Kachi Ogbonna

Best Banks in Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to the Best Banks in Georgia

Georgia is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States,. It is bordered to the north by Tennessee and North Carolina; to the northeast by South Carolina. As to the southeast it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean; to the south by Florida; and to the west by Alabama. It is the 8th most populous state in the US with a population of about 10.8 million people.There are over 200 banks in Georgia with branches spread all over the state. In fact it is practically impossible to find any national bank in the US without a presence in Georgia. Today we shall explore the best banks in Georgia.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Banks in Georgia

When we talk about the best banks in Georgia what exactly are we looking at? Of course there a a few factors that will come into consideration in determining the best banks in Georgia. So in this report we looked at the banks with the best combination of  accessibility and affordability when it comes to account minimum. We also looked at their monthly fees. And finally we we looked at how competitive their interest rates on accounts is.

So this report takes a look at the best banks in Georgia especially as it affects small businesses. So if you are an entrepreneur and looking to make a decision on the best bank in Georgia that meets your need this report is for you.

Overview of the Best Banks in Georgia

1. Ally Bank

How many banks in America offers APY of 0.75% or more to their customers? Very few. And among the prominent names on that generous list is Ally Bank. So Ally Bank is arguably top on the list of best banks in Georgia when it comes to savings account.

But Ally Bank isn’t just strong in terms of their savings offer. They also compete favorably for Interest Checking Account. And this makes for a great combination for anyone looking for strong interest-earning potential. While the savings account offers 0.75% APV the checking account earns a 0.25% APY. This 0.25% APY is however for accounts with a minimum daily balance over $15,000. If your account has a minimum daily balance less than $15,000 the APY on offer is 0.10%.

Another powerful feature with Ally Bank is that there are no monthly fees associated with either of the accounts. And to make things even more beautiful there is no minimum opening deposits. That means you can open Ally Savings or Checking account with $0.

What more?

Ally Bank is part of the Allpoint ATM network which runs 55,000 domestic and international ATMs. So Ally customers can visit any of these ATMs anywhere 24/7 for free. If you’re nowhere near an Allpoint ATM but need cash, Ally will reimburse up to $10 in out-of-network ATM charges per statement cycle.

If you love mobile or online banking Ally has also have you firmly in mind with their offers. Their Mobile App lets you deposit checks on the go, find fee-free ATMs, view account balances and transaction histories and more. Both on Apple and Android App Stores Ally Ally app maintains a near 5 star rating at all times.

Any Disadvantage of Banking with Ally Bank?

Just one. The bank does not have any physical branch. So for traditional customers that might be a bit of a turn off.

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2. Wells Fargo

If you are among those that believe not having physical bank branches where you can meet with representatives is a disadvantage then Wells Fargo is for you. It should be able to top the list of best banks in Georgia in terms of branch network. Apart from 275 branches of Wells Fargo to choose from they also have an array of ATMs. In Georgia alone Wells Fargo has over 725 ATMs. The bank is also not doing badly in terms of mobile and online banking.

Accounts available in Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offers a number of bank accounts. This includes two savings accounts, three CD types, five checking account options and IRAs. Monthly service fees range from $3 to $30, depending on the exact account. There is however a number of ways to waive the fee. One such effective ways is to always meet a minimum balance or transaction amount per month.

Best Bank for Small Businesses

Another very powerful advantage of Wells Fargo is that it is easily Georgia’s biggest small business lender. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to start a small business. Because it is a large national bank, it can also provide business checking accounts, merchant services, and investment options. With this it becomes a simple all-in-one package for business owners.

Any Disadvantage of Banking with Wells Fargo?

• The APY offer on Wells Fargo Savings is paltry 0.01%
• The majority of accounts have monthly fees
• There are minimum deposit requirements up to $25

3. SunTrust Bank

SunTrust Bank offers Georgia customers the second-most physical locations and ATMs. This is second only to Wells Fargo. Georgia residents have access to around 230 SunTrust branches and over 115 ATMs. However the bank has locations in only 11 states and the District of Columbia.

SunTrust also offers a wide variety of bank accounts, including a basic savings account, IRAs, four checking accounts, five CD terms and money market accounts. Most of these accounts do have monthly maintenance fees, ranging from $3 to $25, depending on the account. However, you can get these fees waived entirely by meeting certain requirements. Once again maintaining a minimum balance is always  an easy option for waiving bank maintenance fee among any of the best banks in Georgia.

But for the limitation in the geographical spread SunTrust could easily have been top of the best banks in Georgia.

Any disadvantages of Banking with SunTrust Bank?

• Though it has a good number of branches but it is not widely spread across the states.
• Many of the accounts have high monthly fees
• The APY on essential savings account is equally low at 0.01%

4. Citi Bank

Citi Bank is another bank that has done well for her customers in terms of savings account. The bank has what it calls the CIT Bank Savings Builder account. It offers awesome and attractive savings features. Top of the feature is 0.55% APY. To receive this rate though, you must keep a minimum account balance of $25,000. On the alternative, you can complete at least $100 in deposits per month. But even when you are unable to meet this, you still receive a fair APY of 0.31%. That is really impressive when you compare to other banks of its size. To open an account, you need to make a minimum deposit of $100.

In this 21st century when everyone want to perform almost all banking transactions without visiting the banking hall, Citi Bank is a perfect option too.  When you download CIT’s Apple or Android mobile app, you’ll get to deposit checks remotely, initiate in-house account transfers and read through your account statements in digital form.

What more?

In addition to the Savings Builder account, you can opt for the Premier High-Yield Savings account. There is also the Money Market account and a selection of term CDs, jumbo CDs, no-penalty CDs and CIT’s proprietary “RampUp” CDs.

Did I tell you that there is absolutely no monthly maintenance fees on Citi Bank Accounts? That alone should tell you that it righfully belongs to the league of best banks in Georgia and indeed the US. And finally it has a wide network of ATMs across the state.

Any disadvantages of banking with Citi Bank as one of the best banks in Georgia?

• Must make $100 in monthly deposits or maintain a balance of at least $25,000 to earn top APY

5. Ameris Bank

Another bank doing quite well in terms of savings is Ameris Bank.

Ameris Bank’s Personal Savings Account interest rate varies. The chief determinant being the balance tiers. Expectedly, those with higher balances earns higher rates. These rates ranges from 0.15% to 0.30%. And at that rate it outperforms big-name banks and local counterparts.

However, you will need to have at least $50 to open an account with Ameris Bank. There is also a $12 monthly maintenance fee. This can however be avoided if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $200.

Ameris Bank offers Georgians around 48 branches. But their online banking makes up for any limitation in terms of branch network.

Any disadvantages of banking with Ameris Bank as one of the best banks in Georgia?

• Physical locations limited to two states
• It comes with a minimum deposit of $50
• It can incur monthly charge as high as $12 per month

6. United Community Bank

In a recent customer satisfaction survey, United Community Bank was voted the best for overall satisfaction in all of the Southeast. Certainly when you enter the bank’s website, it immediately brands itself as “The Right Partner” to help you manage your money and achieve your savings goals. United Community Bank also claims that it has earned an average customer satisfaction rating of 98% from Customer Service Profiles.

These are not figures to be taken for granted. So how can the bank not be among the best banks in Georgia?

The bank has 156 branches throughout four states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. There are 65 locations in Georgia alone.

What more?

It is among the few banks that opens some of its branches to customers on Saturdays.

It also offers mobile and online banking services for remote operations.

You’ll have your pick of bank accounts with United Community Bank. From five different checking accounts to a simple savings account to a five-year CD, the bank gives you a number of options to tailor your banking experience to your financial situation.

Any disadvantages of banking with United Community Bank as one of the best banks in Georgia?

• Physical locations limited to four Southern states
• High minimum deposits of $100

7. Renasant Bank

I am yet to see any bank in America offering more than the 1.51 APY Renasant offers her customers on savings and checking account. So this undoubtedly places it among the best banks in Georgia.

With small beginnings in Mississippi, Renasant Bank now boasts one of the highest-earning checking accounts available. The Rewards Checking account offers its customers the opportunity to earn at a 1.51% APY. This rate significantly outperforms most of its big bank and credit union competitors for both savings and checking accounts.

However this high rate does not just apply at all times. There are certain requirements you need to meet to earn that rate. For each qualification cycle, you will need to make at least 10 transactions with your debit card. In addition you also need to have at least one direct deposit or ACH automatic payment post and clear and receive your monthly statement electronically. The qualification cycle starts three business days before the beginning of your statement cycle and ends three business days before the end of your statement cycle.

In a similar vein the APY of 1.51% applies only to balances up to $25,000.

What more?

Another enticing feature of Renasant Bank Rewards Checking account is a medium-level opening balance of $50. Plus up to $25 in ATM fee refunds, a debit MasterCard and unlimited check writing.

Disadvantages of Banking with Renasant Bank

• Renasant accounts charges a monthly fee of $7.5
• Relatively high account minimum deposit compare to some of the best banks in Georgia
• Physical locations limited to five Southern states

8. Chase Bank

You’re going to want a bank that makes managing your money as hassle-free as possible, don’t you?  Especially when you head off to college as a student. Chase Bank offers a solid option for students no matter where you’re going to school. Chase boasts 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches plus the added convenience of excellent mobile and online banking interfaces. This makes accessing your money both at home and at school pretty easy. Chase allows students to waive the Chase College Checking monthly account fee for five years while in school. If you’re not in school, you can still avoid the fee with a direct deposit made to the account each statement cycle or an average ending day balance of at least $5,000.

Not quite ready for college? Chase also has a checking account for high school students, Chase High School Checking. This is for students from 13 to 17 years old. Each student will need a parent or guardian co-owner with their own Chase checking account. As long as these accounts are linked, the student can avoid the monthly service fee. You can also waive the fee with a direct deposit or an average ending balance of at least $5,000 in each statement cycle. Once the student turns 19, the account will convert to a Chase Total Checking®.

Simply put, this is a bank for students.

Disadvantage of Banking with Chase Bank

• Higher interest rates at other banks

9. Bank OZK

If you care so much about free checking account, then Bank OZK is your bank.

The bank was previously referred to as Bank of the Ozark. It is Georgia’s largest bank with a no-fee, neither checking option. Bank of the Ozarks, being a regional bank, primarily serves Southern states, with 71 Georgia locations serving most main cities and towns, notably Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens.

What more?

As a Bank OZK customer you can enjoy up to 4 rebates for non-Bank OZK ATM transactions. In addition to this you also enjoy free incoming wire transfers. Finally you have up to six account withdrawals or transfers per calendar month to avoid a fee.

Disadvantage of Banking with Bank OZK

• Savings Account with Bank OZK involves a minimum deposit of $50
• It also attracts $12 monthly maintenance charge
• If you are the type that enjoys printing statements, it attracts extra charge.

10. Bank of America

Top businessmen are often involved in back to back daily transactions. Unfortunately most banks especially the best banks have limitations on the daily spent. But Bank of America happens to be one among the banks that offers daily spending limit above average.

Similarly, you can withdraw up to $1,000 from ATMs in a single day with Bank of America Core Checking. Moreover, when comparing Chase’s ATM limit of $500 and Wells Fargo’s ATM limit of $300, you’ll see this bank can be far handier to customers who need bigger sums of cash on hand on occasion.

So Bank of America is top of the best banks in Georgia as far as high daily spenders are concerned.

What’more?

You have many routes to avoiding monthly fees. Here are your options:

• Maintain minimum daily balance of at least $500, or

• Link to a qualifying checking account, or

• Enroll in the Preferred Rewards Program. (To enroll, you’ll need to have qualifying accounts with a three-month combined average daily balance of at least $20,000. Other perks include loan discounts and no-fee ATM transactions.)

Disadvantages of Banking with Bank of America?

• It offers a paltry APY of 0.01% which is easily beaten by most other banks and also less than the national average
• It attracts monthly fee of $8
• There is a minimum deposit of $100 on savings account

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Other Great Options for Small Businesses

1. Delta Community Credit Union: Small Business Best Banks in Georgia

Working with a large bank is not your only option. You might choose to work with a credit union. These non-profit, member-owned financial institutions are noted for providing more personalized customer care. Moreover,  They are similar to banks in that they offer a broad range of financial products, but they typically offer greater interest rates and cheaper costs. So,  If you do business in Georgia, Delta Community Credit Union should be on your list.         Additionally,

This credit union provides a number of commercial banking services, including checking and savings accounts, mobile banking, and commercial services.

2. JPMorgan Chase: Best Banks for small business lending in Georgia

You’ve probably heard of JPMorgan Chase. They’ve created a sophisticated small business banking program with a variety of loan choices. Moreover,  Chase Bank is widely available around Atlanta, making it easy to get to – especially if you need capital. Meanwhile, qualifying borrowers can apply for a range of SBA loans. There will also be various forms of business lines of credit, term loans, company credit cards, and more.

3. NBKC: Best Banks in Georgia for Online Banking.

Depending on the company, you may not require access to a physical site. If you prefer the simplicity and convenience of banking from your laptop or while on the go, online banking may be a better fit. Furthermore, NBKC provides business bank accounts with cheap costs, enabling you simple banking whenever you need it. Even  Its business checking account has no monthly fees and no minimum opening or account balance requirements once you’re up and running. And no bank draft additional fees. The implication of this is that there are no additional charges for transactions, overdrafts, deposits of checks nor incoming in wires.

Best Banks in Atlanta Georgia

Here are the best banks in Atlanta Georgia

1. Bank of Cornerstone: Best Banks In Atlanta Georgia

Cornerstone Bank differs from the other banks on this list due to how it functions and the individuals it serves.

The bank is local, but it provides the Atlanta community to the best of its ability. Moreover,  Customers have given it positive feedback, thus it is deserving of a spot.

2. The Barclays Bank: Best Banks In Atlanta Georgia

Barclays is a global British investment bank and financial services firm headquartered in London, England.

Barclays is divided into four major areas, in addition to investment banking: Firstly, private banking, secondly, corporate banking, Thirdly, wealth management, and Lastly, investment management.

List Of Best Community Banks In Georgia

• Ally Bank
• Wells Fargo
• United Community Banks Georgia
• Chase Bank
• Colony Bank Community Banks Georgia
• CIT Bank
• Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. Community Bank Georgia
• Ameris Bank
• Heritage Southeast Bank Community Bank Georgia
• Pinnacle Bank Community Banks Georgia
• SunTrust Bank

Conclusion on the Best Banks in Georgia

This article gives a thorough explanation of the best banks in Georgia. However, as you can see different banks have their strong areas. If you are looking for a bank that favors you as a small business owner going for Wells  Fargo will be a good idea. But if you are a student then Chase Bank suits you best. And for high daily spenders, they will always choose Bank of America before any other bank.

So this post is definitely going to be a good guide for you in choosing whichever bank to meet your need. But one thing is sure – the 15 banks here are among the very best banks in Georgia in many ways.