KeyBank and Huntington are both Midwest regional banks with free checking options, but they differ in overdraft policy, branch footprint, and state coverage. Here is the head-to-head comparison for 2026.
KeyBank vs Huntington: At a Glance
| Feature | KeyBank | Huntington |
|---|---|---|
| Free checking | Key Smart Checking | Asterisk-Free Checking |
| Monthly fee (standard) | $0 (Smart) | $0 (Asterisk-Free) |
| Overdraft fee | $20/item, max 3/day | $37.50/item |
| Overdraft grace policy | None (fee charged same day) | 24-Hour Grace (pay back by next business day) |
| Savings APY | 0.01% | ~0.01% |
| ATM network | ~1,300 ATMs | ~1,600 ATMs |
| FDIC insured | Yes | Yes |
| States served | 15 states (NY, OH, WA, OR, CO, AK, and more) | 8 states (OH, MI, IN, PA, WV, KY, IL, MN) |
Fees Comparison
| Fee | KeyBank | Huntington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee (free tier) | $0 | $0 |
| Overdraft fee | $20 | $37.50 |
| OD grace period | None | 24 hours (24-Hour Grace) |
| Max OD fees/day | 3 ($60) | 4 ($150) |
| Non-network ATM fee | $3 | $3.50 |
| Domestic wire (outgoing) | $25–$30 | $25 |
Overdraft Policy Deep Dive
Huntington 24-Hour Grace: If your account goes negative, Huntington notifies you by 10:30 AM ET the next business day. Deposit enough to cover the shortfall before end of that day and no fee is charged. This is one of the most consumer-friendly overdraft policies among regional banks.
KeyBank: Charges $20 per overdraft item immediately, but caps fees at 3 per day. A customer who overdraws on 3 items pays $60 maximum per day — less than Huntington’s potential $150 daily maximum. However, there is no grace window.
Verdict: If you occasionally overdraw accidentally, Huntington’s grace period is more forgiving. If you regularly carry close balances across many transactions, KeyBank’s lower per-item fee may save more money.
ATM and Branch Coverage
| KeyBank | Huntington | |
|---|---|---|
| ATMs | ~1,300 | ~1,600 |
| Branches | ~1,000 | ~1,000 |
| Primary stronghold | Pacific Northwest, Colorado, upstate NY | Ohio, Michigan, Indiana |
| ATM fee refunds (standard) | 2/month (Smart) | 5/month (Perks Checking) |
| ATM fee refunds (premium) | Unlimited (Advantage/Select) | Unlimited (Platinum Perks) |
Savings Rates
Neither KeyBank nor Huntington is competitive for savings. Both offer approximately 0.01% APY on standard savings accounts. For meaningful savings returns, use an external high-yield savings account alongside either bank’s free checking.
Which Bank Is Right for You?
Choose KeyBank if:
- You live in the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, or upstate New York
- You want the lowest per-item overdraft fee ($20)
- You want free unlimited ATM reimbursements (Advantage/Select)
Choose Huntington if:
- You live in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, or another Huntington stronghold
- You want the 24-Hour Grace overdraft safety net
- You frequently use ATMs outside the network (5 free refunds/month on Perks)
Consider neither if:
- You want the best savings rate — both pay 0.01% APY
- You bank nationwide — both have limited geographic footprints
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