KeyBank

KeyBank Reviews

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Written by Cassidy Horton
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Edited by Tammy Burns

About KeyBank

This profile has not been claimed by the company. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review.

KeyBank is a financial institution that has over 1,000 branches in 15 states, providing a range of banking products and services. KeyBank says it is committed to corporate responsibility and sustainability, investing $40 billion in community benefits, including affordable housing, small businesses and renewable energy. Customers have access to more than 40,000 free ATMs through the KeyBank and AllPoint networks.

Pros
  • Lenient overdraft protection options
  • Large ATM network
  • Focus on the community
Cons
  • Low interest rates on deposit accounts
  • Limited service area
  • Some monthly fees

Featured Reviews

Denver, CO
Verified purchase
I was handling the affairs of a family member who had passed away, and had trouble at every turn, until I entered Key Bank Southwest Branch! Christine ** and Deborah ** provided a...

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New Eagle, PA
Verified purchase
I enjoy banking with Key Bank. The tellers are very nice. The hours are constant for me. Saturday hours are a plus. They are about 2 miles from my house. I use the night drop when...

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What is KeyBank?

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank is one of the top 20 largest financial institutions in the U.S. by asset size. It operates over 1,000 branches in these states:

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington

KeyBank says it is committed to corporate responsibility and sustainability, with a focus on supporting local communities and promoting financial inclusion. Through its Community Benefits Plan, it has pledged to invest $40 billion in community benefits — $36 billion for economic access and equity and $4 billion for renewable energy and sustainability.

How does KeyBank work?

To open an account at KeyBank, you'll need to provide personal identification, such as your Social Security number and a valid government-issued ID. You'll also need to make an initial deposit, which varies by account type.

KeyBank offers several checking and savings account options, certificates of deposit (CDs), loans, credit cards and investment services. As a customer, you can access your accounts through the KeyBank mobile app or online banking platform, in person at a branch or at over 40,000 free ATMs.

KeyBank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means that deposits up to $250,000 are insured by the federal government in case the bank fails.

KeyBank products and services

With KeyBank, customers can open these accounts:

Checking accounts
KeyBank offers five different checking account options:
  • The Key Smart Checking account is designed for those who prefer online banking and mobile access, with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fees.
  • The Key Advantage Checking account offers additional benefits such as earned interest and discounts on checks.
  • The Key Privilege Checking account provides even more benefits, including $6 in monthly ATM fee rebates.
  • The Key Privilege Select Checking account comes with preferred rates and unlimited ATM fee rebates.
  • The KeyBank Hassle-Free Account is for those who may have had trouble opening a checking account in the past. It has no minimum balance requirement, no overdraft fees and no monthly maintenance fees.
Savings accounts
Overall, KeyBank’s savings accounts have lower interest rates than online banks. So if maximizing your earnings is on your list of goals, you might want to open an account somewhere else.
  • Key Active Saver is a straightforward savings account that’s free when paired with a KeyBank checking account. But it only earns 0.01% annual percentage yield (APY) at publishing.
  • Key Select Money Market Savings earns up to 2.02% APY at publishing. But you need at least $5,000 to open an account and $25,000 to earn the highest interest rate.

KeyBank also has a KEY4KIDS Savings Account for children under age 18 and a health savings account (HSA) for adults with a high deductible health care plan.

Certificates of deposit
KeyBank has short-term and tiered-rate CDs with terms starting at seven days and going up to 10 years. Most CDs require a $2,500 deposit, which is steeper than CD minimums at other banks. KeyBank’s jumbo CDs require a $100,000 minimum deposit.

You’ll lock in the best interest rates with a 13-month CD, which earns up to 3.75% APY at publishing. Other CD terms earn around 0.05%.

Loans
KeyBank’s loan products include several types of mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, home improvement loans, student loan refinancing and more. The bank also has borrower assistance programs and calculators to help customers estimate costs.
Credit cards
KeyBank’s credit card options include a rewards card, a cashback card, a low-annual percentage rate (APR) card and a secured card for establishing or rebuilding credit.
Investments and insurance
KeyBank provides investment services and insurance products to help its customers manage and protect their wealth. Its investment services include retirement accounts, investment management and education savings plans. Its insurance products cover life and long-term care.
Small business services
Small business owners can find a full range of banking products at KeyBank, including several checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, loans and lines of credit. However, most of its checking accounts have monthly transaction limits and its savings accounts have below-average interest rates compared to online banks.

KeyBank fees

Most KeyBank accounts have monthly fees, but customers can avoid these fees by maintaining a minimum balance or having an established relationship with the bank. This typically includes having a KeyBank checking, mortgage or investment account.

Unlike most banks, KeyBank doesn’t charge overdraft fees for amounts of $20 or less. You can avoid fees for overdrafts over $20 by linking a KeyBank savings account, credit card or line of credit from which funds can be withdrawn to cover the overdraft.

KeyBank also charges these fees, depending on your account:

  • $3 for non-KeyBank ATMs
  • $5 for international ATMs
  • $20 for each overdraft over $20
  • $20 for incoming wires
  • $30 for domestic outgoing wires
  • $45 for international outgoing wires

KeyBank FAQ

Where is KeyBank available?

KeyBank is available in 15 states across the U.S., primarily in the Midwest and Northeast regions.

How much money do I need to open a bank account at KeyBank?

The amount of money needed to open a bank account at KeyBank varies based on the type of account, but some accounts can be opened with as little as $10.

What documents do I need to open a KeyBank bank account?

To open a bank account at KeyBank, you'll typically need to provide a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license and other personal information like your Social Security number and proof of address.

What is KeyBank’s Zelle limit?

The KeyBank Zelle limit for transfers is $1,000 per day, which is in line with the limits set by other banks for the peer-to-peer payment service.

Is KeyBank legit?

KeyBank is a legitimate financial institution. It’s a member of the FDIC, which means that deposits up to $250,000 are insured by the federal government. This can provide peace of mind for customers who are concerned about the safety of their money.

As for whether KeyBank is the best choice for you, that depends on your specific financial needs and preferences. KeyBank offers a range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans and investment products. If you’re looking for a regional bank with branch access, it might be a good choice. But if you’re looking for a savings account with a high interest rate, you might want to shop around.

KeyBank Reviews

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 30, 2025

    I was buying gift cards to be able to do some online casino play because the KeyBank debit card I had wouldn't work on BetRiver online. Now I get a call from Mr. Antonio ** of their Fraud Department. I told him that I made all those purchases and there was no fraud involved whatsoever. Not being happy he decided to send this for review within Key Bank, but my debit cards are frozen and I can only for transactions at the branch office. Unacceptable. I thought PNC was bad, but I'm going back to them. At least they treat me with respect. Remember his name...Antonio **.

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    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2025

    Inherited CD from deceased relative and kept deposits in CD until maturity to avoid fees. Unable to ACH or wire funds to another bank without going into the branch office 3000 miles away. KeyBank was unable to provide a solution. Bank elsewhere. This bank is living in the stone ages technology wise. Best to bank with a modern organization that supports customers that are not near a branch.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Nov. 13, 2024

      Do not use KeyBank!!! Go elsewhere. My account was hacked on multiple occasions and I've had to get a new debit card three times. I also deposited a check and was denied access to my money for several days because the back office refused to release the funds. I've called multiple people at the bank and no one will help me including the back office. This bank is unacceptable! I'm closing my account when my funds are available and recommend you guys seek a different bank like Chase or Huntington. A more honest bank.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Nov. 8, 2024

      Moses Lake, WA branch has a terrible customer service. They always hire new people, and for some odd reason are always understaffed. Anytime you come inside the branch you'll end up staying in line for a long time until you'll get some kind of help. I'm considering switching banks.

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      Reviewed Oct. 30, 2024

      My advice is simple, don't deposit in this bank more than you can afford to lose. I deposited a check 4 months ago, but it's not yet available, each time I call there's another excuse as to why it's not been released or resolved. I did take any step they requested and it's still not released or returned to issuer, at this point they claim it was returned to the issuer a month ago but it's still not returned as per the issuer. They claim they are an FDIC-regulated bank, it doesn't seem to me that it is.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Oct. 11, 2024

      I went online to check our account and found it locked. I called in and was told the account was under my wife’s name???? We have had the account from 1990 to present. I am on the account but my wife needed to call in?? She told me only my wife can unlock it. Ridiculous, I do the bills and take care of the accounts. She has never called in on our account, only me and today told I could not unlock the account. There isn’t even a key bank where I live so I think Key Bank needs to go….I used her social and unlocked it. The lady I talked to was wrong. I’m on the account so what was the problem. I would love a return answer about this.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Sept. 11, 2024

      I have been with this financial institute for over 30 years! Just recently refinanced my home with them and literally needed to walk all of the KeyBank Departments through the process and also had to follow up with them day after day to make sure the tasks were getting done and completed correctly. I also had numerous errors in the paperwork that needed to be revised/fixed- completely inaccurate in their execution. Secondly, I was victim of debit card fraud, contacted the bank immediately. Identified all of the fraudulent charges and to stop all payments. They processed 2 of the fraud payments and I received a letter stating I did not contact them within 60 days of the charges- which was completely false.

      If I had never contacted them to question the charges, how would they know that I was questioning them and put them in the letter? They then proceeded to tell me lie after lie as to why they would not credit me back the $, they validated my IP address- not true, the information that the vendor had was my correct information- which it wasn't, I was then told to send an email to the disputes team- I sent 4 emails and guess what no response, they tried to tell me I have purchased from them before- not true, they then told me I would have to wait for another investigation- I have been waiting for 8 months now!

      Finally contacting them again yesterday for the status, they proceeded to tell me tough luck, you want your money to contact the vendor that claimed this was legit and fight it out with them. I will also add that during this 8-month time frame, our family went on vacation and only use our debit card, went to get a withdrawal at the Keybank branch and the atm took my card and it could not be retrieved. We were left stranded 10000 of miles away from home with no access to money. As we frustratingly went inside to the Branch the Manager then tries to get me to sign up for a credit card- no apologies and no help. This bank is an embarrassment and take this as a warning they are not loyal, nor do they give a crap about their customers- RUN while you can! Do not bank with this company. Save the grief, loss of money, frustration and whatever else.

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      Staff

      Reviewed Sept. 1, 2024

      After a tried to deposit a check via taking a picture of it (a feature in there app) it disappeared from there system for a time. I physically went to a branch location to see what occurred; I was instructed to simply do it again which I did. A few days later I get a letter saying I committed some kind of fraud against them even though I was filling there explicit instructions. A simple misunderstand I thought. Upon talking to a senior employee it became clear that I was kicked out of key bank with no recourse. There are three companies I avoid using because of my treatment by them and key bank will always be one of them. Avoid them-you will always have much more help when issues inevitably arise.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Aug. 24, 2024

      I terminated my 30+ year relationship with my previous bank after having enough of their deteriorating service. Moved my accounts to Key which initially didn't go as smoothly as I expected. They totally screwed up on my checks and it took several weeks before I had properly printed ones. Nevertheless, everything has been better than expected since. I have checking, two savings safe deposit and credit card accounts. My assets are sufficient to qualify for Key's "Private Client" designation which doesn't require as much $$$ as you might think. This entitles me to no fee services and a high cash-back rate on my credit card purchases. Key's on-line banking services, which I use heavily, are excellent. Irate them 9 out of 10 with a few minor quibbles. I've needed phone support a couple of times and it was excellent. Their support staff is domestic and well trained. Overall, I am very happy with Key's services.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Aug. 14, 2024

      I can honestly say that manager Matthew ** at Key Bank in Newberg OR is the worst banker I've ever dealt with. Sent a check to my nephew as part of the settlement of my father's estate. He deposited the check at Key Bank and it cleared 7/31/24, but they won't release the money. I called Mr ** and he was rude from the get go. Feeble excuses are all my nephew is getting. I almost wonder if Key Bank is suffering liquidity problems.

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      KeyBank Company Information

      Company Name:
      KeyBank
      Website:
      www.key.com