Best Banks and Credit Unions in the Southeast for 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

More from Money

Back to Best Banks

Best National Banks

Best Online Banks