Best Banks in South Carolina

Quick Look: The Best Banks in South Carolina

• South State Bank: Best for Mobile Banking in SC
• BBVA: Best for Business Accounts and Loans
• First Citizens Bank: Best for Affordable Fees and Daily Compounded Interest
• Axos Bank: Best for Low-Cost Services
• BB&T: Best for Data Security

Your life is full of complicated and stressful financial decisions —  choosing the right banking option doesn’t have to be another. This can be even more difficult because some regions of the Palmetto State have fewer options than others. So, what are the best banks in South Carolina, and what can they offer you?

Find your match with Benzinga’s guide to the best banks in South Carolina. Consider BBVA, Axos and a few others that can make it easier for you to manage your money.

South State Bank

South State Bank is 1 of the fastest-growing banks in the South due to its outstanding service both online and in-branch. From everyday financial necessities to life’s important milestones, South State offers personalized services and high-tech online capabilities that enable you to bank on your terms. 

South State Bank can give you a secure way to access and manage your accounts anytime with the best mobile banking app on this list. You can use mobile deposit and pay paper bills on the spot with BillCapture. 

You can also check your account balances with just a click, and send cash, request cash or split the bill with your friends using Zelle®. 

BBVA

BBVA understands that everyone takes their own path in business and personal finances. Whichever path you’re on, BBVA can offer the support you need with services for personal, small business and commercial banking. BBVA can also provide you with wealth management services that help you handle the complexities of managing your finances. 

BBVA is best known for its Express Personal Loan. This loan can be used for consolidating debt, travel or any other big purchase. You can get this loan on the same day of closing with a term between 12 and 72 months. 

This is an unsecured loan with no collateral requirements. Get a 1% interest rate discount when you set up automatic payments on the loan with your BBVA checking account. 

First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank supports the financial decisions you make today to shape your financial journey for years to come. Whether it’s spending, saving, borrowing or investing, First Citizens is there with you every step of the way. 

Mortgage options through First Citizens Bank can give you peace of mind and great interest rates. First Citizens’ fixed-rate mortgages come with a selection of repayment schedules and the flexibility to use outside funds for the down payment and closing costs of your new home. 

Adjustable-rate mortgages come with lower payments for the 1st few months after closing and protection against large rate fluctuations. FHA, VA and USDA loans through First Citizens Bank can match your unique needs with flexible credit requirements.  

Axos Bank

Axos Bank has delivered online banking since 2000. Axos has digital, low-cost personal banking products, small business banking products and comprehensive guidance from experienced financial advisors, all backed by the security of the FDIC. Axos aims to empower you to reach your goals with its tools and accessibility. 

Axos Bank is known for its flexible, rewarding range of checking account options for your everyday spending. Rewards Checking is great for frequent deposits and debit card use without overdraft or non-sufficient fund fees. Essential Checking is designed for easy everyday deposits and spending, and it also gives you access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit express. CashBack Checking can give you up to 1% cash back rewards on various purchases when you maintain a $1,500 account balance. 

BB&T, now known as Truist after coming together with SunTrust, is a bank driven by the value of helping clients achieve economic success and financial security. BB&T offers a complete range of financial services including banking, lending, insurance, trust and wealth management solutions. 

BB&T is known for putting security 1st, and it shows through its online privacy and security measures. These measures include strong data encryption and firewalls. Data encryption is for preventing unauthorized people from intercepting your information while it travels between your computer and the bank’s network. Firewalls establish a barrier between the bank’s network and any outside networks, which allows BB&T to monitor coming and going network traffic. 

BB&T is also committed to protecting your financial and identity information by working with the FDIC to prevent fraud and enhance financial security practices. 

Banking in a Snap

Banking can be more of a joy and less of a pain when you remember to weigh out options such as varying monthly fees, annual percentage yields (APYs) of interest and additional services such as online or mobile banking options. 

Lead with what you learned from this list, put yourself 1st and make sure to have open discussions with banking associates. Don’t settle when it comes to finding the banking choices that work with you and for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology

To determine the best banks in South Carolina, Benzinga analyzed over 100 banks and financial institutions. We gave weight to banks in South Carolina 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.