible: Whether you want to visit a branch or ATM, or bank online, the best banks are accessible in several ways. A robust ATM network can also help avoid visiting a physical location for basic money transactions.
Few fees: To stay competitive with online-only banks, national and regional banks must offer checking and savings accounts with little to no fees. This extends to monthly maintenance fees and minimum opening deposits.
High interest rates for savings accounts: These rates are getting harder and harder to find these days, especially
As you decide which Floridian bank to work with, consider these factors. They may help you narrow down the candidates and reveal the bank you should use for your financial gains.
Florida banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in Florida?
Chase Total Checking pays the biggest bonus on this list: $400 once your qualifying direct deposits total $1,000 or more within 90 days of opening. It is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks clear it, and the cash lands within 15 days. You also get branch access across Florida, plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide.
Which bank can spot me money when I need it?
Current lets you draw up to $750 of your next paycheck early, with no interest and no credit check. New customers can also earn a $75 bonus with code WELCOME75 after $1,500 or more in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank; banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC.
What are the best banks in Florida?
The best banks in Florida are those that help you manage your money with ease. Many prefer national banks because they are more widely recognized, while others tend to bank with smaller institutions to access more local perks. If you bank mostly from your phone, compare fees and bonuses instead. Our best bank account bonuses roundup tracks both.
What banks offer the best interest rates?
Online banks such as Ally Bank, Discover Bank, and Capital One consistently pay more than branch-based Florida banks because they carry no branch costs. Check each bank for its current rate before you move money. Rates move with the federal funds rate. Our best savings accounts guide tracks what the top accounts pay now.
What is the most common bank in Florida?
Wells Fargo is one of the most common banks in Florida. It has over 600 branches in the state. Branch count matters less than it used to. If you bank mostly from your phone, compare the monthly fee and the sign-up bonus instead, which is what our best bank account bonuses roundup tracks.
Can you open a bank account in Florida online?
Yes, you can open a bank account in Florida online. However, you must provide proof of your identification before taking possession of your new account. Expect to verify your identity with a photo ID. Our best checking accounts roundup flags accounts you can open online.
Bank the Right Way in the Sun Rays
Spending a day on the beach sounds as marvelous as knowing your money is safe in a Floridian bank, perhaps even more so. If you’re unsure which bank in Florida to go with, we hope the list above has helped you to decide.
Though we’ve covered what banks are available for Florida residents, it’s up to you to decide which is best for you. There are no wrong answers here, just a handful of banks that can help you achieve your financial goals.
If you don’t live in Florida, that’s okay too! You can still sign up for a new account with several banks, including some regional financial institutions.
How can you use the best banks in Florida to your advantage?
$400 once your direct deposits total $1,000. You have 90 days from enrolling, and it is cumulative rather than one big deposit.
Paid within 15 days of hitting the requirement.
$15 monthly fee, waivable four ways. $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily balance, $5,000 average across linked accounts, or linking a qualifying checking account. Zelle, cash, checks and wires do not count.
More than 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs.
Bonus paid within 15 days, and it is closed to existing Chase checking customers.
Pros & Cons
$400 for $1,000 of direct deposits, the best ratio here
Up to $450, and it is three separate bonuses. $25 for opening and depositing $50 or more within 25 days, $25 more for enrolling in SoFi Plus, and up to $400 on direct deposit.
The $400 tier is strict. Eligible direct deposits totalling $5,000 or more inside 25 calendar days. $1,000 to $4,999.99 pays $50, under $1,000 pays nothing.
No fees and no minimums, and savings earns 3.30% APY with eligible direct deposit activity.
Only real payroll counts. Check deposits, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Wise, wires and IRS tax refunds are excluded.
Paid within about 7 business days. The direct deposit bonus runs to December 31, 2026, and SoFi lists the two $25 bonuses as running October 1 to October 21, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Three bonuses stack to $450 if you qualify for all of them
3.30% APY on savings with eligible direct deposit
No monthly fee, no minimum, no overdraft fee
SoFi Bank, N.A. is itself a Member FDIC bank
Bonus pays within about 7 business days
The $400 tier needs $5,000 in eligible direct deposits
$1,000 to $4,999.99 pays only $50
Deposits are totalled over just 25 calendar days
P2P, wires, check deposits and tax refunds do not count
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited. The welcome bonus is tiered: $40 at $10,000, $100 at $25,000, $200 at $50,000, $425 at $100,000 and $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100 on top.
Code STACK has to be entered at sign-up, and it is new customers only.
The first deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026. Balances then have to be maintained for 90 days, and the cash lands within 30 days of qualifying.
Raisin is not a bank. It is a marketplace over 100+ partner banks and credit unions. Your money sits at the partner institution through a custodial bank, so cover is pass-through FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per institution.
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open a product. APY up to 4.40%, accurate as of September 28, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Access to 100+ partner banks and credit unions from one login
Up to 4.40% APY, well above a typical bank savings rate
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open
Spreading across partners can reach $10M+ in FDIC or NCUA coverage
Move money between savings products as rates change
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited
First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026
Balances have to be maintained for 90 days
Code STACK must be entered at sign-up, new customers only
$1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. This is the requirement people miss. It is cumulative, not a single deposit.
$75 with code WELCOME75. New customers only, and the code has to be entered at signup.
Paid within about 10 business days of your deposits reaching $1,500.
Transfers do not count. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits like a tax refund are all excluded.
No credit check to open, and up to $750 before payday. Instant access carries a fee, or wait up to 3 days for free.
Current is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both FDIC members, so cover is pass-through up to $250,000.
Pros & Cons
No credit check to open
$0 monthly fee
Up to $750 of your paycheck before payday
No credit check on Paycheck Advance, and repayments are not reported
Realistic approval after a past bank closure
Needs $1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days
Smallest bonus here at $75
Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and PayPal do not count
Current is a fintech, not a bank, so FDIC cover is pass-through
Instant advances carry a fee unless you wait 3 days
3.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more, and 0.25% below that. It is tiered, so your end-of-day balance sets the rate and it is paid on the whole balance.
$100 minimum to open, and no account opening or monthly service fees.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category. Deposits across First Citizens divisions are combined for that limit.
Opening takes about five minutes online.
APYs accurate as of July 1, 2026 and variable, so confirm before funding.
Every figure above comes from each provider’s own page. For the full breakdown of the checking bonuses, including what counts as a qualifying direct deposit at each bank, see our guide to the best checking accounts.
CIT Platinum Savings APYs are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. $100 minimum to open. CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.
Raisin bonus: new customers only, code STACK required at sign-up. Welcome Bonus is $40 at $10,000 through $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100. First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026 and balances maintained 90 days. Raisin is not a bank; deposits are held at FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions through a custodial bank. APY accurate as of September 28, 2026. Raisin charges no platform fees.
Before you go
Two accounts that pay you to switch
Both are open to residents of every state. The only real difference is how much you have to move to earn it.
Brian Meiggs founded My Millennial Guide and has spent over a decade writing about money. He tries every app and product before it goes on the site. No fluff, no guesswork. Named to the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 earlier this year, and featured in WSJ, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur. Off the clock: chess, the gym, a quiet night in.
