Are you looking for a new bank in South Carolina? Look no further than our list of the best banks in this beautiful state, including many superior local banks.
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Local branches are only half the picture. These five are available nationwide, so they compete with anything in your state and usually pay more to switch.
South Carolina is home to many of the best banks, including several local and community banks. You will find a few national banks like Chase and Wells Fargo in this state if you prefer larger banks.
Our list of the best banks in South Carolina below includes several types of accounts that can help you achieve your financial goals. These accounts range from checking and savings to money market and retirement accounts.
When you bank with the best in South Carolina, you don’t have to worry about pesky fees and hidden charges. Instead, you can focus on saving for that trip abroad, a new addition to your house, or buying a new car.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in South Carolina? Let’s get started!
15 Best Banks in South Carolina
While not all of the banks in South Carolina won’t offer the best bank account bonuses, they do give customers a memorable, personable experience. That’s one of the many perks of working with a local or community bank.
The bar is low and it is written down. Open a new Total Checking account and get $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits in within 90 days of enrolling. The total is cumulative rather than per deposit, so a couple of normal paychecks does it, and Chase pays the bonus within 15 days of you hitting the number. That $15 monthly fee waives to $0 with $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits in the statement period, a $1,500 daily beginning balance, or $5,000 across linked accounts. Zelle, cash, checks, wires and interest are all excluded from the count.
The bonus is not the only reason to look. Chase runs 43 branches in South Carolina, plus more than 5,000 nationwide and over 14,000 fee-free ATMs. Forty-three branches covers the Charleston, Columbia and Greenville corridors reasonably well, with the app and the ATM network handling the rest. Zelle is built in and you can add a Chase savings account or credit card later under one login.
The catch worth naming: the bonus is only for people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. Chase reports it to you on a 1099-INT, so set a little aside for tax. If that describes you, open a Total Checking account and claim the $400.
Charleston rent and a South Carolina summer electricity bill are the two line items that break budgets here, and neither one negotiates. Columbia and Greenville have tightened too. When the power bill lands in August and payday is nine days out, you are not short of money so much as short of timing.
Current closes that gap. Set up $1,500 or more in Eligible Payroll Deposits within your first 35 days using code WELCOME75 and you get $75. The $1,500 is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks get you there, and the bonus usually shows up within about ten business days. After that you can pull up to $1,000 of your next paycheck early through Paycheck Advance, with no interest and no credit check.
There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Read the deposit rule carefully, because it is the one place people trip: only genuine payroll direct deposits count. Non-payroll ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-time deposits like a tax refund are all excluded. Worth being precise about the coverage too: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and the debit card come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC, so your deposits get pass-through FDIC coverage up to $250,000 through those partner banks.
New customers only, and it is worth doing in the order above: open the account, enter WELCOME75, then point your payroll at it. Switch your paycheck and claim the $75 here.
Bank of America, one of the largest banks in the U.S., operates as a national bank with its headquarters in North Carolina. The bank offers various financial services, including three checking account options for various needs.
Bank of America’s SafeBalance Banking Checking Account is available for individuals over 16. Notably, this account does not charge overdraft fees.
While this account incurs a monthly fee of $4.95, you can waive this fee based on specific criteria. For savings needs, Bank of America provides a single savings account option.
This account requires a minimum deposit of $100 and carries an $8 monthly maintenance fee. However, the APY for this account may be less competitive.
In addition to checking and savings accounts, Bank of America offers a wide range of financial products and services. These include cards, IRAs, CDs, business banking solutions, investment banking services, and lending options.
Previously known as Carolina Collegiate Federal, Caro offers a second-chance checking account that only requires a $25 one-time deposit. The Rebound Checking account has no minimum balance and allows you to repair your damaged banking history.
This second-chance checking account requires you to set up a direct deposit. You must also pay a $15 monthly fee that you cannot waive.
Once you keep your account in good standing for a period, you can transfer your funds to a standard checking account. You’ll find two Caro locations in Columbia and one in Spartanburg.
Carolina Trust Credit Union offers a second-chance checking account known as Encore Checking. This account requires a monthly fee.
However, if you maintain a positive account status for a year, you can transfer to a standard free checking account. Carolina Trust Credit Union allows customers to replace their ATM card with a Visa debit card after maintaining good account behavior for six months.
Carolina Trust Credit Union has seven branch locations across Conway, Johnsonville, Surfside Beach, Lake City, and Little River. You can also visit two locations in Myrtle Beach.
First Citizens Bank is a national bank headquartered in North Carolina. This full-service financial institution operates an extensive network of 270 branches in South Carolina.
You can choose from three types of First Citizens Bank checking accounts. The Free Checking account, while not bearing interest, requires a minimum deposit of $50 and does not have any monthly fees.
Account holders also benefit from a complimentary Visa debit card and overdraft protection. First Citizens Bank provides Prestige Checking and Premier Checking options for customers looking to earn interest on their checking accounts.
These accounts require a minimum deposit of $100 and have monthly fees that can be waived by meeting specific requirements. In addition to checking accounts, First Citizens Bank offers an Online Savings Account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
Customers can conveniently open this account online with a minimum deposit of $50. However, it’s worth noting that the APY for online savings accounts may be less competitive than online-only banks’ rates.
If you’re looking for some of the best checking accounts in South Carolina, look no further than First Reliance Bank. This bank offers its Simple Checking account, which requires a $25 initial deposit.
The Simple Checking account has no monthly fees if you sign up for eStatements. Otherwise, the monthly fee is $5.
You can find First Reliance Bank locations in the following South Carolina cities:
Florence
Lexington
West Columbia
Mount Pleasant
Charleston
Summerville
Winston-Salem
Greenville
Simpsonville
Myrtle Beach
Lake Norman
First Reliance Bank also offers free automatic bill pay, debit cards, and online and mobile banking. You can also find thousands of ATMs nationwide to access your funds.
Founders Federal Credit Union offers a variety of benefits to its members, including a free Visa debit card and no monthly fees. There are 18 convenient Founders Federal Credit Union branch locations throughout South Carolina.
You must meet specific membership requirements to join Founders Federal Credit Union. These requirements include working, studying, worshiping, volunteering, or living in the following counties:
Chester
Chesterfield
Laurens
Union
Residents of the Town of Wellford and the Town of Duncan are also eligible. You can also join if a family member has already joined the credit union.
HopeSouth Federal Credit Union offers a second-chance checking account known as Fresh Start Checking. You should contact them directly for specific information on how to qualify and any associated fees.
Once you enroll in Fresh Start Checking and maintain good standing, you may have the opportunity to apply for a standard checking account. HopeSouth Federal Credit Union also provides a basic checking account that does not have monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
With a single branch location in Abbeville, HopeSouth Federal Credit Union focuses on providing local service and support to its members. It ranks high among the best banks in South Carolina.
The People’s Bank is a community bank dedicated to serving Anderson County and the surrounding area. This bank offers a selection of financial products and services.
The People’s Bank provides two checking account options, including a Rewards Checking account. This account offers the advantage of earning interest and has no monthly fees.
With a Rewards Checking account, you also receive a debit card and access to convenient bill-pay services. You must deposit $100 to open a Rewards Checking account.
The People’s Bank offers a traditional savings account with a minimum deposit of $100. Additionally, they provide other savings options such as money market accounts and CDs.
This South Carolina bank also offers credit cards, HSAs, and IRAs. The People’s Bank supports personal and business banking needs, providing services such as loans, insurance, and investment accounts.
The People’s Bank also offers personal loans to help individuals meet their financial objectives. While The People’s Bank has a strong presence in South Carolina, it has limited branch locations outside the state.
Truist Bank, a regional bank, is the result of a merger between SunTrust Bank and BB&T. With a vast network of 2,500 branches spread across 15 states, Truist Bank offers convenient accessibility to its customers.
Truist Bank provides two checking account options. Although non-interest-bearing, the no-frills Truist One Checking account requires a minimum deposit of $50.
This account carries a monthly fee of $12, which can be waived by meeting specific criteria. Additionally, Truist Bank offers a tiered range of rewards for qualifying accounts.
The bank’s savings account enables automatic funds transfers to your checking account. Opening this account requires a minimum deposit of $50, and it incurs a monthly fee of $5, which can also be waived by meeting certain conditions.
In addition to checking and savings accounts, Truist Bank offers various financial services. These services include credit and debit cards, loans, business banking solutions, investment accounts, and retirement services.
United Community Bank requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open an account. While the APY for their savings accounts may be lacking, they offer convenient mobile and online banking services.
United Community Bank provides exceptional customer service to its clients as a full-service bank. There are approximately 90 locations nationwide, including around 30 in South Carolina.
The United Community Bank app offers various features such as bill pay, mobile check deposit, an ATM/branch locator, and account balance history. The bank provides several checking account options, including free, interest-bearing, investment, and student accounts.
United Community Bank offers five types of checking accounts to cater to different needs. The United Essential Banking account is a non-interest-bearing account that requires a $25 minimum opening deposit.
This particular bank account provides features such as overdraft protection and a debit card. However, it does have a $5 monthly fee.
United Community Bank also offers money market accounts, standard and student savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, HSAs, credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. While United Community Bank may not be known for having the best money market accounts or rates, it’s a one-stop financial shop for South Carolina residents.
Vital Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start second-chance checking account to assist individuals who may have encountered banking challenges. This account carries a $15 monthly fee without a minimum balance requirement.
You must set up a direct deposit to qualify for the Fresh Start checking account. However, if you maintain good standing for a few months, you can transfer to a basic checking account.
Vital Federal Credit Union is NCUA-insured. The credit union has locations in Spartanburg and Duncan.
You must live, work, worship, or attend a trending school in Spartanburg County to be eligible for membership. If you have a family member who is already a credit union member, they can assist in getting you qualified.
14. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a reliable banking choice for South Carolinians, offering branches and ATMs in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. The Everyday Checking account comes with a $325 bonus for new customers.
Open an account with $25 and set up $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days to claim your reward. With fraud protection and user-friendly digital tools, Wells Fargo makes managing your money in the Palmetto State a breeze.
This regional bank offers some of the best checking accounts for a full-service bank. You can choose from five checking accounts in total, including:
Freestyle Checking
Lifestyle Checking
eStyle Checking
eStyle Plus Checking
Premierstyle Checking
Choose the Premierstyle Checking account, and you can get your first order of checks free. First National Bank also offers savings accounts, mortgages, loans, investment planning, insurance, and business accounts.
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South Carolina banking questions, answered
Which bank has the biggest sign-up bonus in South Carolina?
Chase Total Checking pays the biggest bonus on this list: $400 once your qualifying direct deposits total $1,000 or more within 90 days of opening. It is cumulative, so two or three normal paychecks clear it, and the cash lands within 15 days. You also get branch access across South Carolina, plus 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs nationwide.
Which bank can spot me money when I need it?
Current lets you draw up to $1,000 of your next paycheck early, with no interest and no credit check. New customers can also earn a $75 bonus with code WELCOME75 after $1,500 or more in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank; banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC.
How many banks are there in South Carolina?
There are over 70 different banks in South Carolina. These banks operate almost 1,200 physical branches in the Palmetto State. Most are community banks with a handful of branches, so the shortlist above sticks to the ones pairing statewide access with low fees. Our best checking accounts roundup covers nationwide options too.
Which banks in South Carolina offer free checking accounts?
First Citizens Bank, United Community Bank, and Carolina Trust Credit Union offer free checking accounts. Many banks offer free accounts if you meet specific balance or deposit requirements. Read the fee schedule first. Our guide to the best checking accounts compares more no-fee options in South Carolina.
What is the largest bank in South Carolina?
United Community Bank is the largest bank in South Carolina. Wells Fargo and First Citizens Bank also have a large presence in this state. Branch count matters less than it used to. If you bank mostly from your phone, compare the monthly fee and the sign-up bonus instead, which is what our best bank account bonuses roundup tracks.
Become a Banking Pro with the Best Banks in South Carolina
Did you know that South Carolina doesn’t have a pro sports team? Even though South Carolina might not play ball like the other states do, it certainly offers its residents superior banks and credit unions.
We hope this article helps you find some of the top banks in South Carolina, including those that offer new members a welcome bonus. When you get a little reward for signing up, it makes the hassle worth the while.
The best banks in South Carolina can’t be found anywhere else, at least in how they show up in this state. Now that you know more about the best banks, which one will you choose?
$400 once your direct deposits total $1,000. You have 90 days from enrolling, and it is cumulative rather than one big deposit.
Paid within 15 days of hitting the requirement.
$15 monthly fee, waivable four ways. $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily balance, $5,000 average across linked accounts, or linking a qualifying checking account. Zelle, cash, checks and wires do not count.
More than 5,000 branches and 14,000 ATMs.
Bonus paid within 15 days, and it is closed to existing Chase checking customers.
Pros & Cons
$400 for $1,000 of direct deposits, the best ratio here
Up to $450, and it is three separate bonuses. $25 for opening and depositing $50 or more within 25 days, $25 more for enrolling in SoFi Plus, and up to $400 on direct deposit.
The $400 tier is strict. Eligible direct deposits totalling $5,000 or more inside 25 calendar days. $1,000 to $4,999.99 pays $50, under $1,000 pays nothing.
No fees and no minimums, and savings earns 3.30% APY with eligible direct deposit activity.
Only real payroll counts. Check deposits, Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Wise, wires and IRS tax refunds are excluded.
Paid within about 7 business days. The direct deposit bonus runs to December 31, 2026, and SoFi lists the two $25 bonuses as running October 1 to October 21, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Three bonuses stack to $450 if you qualify for all of them
3.30% APY on savings with eligible direct deposit
No monthly fee, no minimum, no overdraft fee
SoFi Bank, N.A. is itself a Member FDIC bank
Bonus pays within about 7 business days
The $400 tier needs $5,000 in eligible direct deposits
$1,000 to $4,999.99 pays only $50
Deposits are totalled over just 25 calendar days
P2P, wires, check deposits and tax refunds do not count
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited. The welcome bonus is tiered: $40 at $10,000, $100 at $25,000, $200 at $50,000, $425 at $100,000 and $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100 on top.
Code STACK has to be entered at sign-up, and it is new customers only.
The first deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026. Balances then have to be maintained for 90 days, and the cash lands within 30 days of qualifying.
Raisin is not a bank. It is a marketplace over 100+ partner banks and credit unions. Your money sits at the partner institution through a custodial bank, so cover is pass-through FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000 per institution.
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open a product. APY up to 4.40%, accurate as of September 28, 2026.
Pros & Cons
Access to 100+ partner banks and credit unions from one login
Up to 4.40% APY, well above a typical bank savings rate
No platform fees and a $1 minimum to open
Spreading across partners can reach $10M+ in FDIC or NCUA coverage
Move money between savings products as rates change
The $1,000 headline needs $200,000 deposited
First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026
Balances have to be maintained for 90 days
Code STACK must be entered at sign-up, new customers only
$1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days. This is the requirement people miss. It is cumulative, not a single deposit.
$75 with code WELCOME75. New customers only, and the code has to be entered at signup.
Paid within about 10 business days of your deposits reaching $1,500.
Transfers do not count. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits like a tax refund are all excluded.
No credit check to open, and up to $1,000 before payday. Instant access carries a fee, or wait up to 3 days for free.
Current is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both FDIC members, so cover is pass-through up to $250,000.
Pros & Cons
No credit check to open
$0 monthly fee
Up to $1,000 of your paycheck before payday
No credit check on Paycheck Advance, and repayments are not reported
Realistic approval after a past bank closure
Needs $1,500 in eligible payroll deposits within 35 days
Smallest bonus here at $75
Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and PayPal do not count
Current is a fintech, not a bank, so FDIC cover is pass-through
Instant advances carry a fee unless you wait 3 days
3.75% APY on balances of $5,000 or more, and 0.25% below that. It is tiered, so your end-of-day balance sets the rate and it is paid on the whole balance.
$100 minimum to open, and no account opening or monthly service fees.
CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category. Deposits across First Citizens divisions are combined for that limit.
Opening takes about five minutes online.
APYs accurate as of July 1, 2026 and variable, so confirm before funding.
Every figure above comes from each provider’s own page. For the full breakdown of the checking bonuses, including what counts as a qualifying direct deposit at each bank, see our guide to the best checking accounts.
CIT Platinum Savings APYs are accurate as of July 1, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. $100 minimum to open. CIT Bank is a division of First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.
Raisin bonus: new customers only, code STACK required at sign-up. Welcome Bonus is $40 at $10,000 through $900 at $200,000 or more, plus a Savings and CD Boost of $10 to $100. First deposit must be initiated by October 31, 2026 and balances maintained 90 days. Raisin is not a bank; deposits are held at FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions through a custodial bank. APY accurate as of September 28, 2026. Raisin charges no platform fees.
Before you go
Two accounts that pay you to switch
Both are open to residents of every state. The only real difference is how much you have to move to earn it.
Brian Meiggs founded My Millennial Guide and has spent over a decade writing about money. He tries every app and product before it goes on the site. No fluff, no guesswork. Named to the Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 earlier this year, and featured in WSJ, Business Insider, and Entrepreneur. Off the clock: chess, the gym, a quiet night in.
