--- title: Best Banks and Credit Unions of the Southeast for 2027 description: Money looked at dozens of financial institutions to find the best banks and credit unions of the Southeast for 2027. authors: - name: Kat Tretina role: Contributor url: https://money.com/author/kat-tretina/ education: B.A in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College, M.A. in Communications from West Chester University at_money_since: 2025 articles: 31 covers: - Banking - Insurance - Loans former_staff: true 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: 133 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: '2026-10-14T14:57:31.000Z' modified: '2026-10-14T17:47:07.000Z' section: Banking tags: - best banks word_count: 850 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 of the Southeast for 2027](https://img.money.com/2024/09/Best-Banks-2024-Ranking-States-South-mbci_9st04__8ot54y.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/dc54f615d6c8?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655648&pmeta=p129-c561-u44181&ptid=683264005&ptoken=bc0b1cbead4516fb51c83d1db3be9813&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Up to 3.30% APY² with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period.** - Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.20% 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/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/e6428a554e66?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655650&pmeta=p129-c561-u44181&ptid=683264005&ptoken=6b6c1a4b62d3a0cd540fd20e8877d261&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn 4.25% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance when you open a Platinum Savings Account** - $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 BOOST50 for APY bonus. Rate as of 9/29/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![Sign Up](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [Sign Up](https://money.com/go/79405e08f023?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655651&pmeta=p129-c561-u44181&ptid=683264005&ptoken=2977aa8ebaf084b18bbac2972a982996&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) **Earn Up to 4.35% APY (inclusive of 0.35% APY Boost)\*\*** - $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. Rates as of 10/14/2026 \*\*New Customers only. Terms Apply. Santander Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The APY Boost will apply for (6) months from the date the account is opened. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** ## Key Takeaways - Bank OZK claims the top spot in Money's rankings of the best banks and credit unions of the Southeast for 2027. Bank OZK combines brick-and-mortar convenience with competitive rates and top customer satisfaction scores in JD Power studies. - Other winners were recognized for their higher-than-average APYs, fee waivers and account perks. United Community Bank was highlighted for its fee-free student/children savings accounts, PNC for its versatile CD terms and Regions Bank for its low-deposit money market options. - Money's selection criteria emphasizes assets, rates and customers satisfaction. The 2027 regional rankings evaluated major community and regional financial institutions in the Southeast based on asset size, fee structures, CD and money market APYs as well as JD Power Direct Banking Satisfaction scores. Regional banks and credit unions have smaller service areas, but they tend to offer a comprehensive range of banking products. And because of their smaller size, they can often offer higher annual percentage yields (APYs) than large financial institutions with nationwide footprints. To identify the best banks and credit unions of the Southeast, Money looked at the largest regional and community financial institutions based on their consolidated assets and evaluated their account options, fees and rates. Here are the the best banks and credit unions of the Southeast for 2027: - **[Bank OZK](#ozk):** Best Overall - **[United Community Bank](#united):** Best for Savings Accounts - **[SouthState Bank](#south):** Best for Checking Accounts - **[PNC Bank](#pnc):** Best for CDs - **[Regions](#regions):** Best for Money Market Accounts \**Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 9, 2026.* ## Open a High-Yield Savings Account today and start earning interest ### Take advantage of an FDIC insured, High-Yield Savings Account from SoFi®. Click on your state and find out more. [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/b6d40efa5682?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F) ## Best Overall: Bank OZK ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40837/large_6380bca2-b23d-4216-8603-674c41f728b2.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/e3367acd6917?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [Bank OZK](https://money.com/pr/k96edcf534b3?data-trk-company=bank-ozk-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=k96edcf534b3&encoded_id=) is a community bank that operates locations in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. If you live in an eligible state, Bank OZK combines the convenience of a traditional brick-and-mortar bank with the low fees and higher rates you typically see with digital banks. For example, you can qualify for an APY as high as 4.2% on some CDs with Bank OZK. It also offers multiple checking account options with low minimum opening deposit requirements. Although its checking accounts charge monthly fees, you can easily qualify for a fee waiver by enrolling in direct deposit by meeting average daily balance requirements or completing a certain number of debit card transactions each month. Bank OZK has a strong reputation for stellar customer service. It ranked second out of 15 banks in the Southeast region in the JD Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study. **Pros** - Highly rated in the JD Power study - Higher-than-average APYs on CDs - Multiple fee waivers on checking accounts **Cons** - Doesn't disclose APYs on money market accounts or savings accounts - $50 minimum deposit for checking accounts - Operates in limited states ## Best for Savings Accounts: United Community Bank ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40838/large_228748cb-7297-4f06-b55d-71575ce7ebb1.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/m638af20f1f9?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [United Community Bank](https://money.com/pr/ha777ae35253?data-trk-company=united-community-bank-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=ha777ae35253&encoded_id=), which operates branches and ATMs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, offers multiple savings account options, including accounts for students and children without monthly service fees. Its main savings account, United Savings, requires a $100 minimum deposit, and you can qualify for a fee waiver if you maintain a daily balance of $100. It also has money market accounts and CDs with significantly higher-than-average APYs. Notably, the bank ranked first overall in the Southeast region in the JD Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study. ​​ **Pros** - Top-rated for customer satisfaction in the JD Power Study - Accounts with no monthly fees for kids and students - High APYs on money market accounts and CDs **Cons** - $100 minimum to open an account - Fees on some deposit accounts - Savings accounts limited to six withdrawals per quarter ## Best for Checking Accounts: SouthState Bank ![](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=) operates in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The bank is well-known for its banking products and customer service, and it was ranked fifth out of 15 banks in the Southeast region in the J.D. Power Direct Banking Satisfaction Study. SouthState has several checking account options, including fee-free checking and interest-bearing accounts, and its accounts offer online banking tools. Its premium Gold Checking account earns interest and has added benefits, such as free custom checks, a 3-by-5-inch safety deposit box rental, up to five foreign ATM fee reimbursements per cycle and free cashier's checks. SouthState also has the Community Hero Checking account for educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement and military service members or veterans. This account earns interest, has no monthly maintenance fees and includes perks like free cashier's checks and free custom checks. **Pros** - No minimum deposit requirement for checking accounts - Extra perks on some accounts - Highly rated in the JD Power study **Cons** - Some accounts can only be opened in person at a branch - Lower-than-average APYs on savings and money market accounts - Limited CD terms ## Best for CDs: PNC ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/8109/large_334c78a9-8089-450d-af68-0348d02e39eb.png) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/c0c5eee6196b?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [PNC](https://money.com/pr/yff9267a6af4?data-trk-company=pnc-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=yff9267a6af4&encoded_id=) operates branches in 28 states, with a strong presence in the Southeast, including branches in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. PNC's CD terms range from seven days to 10 years — a broad range of term options — and it offers higher-than-average APYs. Depending on the term you choose, you could earn an APY as high as 4.25% with PNC's CDs. However, you will need to deposit at least $1,000 to open one. The bank offers numerous other products, including checking accounts and savings accounts. While its savings account has a lower-than-usual APY, its check accounts have perks like easy-to-qualify-for fee waivers and ATM fee reimbursement. **Pros** - Higher-than-average APY on CDs - Wide range of CD terms - Physical branches in the Southeast **Cons** - Poor Trustpilot reviews - Fees on some deposit accounts - Low APYs on savings accounts ## Best for Money Market Accounts: Regions ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40429/large_7a2d4046-814f-4204-8f01-507656d25a51.webp) [SEE OFFER](https://money.com/pr/t861c35cc972?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&url=) [Regions](https://money.com/pr/a4a929ed87c2?data-trk-company=regions-bank-savings-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=a4a929ed87c2&encoded_id=) has a larger service area than most regional banks. It operates branches in 15 states, primarily in the South and Midwest. You can open a money market account with Regions with as little as $25, and APYs on those accounts range between 1% and 3.25% depending on your account balance. Money market accounts at Regions do have a monthly fee, but you can qualify for a fee waiver if you have a balance of $15,000 or open and maintain a Regions LifeGreen Preferred Checking account. The bank also offers accounts specifically tailored to teens and seniors. **Pros** - Higher-than-than-average APYs on money market accounts - Low minimum deposit requirement for money market accounts - Low minimum deposit requirement for CDs **Cons** - Monthly fees apply to most accounts - Limits on number of withdrawals per month for money market accounts - Lower-than-average APYs on savings accounts ### Up to 2-day-early paycheck ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/1990c30715b5?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655661&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264006&ptoken=68e1a4023f848bf0a571ce1ff3bd03cf&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### Open an account in 5 minutes ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/e26c60a12941?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655663&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264006&ptoken=6260000332355fc6d9aa078796506242&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ### $500 minimum opening deposit ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/4fa29881d867?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-banks-and-credit-unions-southeast%2F&bidid=4222655664&pmeta=p129-c561-u39720&ptid=683264006&ptoken=b1685176dcf31a4870b64d5c1f24dc39&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215) ## FAQs ### What is a regional bank, and how does it differ from a national or online bank? A regional bank operates within a specific geographic area or multi-state region, sitting in the sweet spot between small community banks and massive national institutions. Unlike national banks, which maintain thousands of branches across the country, regional banks focus their resources locally. Unlike online banks, which have lower overhead due to no physical locations, regional banks offer full-service physical branches alongside modern digital platforms. ### Why would I choose a regional bank over an online bank with higher interest rates or a national bank with branches across the country? Regional banks offer a balance of personalized service and competitive terms. Compared to national banks, regional banks feature localized underwriting, lower average account fees and bank officers who understand regional economic conditions. Compared to online banks, regional banks provide physical locations for cash deposits, notary services and face-to-face banking services, while still providing access to competitive APYs and modern mobile apps. ### Are my deposits as safe at a regional bank as they are at a giant national bank? Yes, your deposits are just as safe in a regional bank as they are in a national bank. Reputable regional banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. ## How we chose the best banks of the Southeast for 2027 To determine our list of best banks, 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. We prioritized banks with broad branch and ATM networks in the Southeast. AI was not used in the sourcing of Best Banks data, the analysis of that data or the content subsequently produced by Money's editorial team. 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