Best Checking Accounts in West Virginia for 2025
West Virginia is home to more than 60 banks, including regional and community banks as well as larger national banks. That means you have many options if you’re looking for a new place to park your money.
Let’s compare the best checking accounts in West Virginia and consider what to consider when opening a new bank account.
Compare West Virginia and Online Checking Accounts
Should you opt for a local bank or look for a checking account online? Doing some research to compare checking account options in West Virginia can help you decide.
Here are some key points to weigh.
- Are you comfortable with online banking?
- Will you need to visit a branch?
- What kind of features are you hoping for in a checking account?
- Are you comfortable paying a monthly fee, or would you prefer to avoid fees as much as possible?
- Do you regularly visit ATMs to make withdrawals?
- What kind of customer service experience are you looking for?
- Is there a minimum deposit requirement you’re comfortable meeting?
- Do you need a checking account that offers paper checks?
Compare Local West Virginia and Online Checking Accounts
Best Checking Accounts in West Virginia
West Virginia banks offer a variety of checking accounts to choose from, and it can be difficult to figure out which ones are the best. We’ve profiled some of the most notable checking account options if you’re in the Mountain State.
Citizens Bank of West Virginia
Citizens Bank of West Virginia offers five checking account options to fit different needs and a money market account. There’s a free checking account if you’d like to bank with no monthly fee and an interest checking account that can help you grow your money.
Security Advantage is touted as the best value for the money. This account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee, but it comes with a slew of features, including:
- Comprehensive ID protection service
- Cell phone protection
- Insurance benefits
- Buyer’s protection and extended warranty benefits
- Travel discounts
- Free notary services
- Free domestic wires
- Free stop payments
Eligible accounts can enroll in direct deposit and get paid up to two days early. Citizens Bank also offers Courtesy Coverage to help you avoid steep overdraft fees.
Pendleton Community Bank
Community banks can offer a more personalized feel, and Pendleton Community Bank takes that seriously. There are five checking accounts to choose from, all of which offer an impressive range of features and benefits. For example, if you choose the Kasasa Cash+ Checking account, you’ll get:
- An exceptional APY on balances up to $25,000
- ATM fee refunds
- A low minimum balance requirement
If you’re more interested in earning cash back with your debit card, there’s the Kasasa Cash Back Checking account. Community Checking is a free checking account with no monthly service charge or minimum balance requirements. Freedom 50 Checking is designed for customers 50 and older who want a simple checking account with unlimited transactions.
Logan Bank & Trust
Logan Bank & Trust gives you four checking accounts to choose from and a selection of savings accounts. Personal Checking has no monthly maintenance fee for Logan Bank & Trust customers with open mortgage loans. You can also avoid a monthly fee by maintaining a combined minimum average balance of $2,500 across all of your accounts.
The Personal Now account earns interest and has no monthly fee when you meet a $1,000 minimum balance requirement. Bonus Banking and Bonus Banking 55+ also earn interest with a tiered fee structure.
You can open any of these accounts with a $50 minimum deposit, including 24-hour online and phone banking, a Visa debit card for convenience, and direct deposit services. Personal Now, Bonus Banking, and Bonus Banking 55+ also allow unlimited check writing.
Easily Compare the Best Checking Accounts Online
Finding the bank with the best checking account to meet your needs is as simple as skimming the table below. Compare checking accounts and find the best bonuses and lowest fees being offered today.
Pros and Cons of Local Banks
Local banks have advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to keep them in perspective when deciding where to open a checking account.
Here’s what you can expect if you choose a local or community banking option.
Pros
- Branch banking access means you can get in-person help when you need it,
- It’s easier to make cash deposits when you can visit a local branch or ATM.
- Local banks can offer a full range of banking products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and loans.
- Getting to know your local banker and building a positive working relationship may be easier.
- Local banks often prioritize giving back to their community.
Cons
- Interest rates for deposit accounts may be lower than those at an online bank or larger national bank.
- Local banks may rely more heavily on charging customers fees to generate income.
- After-hours customer support may be limited.
- Branch and ATM footprints may be smaller.
- Local banks don’t always offer the same products and services.
Online Checking for West Virginia Residents
Online banks are worth a look if you’re comfortable managing your money from your laptop or mobile device. Let’s look at some of the best online checking accounts available in West Virginia.
BMO Smart Advantage™ Checking
The BMO Smart Advantage™ Checking account is a no-fee personal banking option designed for consumers seeking simplicity and savings.
This account stands out with no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it accessible for everyday banking needs. It includes unlimited transactions such as bill payments, ACH transfers, and debit card purchases. Additionally, account holders benefit from fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the U.S. through the Allpoint® Network.
While the account is fee-free, optional services like overdraft protection may incur charges. Customers can also access BMO’s digital banking tools, including mobile check deposit, account alerts, and budgeting features. However, international transactions may have fees, making it less ideal for frequent international travelers.
The BMO Smart Advantage™ Checking account offers a practical, low-cost banking solution with robust digital tools and widespread ATM access, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
Discover® Cashback Checking
The Discover® Cashback Debit account offers a rewarding and fee-free banking experience. Account holders earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in qualifying debit card purchases each month, making everyday spending more rewarding.
There are no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or charges for standard checks, online bill payments, or domestic ATM withdrawals at over 60,000 ATMs in the Allpoint® and MoneyPass® networks.
Discover’s digital banking platform provides convenient features like mobile check deposit, bill pay, and real-time account alerts.
While the account lacks physical branch access and has no savings or CD integration, its online-first approach is ideal for tech-savvy users. International ATM transactions may incur fees, and cashback rewards are limited to certain purchases.
The Discover Cashback Debit account is an excellent choice for those seeking a fee-free, cashback-focused checking account with strong digital banking capabilities.
Varo Bank Account
The Varo bank account is an online-only, fee-free checking option that offers convenient digital banking features and competitive benefits. It provides no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint® network.
Varo also offers cashback rewards on qualifying purchases through its Varo Rewards program, providing an additional incentive for users to manage their spending.
One of its standout features is its ability to earn high-yield savings, with an APY on balances up to $5,000 when certain conditions are met. The account supports mobile check deposits, instant transfers, and digital wallets, making it ideal for tech-savvy users. However, Varo doesn’t offer physical branches, which could be a limitation for those who prefer in-person banking.
Additionally, international ATM withdrawals come with fees. Varo Bank provides an attractive, no-fee checking option with strong digital features and high savings potential.
Pros and Cons of Online Checking Accounts
Online checking accounts can offer many advantages, but there are also some downsides to consider.
Pros
- Opening a new account online in 10 minutes or less is fairly easy.
- Minimum opening deposit requirements may be as low as $1.
- Interest checking accounts may earn a higher rate and charge fewer fees.
- You may have multiple ways to connect with customer service, and support might be available 24/7.
- Online checking may offer more variety compared to what’s available at local banks.
Cons
- Online checking accounts don’t always come with paper checks.
- Deposit options may be limited to mobile check deposit, direct deposit, wire transfers, or ACH transfers.
- You may or may not be able to deposit cash.
- Customer service may be automated, and talking to a real person could prove challenging.
- Technical glitches could temporarily render the bank’s website or mobile app unavailable, cutting you off from your money.
Here are the most important pros and cons to know before choosing an online checking account.
What to Look for When Choosing a Checking Account in West Virginia
If you’re ready to find your next checking account in West Virginia, it helps to know how to compare them.
Here are some of the most important things to weigh in your search for a new bank.
Monthly Fees
Monthly fees are common at smaller banks, as they’re one way the bank makes money. Still, it’s possible to find free checking options from local West Virginia banks, as illustrated by some of the banks we highlighted earlier.
Once you find a checking account you’re interested in check to see if there’s a monthly fee. If there is, look at whether the bank offers you any ways to waive it, either by meeting minimum balance requirements, direct deposit requirements, or something else.
Other Fees
Aside from the monthly fee, what other fees does the bank charge? Some of the most common banking fees include:
- Overdraft fees
- Overdraft protection fees
- Returned item fees
- Wire transfer fees
- Foreign ATM fees
- Foreign exchange fees
- Stop payment fees
- Paper statement fees
Reviewing the account’s full fee schedule beforehand can give you a better idea of what you’ll pay.
ATM and Branch Access
Local banking is only as convenient as the bank’s physical footprint. So consider how many branches you’ll have access to, where they’re located, and how many ATMs you’ll be able to use fee-free.
If you can use any ATM to withdraw cash, check to see if the bank refunds any foreign ATM surcharges you might have to pay.
Interest Rates or Bonuses
If you’re looking for an interest checking account or you want to open a savings account to go with your checking account, consider the rates you could earn. Look at the rate and the annual percentage yield (APY), as well as any conditions you may be expected to meet to earn the advertised rate. For example, you may need to complete a certain number of debit card transactions each month or maintain a minimum balance to get the highest APY for your money.
Bank account bonuses, meanwhile, can make a new checking account more attractive, but again, read the fine print. What will you need to do to earn the bonus? Also, keep in mind that bank account bonuses and interest are considered taxable by the IRS.
Mobile Banking
Does the bank you’re considering offer a robust mobile app? That could be important to you if you’d prefer to do your banking online and limit how often you visit a branch. Check to see if the bank offers features like mobile check deposit and financial management tools that can help you easily stay on top of your money.
What to Know About West Virginia Checking Accounts
- You might be able to start your application for a new checking account online, but you may have to visit a branch near you to complete the account opening.
- You must be at least 18 to open a bank account in West Virginia without the help of a parent or legal guardian.
- West Virginia’s legal code allows creditors to seize or garnish bank accounts to collect unpaid debts.
