SouthState Bank Review: Regional Bank For Checking Options
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHCâ„¢
Edited by
Joe Evans
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Choose from five checking accounts with a $0 minimum deposit
SouthState Bank offers five checking accounts with waivable monthly fees and interest, as well as other perks like a safety deposit box and free checks. Healthcare workers, military, law enforcement and those in education qualify for a checking account with no minimum deposit or monthly fees.
SouthState Bank is a Southeast-focused regional bank offering a full suite of personal and business banking products, including checking accounts, savings options, certificates of deposit and lending services. The bank’s value proposition centers on branch access, relationship banking and breadth of services rather than top-of-market deposit rates.
This review explains how SouthState Bank accounts work, what rates and fees to expect and who is most likely to benefit from banking here.
SouthState Bank at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank type | Regional bank |
| Branch access | Yes, Southeast U.S. |
| Online banking | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| FDIC insurance | Yes |
| Best known for | Relationship banking and branch presence |
SouthState Bank Checking Account
SouthState Bank offers five different checking accounts: SouthState, Choice, Gold, Direct and Community Hero. All accounts require no minimum deposit if you open online.Â
- Monthly maintenance charges range from $5 to $8, depending on the account, but fees are waivable
- SouthState Checking: There’s no opening balance or minimum balance requirement. The account has free email and text alerts, unlimited check writing and a free wealth consultation. This account does not earn interest.
- Direct Checking, which has no overdraft services or fees, is designed for those who want to keep their checking account straightforward. Transactions that would cause an account to overdraft are declined; however, the bank does not charge a fee if the account overdrafts. A monthly maintenance fee of $5 applies to this account.
- Gold Checking offers some interest, free checks, up to five reimbursements up to the statement cycle, and a 3 x 5 safety deposit box
Community Hero Checking, which earns interest and does not have a monthly maintenance fee, is for those in healthcare, law enforcement, education, or the military.
Best For
Mobile App
No Minimum Deposit
Banking in Florida
Banking in South Carolina
Low Monthly Fees
Reliable Multi-Tiered Checking Account
A reliable checking option with minimal monthly maintenance fees, overdraft protection for customers, and various account types for different balances.
Fees
$0 to $8 monthly maintenance charges
APY
to
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- Variety of checking accounts
- Community Hero Checking doesn’t have a monthly maintenance fee, and healthcare workers, law enforcement, education professionals, and the military are eligible
- Waivable monthly fees
Cons
- Low APYs on interest-earning checking accounts
- Limited in-person branches
- Monthly maintenance fees may be difficult for some to waive
Quick Take
SouthState Bank offers several checking account options with some earning interest and other perks.
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SouthState Bank Savings Accounts
The SouthState Personal Savings account has no minimum opening balance requirement, and if you maintain a minimum balance of $200, you avoid the $5 per month maintenance charge. This account is free to account holders under 22 and pays APY on all balance tiers.
- No minimum opening balance requirement if opened online
- FDIC insured
- Three withdrawals per month
- Health Savings account offered
Best For
Mobile App
No Minimum Deposit
Banking in Florida
Banking in South Carolina
Low Monthly Fees
Reliable Personal Savings Account for Customers
A solid personal savings account option with no opening balance requirements, low fees and a decent APY for all balances.
Fees
$5 monthly maintenance fee waived with a minimum daily $200 balance
APY
Min Opening
$0
Pros
- No minimum deposit
- Waivable monthly maintenance fee
- Access via digital banking
- FDIC insured
- Account part of the Round Up and Save Program – Debit card purchases will be rounded to the nearest dollar. The difference will be deposited in your savings account. At the end of the year, SouthState will match those funds up to $250.
Cons
- Limited free withdrawals
- Low APY
- Must keep $200 minimum to avoid maintenance charge
Quick Take
SouthState Bank offers a straightforward savings account option with perks like the Round Up and Save Program. However, some may find more competitive APYs on savings accounts.
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SouthState Bank CDs
The bank offers CDs for seven days to 10 years, which require a minimum opening deposit of $1,000. SouthState doesn’t publish its rates, so you must contact the bank for specific rates.
- Minimum deposit of $1000
- Varying lengths of CDs
- Rates not disclosed online
Best For
Mobile App
No Minimum Deposit
Banking in Florida
Banking in South Carolina
Low Monthly Fees
Good Choice for Varying Length CDs
SouthState offers a wide range of CD options for customers, allowing for a wide range of investors.
Fees
No monthly maintenance fees
APY
Rates not disclosed online
Min Opening
$1000
Pros
- FDIC insured
- Varying CD length termsÂ
- Fixed interest rates
Cons
- Rates not disclosed online
- The minimum deposit may be too high for some
- Early withdrawal penalties
Quick Take
SouthState Bank offers varying length terms CD options, but rates are not disclosed online. Customers either visit a branch or call customer service to find rates.
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SouthState Bank Money Market Account
SouthState Bank offers one money market account with the added benefits of liquidity and competitive interest rates that are paid monthly. It offers a to APY on balances of $2,000 and up, depending on the balance tier.
- A $12 monthly maintenance fee applies unless you maintain a $2,000 minimum daily balance or $5,000 average daily balance each statement cycle.
- $0 minimum to open, as no opening deposit is required when opening an account online.
- You are allowed six withdrawal transactions per month.
- If you surpass six withdrawal transactions per month, you will incur a $10 fee per withdrawal.
Best For
Mobile App
No Minimum Deposit
Banking in Florida
Banking in South Carolina
Low Monthly Fees
Easy, No-Frills Money Market Accounts
SouthState’s basic money market account offers a competitive APY for various balances and solid monthly rates.
Fees
$12 monthly waivable maintenance fees
APY
to
Min Opening
$50 in person, $0 online
Pros
- No minimum depositÂ
- Earns interest rate of .10% to .50% depending on the balance
- Six withdrawal transactions per month
Cons
- $12 monthly maintenance fee (can only be waived if you meet $2,000 minimum balance or $5,000 during the statement cycle)
- Limited free withdrawals
- Lower APYs compared to other money market accounts
Quick Take
SouthState Bank’s Money Market Account provides a secure savings option with accessible funds and tiered interest rates. However, potential fees and comparatively lower interest rates may influence customers to explore alternative accounts offering more favorable terms.
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Banking Experience
Despite its relatively small geographic footprint, SouthState Bank provides customers with a robust banking experience. The bank offers online and mobile banking, money management tools, and more.
The SouthState Bank mobile app lets you deposit checks, check your balance on your Apple Watch, and set up alerts to let you know when your balance reaches a certain level. The mobile app is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on the App Store and 4.8 stars on Google Play. You can also send money with Zelle and set up your bills to be paid automatically.
The SouthState Bank website offers information and advice on setting and reaching financial goals and provides access to a financial advisor for long-term planning.
How Does SouthState Bank Compare?
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$0 to $8 monthly maintenance charges
$12, waivable
$0 to $8 a month
APY
APY
APY
to
N/A
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$0
$50
$0 to $25
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$5 monthly maintenance fee waived with a minimum daily $200 balance
$5, waivable
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$0
$25 to $50
$0
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly maintenance fees
No monthly service fee
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
APY
APY
APY
Rates not disclosed online
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$1000
$1,000
$1,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$12 monthly waivable maintenance fees
$12, waivable
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$50 in person, $0 online
$50
$25
When you’re looking for a bank for a long-term financial relationship, it makes sense to compare your options. Here’s a look at some other banks to consider and how they stack up against SouthState Bank.
SouthState Bank vs. First Horizon Bank
First Horizon Bank is a regional bank in eleven states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. First Horizon also offers a comprehensive selection of banking products and services, but its mobile banking app seems to be lacking. Its rating is only 3.4 out of 5 stars on Google Play.
SouthState Bank vs. Truist Bank
Truist Bank is a much larger bank with over 3,000 locations throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic areas. Truist is the result of a merger between SunTrust and BB&T and is among the top 10 commercial banks in the United States. Truist has a wide range of checking, savings, and investment products, but minimum opening deposits are $25 or $50 for most accounts, and there are requirements to waive the monthly maintenance fee in most cases.
SouthState Bank vs. SoFi®
SoFi is online only but offers competitive interest rates. Savings balances earn up to APY for members with direct deposit and less for those without direct deposit. These APYs are higher than those of SouthState Bank, but you can walk into a SouthState Bank if you want in-person access. SoFi customers can ask questions over the phone or online.
Who SouthState Bank Is Best For
Best Fit
- Customers who value branch access and in-person service
- Households managing multiple banking needs in one place
- Small businesses and individuals seeking relationship banking
- Customers comfortable with modest deposit yields
Less Ideal
- Rate-focused savers chasing top APYs
- Digital-first users seeking advanced automation
- Customers with large idle balances prioritizing yield over convenience
Overall Banking Experience
SouthState Bank delivers a traditional regional banking experience with an emphasis on service, accessibility and long-term relationships. While deposit rates are not a major draw, the bank offers stability and a wide range of products under one roof.
Final Take to GO
SouthState Bank is a strong fit for customers who want local presence, personal service and comprehensive banking options. Its accounts are best used for everyday banking, while larger savings balances may earn more interest elsewhere.
For many customers, SouthState works well as a primary bank paired with a higher-yield option for long-term savings.
Security Bank & Trust FAQ
- Is Security Bank & Trust Co. FDIC-insured?
- Yes. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to applicable limits.
- Does Security Bank & Trust Co. offer high-yield savings accounts?
- Savings accounts typically offer modest interest rates rather than high yields.
- Are there monthly fees?
- Some accounts may have monthly maintenance fees, often waived with qualifying balances.
- Does the bank offer online and mobile banking?
- Yes. Customers have access to standard online and mobile banking tools.
- Who should consider another option?
- Savers focused on maximizing APY or seeking advanced digital tools may prefer other account types.
Karen Doyle and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 5, 2026.
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.
SoFi® members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
