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South Carolina continues to attract new residents with its growing job market, warm climate, and low cost of living. Whether you’ve just moved or lived here for years, choosing the right bank can make a big difference in how you manage your money.
From local banks with deep community roots to national names and online options with top-tier features, South Carolina has something for everyone. Below is a curated list of the best banks in the state to help you find the right fit.
12 Best Banks in South Carolina
To help you narrow it down, we’ve reviewed the best banks in South Carolina based on fees, features, accessibility, and account options.
TD Bank is a well-established national bank with 77 branches across South Carolina.
Locations include Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Summerville, and many more.
Its Convenience Checking account waives the $15 monthly fee with just a $100 daily balance.
New customers can also earn up to a $300 bonus by meeting early deposit requirements.
TD Bank offers competitive rates on savings accounts and CDs, along with a highly rated mobile app for easy account management.
Other perks include 24/7 customer service and a grace period for resolving overdrafts—making it a practical, customer-friendly option for South Carolina residents.
Upgrade is a strong option for South Carolina residents seeking a fee-free online bank with cash-back rewards, high-yield savings, and wide ATM access.
The Rewards Checking Plus account has no minimum deposit, monthly fees, overdraft fees, or transfer fees.
You’ll earn up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.
Pair it with the Premier Savings account to earn 4.02% APY on balances over $1,000.
You’ll also get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, making Upgrade a convenient and rewarding choice for digital banking.
The Citizens Bank, founded in Olanta in 1943, remains a trusted community bank with branches in cities like Florence, Lake City, Johnsonville, Sumter, and Myrtle Beach.
It combines personalized in-branch service with convenient digital tools, including online bill pay and mobile check deposit.
One of its most popular options is the TCB Free Checking account, which has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement. You can open an account with just $50.
ATM access is limited to South Carolina, so it may not be ideal for frequent travelers. Still, for local residents, The Citizens Bank is a solid choice, offering competitive personal and business loan options alongside everyday banking services.
Founders Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in South Carolina, with over 30 locations across the Carolinas.
In South Carolina, you’ll find branches in Columbia, Fort Mill, Gaffney, Lancaster, Laurens, Rock Hill, and Spartanburg.
Members can open a free checking account with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirement.
For savings, the Loyalty Savings account offers competitive yields and built-in tools to help grow your balance.
Founders also provides access to the nationwide CO-OP ATM network. With strong rates on CDs, auto loans, and rewards credit cards, it’s a solid option for everyday banking in South Carolina.
You can earn competitive returns on both savings accounts and share certificates, with attractive rates for savers.
The credit union also provides competitive options for auto loans and various credit cards, some featuring rewards or low-interest rates, catering to different financial needs.
Truist Bank is a regional bank with a strong presence across South Carolina, including branches in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach.
The Truist One Checking account requires a $50 opening deposit and has no overdraft fees.
While it comes with a $12 monthly fee, you can waive it by maintaining a $500 balance, receiving at least $500 in monthly deposits, or linking a qualifying account.
Savings rates are modest, but Truist offers competitive CD rates and home loan options.
The bank also provides cash-back credit card rewards and a full suite of digital banking tools for added convenience.
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.
However, it’s important to note that its ATMs are confined to South Carolina. So if you often find yourself needing cash while on the road, this bank might not be your best fit.
In terms of checking accounts, First Palmetto Bank offers a free option. But if you tend to keep a higher balance in your bank account, you might benefit more from one of their three interest-bearing checking accounts, each coming with its own set of advantages.
One of the strong points of banking with First Palmetto is the absence of monthly fees, requiring only a $50 initial deposit to get started. Moreover, the bank extends an array of perks, such as robust options for business banking and various home loan opportunities.
First National Bank of South Carolina is a full-service community bank with locations in cities such as Goose Creek, Holly Hill, Ridgeville, and Summerville.
The First Secure Checking account has a low $4.95 monthly fee, which drops to $2.95 with eStatements.
You can open an account with just $50 and there’s no daily balance requirement.
The bank offers savings and money market accounts, plus secured loans for those working on their credit.
Business customers also benefit from a range of commercial banking services and loan options.
United Community Bank is a regional bank with branches across South Carolina, including locations in Anderson, Greenville, Hilton Head Island, and Spartanburg.
Its free checking account comes with no monthly fee if you opt for eStatements. Prefer paper statements?
The $8 fee can be waived with direct deposit and at least one $200+ deposit per month. The account only requires a $50 opening deposit and has no ongoing balance requirements.
Beyond basic banking, United Community offers HSAs, IRAs, and competitive CD and money market options. Customers also have access to wealth management services and tailored business banking solutions.
SouthState Bank, a regional bank with an extensive network of over 240 branches, serves not just South Carolina but also Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
When it comes to checking accounts, you have four options to consider, including one that stands out for having neither a service fee nor an initial deposit requirement.
SouthState Bank also offers a range of savings and money market accounts to meet various financial needs. If you’re in the market for an auto loan, SouthState Bank offers competitive rates to consider.
New customers opening a checking account can even take advantage of a $200 bonus. What sets SouthState Bank apart is its range of credit card options catering to diverse needs.
They offer student credit cards, travel rewards cards, and even a secured credit card for those with aiming to build their credit.
South Carolina Federal Credit Union is accessible to a wide range of people, whether you live in the service area or belong to specific member groups.
Even if you don’t meet these criteria, you can still become a member by opening a Share savings account with a $10 deposit. SCFCU has a quick assessment tool designed to provide insights into your financial habits.
Known for its excellent customer service, South Carolina Federal Credit Union also offers a compelling mix of low fees and competitive rates. Although there’s an $8 monthly fee, meeting certain requirements can have it waived.
The credit union requires a $25 initial deposit to open an account. Once you’re a member, you can access a variety of savings options with competitive rates on savings accounts, share certificates, and money market accounts.
For those looking to finance a home or car, SCFCU offers competitive loan rates. Additionally, you can choose from multiple credit card options.
The People’s Bank is a local South Carolina bank with seven branches across Anderson County, including locations in Anderson, Belton, Iva, and Williamston.
It offers a free rewards checking account with no monthly maintenance fees.
To earn rewards, you’ll need to meet a few simple requirements each month: make at least 10 debit card purchases, receive one external electronic deposit, log in to online banking once, and opt into e-statements.
A $100 minimum deposit is required to open the account.
While ATM access is limited, the bank doesn’t charge for out-of-network usage and refunds up to $25 in third-party ATM fees monthly.
It also offers business banking and wealth management services, making it a versatile local option.
How to Choose the Best Bank in South Carolina
Finding the right bank in South Carolina comes down to what matters most to you—whether it’s low fees, easy access, or digital convenience. Here are the key things to consider:
Account types: Make sure the bank offers what you need, like checking, savings, or CDs.
Fees and minimums: Look for accounts with no monthly fees or easy ways to waive them. Check the initial deposit and minimum balance requirements.
Interest rates: Compare APYs on savings and CDs if growing your money is a priority.
ATM access: A strong ATM network—or fee reimbursements—can help if you withdraw cash regularly.
Digital tools: Choose a bank with a reliable app and solid online features for easy account management.
Customer service: Consider support options, especially if you prefer in-person help or need quick responses.
Focusing on these essentials will help you narrow down the best bank for your financial needs in South Carolina.
Types of Banks in South Carolina
When you’re looking to bank in South Carolina, it’s essential to know the various kinds of banks at your disposal. Each comes with its unique set of advantages and limitations based on your specific needs:
National banks: These are extensive institutions that operate across multiple states. They often provide a comprehensive array of financial products, including checking and savings accounts, investment products, and loans. For instance, Bank of America, Chase, TD Bank, and Wells Fargo are national banks with a significant presence in South Carolina.
Regional banks: These banks operate in several states, but generally concentrate on a specific region. They offer a range of services similar to those of national banks, but with more localized attention. United Community Bank and Truist Bank are examples of regional banks with operations in South Carolina.
Community banks: These smaller banks focus on serving specific communities or local areas. They often provide personalized service, but may not offer as wide a range of financial products. First Palmetto Bank and The People’s Bank serve as good examples of community banks in South Carolina.
Online banks: These are banks without physical branches, operating entirely online. They frequently offer competitive interest rates on deposit accounts and lower fees due to less overhead. SoFi and GO2bank are examples of online banks that serve customers in South Carolina.
Credit unions: These are financial cooperatives owned by their members. They often offer favorable interest rates and lower fees but require certain criteria for membership. Founders Federal Credit Union and South Carolina Federal Credit Union are examples of credit unions operating in South Carolina.
Final Thoughts
South Carolina offers a wide range of banking options, from local community banks to major national names and strong online-only choices. Whether you’re focused on low fees, great customer service, or earning more on your savings, there’s a bank that fits your needs.
Take time to consider what matters most—whether that’s branch access, mobile banking, or rewards programs—and compare your options. Once you find the right fit, managing your finances becomes a whole lot easier.
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience. Her work has been featured on a variety of top finance sites, including Money Under 30, GoBankingRates, Retirable, Sapling, and Benzinga.
