What Huntington Bank is and what it does
Huntington Bank is a regional bank based in Columbus, Ohio, with branches across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. It offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment services. Whether it is a good fit for you depends on where you live, what you need from a bank, and how you prefer to manage your money.
Huntington operates both physical branches and online banking. If you live in one of their service areas — Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia — you can walk into a branch. If you live elsewhere, you would need to use their online platform or phone support.
The question "is this a good bank" does not have one answer. A bank that works well for someone who visits a branch weekly might not work for someone who never sets foot in one. This guide walks through what Huntington offers, what it costs, and the kinds of people it tends to serve well.
Key Takeaways
- Huntington has physical branches in six Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states, which matters if you need in-person banking or want to deposit cash without fees.
- Monthly maintenance fees on checking accounts range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or deposit requirements.
- Huntington's interest rates on savings accounts are typically lower than online-only banks, so it is not the best choice if saving money and earning interest is your main goal.
- The bank works well for people who value branch access and personal relationships with a banker, but costs more than online alternatives if you do most banking on your phone.
- Huntington offers overdraft protection and other tools that can help prevent fees, but you need to set them up yourself — they do not happen automatically.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Huntington charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts, but you can waive it several ways. The most common route is to keep a minimum balance — usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account — or set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
Their basic checking account (called "Huntington Checking") charges $8 per month, but the fee drops to $0 if you maintain a $500 balance or receive a direct deposit. If you do neither, you pay the full $8 each month. Their premium account ("Huntington Premier Checking") costs $15 per month but waives the fee with a $2,500 balance or direct deposit.
Savings accounts also have monthly fees — usually $5 — but waive them with a $300 minimum balance. If you are starting out with little money, these minimums can be hard to meet, which means you would pay fees while trying to save.
Other fees to know about: Huntington charges $35 for overdrafts, $2.50 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal, and $25 for a returned check. These are in line with what other regional banks charge, but online-only banks often have lower or no overdraft fees.
Interest rates on savings and checking accounts
Huntington's interest rates are lower than what online-only banks offer. As of the time this was written, their savings accounts earned less than 0.05% annual interest, while online banks were offering rates above 4% on savings accounts. That gap matters if you are trying to build an emergency fund or save for something specific.
Checking accounts at Huntington typically earn no interest at all, even on large balances. If you keep $5,000 in a Huntington checking account, it earns nothing. That same $5,000 in an online savings account would earn roughly $200 per year at current rates.
The reason for the difference is straightforward: Huntington has to pay for branches, staff, and physical locations. Online banks have lower costs, so they pass some of that savings to customers through higher interest rates. If earning interest on your savings is important to you, Huntington is not the best choice.
Branch access and in-person banking
Huntington has about 1,000 branches across six states. If you live in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you can visit a branch to deposit checks, withdraw cash, or talk to someone about a loan or account question. If you live outside these states, you cannot use a Huntington branch.
Having a physical branch matters for some people. If you receive cash payments for work, need to deposit checks regularly, or prefer to talk to a banker in person, branch access is valuable. If you do almost everything on your phone and rarely carry cash, branches are less important.
Huntington also offers ATM access through their own machines and through a network of partner banks. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50, so if you travel or live far from a branch, those fees add up.
Who Huntington Bank works well for
Huntington is a reasonable choice if you live in one of their service states and want a bank with physical locations. It works especially well if you have a steady paycheck that can be direct-deposited, because that waives the monthly checking fee. It also works if you value having a relationship with a local banker who knows your name and financial situation.
Huntington is less ideal if you are trying to maximize interest on savings, rarely visit branches, or want the lowest possible fees. It is also not an option if you live outside their six-state footprint.
For someone new to banking who wants to build credit and learn how accounts work, Huntington's branch staff can be helpful. They can explain overdraft protection, show you how to set up bill pay, and answer questions face-to-face. That personal service has value, even if it costs more than an online alternative.
How Huntington compares to other regional banks
Huntington's fees and interest rates are similar to other regional banks like Fifth Third, KeyBank, and PNC. They all charge monthly maintenance fees, offer lower interest rates than online banks, and have physical branches in specific regions. The main difference between them is which states they serve and the specific account features they offer.
If you are comparing Huntington to an online-only bank like Ally or Marcus, the online bank will almost always have lower fees and higher interest rates. The trade-off is that you cannot walk into a branch. If you are comparing Huntington to another bank in your area, look at the specific monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates — they vary enough that it is worth checking.
Getting started with Huntington if you decide to open an account
You can open a Huntington account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is fastest — it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum).
When you open the account, ask about direct deposit setup and overdraft protection. Direct deposit waives your monthly fee, so it is worth setting up if your employer offers it. Overdraft protection links your checking account to a savings account or credit line, so if you overdraw, the bank pulls money from the backup instead of charging a $35 fee.
After you open the account, log into online banking and set up bill pay if you need it. Huntington's online platform is straightforward, though not as polished as some online-only banks. You can also read their mobile app to check your balance and transfer money from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Huntington have accounts for people with no credit history?
Yes. Huntington offers checking and savings accounts to anyone with a valid ID and Social Security number, regardless of credit history. They do not run a credit check for deposit accounts. However, if you want to borrow money or open a credit card, they will check your credit at that point.
What happens if I overdraw my account?
If you spend more than you have, Huntington charges a $35 overdraft fee per transaction. You can prevent this by setting up overdraft protection, which links your checking to a savings account or credit line. If you overdraw, the bank pulls from the backup instead of charging a fee. You have to set this up yourself when you open the account.
Can I use Huntington if I move out of state?
You can keep your account open and use online banking and ATMs, but you will lose branch access. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 each. If you move to a state where Huntington has branches, you can use those. If you move somewhere with no Huntington branches, you might want to switch to a bank in your new state or an online-only bank.
How does Huntington compare to credit unions?
Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates than Huntington, but you have to be a member to join — usually by working for a specific employer or living in a specific area. If you have access to a credit union, it is worth comparing their fees and rates to Huntington's. If you do not have credit union access, Huntington is a reasonable alternative.
Is my money safe at Huntington?
Yes. Huntington is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means deposits up to $250,000 per account type are protected by the federal government. If the bank fails, you do not lose your money. This protection applies to all FDIC-member banks, including Huntington.