Skip to Main Content

Emigrant Bank Review

Updated January 25, 2024
Bankrate logo

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .

At a glance

Overview

Emigrant Bank is best for customers in the New York City area who are seeking a simple and low-cost checking account and are comfortable managing their bank accounts online.

Highlights:

Low Min Balance
3.5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Info Icon

CDs

Rating: 3.3 stars out of 5
3.3 /5

Checking

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 /5

Savings

Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7 /5

MMA

Rating: 2.4 stars out of 5
2.4 /5
Sponsored offers
Info Icon

These are sponsored offers rated highly by us for competitive rates, fees, and minimums.

Bank logo
Member FDIC
Checking Account
0.50
%
APY
APY
Info Icon
As of 2/22/2025
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
$0
Min. balance for APY
View offer Arrow Right Icon

Overall

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Customers have broad ATM access through the Honor, Pulse, Plus and NYCE networks.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Customers can transact business online, over the phone, and at ATMs and the two branch offices.

  • Checkmark Icon

    It offers online bill payment.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Rates are above average for most accounts.

Cons

  • The bank does not have a mobile app.

  • It has only two branch offices, both in New York state.

  • It does not offer a peer-to-peer payment platform.

  • Some opening deposits and balance minimums are stiff.

CTA We want to know what you think about Emigrant Bank

We want to know what you think about Emigrant Bank

Do you have experience with Emigrant Bank? Let us know your thoughts.

Emigrant Bank banking products

2.7
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score

Emigrant Bank savings overview

Emigrant Bank’s Regular Savings account earns an APY that’s somewhat above the national average. Much better rates can be found elsewhere, however, including at EmigrantDirect, an online-only division of Emigrant Bank. The Regular Savings account requires just $5 to open, but there is a minimum balance requirement of $500 to waive the $2.50 monthly service fee.

Account holders can set up direct deposit of any regular payments, such as Social Security benefits or paychecks. The Regular Savings account is available as a passbook account or statement savings.

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    The minimum opening deposit is low.

  • Checkmark Icon

    The Regular Savings account is available as a passbook savings account or statement savings.

Cons

  • A $500 minimum balance is required to avoid a monthly service fee.

  • Other banks offer higher yields with lower minimum balance requirements.

  • Emigrant Bank
    APY
    APY
    Info Icon
    National average APY
    How do we get this data?
    Info Icon

Bank fees

Fee Charged?
Overdraft fee $25
Non-sufficient funds fee $25
Account maintenance fees $3 for checking; $2.50 for savings; $9 for money market

About Emigrant Bank

Customer experience

Review methodology

With so many financial institutions to choose from, it can be hard to know who to trust. Bankrate’s ever-growing list of bank and credit union reviews is updated regularly. Our editorial team analyzes and reviews each institution across deposit products such as savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts (MMAs). Banks are rated by important factors such as offered interest rates, fees, minimum balance requirements, access to funds and more.

We assign a score to each type of account and its features, weigh them carefully based on importance to account holders and determine an overall score. Read our full review methodology.