Best Banks in Georgia

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Contributor, Benzinga
July 22, 2020

There are many great banking options in Georgia. How do you know which is the right bank for your finances? 

Start with Benzinga’s guide to the best banks in Georgia to find your match today. 

Quick Look: Best Banks in Georgia Near You

  • Best Savings Accounts: CIT Bank 
  • Best Intro-Offers: Chase
  • Best Customer Service: BBVA
  • Best Branch Locations: SunTrust Bank 
  • Best Checking Accounts: Axos Bank 

Best Savings Accounts: CIT Bank 

CIT Bank is a digital bank that operates personal banking, commercial banking and business banking divisions. CIT Bank offers online checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, home loans and learning resources. You can get information on fraud protection, money saving strategies, how to buy a home and more through CIT Bank’s online learning center. 

CIT Bank is renowned for its savings accounts with competitive benefits. You can choose the savings account that works best for you according to different APYs and terms. 

You can also save your money through certificates of deposit (CDs) and a money market account. These are great options if you’re looking for a safe way to grow your money with a competitive APY. Use CIT Bank’s savings accounts to pay for a down payment on a home, create a travel budget and even start on an emergency fund. 

Best Intro-Offers: Chase

  • Chase Bank
    Best For:
    Best for Checking Account Variety
    securely through Chase Bank's website

    *With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, we won’t charge an Overdraft Fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

Chase Bank offers personal banking, business banking, commercial banking and investing services. Chase is known for its checking accounts, saving accounts, CDs, loans, mortgages and lines of credit. Chase also offers credit cards that come with benefits like cash back, travel rewards, 0% intro APR, no annual fees and more. 

Get up $200 when you open a Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposits. Plus, other accounts like Chase College Checking offer personalized benefits to students. The program comes with $100 for new customers when you complete 10 qualifying transactions in the first 60 days after enrollment and no minimum balance requirements. There’s no service fees for up to 5 years for students 18-24, you can send and receive money via Zelle, use ATMs as normal, and take advantage of Chase Overdraft Assist. 

If you’re looking to open a new investing account, Chase has perks for you as well. You can get up to $725 when you open and fund a new You Invest Trade account. 

Best Customer Service: BBVA

BBVA operates several banking divisions that include personal banking, business banking, commercial banking, investment banking and wealth management. As a personal banking client, you’ll have access to BBVA’s checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, lending solutions and investing services.

Although BBVA operates physical locations across the United States, you won’t have to walk into a branch to manage your accounts or speak with a customer service representative. When you open an online checking account, you’ll automatically be assigned a team of relationship specialists to help you with any questions or concerns. 

You can get in touch via email, telephone and even over text. You’ll have the answers you need on a time that works for you and you’ll never incur additional charges. BBVA’s digital banking also lets you open a checking account and savings account online. You’ll be able to manage your accounts through online banking and mobile banking

Best Branch Locations: SunTrust Bank 

SunTrust is a consumer, business, corporate and commercial bank that also offers wealth management services. SunTrust Bank is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and operates branches in over 85 towns across the state. If you prefer to go into a physical location and meet with someone in-person to conduct your banking needs, you’re bound to find a SunTrust branch near you. 

SunTrust Bank offers personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, loans, lines of credit and digital banking. Digital banking encompasses online and mobile banking. You can pay your bills, transfer money, deposit money, review your statements, access your credit score and more. 

When you have at least $100,000 in deposits or investment assets, you’ll qualify for the SunTrust premier banking program. You’ll have access to a personalized banking team, a customized financial strategy and unique discounts and perks.

Best Checking Accounts: Axos Bank 

Axos Bank is a digital bank that offers banking solutions to personal customers and businesses. Personal banking customers can open checking accounts, savings accounts and access different lending options. 

You can take out a mortgage, auto loan and even finance your investment property. Business banking customers can also access checking accounts, savings accounts, lending options, CDs, merchant services and more. 

Axos Bank offers interest-bearing checking accounts for personal customers and businesses. Some of Axos Bank’s checking accounts come with high-interest rates, cashback and little to no fees. Because Axos is a digital bank, you can easily open an account online and manage it from your computer or through mobile banking.

Axos Bank also operates a division completely dedicated to helping you manage your investments. With Axos Invest, you can open a robo-managed, investment portfolio for no minimums. Axos Bank’s automated investing tool will keep your portfolio balanced, personalize your investments based on your risk level and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are certificates of deposit (CDs)?

A: CDs are similar to savings accounts in the sense that you’ll earn a set interest that’s guaranteed. However, CDs are a timed deposit, and you won’t have access to your money during the given timeframe of your CD. However, you’ll receive a higher interest rate in exchange. 

Q: How can I waive monthly fees on my checking account?

A: Every bank’s policy is different, but usually banks will allow you to waive monthly checking account fees when you maintain a specified minimum balance in your account. It’s a good idea to get in touch with your bank to ask about their specific requirements. 

Banks in Georgia

Banking shouldn’t be difficult or confusing. It should be easy to access all the financial information, services and products you need. Don’t settle for anything less. 

Our selection is a great place to start. Investigate your options to find the best match for your personal financial goals. 

Methodology

To determine the best banks in Georgia, Benzinga analyzed over 100 banks and financial institutions. We gave weight to banks in Georgia with co-op ATMs and cash-back options. We also gave greater rankings to banks which offered the following: checking and savings accounts, online banking, personal loans, mortgages, educational resources, and a mobile app.

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