Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Southeast for 2026
Earn up to 4.30% APY*
- Limited Time Offer - New accounts earn a 0.70% APY boost to 4.30% for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit*
- $0 min. balance to earn APY
- Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up
- Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3
- FDIC Insured up to $250k plus up to $3M in supplemental insurance4
- No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6
*Terms Apply
1. Up to $300 Bonus Tiered Disclosure
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
2. APY disclosures
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
3. Fee Policy
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incomingwire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
4. Additional FDIC Insurance
SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
5. ATM Access
We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
6. Early Access to Direct Deposit Funds
Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
7. Overdraft Coverage
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
8. 0.70% Savings APY Boost
Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/sofi-plus SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Earn 4.00% APY* with Barclays' Tiered Savings Account
- $0 Min. Balance to Earn APY on Barclays' Tiered Savings
- No Monthly Maintenance Fees
- Easy Direct Deposits & Online Transfers
- Deposits are FDIC Insured
*Rate as of 11/19/2025
* Barclays Tiered Savings Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) are accurate as of 01/13/2025 and may change at any time without prior notice, before or after the account is opened. The APYs are determined by the Balance Tiers (Tiers) and the amount deposited. The same rate may apply to multiple Tiers and Tiers may change without notice. APY is calculated based on the Tier into which the end of day account balance falls. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. No minimum balance to open, but for interest to post to your account you must maintain a minimum balance that would earn you at least $0.01. Please see the Compare Account Page for current Tier and APY information. The APY for the Barclays Tiered Savings account for balance tiers greater than $250,000 are currently 10X the national average of 0.46% APY, based on the national average of savings account rates published in the FDIC's National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of 09/16/2024.
Earn 3.75% APY* with Platinum Savings
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With a Balance of $5,000 or More*
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Earn 0.25% APY with a Balance of Less than $5k*
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$100 Minimum Deposit to Open Account
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No Account Opening or Monthly Service Fees
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CIT Bank Account is FDIC Insured
*Rate as of 9/23/25
*For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures
*Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance.
*APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of September 23, 2025: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.85% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.
*Based on comparison to the national average Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on savings accounts as published in the FDIC National Rates and Rate Caps, accurate as of September 15, 2025.
Enjoy hassle-free banking and earn 4.20% APY* with no more hidden fees.
- Enjoy free monthly maintenance
- Watch your savings grow with daily compounded interest.
- Deposit anytime, anywhere with unlimited mobile check deposits.
- Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000
*Rate as of 10/10/2025
Despite their smaller size, most regional banks offer the same access to an array of banking products. Like their national counterparts, most offer competitive rates on savings accounts and loans. In the Southeast, there are many banks and credit unions you can use to save for a rainy day or build long-term savings. From community banks to national chains, there are many options to choose from, and picking the right one can feel like a daunting task.
Money researched leading banks and credit unions, including account options, fees, annual percentage yields (APYs), deposit minimums and customer satisfaction ratings to select the best options. Here are the the best banks and credit unions in the Southeast for 2026:
- Suncoast Credit Union - Best Overall
- Wells Fargo - Best for CDs
- SouthState - Best for Interest-Bearing Checking
- First Citizens Bank - Best for Free Checking
- Chase - Best for Customer Satisfaction
*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.
Best Overall: Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida, servicing 39 counties and maintaining a network of 30,000 ATMs. Its high-yield checking account currently offers 7.00% APY on balances under $500, while its high-yield savings account currently offers an APY of 4.50%. Neither of those accounts require minimum opening deposits, nor do they charge monthly maintenance fees. Suncoast also offers its members investing, retirement and trust services.
The credit union's share certificates — the credit union equivalent of CDs — only require a minimum deposit of $50 and currently offer APYs up to 4.50%, while its money market accounts currently offer an APY of 3.00% with no minimum opening balance or monthly maintenance fees. One the down side, if you live in the Southeast but outside of Florida, you'll need to find another banking option.
- Network of 30,000 ATMs
- Exceptionally high APY on high-yield checking accounts
- Above-average APY for high-yield savings accounts
- Branch locations only in Florida
- APY for high-yield checking capped at $500
Best for CDs: Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo's Southeast Division stretches from Florida to North Carolina and includes Georgia, South Carolina and the northeastern tip of Tennessee. In addition to traditional banking products, the financial institution also offers home, auto and personal loans. Both its Clear Access Banking checking account and Way2Save savings account have $5 monthly maintenance fees, which can be waived, and $25 opening balance requirements. Additionally, the savings account offers a below-average APY.
The bank doesn't offer money market accounts, but where Wells Fargo stands out is its CDs. Despite a comparatively higher minimum opening deposit of $2,500, the bank's CDs currently offer APYs up to 4.00%, with terms ranging from three months to 10 years.
- Student accounts available
- Strong footprint across the Southeast
- Competitive APYs for CDs
- No money market accounts
- Fees and minimums for checking and savings accounts
- Comparatively higher minimum deposit for CDs
Best for Interest-Bearing Checking: SouthState
SouthState Bank is a prominent bank in the Southeast that operates branches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. It has a variety of deposit account options, including some without monthly fees and interest-bearing accounts with higher-than-average APYs. The bank has several checking account options, including specialty accounts for teachers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, military service members, veterans and emergency rescue professionals. These accounts have $0 monthly fees, and they include perks like free cashier's checks and they can earn interest.
SouthState operates over 240 branches and ATMs in the Southeast, and it's highly rated for customer satisfaction. The bank isn't available in every southern state, and despite paying competitive rates on CDs, it has lower-than-average APYs on savings accounts. But SouthState offers an interest-bearing checking account that is free for teachers, law enforcement, healthcare providers and members of the military.
- Checking account options without monthly fees
- Interest-bearing checking accounts available
- Higher-than-average APYs on CDs
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings
- Branches not available in all southern states
- Low APYs on savings accounts
- Limited details about CDs online
Best for Free Checking: First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank offers customers a highly rated online banking experience via its powerful digital platform. It also has budgeting tools that you can use to track your spending, create budgets and sub-budgets and view trends over time. First Citizens Bank operates branches in 23 states, and it's highly rated for customer satisfaction. The bank's free checking account doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee and only requires a $50 opening balance.
That said, First Citizens Bank has lackluster APYs on its deposit accounts, with lower-than-average rates on savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. It has stricter withdrawal limits on savings accounts than most banks. While other institutions allow you to make as many as six withdrawals per month without penalty, First Citizens Bank allows just two free withdrawals per month. After that, it charges a $3 fee for each additional withdrawal.
- Powerful digital banking tools
- Highly rated for customer satisfaction
- Robust budgeting tools included
- Lower-than-average APYs on savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs
- Limited CD term options
- Strict withdrawal limits on savings accounts
Best for Customer Satisfaction: Chase
Chase regularly leads the pack in terms of customer satisfaction. The institution finished second in last year's J.D. Power U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study, and 74% of its nearly 14,000 Trustpilot reviews are either four- or five-star ratings. The bank services all 50 states and has a network of 15,000 ATMS.
Chase doesn't offer money market accounts, but it does have accounts specific for students and members o the military. One disadvantage of banking with Chase is its higher-than-average fees for savings ($25 per month) and checking ($15 per month) accounts. However, the bank's CDs require a minimum deposit amount of $1,000 and currently offer APYs up to 4.00%.
- Largest bank in the U.S. by assets makes it very stable
- Exceptional customer satisfaction rating
- Highly rated app provides mobile check deposit and Zelle integration
- Relatively high fees for savings and checking
- Comparatively low APYs
- Does not offer mortgage or auto loans
Compare Savings Accounts rates today
Up to 2-day-early paycheck
Earn up to 4.30% APY*
- Limited Time Offer - New accounts earn a 0.70% APY boost to 4.30% for up to 6 months with eligible direct deposit*
- $0 min. balance to earn APY
- Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up
- Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3
- FDIC Insured up to $250k plus up to $3M in supplemental insurance4
- No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6
*Terms Apply
No monthly maintenance fees
- $0 Min. Balance to Earn APY on Barclays' Tiered Savings
- No Monthly Maintenance Fees
- Easy Direct Deposits & Online Transfers
- Deposits are FDIC Insured
*Rate as of 11/19/2025
Open an account in 5 minutes
- With a Balance of $5,000 or More*
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Earn 0.25% APY with a Balance of Less than $5k*
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$100 Minimum Deposit to Open Account
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No Account Opening or Monthly Service Fees
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CIT Bank Account is FDIC Insured
No hidden fees
Enjoy hassle-free banking and earn 4.20% APY* with no more hidden fees.
- Enjoy free monthly maintenance
- Watch your savings grow with daily compounded interest.
- Deposit anytime, anywhere with unlimited mobile check deposits.
- Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000
*Rate as of 10/10/2025
How we chose the Best Banks of 2026
To determine our list of best banks for 2026, Money evaluated hundreds of the largest retail banks, online banks, credit unions, and regional and state banks, ranked by assets. We then compared opening balance requirements, interest paid, fees and features to determine our top picks.
Money also researched the top banks and credit unions that operate in the Southeast to identify the five best banks in that region, including account options, current APYs, fees and customer service ratings. We prioritized banks with broad branch and ATM networks in the Southeast.
You can read our full methodology here.