Key takeaways
- Wells Fargo leads Florida with the most branches statewide, offering convenient access across the Sunshine State.
- PNC Bank provides strong regional coverage with access to 60,000+ ATMs nationwide for frequent travelers.
- Suncoast Credit Union is Florida’s largest credit union, serving nearly 80 branches with low fees and competitive rates.
- Fifth Third Bank earned top customer service rankings in J.D. Power’s 2024 Florida banking satisfaction study.
Florida’s diverse banking landscape offers everything from national banks with extensive branch networks to community-focused credit unions. Whether you’re managing finances in Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville, the right bank depends on your priorities — branch access, interest rates, or customer service.
Here are Bankrate’s top picks for the best banks and credit unions in Florida for 2025.
Our picks for best banks and credit unions in Florida
Best branch access: Wells Fargo
Whether you’re at the tip of the state in Tallahassee or by the water in Miami, Wells Fargo probably has a branch nearby, as it maintains the most branches of any bank in Florida, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC).
The bank’s reach extends well beyond Florida, with branches in 39 other states and approximately 11,000 ATMs nationwide. This extensive network means you can access your money and banking services whether you’re at home or traveling across the country.
Read our full review of Wells Fargo.
Wells Fargo offers a complete range of consumer accounts including CDs, savings, and checking accounts. However, the bank’s interest rates are generally uncompetitive. While some promotional CDs offer decent APYs, most savings accounts earn rock-bottom rates that won’t help grow your money.
Best regional bank: PNC Bank
PNC Bank stands out as Florida’s top regional bank choice, ranking sixth in the state by branch count. The bank operates more than 2,000 branches across the Northeast, South and Midwest, giving customers broader geographic access than purely local institutions.
PNC maintains a robust ATM network with more than 60,000 ATMs available nationwide, so even when you’re away from home or traveling outside PNC’s regional footprint, you’ll have fee-free access to your cash.
Read our full review of PNC Bank.
PNC offers all standard deposit accounts, from checking and savings to money market accounts and CDs. The bank’s Virtual Wallet product combines checking and savings services, with the “Pro” version offering competitive yields in select states. However, standard savings accounts earn minimal interest, and only promotional CDs provide competitive rates.
Best credit union: Suncoast
Suncoast Credit Union holds the distinction of being Florida’s largest credit union and the tenth largest in the nation. With nearly 80 branches throughout Florida, it offers the most extensive credit union network in the state.
Membership is open to those who live, work, or worship in select Florida counties, making it accessible to most residents. The credit union provides a full range of deposit accounts and stands out for its fee structure — no monthly maintenance fees on deposit accounts and a free interest-bearing checking account.
Read our full review of Suncoast Credit Union.
While Suncoast offers competitive rates compared to traditional banks, online credit unions like Alliant Credit Union typically provide higher yields on savings products. The credit union’s branches concentrate on Florida’s western side, though members get access to more than 30,000 ATMs nationwide through shared networks.
Best customer service: Fifth Third Bank
Our pick for the bank with the best customer service in Florida is Fifth Third Bank, which ranked first in Florida in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction study.
The J.D. Power survey measures satisfaction across seven key areas including trust, account offerings, digital channels, and problem resolution, based on responses from more than 100,000 retail banking customers. Fifth Third’s mobile app also receives high marks from users, with strong ratings from over 500,000 reviews across iOS and Android platforms.
The bank offers plenty of account options from CDs to money market accounts, supported by more than 40,000 ATMs nationwide and approximately 1,000 branches across 12 states.
Read our full review of Fifth Third Bank.
However, Fifth Third has some drawbacks. Standard CDs and the Momentum Savings account offer low APYs, and some accounts carry hefty overdraft and monthly maintenance fees that can quickly eat into your balance.
How to choose the right bank for you
The right bank for you depends on your financial goals and priorities, with options ranging from traditional banks to online banks and credit unions. Here is a list of tips to consider when choosing a bank:
- Look for banks with low or no fees, especially for common charges like monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees and overdraft fees.
- When considering accounts to stash your savings, look for banks with competitive APYs.
- Consider the convenience of local branches and digital features, like mobile banking and the ability to lock your debit card.
- Read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your chosen bank, including potential promotional deals and federal insurance coverage.
- Research bank reviews and consider managing accounts at multiple banks or credit unions for a more tailored banking experience.
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