Huntington is a solid regional bank for everyday banking, but whether it's right for you depends on what you need and where you live
Huntington National Bank operates in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with over 800 branches and strong mobile banking tools. It offers competitive checking and savings accounts, reasonable overdraft policies compared to some competitors, and no monthly fees on basic accounts if you meet straightforward requirements. The bank also provides investment services, home loans, and business banking. But Huntington isn't the cheapest option everywhere, and some of its fees are higher than online-only banks. The real question isn't whether Huntington is "good" in the abstract—it's whether Huntington fits your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Huntington has no monthly maintenance fees on checking accounts if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, which works for most people.
- ATM access is strongest if you live in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or New York; outside those states, you'll pay out-of-network fees more often.
- Huntington's overdraft policies are more forgiving than many banks, but overdraft fees themselves ($35 per occurrence) are standard across the industry.
- Online banks and credit unions often charge lower fees and pay higher interest on savings, so compare rates before opening an account.
- Huntington's mobile app and online platform are reliable and user-friendly, which matters if you do most of your banking digitally.
Checking and savings accounts: what the fees actually are
Huntington's standard checking account (called the Huntington Checking account) has no monthly fee if you either keep $500 in the account or set up direct deposit. That's a low bar for most people. If you fall below $500 and have no direct deposit, the fee is $8 per month. Savings accounts have no monthly fee regardless of balance, which is better than many regional banks.
Where Huntington costs more is in overdraft fees. If you overdraw your account, Huntington charges $35 per overdraft occurrence. That's the same as Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, but higher than some credit unions and online banks, which charge $25 or less. Huntington does offer overdraft protection (linking to a savings account or credit line), which can prevent the fee entirely if you set it up in advance.
Interest rates on savings accounts vary by account type and current market conditions. Huntington's rates are typically lower than online banks like Marcus or Ally, which have no physical branches and can pass savings to customers. If you're keeping money in savings for the long term, compare Huntington's current rate to online alternatives before deciding.
ATM access and branch locations matter more than you might think
Huntington has about 800 branches, concentrated in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Kentucky. If you live in one of these states, you have real convenience. If you live elsewhere, you'll use out-of-network ATMs regularly and pay $2.50 to $3.50 per withdrawal—those fees add up if you withdraw cash weekly.
Huntington does reimburse some out-of-network ATM fees, but only if you maintain a higher balance or pay for a premium account. The basic checking account does not include ATM reimbursement. If you travel frequently or live far from a Huntington branch, this is a real disadvantage compared to banks with national networks (like Chase or Bank of America) or online banks that reimburse ATM fees across the board.
Mobile banking and digital tools are a strength
Huntington's mobile app and online banking platform are modern and reliable. You can deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money between accounts when ready, set up bill pay, and monitor spending through the app. The interface is intuitive, and the app rarely crashes or lags. If you do most of your banking on your phone or computer, Huntington's digital experience is competitive with larger national banks.
Huntington also offers two-factor authentication, fraud monitoring, and the ability to freeze your debit card when ready through the app if it's lost or stolen. These are standard security features now, but Huntington implements them well.
Who Huntington works well for, and who should look elsewhere
Huntington is a good fit if you live in the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic, use direct deposit, rarely overdraw your account, and do most of your banking digitally. You get no monthly fees, reliable service, and the option to visit a branch when you need to. It's also solid if you want to bundle checking, savings, and investment accounts under one roof.
Huntington is less ideal if you live outside its branch footprint, keep large amounts in savings and want the highest interest rates, or are sensitive to overdraft fees. In those cases, a credit union in your area, a national bank with more branches, or an online bank might save you money. Compare specific rates and fees for your situation rather than making a blanket choice.
How Huntington compares to common alternatives
| Feature | Huntington | Chase | Online Banks (Marcus, Ally) | Credit Unions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly checking fee | $0 with $500 balance or direct deposit | $0 with $500 balance or direct deposit | $0 | $0 (varies by union) |
| Overdraft fee | $35 | $35 | $0–$35 (varies) | $25–$35 (varies) |
| Savings interest rate | Low (0.01%–0.05%) | Low (0.01%–0.05%) | High (4%–5%) | Varies widely |
| Branch access | 800 branches (Midwest/Mid-Atlantic) | 4,700+ branches (nationwide) | None | Varies by union |
| ATM reimbursement | No (basic account) | Yes (basic account) | Yes (most) | Varies |
Red flags and common complaints
The most common complaint about Huntington is out-of-network ATM fees for customers outside its branch region. If you live in California, Texas, or the Southeast, you'll pay more in ATM fees than you would with a national bank or online bank. That's not a flaw in Huntington—it's a structural limitation of being a regional bank.
Some customers also report that Huntington's customer service wait times are longer during peak hours, though this is true of most large banks. If you need to speak to someone when ready, you may wait 10–20 minutes. Online chat and the mobile app are usually faster for routine questions.
Huntington's savings rates are genuinely low compared to online banks. If you're saving for a goal and want your money to earn interest, you'll earn significantly more at Marcus, Ally, or a high-yield savings account elsewhere. This isn't a complaint about Huntington specifically—it's how regional banks compete with online-only banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Huntington have any hidden fees I should know about?
No major hidden fees, but read the fee schedule carefully. Wire transfer fees ($15 domestic, $25 international), stop-payment fees ($30), and returned-check fees ($35) are all standard. The main surprise for most people is out-of-network ATM fees if they don't live near a branch.
Is Huntington FDIC insured?
Yes. Huntington is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, so deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected if the bank fails. This is true of all major U.S. banks.
Can I open an account online, or do I have to visit a branch?
You can open a checking or savings account entirely online through Huntington's website. You'll need a valid ID and Social Security number. A branch visit is not required.
What's Huntington's reputation for fraud and security?
Huntington has no major security breaches in recent years and offers standard fraud protections: zero liability for unauthorized transactions, card freezing through the app, and two-factor authentication. Security is comparable to other large regional banks.
Should I switch from my current bank to Huntington?
Only if Huntington offers something your current bank doesn't—lower fees, better rates, more convenient branches, or a better app. If you're happy where you are, switching costs time and effort for minimal gain. If you're paying high fees or getting poor service, compare Huntington to your other options before deciding.