Page 17 - Money - November 2018

The Regions

*Alaska and Hawaii not shown in actual locations.

Mid-Atlantic New England South Texas
2SVXL[IWX 2&8 6IREWERX *VSWX

Why it wins: You can’t do Why it wins: NBT has a free Why it wins: If you meet the Why it wins: Frost is a
much better than free ATMs online checking account that requirements for the Rewards runaway champion in J.D.
and free checking and savings pays a bit of interest and Checking account, which Power’s customer service
accounts. Plus, if you keep at an out-of-network ATM fee includes e-statements, 10 debit rating for Texas. It should be
least $1,000 in your checking that’s well below average in card transactions a month, and easy to avoid the $2 out-of-
account, Northwest will waive the region. a direct deposit or online bill network ATM fee with more
the fee on its interest-bearing Caveat: Apart from New York pay, you’ll get $25 in ATM than 1,200 ATMs across the
option. The cherry on top? J.D. State, NBT is mainly in major rebates and earn an interest state, and the 0.2% interest on
Power names it a regional win- cities. If you live in eastern rate that tops most banks’ its savings account was among
ner for customer service. savings accounts. the highest we saw in Texas.
Massachusetts, Rockland Trust
Caveat: The bank is in only has more branches and a Caveat: If you don’t meet the Caveat: If you like to travel or
two states in this region (plus reputation for outstanding requirements, you can still get are often out of state, there’s
Ohio), with 162 branches and customer service. a free checking account, but no way to avoid or get refunds
10 drive-thru locations. you’ll be hit with $2.50 out-of- of ATM fees.
Where you can find it: Maine,
Where you can find it: Mass., N.H., N.Y., Pa., Vt. network ATM fees. Where you can find it: Texas
N.Y., Ohio, Pa. Where you can find it:
Key account: eChecking Key account: Frost Personal
Key account: MyNorthwest (must be opened online, but Ala., Fla., Ga., Miss., Tenn. Checking
Checking you can still bank at a branch) Key account: Rewards Monthly service fee:
Monthly service fee: $0 Monthly service fee: $0 Checking $8, waived with $100 direct
Outside ATM fee: $0 Outside ATM fee: $1.25 Monthly service fee: $0 deposit, $1,000 daily balance,
Finalist: TD Bank has a wide Outside ATM fee: $2.50, or $5,000 combined balance
footprint on the East Coast and with up to $25 refunded if Outside ATM fee: $2
strong customer service scores. requirements met
While high, the $15 monthly fee Finalist: If you live in Arkansas,
on the Convenience Checking North Carolina, or South
account can be waived with a Carolina, Bank OZK is a strong
$100 minimum daily balance. option, with free checking and
low out-of-network ATM fees.

NO VEMBER 2 018 MONE Y. C O M