Fulton Bank review: Regional bank with a free checking account, and different types of CDs

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Overall bank rating

Pros and cons

Fulton Bank Statement Savings Account

The Fulton Bank Statement Savings Account might be adequate if you are under the age of 25 or can maintain a daily account balance of at least $100. That way, you won't have to pay a $6 monthly service fee.

Fulton Bank doesn't pay high interest rates on its savings accounts. If this is one of your main priorities, consider other banking options.

Fulton Bank Simply Checking Account

The Fulton Bank Simply Checking Account is a great checking account for avoiding common bank fees. It has zero monthly service fees and reimburses four transactions from out-of-network ATMs per month (up to $10).

The bank also offers overdraft protection to avoid paying a $39 overdraft fee — however, there's still a $12 overdraft transfer fee if you utilize it.

Fulton Bank Platinum Money Market Account

While the Fulton Bank Platinum Money Market Account has a low minimum opening deposit, you'll need at least $1,000 in your account to earn interest.

Other financial institutions may also pay a higher interest rate, regardless of your account balance. 

Fulton Bank Certificate of Deposit

Fulton Bank is a solid financial institution for opening a CD. It has more CD terms than other brick-and-mortar banks. You also have two special types of CDs to choose from — a variable rate 12-month CD and a no-penalty 9-month CD. 

Be mindful of early withdrawal penalties, though, which may be high depending on the term.

How Fulton Bank works

Fulton Bank is a brick-and-mortar financial institution with over 200 locations and 230 ATMs in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. 

To contact customer service, call on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET or on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

Fulton Bank's mobile app has 4.5 out of 5 stars in the Google Play Store and 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store. 

Bank deposits are FDIC insured, so you may safely keep up to $250,000 in an individual bank account. 

Fulton Bank trustworthiness and BBB rating

The Better Business Bureau assesses businesses by looking at how they resolve customer issues. 

Fulton Bank received an A+ rating. A good BBB rating isn't necessarily the be-all and end-all. Consider speaking with current customers or reading online customer reviews to see whether Fulton Bank might be a good match for you. 

Fulton Bank has been involved in one recent public controversy. In 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission required Fulton Bank to pay $1.5 million in a settlement that accused the bank of presenting flawed performance information in late 2016 and early 2017.

Fulton Bank vs. M&T Bank

Fulton Bank and M&T Bank are brick-and-mortar banks available in the same states. Here's how the two compare.

Deciding between these two banks could likely come down to the accounts you'd like to open.

Fulton Bank might stand out if you are looking for a solid fee-free checking account. The Fulton Bank Simply Checking Account has zero monthly service fees and reimburses four out-of-network ATM transactions per month (up to $10).

M&T Bank has a variety of checking accounts, but all of them involve monthly service fees and out-of-network ATM fees.

For savings accounts, it might be a bit of a toss-up. Your preference may likely depend on how you manage your account.

M&T Bank waives the monthly service fee on the M&T Relationship Savings Account if you keep at least $500 in your account, open an M&T checking account, or make one monthly deposit. Fulton Bank lets you waive the fee if you're under the age of 25 or have a daily account balance of at least $100.

Fulton Bank vs. Citizens Bank

See how Fulton Bank stacks up to another regional bank on the East Coast: Citizens Bank.

Fulton Bank and Citizens Bank both offer compelling checking accounts. 

The Fulton Bank Simply Checking Account might be better if you frequently travel outside of the East Coast. Fulton Bank reimburses four out-of-network ATM transactions (up to $10) each month. Citizens Bank doesn't reimburse any out-of-network ATM fees.

The Citizens Bank One Deposit Checking Account could be a more appropriate choice if you are worried about overdraft fees.  

The two financial institutions offer similar overdraft protection programs, but Citizens Bank also has a supplementary program for reimbursing some overdraft fees. Through Citizens Peace of Mind, the bank refunds overdraft fees on checking accounts if you deposit money into your account before 10 p.m. ET the next business day. 

Frequently asked questions

Is Fulton Bank a regional bank?

Yes. Fulton Bank only has locations on the East Coast. It serves residents in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.

What do I need to open an account at Fulton Bank?

You'll need a security number or ITIN number, and US ID. If you're opening an account online, a $25 minimum opening deposit will also be required. 

Is Fulton Bank a good bank?

Fulton Bank is a good option if you're planning to open a checking account or CD at a brick-and-mortar financial institution. 

If you'd like to open a savings account or money market account, you might find stronger accounts at other financial institutions. Fulton Bank may charge a monthly service fee depending on your account balance, and it pays a low interest rate.