As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, South Carolina is drawing residents from all over. But whether you’re new to the state or you’ve been around a while, it’s important to find a bank that can help you reach your financial goals.
South Carolina has no shortage of banks, from small community credit unions to large corporate banks. You’ll also find plenty of online and mobile banking options that are available wherever you live. Here’s a look at the 14 best banks in South Carolina to get you started on your search.
14 Best Banks in South Carolina
Do you need a bank with branches nearby that you can regularly visit, or is it more important to find banks with full-featured mobile banking apps? The below list has a bit of everything to cover all the South Carolina options.
1. The Citizens Bank
The Citizens Bank has been an important part of the Olanta community since 1943. Today, it’s become one of the best local South Carolina banks, with branches throughout the state. The Citizens Bank strives for top-quality in-person service while still providing all the tools you’ll need to manage your account online.
You can choose between five checking account options, including TCB, a free checking account that includes all the basics with no fees or balance minimums. If you travel often, keep in mind that the bank’s ATMs are limited to South Carolina, so you’ll need to grab cash before you leave town.
Fees:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- $32 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirement
ATMs:
- Access to The Citizens Bank ATMs
Rates:
- Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Some ATMs accept deposits
- Business and personal loans available
2. Chime
With a Chime Checking Account, you won’t encounter monthly fees. Additionally, you won’t be charged overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees. Boost your credit score with the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Card, which is free from annual fees, credit inquiries, and interest charges.
Enjoy access to more than 60,000 MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can deposit money at over 8,500 Walgreens locations without any cost. It’s a top pick if you don’t need a bank with brick-and-mortar branches.
Fees:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No overdraft fees
Requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
- Access to 60,000+ ATMs nationwide
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- 2.00% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
- Access to direct deposits up to two days early
- Deposit cash at 90,000+ retail partners nationwide
3. First Citizens Bank
Headquartered in North Carolina, First Citizens Bank has branches throughout South Carolina, as well as in 19 other states. You can choose from multiple checking accounts, including a free checking option that comes with no minimum balance requirements.
First Citizens does limit its ATMs to its own network, but you’ll find branches and ATMs in 21 states. If you have to use an out-of-network ATM, you’ll pay a $2.50 transaction fee in addition to any fees the third-party ATM owner charges.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
- $10 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
- Access to First Citizens Bank ATMs
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- 0.03% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 4.76% APY on CDs
- Up to 0.15% APY on money market savings
Additional perks:
- Competitive rates on home improvement loans
- Rewards-earning credit cards
4. Founders Federal Credit Union
Credit unions reinvest their profits into their product offerings, which allows them to often provide higher interest yields and lower costs than competitors. Founders Federal Credit Union has 30 branches in South Carolina and North Carolina, along with access to cash at partner ATMs nationwide.
Founders Federal Credit Union has a free checking account with no minimum daily balance required. You’ll have two savings account options, but the highest yield comes from Loyalty Savings, which includes a variety of tools to help your money work harder for you.
Fees:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- $32 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Access to Founders Credit Union ATMs
- Access to CO-OP ATMs nationwide
- $2 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- Up to 4.07% APY on savings
- Up to 5.46% APY on certificates
Additional perks:
- Competitive rates on auto loans
- Rewards and low-interest credit cards available
5. First Palmetto Bank
Consistently named one of the best small banks in South Carolina, First Palmetto Bank has branches from Greenville to the coast and everywhere in between. ATMs are limited to South Carolina, though, so if you regularly need cash while traveling, it might not be the best choice.
Although Palmetto has a free checking option, if you keep a higher balance, an interest-bearing checking account might be better for you. Palmetto has three, and each has its own benefits.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
- $28 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 minimum deposit to open
ATMs:
- Access to First Palmetto Bank ATMs
Rates:
- Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Robust business banking options
- Variety of home loan options
6. First National Bank of South Carolina
If you’re looking for a national bank headquartered in South Carolina, check out First National Bank of South Carolina. With FNBSC, you get a full-service bank with checking, savings, loans, and business accounts.
The First Secure Checking is only $4.95 a month. You can lower that to $2.95 a month by agreeing to e-statements instead of paper statements. If you need a personal loan, but your credit score falls short, FNBSC has secured loans available.
Fees:
- $2.95 monthly fee
- $34 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 deposit to open
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Access to FNBSC ATMs
Rates:
- Up to 0.25% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 0.15% APY on money market account balances
Additional perks:
- Secured and unsecured personal loans available
- Robust business banking options
7. United Community Bank
United Community Bank is a regional bank with branches in South Carolina, as well as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The bank offers personal and business banking options, including checking, savings, and loans.
Like many banks, United Community Bank has a checking account that’s free as long as you agree to e-statements. If you’d like to stick with paper statements, simply enroll in direct deposit and have at least one $200 deposit each month to waive the $8 monthly fee.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
- $36 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 minimum deposit to open
ATMs:
- Access to 200+ First United Community Bank ATMs
- Access to 1,260+ Publix Presto! ATMs
- $1 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- Up to 0.20% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
- Up to 1.25% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
- Robust business banking options
- Wealth management services available
8. Axos Bank
Axos Bank gives you everything you need to manage your account online. You’ll get access to cash at more than 90,000 ATMs nationwide, as well as unlimited ATM reimbursements if you need to use an out-of-network ATM.
With qualifying direct deposit, you can get a free checking account with no balance requirements. But if you keep a high checking balance, look at the Rewards Checking account, which pays up to 3.20% APY. Currently, Axos is offering a bonus of up to $300 to qualifying Rewards Checking members.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
- No overdraft fees
Requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum balance requirements
ATMs:
- Access to at 90,000+ partner ATMs
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
Rates:
- Up to 0.61% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 0.20% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
- Up to $300 bonus on Rewards Checking account
- No lender fee charged on mortgages
9. GO2bank
GO2bank is an online and mobile banking solution that offers competitive rates on its online savings account. You’ll currently earn 4.50% APY on your balance of up to $5,000, combined between checking and savings.
There is a $5 monthly fee attached to GO2bank’s checking account, but you can waive it by merely getting one direct deposit each month. You won’t have to maintain a minimum balance or make a deposit to open the account. Like other online banking options, GO2bank offers cash access through ATMs and retail partners nationwide.
Fees:
- $5 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
- $15 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- No minimum deposit to open
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Access to Allpoint ATMs nationwide
- $3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction
Rates:
- 4.50% APY on savings accounts
Additional perks:
- Deposit cash at 90,000+ retailers nationwide
- Up to 7% cash back on gift card purchases
10. Truist Bank
Another regional bank with a serious presence in South Carolina is Truist, which formed as a merger between BB&T and SunTrust. Truist has branches throughout South Carolina, as well as in surrounding states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Truist’s free bank account is Truist One, which charges no overdraft fees with only a $50 deposit required to open. The $12 monthly fee can be waived by making at least $500 in deposits each month, having at least a $500 balance, or setting up a qualifying linked account.
Fees:
- $12 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
- No overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $50 minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance required
ATMs:
- Access to Truist Bank ATMs
- $3 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- 0.01% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 5.00% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
- Competitive home loan offerings
- Generous cash rewards with Truist Bank credit card
11. SouthState Bank
SouthState Bank is a regional bank with more than 240 branches and ATMs in South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. You can choose from four checking accounts, including one that comes with no service fee or opening deposit required.
One downside is ATM availability. SouthState’s ATMs are limited to the six states where it has branches. The $3 out-of-network ATM fee can add up if you travel often.
Fees:
- No monthly service fee
- $36 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- No opening deposit required
ATMs:
- Access to SouthState ATMs
- $3 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- 0.50% APY on savings accounts
- 0.50% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
- Competitive rates on auto loans
- $200 bonus for new checking accounts
12. South Carolina Federal Credit Union
South Carolina Federal Credit Union is open to everyone. If you live in the service area or belong to eligible member groups, you can join, but if not, simply open a Share savings account and deposit $10 to join. SCFCU offers a variety of financial tools, starting with a quick assessment that can help you learn more about your spending and saving habits.
Like many credit unions, South Carolina Federal Credit Union offers competitive rates and low fees. But one way SCFCU stands out is in its personal service. The credit union regularly gains notice for its customer service.
Fees:
- $8 monthly fee (waived with requirements)
- $36 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $25 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
- Access to South Carolina Federal Credit Union ATMs
- Access to Allpoint ATMs
- $3 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- Up to 2.25% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 3.11% APY on share accounts
- Up to 3.25% APY on money market accounts
Additional perks:
- Competitive rates on home and auto loans
- Multiple credit card options available
13. Wells Fargo
When it comes to national banks, you can’t go wrong with Wells Fargo, a national bank with a heavy presence in South Carolina. You’ll find branches and ATMs throughout the state, as well as in most of the country while traveling.
The basic checking option is the Everyday Checking Account, which is free as long as you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or deposit at least $500 a month. Currently, you can earn a $300 bonus with this checking account by merely signing up with a $25 deposit and receiving $1,000 or more in qualifying electronic deposits.
Fees:
- $10 monthly service fee (waived with requirements)
- $35 overdraft fee
Requirements:
- $25 deposit to open
- No minimum daily balance required
ATMs:
- Access to Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide
- $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Rates:
- Up to 2.51% APY on savings accounts
- Up to 4.76% APY on CDs
Additional perks:
- $300 bonus on new Everyday Checking Accounts
- Multiple credit card options available
14. The People’s Bank
Serving Anderson County and surrounding areas, The People’s Bank is a full-service bank with seven branches. ATM access is limited, but you won’t pay out-of-network ATM fees, and the bank refunds up to $25 in third-party fees each month.
One thing that sets The People’s Bank apart is its free rewards checking, which starts paying as long as you meet the minimum monthly criteria. That includes at least 10 point-of-sale transactions and one outside electronic deposit.
You’ll also need to log into your online portal at least once monthly and receive e-statements to earn rewards. You will have to deposit at least $100 to open the account, which is on the high end of what banks typically require.
Fees:
- No monthly fees
Requirements:
- $100 minimum opening deposit
ATMs:
- Access to People’s Bank ATMs
- Up to $25 in third-party ATM fees refunded monthly
Rates:
- Rates not publicly disclosed
Additional perks:
- Dedicated commercial banking team
- Wealth management services available
Bottom Line
Whether your priority is low monthly maintenance fees or rewards-earning credit and debit cards, the right banking partner will make it happen. As long as your bank is protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the right bank is a matter of personal preference. It’s easier than ever to find a bank with competitive interest rates and low fees, but hopefully, the above list will help kick off your search.
