How to Qualify

1

Open Your Account

Open your Key Smart Checking account online by December 20, 2024. The offer code is automatically applied when you open your account from this page. Otherwise, enter offer code KDSA0624 in the application.

2

Make Your Deposits

Make the $10 minimum opening deposit and ONE eligible direct deposit* of $1,000 or more within 60 days of account opening.

3

Receive Your $300

Your bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting the requirements.

Account Overview

Monthly Maintenance Fee $0
Minimum Balance Requirement $0
Transaction Minimum No transaction requirements
Minimum Opening Deposit $10
Paper Checks Yes
Rates and Fees  

Banking that moves you forward

See the benefits of banking with Key. 

EasyUp®, Automatic Savings

Use EasyUp to build up savings or pay down debt without even thinking about it.

Relationship Benefits

Earn higher interest rates, more cashback, loan discounts and more — it all starts with a KeyBank checking account. Get Details.

Early Pay

You could get paid up to two days sooner with direct deposit.1

Easy, everyday banking with everything you need.

Get all the convenient features of KeyBank checking accounts.

Fewer Overdraft Fees

If your checking account is overdrawn by $20 or less at the end of the day, you won't see an overdraft fee from KeyBank. Plus, you can automatically cover overdrafts with no transfer fee by linking your checking account to another eligible account.2

Convenient Branches and ATMs

Visit us at 40,000+ KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs nationwide for no fee with your Key Smart Checking debit card, or at any KeyBank branch.3 Find a location.

Secure Online and Mobile Banking

Deposit checks in the mobile app, pay bills, send money to friends and family and more.4,5

KeyBank Debit Mastercard®

Enjoy chip security, Tap & Go technology and all benefits of Mastercard.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a KeyBank checking account, you'll need the following:

  • Your Social Security number
  • One valid form of primary identification (like a driver’s license, passport or government-issued ID with photo and signature)
  • Minimum opening deposit required — $10 for Key Smart Checking

Adding money to a KeyBank checking account is easy, and there are lots of ways to do it. It’s important to add money to your account soon after you open it, because we close unfunded accounts as a security measure.

Direct deposit
Set up direct deposit payments to your new account.

Zelle®
Send money with Zelle® in KeyBank online and mobile banking. Sign on.

ATM and branch
Deposit money into your account at a KeyBank near you.

Mobile deposit
Deposit a check into your account anytime, anywhere with the KeyBank mobile app.

Money transfer
Transfer money between KeyBank accounts or link external accounts in online and mobile banking. Sign on.

Once your KeyBank checking account application is submitted and approved, you’ll receive a confirmation message that includes your account number. You can use your account number to immediately enroll in online and mobile banking.

If you chose to receive a debit card, it will arrive 5 – 7 days after you make the initial deposit in your checking account. If you chose to receive checks, they’ll arrive in 10 – 14 days.

It’s secure and convenient to move your direct deposit into your KeyBank account with your account and routing number. Both are available in online and mobile banking, and you can enroll as soon as your new account is open.

To set up direct deposit online, sign on to online or mobile banking, go to Manage Direct Deposits and follow the prompts.

It’s also possible to set up direct deposit with methods used by your employer or other payment provider or with KeyBank online forms. For more information, visit setting up direct deposit.

It’s fast and easy to order checks from KeyBank online and mobile banking, in any KeyBank branch or, with your routing and account number, directly from our preferred vender, Harland Clark online or at 1-800-355-8123, or Dial 711 for TTY/TRS.

*

Offer redeemable online only. You must open a Key Smart Checking® Account (this is the basic banking account in NY) by 12/20/24 and make ONE single KeyBank eligible direct deposit of $1,000 or more within the first 60 days after account opening to get $300. Eligible direct deposits are electronic automated clearing house (ACH) deposits. Examples of eligible direct deposits include, but are not limited to: payroll, Social Security, pension and government benefits. Deposits made through a teller, ATM, or the KeyBank mobile app are ineligible direct deposits. The minimum opening deposit for Key Smart Checking is $10. Employees of KeyBank, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not eligible for this offer. Limit one account-opening gift per qualifying account. Limit one account opening gift per individual. The value of your gift will be reported on Form 1099-INT and deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Offer not available to individuals who were a primary account owner of a KeyBank personal checking account in the last 12 months. Account must not be closed at the time of gift payment. Offer is subject to cancellation without notice. Valid Social Security number and US address required to qualify for promotion. Geographic restrictions apply and account opening is subject to approval.

1

Early Pay is a service included with your KeyBank consumer deposit account in which KeyBank makes your eligible direct deposits available up to two business days early. Eligible direct deposits include certain transactions such as payroll, government benefits, or similar types of payments. The Early Pay service is dependent on when KeyBank receives information from the payer that the funds are on the way, this could vary, and you may not always receive your funds early. You cannot opt out of Early Pay.

2

Overdraft Item Charges are $20 per item. Charges apply to transactions created by check, in-person withdrawal, recurring debit card transactions, or other electronic means. Overdraft charges will not be imposed on ATM withdrawals or one-time debit card items unless the customer has opted in authorizing Key to pay these items into overdraft and assess a charge. You agree to pay us the full amount of any overdraft on your Account immediately upon demand, together with any additional charges we assess. KeyBank’s approval of overdrafts is a discretionary courtesy. For Consumer accounts: No charges will be assessed when the account is overdrawn twenty ($20) dollars or less at the end of the day. Overdraft charges are assessed on up to three (3) items per day, with the maximum not to exceed $60 per day per account. Overdraft charges may not post on the same day as the transaction which triggers the fee(s). There is a cap of 20 assessed overdraft charges within a monthly statement period. If at the end of the day, your account’s overdrawn available balance is more than $20 for 5 consecutive business days, an additional $20 Recurring Overdraft Service Charge will be assessed. See your accounts Personal Checking Account Fees and Disclosures for additional information and Personal Savings Overdraft Protection Agreement for further information on linking savings account for protection.

3

No surcharge at KeyBank ATMs. No surcharge at Allpoint ATMs when using your KeyBank debit card on an eligible account type. With the exception of the KeyBank Hassle-Free Account®, all clients in KeyBank’s personal checking products are eligible for Allpoint when they use their KeyBank Debit Mastercard®. Savings, Business and Hassle-Free accounts are not eligible for Allpoint.

4

Subject to terms and conditions in Service Agreement.

5

Message and Data rates may apply from your wireless carrier.