2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BANKS IN PENNSYLVANIA


Intro: Finding the Top Banks in and Around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With literally thousands of banks in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia alone, it can seem like all Pennsylvania banks are pretty much the same, but the differences can be astounding.

The best banks in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that we selected to be included on our list of the Top 11 Best Banks in Pennsylvania have something very unique in common – decades (if not a century or more!) of experience offering competitive rates and services to their clients.

This means tried and true experience, on top of knowing what does and doesn’t work.

Best Banks in Pennsylvania Red Award Emblem

Award Emblem: Top 11 Banks in Pennsylvania

These Pennsylvania banks customize products and services to fit unique client needs, not just the run-of-the mill consumer. Rates are structured around variables that cannot offer just one answer, and that’s the way it should be.

The best banks in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offer convenient, fee-free ATM access whenever possible, and they offer clients important benefits without additional costs.

These Pennsylvania banks do it right, and as you learn more about these superior Philadelphia and Pittsburgh banks, you’ll see that it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about you.



AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 11 Best Banks in Pennsylvania

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the bank names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that bank in Pennsylvania):

Click here for 2016’s ranking of the Top 13 Best Banks in Philadelphia


Top 11 Best Banks in Philadelphia | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Best Banks in Pennsylvania

Highlighted Features

Beneficial BankInterest-bearing checking accounts
Branch Banking and Trust (BB&T)Varied lending options
Citizens Bank of PennsylvaniaDynamic checking & savings options
First Commonwealth BankVariety of insurance options available
First National Bank of PennsylvaniaWealth management & investment services
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (M&T)Multiple credit card options
Northwest Savings BankDiverse range of business & personal accounts
PNC BankEasy integration with Quicken or QuickBooks software
TD BankClover Solutions for small business management
Wells FargoDynamic wealth management services
Woodforest National BankMultiple consumer loan products

Table: Top 11 Best Banks in Philadelphia | Above list is sorted alphabetically



AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?

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 Banks in Philadelphia

Below, please find a detailed review of each bank on our list of best banks in Pennsylvania. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these Pennsylvania banks to score so high in our selection ranking.

See Also: Top Banks in Massachusetts | Ranking | A Comparison of the Best Massachusetts Banks 



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Beneficial Bank Review


First doing business in 1853 under the name Beneficial Saving Fund Society of Philadelphia, Beneficial Bank has been proudly serving customers for well over 100 years.

They have locations throughout the state, including Philadelphia, Wayne, Newtown Square, and Conshohocken. Beneficial Bank offers personal and business banking services, borrowing, insurance, and a wealth of security and information regarding your finances.

Key Factors That Enabled This Firm to Rank as a Top Pennsylvania Bank

The following is a listing of key factors that allowed Beneficial Bank to rank as one of the top Pennsylvania banks in and around Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Personal Banking Options

Clients of Beneficial Bank can take advantage of a variety of personal banking services. Accounts include personal checking and savings, retirement planning, savings for students, and more.

Let’s take a brief look at what checking account services are available to you.

Start Earning℠ Package

This option combines a checking account with Beneficial Bank’s unique Tiered Savings account and automatically transfers $25 a month from checking to savings.  Other benefits include:

  • 0.50% discount off the preferred rate for home equity loans or HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) with automatic payments
  • Up to $5 cash back on other banks’ ATM fees

Start Rewarding℠ Package 

Keep a higher balance and enjoy more rewards. This flexible banking option offers more perks, more versatility, and can be combined with any of Beneficial Bank’s other banking services. Features include:

  • No checking fee if the total monthly minimum of all of your accounts is at least $10,000.
  • A 0.50% discount on preferred rates, home equity loans, and HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
  • Up to $10 cash back on ATM fees from other banks, per statement cycle.

The Advantage of Saving

Wherever you are headed in life, having the funds to get you there makes all the difference. As a top Pennsylvania bank, Beneficial Bank has multiple options when your focus is saving money. This includes the following accounts and more:

  • Statement Savings: A basic savings account with monthly statements that allow you to see what your money is doing.
  • Passbook Savings: Track deposits, withdrawals, and how your money is growing.
  • Tiered Statement Savings: An exclusive account to accompany one of Beneficial Bank’s checking accounts, enjoy no monthly service charge and higher interest rates.
  • Money Market Accounts: Premium interest rates and pre-authorized transfers are among the top features of a money market account from Beneficial Bank.
  • Student Saver: Accounts for children 17 and under, this is a fantastic savings option for young people learning about money.
  • Coverdell Education Savings: Pave the way for the student in your life to higher education.
  • Traditional and Roth IRAs: Retirement accounts with flexible terms to help you secure your retirement.

Protect What Matters to You

Before they lend, they listen. That’s the motto at Beneficial Bank. A simple, straightforward method allows you and your bank to create a borrowing plan that will benefit you most. Loans are available for:

  • Personal mortgages
  • Personal loans and lines of credit
  • Business lending
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) loans

Don’t Miss: Best Banks in California | Ranking | Review of the Top California Banks



Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania Review


As the 13th largest retail bank in the United States, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania gives customers a variety of financial services with a goal of delivering simplicity and quality above all else.

This top Pennsylvania bank proudly offer banking, investing, and lending services to individuals, companies, non-profits, and institutions. Wholesale banking products, debt syndication, and treasury services are among Citizens Bank’s key specialty services.

Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania - pennsylvania bank

Image Source: Top Pennsylvania Banks

Key Factors That Enabled This Firm to Rank as a Top Pennsylvania Bank

Below is a list of contributing factors that allowed Citizens Bank of California to rank as one of the top banks in Pennsylvania.

The Checking Standard

Choosing the right checking should reflect your financial needs and your overall goals. Do you want to minimize pesky fees? Grow your money through an interest-bearing account?

Citizens Bank has you covered with the following accounts:

  • One Deposit Checking: A simple and clear checking account. One monthly deposit assures your checking fees are waived and you still get all the great benefits of banking with Citizens Bank.
  • Platinum Checking: Earns interest, features personalized banking advice, and gives account holders access to preferred products and services. 
  • Platinum Plus Checking: Higher interest rates and flexible options to waive monthly fees.


Grow Your Savings

Staying on track with your savings is a little easier when you have customized options for managing your savings. Citizens Bank customers can enjoy:

  • Green Savings: Set savings goals and earn rewards for enrolling in the GoalTrack Savings program.
  • Platinum Plus Savings: Available only in combination with a Platinum Plus Checking account, this account offers better rates and preferred banking services. 
  • CollegeSaver: The future is bright, and your child’s education is important. Earn a $1,000 bonus when your child turns 18 (conditions must be met).
  • Citizens Bank HomeBuyer Savings: Saving for a home just got easier. Receive a $1,000 credit once you meet all program requirements.

Home Borrowing

As if buying a home isn’t complicated enough, don’t get weighed down by a heavy interest rate or hidden loan term.

Citizens Bank puts you front and center through the whole process and turns a long-term contract into a great partnership. Clients of this top Pennsylvania bank have the option to:

  • Buy a home
  • Refinance
  • Use home equity

And they can do so through:

  • Fixed-rate mortgages
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages
  • Jumbo mortgages
  • First Lien Position Home Equity Loans
  • HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
  • Home equity loans

Rewarding Credit Cards

Build your credit or keep a safety net within reach in case of unexpected emergencies.

With a Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World MasterCard or Clear Value MasterCard, you’ll enjoy a 0% introductory APR, low rates, unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards (for Cash Back card), and no annual fees. Applying is easy and can be done online.

Related: Top Missouri Banks | Ranking | Finding The Best Bank in Missouri



First Commonwealth Bank Review


With approximately $6.7 billion in assets, First Commonwealth Bank has been serving the Pennsylvania community since 1982.

It is their vision to be an active leader and a good corporate citizen, and they do so through a variety of banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management services.

Key Factors That Enabled This Firm to Rank as a Top Bank in Pennsylvania

The following is an overview of key factors that enabled First Commonwealth Bank to rank as one of the top banks in Pennsylvania.

Top Banking Solutions

Finding the right accounts to solve your financial worries is what First Commonwealth does day in and day out.

Whether you are looking for services for your own personal finances, for your business, or even more of a corporate approach, this top Pennsylvania bank has a customized solution waiting for you.

Let’s explore some of the top banking options in each category:

Personal Banking

  • Hometown Checking
  • SmartPay and debit cards
  • Savings accounts
  • IRAs
  • Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
  • Certificates of Deposit
  • Home equity loans
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)
  • Personal loans
  • Home mortgages
  • Auto loans

Business Banking

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Cash management services
  • Card and merchant services
  • Small business loans
  • Employee benefits
  • Business commercial insurance

Corporate Banking

  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Cash management services
  • Commercial lending
  • Asset based lending
  • Public sector banking
  • Business/commercial insurance
  • Employee benefits

Protection You Can Trust

At First Commonwealth, they like to define insurance a little differently. In order to get you the most protection for your money, they’ve employed a variety of strategies that help to pinpoint exactly the type of insurance you need.

Insurance plans are available for:

  • Healthcare reform
  • Employee benefits
  • Home and auto insurance
  • HR solutions
  • Business insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Individual and family health insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Medicare advantage and supplements

First Commonwealth Advisors

As a client at this top Pennsylvania bank, you have access to wealth management services backed by a team of dedicated and highly experienced professionals who can help you plan accordingly to get the most out of your money.

An engaging, individually-tailored experience can take a lot of the uncertainty out of the process. Below, you will find a listing of general wealth management services:

  • Annuities
  • 529 college plans
  • Personal trusts
  • Estate planning
  • Estate settlement
  • 401(k) retirement plan investing
  • Roth and traditional IRAs
  • Mutual funds

Popular Article: Best Banks in North Carolina | Ranking | Where to Find the Best North Carolina Bank




First National Bank of Pennsylvania Review


As a publicly traded entity registered with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB) offers a full-range of commercial and consumer banking solutions designed to secure its clients’ futures and offer comprehensive strategies to get them there.

Key Factors That Enabled This Firm to Rank as a Top Bank in Pennsylvania

The following is a listing of key factors that allowed First National Bank of Pennsylvania to rank as one of the top banks in Pennsylvania.

Your Banking Options

At FNB, each of its financial products delivers unmatched solutions backed by a superior level of personal service you can’t always find these days.

Regardless of whether you are opening your first account or thinking about your finances into retirement, FNB has something to help you get there.

Below, we’ll cover a few of the available banking options for both personal and business clients:

  • Freestyle Checking: Featuring no minimum balances and no monthly fees, this account gives you complete freedom beyond the basics. Enjoy free mobile banking, bill pay, and much more.
  • Lifestyle Checking: As FNB says, don’t just keep your eye on your money; watch it grow! This account offers a tiered rate structure, free safe deposit box, unlimited check writing, and more.
  • Premierstyle Checking: The account that rewards. No annual fee, overdraft line of credit, a safe deposit box, tiered interest rates, and a multitude of bonuses to enjoy.
  • Firstrate Savings: Start with the basics with no minimum balance to open, quarterly paper statements, and a tiered interest rate structure.
  • Health Savings: This account is a practical way to put aside money for unexpected medical expenses instead of digging deep into your pockets to cover them.
  • Firstrate Money Market: Accessible through online banking, check writing, and a debit card, grow your money while you still have the option to spend a little when needed.

Borrowing Smart

Make your dreams come true with rates and terms that fit you. Whether you are looking for a personal or business loan, an advantage is waiting for you. FNB offers:

  • Personal loans
  • Residential mortgages
  • Business loans
  • Commercial leasing

Invest in What Matters to You

When your goals extend beyond basic checking and savings, this top Pennsylvania bank is still your one-stop shop.

Wealth management and investment services are available to all clients and can take the guesswork out of your financial picture. Options include:

  • Solutions for individuals
  • Solutions for businesses and philanthropies
  • Private banking

Comprehensive Insurance Options

With a commitment that begins and ends with you, FNB works with the First National Insurance Agency (FNIA) to bring you the best insurance services in the region.

Licensed experts representing most national insurance carriers are standing by to offer comprehensive coverage focused on customized and affordable rates. FNB offers the following services:

  • Commercial insurance
  • Personal insurance
  • Employee benefits insurance

Community Involvement

FNB isn’t just a business; it is people who are part of a community – your community. In 2016 alone, FNB and its dedicated staff volunteered over 20,000 hours giving back to its community and charitable organizations.

Read More: Best Banks in Colorado | Ranking | Best Colorado Banks in Denver, Colorado Springs, etc.



To browse exclusive reviews of all top rated banks in Pennsylvania, please click on any of the links below. 


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Conclusion – Top Banks in Pennsylvania & Top Pittsburgh Banks

When narrowing down your choices from 11 of the best banks in Philadelphia and banks in Pittsburgh to one or two select options, it’s important to assess what your current and future goals may be.

Are you just looking for that perfect Philadelphia bank to open your first checking account with?

Are you a money market connoisseur but want some additional savings and investment guidance? Perhaps your banking needs fall somewhere in the middle?

The more you know about what you are looking for and why, the easier it will be to find the best Pennsylvania bank for you.



AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:

Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.

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