KeyBank and Huntington are both 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 — confirm current figures directly with each bank, as fee schedules and networks can change.
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 ($60) | $15/item, max 4/day ($60) |
| 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 branded + Allpoint | Branded ATMs + Allpoint |
| FDIC insured | Yes | Yes |
| States served | 15 states (AK, CO, CT, ID, IN, ME, MA, MI, NY, OH, OR, PA, UT, VT, WA) | Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota, and other states |
Fees Comparison
| Fee | KeyBank | Huntington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee (free tier) | $0 | $0 |
| Overdraft fee | $20 | $15 |
| OD grace period | None | 24 hours (24-Hour Grace) |
| Max OD fees/day | 3 ($60) | 4 ($60) |
| Non-network ATM fee | $3 | $3.50 |
| Domestic wire (outgoing) | $25–$30 | $25 |
Confirm current fees for both banks directly, as fee schedules can change.
Overdraft Policy Deep Dive
Huntington 24-Hour Grace: If your account goes negative, Huntington gives you until the next business day to bring the account back to positive with no fee charged. This is one of the more 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 — the same daily cap as Huntington’s worst case, but KeyBank’s per-item fee is higher and it offers no grace window.
Verdict: If you occasionally overdraw accidentally, Huntington’s grace period is more forgiving since it can eliminate the fee entirely. If you’re certain you’ll be charged, the two banks’ daily caps are similar.
ATM and Branch Coverage
| KeyBank | Huntington | |
|---|---|---|
| Branded ATMs | ~1,300 | Confirm current count with Huntington |
| Fee-free network | Allpoint (~40,000 ATMs combined with branded) | Allpoint |
| Branches | ~1,000 | Confirm current count with Huntington |
| Primary stronghold | Pacific Northwest, Northeast, upstate NY | Ohio, Michigan, Indiana |
Savings Rates
Neither KeyBank nor Huntington is typically competitive for savings — both report standard savings rates around 0.01% APY. Confirm current rates directly with each bank, since even near-zero APYs can change. 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, Northeast, or upstate New York
- You want Allpoint network access alongside KeyBank’s own ATMs
- You’re comfortable with KeyBank’s fee-waiver options for premium checking tiers
Choose Huntington if:
- You live in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, or another Huntington stronghold
- You want the 24-Hour Grace overdraft safety net and its lower per-item overdraft fee
- You want a checking account with no monthly fee and no conditions
Consider neither if:
- You want the best savings rate — both report rates around 0.01% APY
- You bank nationwide — both have limited geographic footprints
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