The best banks and unions in the southeast of 2026

Despite their small size, many regional banks offer the same access to many banking products. Like their national counterparts, most offer competitive rates on savings accounts and loans. In the southeast, there are many banks and unions that can be used to save for a rainy day or build long-term capital. From community banks to national chains, there are many options to choose from, and choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task.

Money researched leading banks and credit unions, including account options, fees, annual yields (APYS), deposit rates and customer satisfaction ratings to select the best options. Here are the best banks and unions in the southeast of 2026:

*KilePrices and apps are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 14, 2025.

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida, serving 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 offers 4.50% apy. None of those accounts require minimum opening deposits, and they don’t charge monthly maintenance fees. SunCoont also provides its members with investment, retirement and trust services.

Credit Share Certificates – Credit equivalent to CDs – only require a minimum deposit of $50 and currently offer accounts up to 3.00% currently with no down payment or monthly maintenance fees. Another downside, if you live in the southeast but outside of Florida, you’ll need to find another banking option.

Southgo Fargo’s Southeast division stretches from Florida to North Carolina and includes Georgia, South Carolina and the Northeastern portion of Tennessee. In addition to traditional banking products, the financial institution also offers home, auto and personal loans. Both its clear checking bank account and Way2Save Savings account have a $5 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived, and a $25 balance opening fee. In addition, the savings account offers a central apy.

The bank doesn’t offer money market accounts, but where Fargo Fargo excels are its CDs. Despite the maximum minimum deposit of $2,500, the bank’s CDs currently offer APYS up to 4.00%, with terms ranging from three to 10 months.

SouthState Bank is a prominent bank in the southeast that operates branches in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. It has many deposit account options, including cash without monthly fees and interest accounts with very high apys. The bank has many ways to check the account, including special accounts for teachers, health care providers, members of the law, members who pretend to be born, members of the military, members of Veterans and emergency and emergency specialists. These accounts have a balance of $0

SouthState operates more than 240 branches and ATMs in the southeast, and is highly rated for customer satisfaction. The bank is not available in all Southern States, and despite paying competitive rates on CDs, they have lower APYs than savings accounts. But SouthState offers an interest-free checking account for teachers, law enforcement, health care providers and members of the military.

Citizens Bank offers customers the most personalized Online Banking experience through 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. Citizens Bank operates branches in 23 states, and is highly rated for customer satisfaction. The bank’s free checking account charges no monthly fees and only requires an opening balance of $50.

That means, Citizens Bank Likessens has iRacluster APYS on its deposit accounts, at lower rates than accounts on savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. It has stricter withdrawal limits for savings accounts than most banks. While some institutions allow you to make up to six withdrawals per month without penalty, Citizens Bank only allows one free withdrawal per month. After that, it charges a $3 extra withdrawal fee.

Rushing always leads the pack in terms of customer satisfaction. This institution finished second in JD last year’s US National Banking satisfaction, and 74% of its 14,000 instant reviews were four-star ratings. The bank services all 50 states and has a network of 15,000 ATMs.

Chase does not offer money market accounts, but it does have specific accounts for students and members of the military. Another disadvantage of the bank in chasing its higher fees is the higher savings ($ 25 per month) and checking ($ 15 per month) accounts. However, bank CDs require a minimum deposit amount of $1,000 and currently offer apys up to 4.00%.

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How we chose the best banks of 2026

To determine our list of the best banks in 2026, the money was evaluated by hundreds of the largest retail banks, credit banks, credit unions, and regional and state banks, ranked by assets. We then compare average opening requirements, interest paid, capital and features to determine our top picks.

Money also researched the top banks and unions operating 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 extensive banking and ATM networks in the southeast.

You can read our full guide here.

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