What you need to open a Huntington savings account
Huntington Bank offers several savings account types, and the process to open one takes about 15 minutes online or in person. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type but typically starts at $25 to $100. If you already have a Huntington checking account, opening a savings account is faster because the bank already has your information on file.
You can open an account three ways: online through Huntington's website, on the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. Online and app-based accounts fund when ready if you link an existing bank account for the deposit. In-branch accounts may take one business day to set up, depending on the branch and time of day you explore.
Huntington does a soft credit pull when you open a savings account — this does not affect your credit score. The bank also checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, to verify you have not had problems with previous accounts. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, you may still open an account, but Huntington may require a larger initial deposit or deny the process depending on the reason for the flag.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100 to open a Huntington savings account.
- Online and mobile app accounts open in 15 minutes and fund when ready if you link an existing bank account; in-branch accounts may take one business day.
- Huntington checks ChexSystems but a flag there does not automatically disqualify you — the bank may ask for a higher deposit instead.
- If you already have a Huntington checking account, you can open a savings account without repeating identity verification.
Opening online or through the mobile app
Start at Huntington's website or open the Huntington mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — Huntington offers a standard savings account and a money market savings account, which typically pays a higher interest rate but requires a larger minimum balance. The app will walk you through entering your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number.
Next, you will verify your identity. Huntington uses a process called knowledge-based authentication, which asks you questions about your credit history that only you should know — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit card accounts. Answer these questions accurately. If you answer too many incorrectly, the system will ask you to verify your identity in person at a branch instead.
Once identity verification passes, you will link a bank account to fund your new savings account. You can use a checking account from Huntington or another bank. Enter the account number and routing number, and Huntington will deposit your initial funds when ready. Your savings account will be active within minutes.
Opening in person at a Huntington branch
Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit amount (cash or debit card) to any Huntington branch during business hours. A banker will ask you to choose your account type and will collect the same personal information as the online process — name, address, phone, date of birth, and Social Security number. The banker will also ask about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account, which is standard anti-money-laundering procedure.
The banker will run the identity verification and ChexSystems check while you wait. If both clear, you will sign the account agreement and deposit your initial funds. Your account will be set up on the spot, though it may take one business day for the account to appear in your online banking portal or mobile app. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you request one.
Huntington savings account types and interest rates
Huntington's standard savings account has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $25 minimum balance. Interest rates change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and vary by region — check Huntington's website or ask a banker for the current rate in your area. You can make up to six withdrawals per month without penalty; additional withdrawals may incur a $5 fee each.
The money market savings account typically pays a higher interest rate but requires a $2,500 minimum balance to earn that rate. If your balance falls below $2,500, you will earn a lower rate. This account also has the six-withdrawal limit per month. Money market accounts are useful if you have a larger amount to save and want to earn more interest without moving to a different bank.
Huntington also offers certificates of deposit (CDs), which lock your money for a set period (3 months to 5 years) in exchange for a may provide interest rate. CDs pay more than savings accounts, but you cannot withdraw the money early without paying a penalty. If you are not sure whether you will need the money soon, a regular savings account is more flexible.
What happens if you have a ChexSystems flag
ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check your banking history. Flags appear when you have closed an account with an outstanding balance, written bad checks, or had an account closed by the bank due to fraud or misuse. If you have a flag, Huntington will see it during the process process.
A ChexSystems flag does not automatically mean Huntington will deny your account. The bank may ask you to explain what happened, may require a larger initial deposit (sometimes $500 or more), or may place restrictions on your account such as a lower withdrawal limit. Some flags expire after five years, so if your flag is old, mention that to the banker.
If you want to know what is in your ChexSystems file before you explore, you can request a free report at ChexSystems.com. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your file, and ChexSystems must investigate within 30 days.
Linking your new savings account to online banking
If you opened your account online or through the app, your savings account will appear in your online banking dashboard when ready. If you opened in person, it may take up to one business day for the account to sync with your online banking. Once it appears, you can set up transfers between your Huntington checking and savings accounts, set up automatic transfers, or view your balance and transaction history.
You can also set up alerts — for example, a notification when your balance falls below a certain amount, or when a withdrawal is made. These alerts help you track your savings and catch unauthorized activity. To set up alerts, log into your online banking account, find your savings account, and select "Alerts" or "Notifications" from the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Huntington savings account if I do not have a checking account with them?
Yes. You can open a savings account as your first account with Huntington. You will go through the same identity verification process whether or not you have an existing relationship with the bank. If you open online, you will need to link a bank account from another institution to fund your initial deposit.
What is the minimum balance to avoid fees?
The standard savings account requires a $25 minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fees. The money market savings account requires $2,500 to earn the advertised interest rate; if your balance drops below that, you will earn a lower rate but will not be charged a fee.
How long does it take to receive a debit card?
Debit cards are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. If you opened in person and requested a card, the banker will tell you when to expect it. You can withdraw cash from ATMs or at the teller window while you wait for your card to arrive.
Can I transfer money from another bank into my new Huntington savings account?
Yes. Once your account is open, you can set up an external transfer from another bank. Log into your Huntington online banking, select your savings account, and choose "Transfer Money." You will enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. The transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
What happens if my account sits unused for a long time?
Huntington will not close your savings account for inactivity. However, if your balance falls below the minimum ($25 for standard savings), you may be charged a monthly maintenance fee. Check your account at least once every few months to make sure it remains active and fee-free.