Ameris Bank Review: Regional Bank With Comprehensive Services
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHCâ„¢
Edited by
Nupur Gambhir
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Founded in 1971 in southern Georgia, Ameris Bank started with the goal of giving its customers something different from its competitors. Throughout years of growth, the bank retained its community focus and today offers a full range of products and services, including personal and business accounts, loans and credit cards.
Although Ameris Bank continues to grow it still provides the customer service you expect from smaller community banks. It’s best for individuals who value developing a relationship with a bank they can turn to for all of their banking needs. Ameris also reaches out to customers who prefer banking on the go through the award-winning Ameris mobile banking app for iOS and Android devices.Â
Ameris Bank Checking Accounts
Ameris Bank offers three checking accounts: Free, Benefits and Interest checking.Â
Here are a few key things to know:
- All checking accounts require a $50 minimum opening deposit
- Free Checking has no monthly service fee
- Benefits Checking has an $8 monthly fee, reduced to $6 with e-statements
- Interest Checking earns interest based on tiered balances
- Holding an Interest Checking account can qualify you for higher CD rates
- Interest Checking has a $20 monthly fee, which can be waived by maintaining a $10,000 average daily balance across eligible accounts
Best For
Everyday Banking
Low Fees
No-Frills Banking
Everyday Needs
Account Flexibility
Low minimum deposit with no monthly fee
Ameris Bank offers three checking accounts that can address your everyday needs, while also allowing you to save some money.Â
Fees
Up to $20
APY
.05%
Min Opening
$50
Pros
- Â Low minimum deposit
- Â Funds are FDIC-insured
- Â No maintenance fee for Free CheckingÂ
Cons
- Interest Checking earns minimal interest
- Limited branch access
- Higher fees for non-customers
Quick Take
Ameris Bank offers accessible everyday checking for those who want to make withdrawals and deposits. Account holders can earn interest on balances with the Interest Checking account.Â
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Ameris Bank Savings Accounts
Ameris Bank offers two savings options: the Primary Savings account and a Minor Savings account.
Here’s what to know:
- The Primary Savings account requires a $100 minimum opening deposit
- It has an $11 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived by maintaining a $300 balance
- A $200 balance is required to earn interest
- You can earn up to 0.50% APY on the Primary Savings account
Best For
Everyday Banking
Low Fees
No-Frills Banking
Everyday Needs
Account Flexibility
Simple, low maintenance savings account with a modest deposit requirement
Ameris Bank Primary Savings is ideal for people who want simple, no-hassle savings or for those wanting to teach their children to save.
Fees
$11 (waivable)
APY
0.50%
Min Opening
Up to $100
Pros
- Relationship banking can offer an increase in ratesÂ
- Minor savings account offered Â
- FDIC-insured
Cons
- Low APYÂ
- Limited physical branchesÂ
- Fewer product options
Quick Take
Ameris Bank offers affordable savings options for everyday needs, while also giving parents an easy way to introduce children to smart saving habits early on.
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Ameris Bank CD Accounts Â
Ameris Bank offers certificates of deposit with a $1,000 minimum opening deposit. All CDs are FDIC-insured, with term options ranging from one month to five years. To get current CD rates, you’ll need to contact the bank directly.
Best For
Everyday Banking
Low Fees
No-Frills Banking
Everyday Needs
Account Flexibility
Put Extra Cash to Work
Ameris Bank offers CDs with a variety of terms and requires a $1,000 minimum deposit, offering reliable savings with flexible terms.
Fees
None
APY
Rates vary
Min Opening
$1,000
Pros
- Interest compounds daily
- FDIC-insuredÂ
- Can get higher rates with a relationshipÂ
Cons
- APYs are not disclosed on the siteÂ
- Limited liquidityÂ
- Early withdrawal penaltyÂ
Quick Take
Ameris Bank CDs offer a way for those who want to grow their existing funds in the future.Â
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Ameris Bank Money Market Account Â
Ameris Bank offers a Personal Money Market account with a system of tiered interest rates. Like the bank’s other savings accounts, it comes with access to online, mobile and telephone banking plus e-statements and account alerts.
- The Personal Money Market account requires a $2,500 minimum deposit when opened in person, or $100 if opened online
- The account has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived by maintaining a $1,000 balance
- Includes debit card access for easy withdrawals
- Monthly fee is waivable with a qualifying balance
Best For
Everyday Banking
Low Fees
No-Frills Banking
Everyday Needs
Account Flexibility
Flexible Money Market Access
Ameris Bank offers a money market account you can open either online or in person, giving you flexibility based on how you prefer to bank.
Fees
$12 (waivable)
APY
Rates vary
Min Opening
$100 to $2500
Pros
- Only a $100 minimum deposit if you open money market online
- System of tiered interest ratesÂ
- FDIC-insuredÂ
Cons
- Must contact bank for APYs
- Limited physical branchesÂ
- HIgher minimum deposit required to open account in-person
Quick Take
Ameris Bank offers a money market account that has a low minimum deposit if you open your account online.Â
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Banking Experience Â
Ameris Bank customer service is accessible. To contact Ameris Bank with questions, dial 1-866-616-6020, which is the general service number. You can contact customer service during the following hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
You can also schedule an appointment online to see a dedicated banker in person at your local branch.
How Does Ameris Bank Compare?
Choosing a bank often comes down to what matters most to you — branch access, fees, interest rates, or how hands-on the experience feels. Here’s how Ameris Bank stacks up against a few well-known competitors.
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
Up to $20
$0 or $15, with options to waive
$0 to $22 per month
APY
APY
APY
.05%
N/A
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$50
$0
$50 to $1,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$11 (waivable)
$5 monthly, waivable
$5 monthly — can be waived
APY
APY
APY
0.50%
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
Up to $100
$0
$50
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
None
No monthly service fee
Early withdrawal penalties will apply
APY
APY
APY
Rates vary
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$12 (waivable)
No monthly service fee
$12 to $25
APY
APY
APY
Rates vary
to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$100 to $2500
$25
$50
Ameris Bank vs. PNC Bank
Ameris Bank has a more regional footprint, while PNC operates branches across more than 27 states. Both banks offer CDs with a $1,000 minimum deposit, but there’s a key difference in transparency. Ameris Bank does not publish CD rates online, whereas PNC lists rates publicly, with top offers reaching up to 3.65%.
Ameris Bank vs. KeyBank
Ameris Bank requires a $100 minimum opening deposit for savings accounts, compared to just $10 at KeyBank. However, KeyBank’s checking accounts can come with significantly higher monthly maintenance fees — up to $50 — while Ameris Bank’s fees range from $0 to lower-cost options, making it a more budget-friendly choice for everyday banking.
Ameris Bank vs. Bank of America
Bank of America offers a large national branch network and may be a better fit for customers with higher balances who want broad access and premium perks. Ameris Bank, on the other hand, offers three straightforward checking options and a more personalized, relationship-focused banking experience that can appeal to customers who value local service over nationwide reach.
Final Take Â
If you want big-bank products with small-bank customer service, check out Ameris Bank. It offers a full lineup of banking products and services designed to meet the needs of customers. You also get access to all of your accounts through the bank’s online and mobile banking systems that let you keep up with your balances, pay bills and make deposits wherever you are in the world.Â
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 29, 2025.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
