RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS IN COLUMBUS,OH
Which are the Top 5 Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus Ohio to Trust with Your Money?
Columbus, Ohio is a gem of the Midwest. It’s the third largest state capital in the U.S. and is home to five Fortune 500 corporations and Ohio State University. It’s also been named on Money Magazine’s “The 6 Best Big Cities” list.
If you live or work in the city or surrounding areas, then it’s important to know which banks and credit unions in Columbus, OH will give you the best deals on checking accounts, credit cards, and loans.
Award Emblem: 5 Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio
We’ve taken a look through some great, mediocre, and the not so great credit unions and banks in Columbus, OH to bring you our pick of top 5 best, plus we’ve added one financial institution you should avoid until they improve in a few areas.
If you’re new to this capital city, then you’ll also want to take a look at our FAQ about Columbus suburbs. Whether another city is 5 or 20 miles away can make a big difference in the branches you choose when researching a bank or credit union in Columbus, Ohio.
Top 5 Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio (Plus one to Avoid) | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Banks & Credit Unions in Columbus, OH | Ratings |
| BMI Federal Credit Union | 5 |
| Fifth Third Bank | 5 |
| Heartland Bank | 5 |
| Telhio Credit Union | 5 |
| Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union | 3 |
| KEMBA Financial Credit Union | 1 |
Table: Top 5 Columbus, OH Banks & Credit Unions (& 1 to Avoid) | Above list is sorted by rating
Banks & Credit Unions in Columbus, OH FAQ | Which Cities are Closest to Columbus?
If you’re considering location choices for the best credit unions and best banks in Columbus, Ohio, it’s good to have a cheat sheet for how far away each is from the city.
You might think a Columbus, Ohio bank doesn’t have a nearby location, but then find one is in a suburb city that’s just a few miles away.
These are the main suburbs of Columbus, OH, along with the “city center-to-city center” distance from Columbus per Google maps. Note, the Columbus, OH credit union or bank could be even closer if on the edge of the city.
- Bexley, OH, 3.4 miles
- Dublin, OH, 17.6 miles
- Gahanna, OH, 8.6 miles
- Grandview Heights, OH, 4.8 miles
- New Albany, OH, 16.8 miles
- Plain City, OH, 23.9 miles
- Powell, OH, 16.9 miles
- Upper Arlington, OH, 6.6 miles
- Westerville, OH, 15.9 miles
- Worthington, OH, 11.8 miles
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
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Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio (and 1 to Avoid)
Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top Columbus, Ohio credit unions & banks. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these banks & credit unions in Columbus, OH to score so highly in our selection ranking
Click on any of the names below to go directly to the review section for that firm.
- BMI Federal Credit Union
- Fifth Third Bank
- Heartland Bank
- Telhio Credit Union
- Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union
- KEMBA Financial Credit Union
BMI Federal Credit Union Review
This credit union in Columbus, Ohio was started in 1936 by a group of Battelle Memorial Institute employees. Fast forward 80 years, and BMI Federal Credit Union members now include anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of 8 Columbus, OH area counties.
Below are the highlights that make BMI Federal Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of Best Credit Unions & Best Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
BMI Federal Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 5 branch locations in Columbus, OH & surrounding areas
- Chosen for 8 years in a row as a Best Employer in Ohio
- Rated Favorite Credit Union by ThisWeek Community News Reader’s Choice Awards
- $50/$50 Refer-A-Friend bonus
- Award-winning mortgage lending services
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Home Buyer Programs
For four consecutive years, BMI has been chosen by readers of ThisWeek Community News as the best Columbus, OH credit union for a mortgage loan. It’s easy to see why with a First-Time Home Buyer program that includes a low down payment and home loans & refinancing as low as 3.714% APR.
Get Money Just for Joining
This is one of the Columbus, Ohio credit unions that makes it enticing to join. You can earn $50 just for opening a checking account or $150 if you add on a BMI FCU® credit card at the same time.
Rating Summary
We ranked BMI Federal Credit Union a top 5 on our 2018 Ranking of Best Credit Unions and Banks in Columbus, Ohio. They exemplify the best that credit unions have to offer over banks, which is usually the freedom to give lower loan rates and higher account interest rates.
This is also one of the top Columbus, Ohio credit unions or banks to sign up with if you like getting some easy cash. Besides earning between $50-$150 just for opening new accounts with them, you can also get $50 for both you and a friend with their Refer-A-Friend program.
BMI also has multiple favorable ratings from sites like WalletHub, DepositAccounts, and Yelp. It’s not easy to earn 4-5 stars across multiple websites, but this is a credit union in Columbus, Ohio that has accomplished it.
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Fifth Third Bank Review
If you’re interested in a larger regional bank that still has a community feel, then Fifth Third Bank in Columbus, OH is a top choice. They serve communities and businesses in 10 U.S. states, including Ohio, and have over 1,200 full-service locations.
Below are the highlights that make Fifth Third Bank Columbus, OH stand out on this 2018 best credit unions & best banks in Columbus, Ohio ranking.
Fifth Third Bank Services at a Glance:
- 50 branch locations in Columbus, OH & surrounding areas
- Honored as a Top Workplace in Greater Cincinnati
- Multiple awards for inclusion & work on behalf of disabled workers and customers
- Retirement planning & budgeting advice
- Community involvement & investment
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Premium Preferred Banking
If you want to feel special and have a ton of premium banking perks, investment guidance, and high yield rate checking and savings options, this is one of the banks in Columbus, OH with all that and more.
Individual Insurance Products
Fifth Third Bank Columbus, OH has many of the insurance types that people are looking for to add a safety net to their lives. You can choose from term or whole life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, title insurance, and more.
Rating Summary
This is one of the Columbus, OH banks that bridges the gap between small and large credit unions and banks. They’re large enough to give you plenty of financial product, but small enough to still make you feel important.
Fifth Third Bank Columbus, OH earned a 5 rating as a best bank in Columbus, Ohio. They have the most location choices in the area over other banks in Columbus, OH and also offer banking across 10 states.
If you like a Columbus, Ohio bank that gives back to the community, then Fifth Third is going to be one of your top choices. They’ve made a $30 billion commitment to supporting the communities they serve.
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Heartland Bank Review
Heartland Bank may be one of the younger Columbus, OH banks, opening in 1988, but their roots go back to Croton Bank, a neighborhood bank that served local farmers. This is definitely a best bank in Columbus, Ohio that’s growing, with new branches being added 4 years in a row.
Below are the highlights that make Heartland Bank stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Credit Unions & Best Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
Heartland Bank Services at a Glance:
- 10 branch locations in Columbus, OH & surrounding areas
- Named an Agribusiness Preferred Lending Partner by the Farm Service Agency
- Awarded the Ohio Statewide Development Corporation Bank of the Year Award
- Personal, business, & agricultural loans
- Retirement planning & wealth management services
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Business Banking for Every Industry
Agriculture is an important industry in America’s heartland, which is why in addition to other business and merchant products, they are a Columbus, Ohio bank that offers award-winning Agribusiness lending. They are proud to offer in-depth benefits to business owners beyond standard banking services.
Powerful Mobile Tools for Personal Banking
Just because Heartland Bank is one of the smaller, local banks or credit unions in Columbus, OH, doesn’t mean you don’t get state-of-the-art mobile banking tools. They offer the CardValet app to set up credit or debit card alerts. You can also use uChoose Rewards® to earn money and rewards on every purchase with your Heartland Bank credit card.
Rating Summary
Heartland Bank is absolutely one of the banks in Columbus, OH that takes serving the heartland of America seriously. We gave them a 5 rating as one of the Best Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
They focus on the needs of local community businesses and fellow Ohioans while offering all the mobile banking perks of larger national banks. And if you’re working in the farming industry, you’ll find financial products designed for your needs at this Columbus, Ohio bank.
Their reviews on websites like WalletHub and DepositAccounts are excellent, providing even more reasons to consider Heartland as one of the best banks in Columbus, Ohio.
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Telhio Credit Union Review
In 1934, Telhio Credit Union was started to serve Columbus Telephone Company employees. Today, this credit union in Columbus, Ohio serves more than 50,000 members that live, work, worship, or attend school in one of 11 central Ohio counties.
Below are the highlights that make Telhio Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
Telhio Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 6 branch locations in Columbus, OH & surrounding areas
- Provides student scholarships
- A member of the CO-OP network of shared branches
- Owner Rewards Program & discounts
- Car sales through Enterprise
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Rewards and Discounts
If you like getting discounts on banking and other services, then Telhio is a Columbus, OH credit union you’ll want to explore more. They have a four level Owner Rewards Program where the more money you have in savings and loans, the more you get back. You also get discounts at multiple retail establishments and restaurants.
Flexible CDs with Great Rates
Want to invest in a CD, but don’t want to tie up your money for years? This is one of the credit unions in Columbus, OH, that offers short-term CDs for as little as 9 months, with as much as 1.5% APY. You can also get up to 2.01% APY for a 18-month term.
Rating Summary
Telhio Credit Union earned a 5 in our best banks and credit unions in Columbus, OH ranking. They have a reputation for excellent customer service and their deep roots in central Ohio mean they know the lay of the land and how to serve Ohio residents.
They’re also one of the credit unions in Columbus, OH that supports students. They have a Telhio Scholarship Program where they award $2,000 in scholarships each year to eligible students.
Telhio provides some great member perks like discounts and rewards just for banking with them. And they’re one of the best Columbus, Ohio credit unions that makes it easy to buy a used car at a great rate through Enterprise Car Sales.
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Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union Review
Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union has been serving members in the area since 1951. You’re eligible to join if you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Franklin County or have an immediate family member who is a member.
Below are the highlights that make Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 5 branch locations in Columbus, OH & surrounding areas
- Member discounts at local attractions
- Savings & investment accounts
- Earn up to $50 for referrals
- Online & mobile banking
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Save on Family Fun
If you like the idea of getting discounts on tickets to the Columbus Zoo or Magic Mountain Fun Centers, then Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union may be a good choice for you. Members get discounts off both attractions.
Plenty of Investment Options
Whether you’re looking to open a basic share savings account that pays quarterly dividends or want to get your child started out right with a Metro Kids Club account, you’ve got options. This is also one of the credit unions in Columbus, OH that offers investing through money markets, share certificates, IRAs and more.
Rating Summary
Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union scored a 3 on our 2018 Ranking of the Best Credit Unions and Banks in Columbus, Ohio. They’ve got a solid reputation for excellent customer service and score highly on multiple ranking websites.
We would like to see them earn a few awards and possibly offer more products and services, which would align them with the highest ranking best credit unions and best banks in Columbus, Ohio.
Another benefit of banking with this credit union in Columbus, Ohio is that they are part of both Alliance One and Credit Union 24 CU HERE Select, which offer multiple surcharge-free ATMs throughout the U.S.
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KEMBA Financial Credit Union Review
The last credit union on our 2018 Ranking of The Best Banks & Credit Unions in Columbus, OH is one that you may want to avoid for the time being.
Our review found that, in comparison to competing Columbus, OH banks and credit unions, KEMBA Financial Credit Union may have some room for improvement based on potential issues with customer support and lending procedures.
Below are some of the improvements we feel would help KEMBA Financial Credit Union improve their placement on our 2018 Ranking of The Best Credit Unions and Banks in Columbus, Ohio.
Improve Customer Support
Difficulty opening an account, lack of help with banking issues, and being passed off from one unhelpful representative to another are just a few of the complaints customers have about this Columbus, OH credit union.
While even the best credit unions and banks are bound to get negative reviews from their members, it’s worth noting that we also considered the severity of reported issues and whether each bank responded publicly to listed complaints.
With the exception of reviews found on the Better Business Bureau, we were largely unable to find evidence that these issues were addressed or resolved.
Fix Issues with Loans
After reading customer problems with wrong information being input on their loans that cost them money, and loan statements that come just days before a payment is due, KEMBA seems to have an opportunity to resolve system issues with their loan services.
Although large banks and credit unions in OH are likely to encounter problems like these from time to time, it’s unclear as to how—and if—these issues were resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Rating Summary
While the firm has gained positive press from Columbus CEO, recurring complaints and lack of evidence of a customer service resolution earns KEMBA Financial Credit Union an overall 1-star rating on our ranking of the best credit unions and banks in Columbus, Ohio.
To be reconsidered for the future, KEMBA may want to focus on improving the customer experience and generating positive customer reviews.
By improving upon issues reported by customers in terms of paperwork, digital processing, and customer support, KEMBA will not only improve their brand management, but they will be well on their way to improving their ranking among credit unions in Columbus, OH.
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Conclusion – Top 5 Best Credit Unions & Banks in Columbus, Ohio
If you’re located in this bustling capital city, then finding the best credit union or best bank in Columbus, Ohio to trust with your money, hopefully just became a little easier. While no one is 100% perfect, most of these top picks get great ratings across the board.
These top 5 banks offer large regional and smaller local choices for banking, whether you prefer Columbus, OH banks or credit unions. You can also find plenty of great loan rates and member rewards among them to get just a little farther ahead on your financial path.
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