--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Southeast for 2026 description: Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the best banks and credit unions in the Southeast for 2026. editors: - name: Jordan Chussler role: Editor, Investing and Banking url: https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/ bio: Jordan is an investment editor who specializes in topics ranging from traditional equities, retirement savings and income investing to alternative assets and commodities, specifically focusing on gold and other precious metals. He combines his personal interests and professional experience in finance and education to help readers increase their financial literacy and make better investment choices. Jordan is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. education: Lynn University certifications: Certified Personal Finance Counselor at_money_since: 2023 articles: 132 covers: - Banking - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - Weiss Ratings - 24/7 Wall Street - Better Investing - Yahoo Finance - Nasdaq - Investing.com - Marketbeat - MSN Money social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chussler-b3597811/ published: '2025-10-15T13:44:49.000Z' modified: '2025-10-15T13:44:49.000Z' section: Banking tags: - Best - Best Banks 2025–2026 word_count: 928 canonical: https://money.com/best-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Southeast for 2026](https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-South.jpg?quality=85&w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/5f091a72c67f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4116881127&ptid=670988601&ptoken=9841787e5503768b88ab098351ac46d6&zip=20149) **Earn up to 3.10% APY\* & up to $50 or $400 with direct deposit\*** - Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.8 - $0 min. balance to earn APY - Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up - Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3 - Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M on deposits4 - No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6 \*Terms Apply **\[AFFILIATE LINK: Open SoFi Account Today\]** * * * ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7510/medium_8a6feaaf-bb2a-4668-a20d-603241767f86.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/af8a7b754866?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4116881125&ptid=670988601&ptoken=29db593b24c4c6966ad2ddbab0101573&zip=20149) **Earn up to 3.65% APY\* on qualifying balances with a Barclays' Tiered Savings account** - $200 Bonus with qualifying activities. Terms Apply. - No monthly maintenance fees - Easy direct deposits & online transfers - Member FDIC \*Rate as of 6/24/2026 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Barclays Offer\]** * * * ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/250a4c1221a4?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4116881129&ptid=670988601&ptoken=f7e88293856d3ad8dfae77bc79dbdde8&zip=20149) **Earn 4.10% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance** - $5,000 min. balance to earn top APY - $100 minimum deposit to open an account - No account opening or monthly service fees - Member FDIC \*Boosted rate for 6 months; 3.75% APY after. Enter promo code CITBOOST for APY bonus. Rate as of 07/01/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/35396/medium_03f248f6-d7f4-4da6-8f13-322fce5d1be2.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/37b28657c6dd?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4116881130&ptid=670988601&ptoken=e1b3146fc607c983bb26c32c457d625a&zip=20149) **Earn 3.80% APY\* with an Openbank High Yield Savings account** - $500 minimum opening deposit - Keep more of your money with no fees - Trusted device security with quick face or fingerprint login - Member FDIC, Santander Bank, N.A. \*Rate as of 8/24/2026 **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** 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**](#sun) - Best Overall - [**Wells Fargo**](#wells) - Best for CDs - [****SouthState****](#southstate) - Best for Interest-Bearing Checking - [****First Citizens Bank****](#first) - Best for Free Checking - [**Chase**](#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 ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/24147/large_42c998b3-9f5c-45df-a953-d3e6bc329a2a.png) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/l079a3aead4c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [Suncoast Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/y560fe2d6ce5?data-trk-company=suncoast-credit-union-checking-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=y560fe2d6ce5&encoded_id=) 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. **Pros** - Network of 30,000 ATMs - Exceptionally high APY on high-yield checking accounts - Above-average APY for high-yield savings accounts **Cons** - Branch locations only in Florida - APY for high-yield checking capped at $500 ## Best for CDs: Wells Fargo ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15436/large_ebc5ac0e-e430-4b72-91d8-df618c939e52.png) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/w7c61b9b4c7e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [Wells Fargo](https://money.com/pr/n5cbf468790b?data-trk-company=wells-fargo-way2save-savings-account&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=n5cbf468790b&encoded_id=)'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. **Pros** - Student accounts available - Strong footprint across the Southeast - Competitive APYs for CDs **Cons** - No money market accounts - Fees and minimums for checking and savings accounts - Comparatively higher minimum deposit for CDs ## Best for Interest-Bearing Checking: SouthState ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25735/large_ba303fe6-2b7f-4e04-9f9e-9f4bdb84b99c.png) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/k3534a423854?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [SouthState Bank](https://money.com/pr/z5a37a89683e?data-trk-company=southstate-bank-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=z5a37a89683e&encoded_id=) 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](https://money.com/best-military-banks-and-credit-unions/). **Pros** - Checking account options without monthly fees - Interest-bearing checking accounts available - Higher-than-average APYs on CDs - Strong customer satisfaction ratings **Cons** - Branches not available in all southern states - Low APYs on savings accounts - Limited details about CDs online ## Best for Free Checking: First Citizens Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25736/large_82a561fa-dd52-4655-8979-0e40451a9c9d.png) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/ve3a020b6ac5?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [First Citizens Bank](https://money.com/pr/g54f1286a313?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%252F) 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. **Pros** - Powerful digital banking tools - Highly rated for customer satisfaction - Robust budgeting tools included **Cons** - 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 ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7495/large_dff023d1-5f3a-49fc-aedb-c13cafc62863.webp) [Sign Up](https://money.com/pr/aea075b390d4?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [Chase](https://money.com/pr/i7be8f252370?amp%3Bdata-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&%3Bdata-trk-pcu-uuid=i7be8f252370&%3Bencoded_id=) 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%. **Pros** - 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 **Cons** - 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 ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/053ffe948050?bidid=4116881138&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=670988602&ptoken=429d0732d5b65a8faa118ccfbac3aec7) ### No monthly maintenance fees ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7510/medium_8a6feaaf-bb2a-4668-a20d-603241767f86.png) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/f4e4033490da?bidid=4116881137&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=670988602&ptoken=cebeda9bad1a6dc248a1181b175ef9fa) ### Open an account in 5 minutes ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/af2f678bc274?bidid=4116881139&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=670988602&ptoken=f8f5e9584046f4bcbdb4d04884844625) ### $500 minimum opening deposit ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/35396/medium_03f248f6-d7f4-4da6-8f13-322fce5d1be2.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/adcfb42a55d4?bidid=4116881140&pmeta=p129-c561-u25621&ptid=670988602&ptoken=9a69d55cff9c8e180cecdb2f36d43374) ## 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. 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