KeyBank Review: Pros, Cons, And Alternatives

While some banks seem to make it difficult to build wealth, others offer straightforward tools designed to streamline your money management. 

If you are searching for a bank that offers competitive yields and has plenty of account options, KeyBank is worth a closer look.  

KeyBank offers attractive APYs on its Certificates of Deposit and Money Market Savings accounts. It also pays interest on one of its checking account products. In this review, we'll explore what KeyBank has to offer.

Note: All rates and APYs listed are accurate as of the updated date and may vary by location. Visit KeyBank for rates in your area.

What Is KeyBank?

KeyBank was founded 190 years ago in Albany, New York, but today, the financial institution is based in Cleveland, Ohio. As one of the 20 largest banks in the United States, it boasts over $187 billion in assets as of September 31, 2023.

KeyBank offers physical branches in 15 states. However, customers can manage their funds through KeyBank's well-established online banking platform or mobile app. 

What Does It Offer?

KeyBank offers a wide range of personal and business banking products. On the personal side, you'll find everything from checking and savings accounts to credit cards, investment products, personal loans, mortgages, and more.

For the purpose of this KeyBank review, I will focus on the personal deposit accounts available through KeyBank, including its CDs, Money Market, and checking accounts. 

Certificates of Deposit

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a guaranteed investment that offers a predetermined interest rate for a specific term. The rates offered by CDs are usually higher than what you can get in a savings account. But the higher rate comes with a catch. That is, you’ll face an early withdrawal penalty if you withdraw your funds before the CD matures.

KeyBank offers multiple CDs with attractive rates. 

If you have more than one account with KeyBank, you might qualify for a relationship rate. Some of the accounts that make you eligible for the higher rates include a Key Select Checking, Key Smart Checking, Key Bank Hassle-Free Account, Key Private Bank Checking, and Key Private Bank Personal Checking. 

Below is a look at the relationship rates offered:

KeyBank also offers jumbo CDs, with a minimum deposit requirement of at least $100,000. As of writing, you can tap into a 5.00% APY on an 11-month Jumbo CD if you qualify for relationship rates. The deposit limit is $499.999.99.

Key Select Money Market Savings Account

The Key Select Money Market Savings account requires a minimum opening deposit of $5,000. But with a minimum account balance of $25,000, the interest rate may be up to 4.50% for the first six months (up to 2.91% blended APY). If you don’t deposit $25,000, KeyBank customers who meet relationship rate eligibility requirements can still earn up to 3.05% APY on balances over $5,000. Rates vary by location.

The Money Market account comes with a $20 monthly maintenance fee. However, this fee is waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $25,000 or meet the eligibility requirements for a relationship rate. 

Key Smart Checking®

Key Bank offers the Key Smart Checking®  Account. This checking account is a free, non-interest-bearing account that has no minimum balance requirement, offers automatic overdraft protection from a linked savings account, paper checks, and more!

They are very mobile friendly, have access to over 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

Plus, right now they are offering a great bonus offer! You can earn a $300 cash bonus when you open a Key Smart Checking® account by December 13, 2024 and complete qualified activities.

To qualify, you must do the following:

• Open a Key Smart Checking® account by December 13, 2024
• Make the minimum opening deposit of $10, plus one eligible direct deposit of at least $1,000 within the first 60 days of account opening

Your $300 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Accounts must not be closed at the time of gift payment.

Get the details for the KeyBank Smart Checking Account offer here >>

Are There Any Fees?

Unlike many online banks, KeyBank charges fees on many of its accounts. But the fees you encounter will vary based on how you use the accounts. Some fees you might run into include an early withdrawal penalty on CDs and a waivable monthly maintenance fee on its checking and money market accounts. 

How Does KeyBank Compare?

How Do I Open An Account?

You can open an account with KeyBank in person or online if you live in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, or Washington

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. Be prepared to provide information about yourself, including your name, birthday, Social Security number, email, phone number, and identifying documents. Also, you may need to provide funding account information. 

Note: The ability to apply online may not be available for some products due to the type of product and/or whether you are an existing client or not.

Is It Safe And Secure?

As a major financial institution, KeyBank employs a wide range of security measures to keep your funds and information safe. Additionally, the bank is FDIC insured. 

How Do I Contact KeyBank?

You can connect with KeyBank through a Live Chat on the bank’s online platform. Live Chat is available on weekdays from 7 AM to 12 AM EST and on weekends from 8 AM to 9 PM EST. If you prefer a phone call, you can reach out to 1-800-539-2968. Additionally, you can walk into one of approximately 1,000 physical branches to access service. 

Is It Worth It?

If you are a KeyBank customer looking for a short-term CD with attractive rates, it might make sense to stash your funds here. Another reason to consider KeyBank is the interest-bearing checking account opportunity, although the interest rate is relatively low. Many savers can find higher rates available through other financial institutions.

Before you jump into KeyBank, explore all of your account options.

 
Check out KeyBank here >>

KeyBank Features