Best Banks in Georgia for 2023 (2024)

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Chase

Why it stands out:Chase offers something for everyone. There are locations throughout the state, a large network of free ATMs and a mobile app for when you need to bank from the comfort of your home or office. In addition, the number of financial products, including some of the best rewards credit cards, accounts, investing services, mortgages and personal loans, provide most everything you need.

You can start banking with Chase by choosing its no-frills checking account known as Chase Secure Checking. If you find you need more services than basic banking, Chase Premier Plus Checking adds interest on your balance, free checks and rebates on four out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month.

Pros:

• Mobile deposits made before 11 p.m. Eastern time are usually available the next business day
• Relationship rates for mortgage holders
• Investing services are available
• Overdraft protection can save you from NSF and returned check fees*

Cons:

• Chase overdraft fees are $34 each; up to $102 per day
• Lower-than-average annual percentage yield of 0.01% on standard savings account

What to look for:For most accounts, monthly maintenance fees can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance, receiving direct deposits or linking a checking and savings account.

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Navy Federal Credit Union

Why it stands out:Georgia has a large concentration of active military personnel. For anyone affiliated with the armed forces or related to someone who is, Navy Federal Credit Union is a great option.

Although there aren't many physical branches, the Navy Federal mobile app lets you handle just about everything, including account management, bill pay and applying for a credit card. Plus, customer service is available 24/7.

Navy Federal is also among the best credit unions in the country. Most accounts don't come with a monthly maintenance fee, and if you qualify for membership, you'll receive dividends on your bank account balances.

Pros:

• CD rates as high as 5.30% APY
• Four free checking accounts available and one with waivable fees
• No minimum balance requirements
• Get up to $240 per year back on out-of-network ATM withdrawals

Cons:

• Limited ways to qualify for membership
• Few U.S. branches

What to look for: Although branches are limited in the U.S., deployed account holders will find locations in Spain, Italy, Japan, Cuba, Guam, Korea and more. In addition, customers can use Co-op locations or live chat for additional help.

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Bank of America

Why it stands out:Bank of America, Member FDIC, offers what you'd expect from a major bank, such as checking, savings and loans. Carrying a large enough balance in your combined accounts is worthwhile. If you can maintain a balance of at least $20,000, you may qualify for Preferred Rewards membership, which unlocks a number of perks the average account holder won't have access to.

The Gold level is for account holders with $20,000 or more. Once you have at least $50,000, you're upgraded to Platinum. Anyone with six figures or more will achieve Platinum Honors level. And, finally, with balances of at least $1 million, the Diamond tier is accessible. Once you're in the Preferred Rewards program, you'll receive relationship rates on balances and loans, the chance to earn more in rewards on credit card spending, and reduced fees on ATM withdrawals, loans, accounts and other services.

Pros:

• Tiered checking account options
• Switch between checking account options without having to close an account or replace the debit card or checks
• Checking and savings account fees can be waived
• Low-cost, self-directed investing is available through Merrill Edge

Cons:

• Low annual percentage yields for customers who are not Preferred Rewards members
• No money market account available

What to look for: Bank of America's method to checking accounts allows you to switch between the different tiers as you need without having to order new checks or replace your debit card. You can start with Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®for a low-cost banking option. As your needs grow, Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® and Advantage Relationship Banking® add items such as interest on balances, the option to use paper checks and more.

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Wells Fargo

Why it stands out: Wells Fargo is the second-largest bank in Georgia with 191 branches and 629 ATMs. You also have access to the mobile banking app, which has over 9 million nearly-perfect reviews from Android and iOS users. You can schedule deposits as well as make mobile ones, set up account alerts and toggle Wells Fargo credit cards on and off.

You'll have plenty of account options, as well as access to currency exchange in the branch. However, you may need to preorder the currency and state the amount you need so the foreign cash is ready when you stop by.

Pros:

• Monthly maintenance fees can be waived
• Most accounts have low opening deposit minimums of $25
• Automatic savings transfers available
• Wide branch availability

Cons:

• Low APYs
• Overdraft fee of $35 per item

What to look for:Wells Fargo's Everyday Checking made GOBankingRates' rankings of the Best Checking Accounts of 2023. The account's $10 monthly maintenance fee can be waived for young adults between 17 and 24 or for everyone with a minimum balance or monthly direct deposit of $500.

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Wings Credit Union

Why it stands out: The state of Georgia has a large number of airline employees, with Delta Air Lines even headquartered in Atlanta. Wings is available for aviation industry employees as well as residents of Atlanta.

You'll find the level of accounts you'd expect from a financial institution, such as checking, savings and individual retirement accounts. In addition, Wings provides account holders safe deposit boxes, an appointment concierge service to schedule one-on-one consultations with a banker and foreign currency exchange.

Pros:

• Earn rewards when you bank with Wings
• Free cash withdrawals at 80,000 ATMs nationwide
• Automated investing available for as little as $200 to start through Wings' EasyVest
• Serves airline employees and Atlanta residents

Cons:

• Banking not available to all Georgia residents
• Only one branch available in Atlanta

What to look for: All accounts are fee-free regardless of your balance. Wings offers several savings account options to set aside money for various goals.

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Fifth Third Bank

Why it stands out: Fifth Third has a good presence in Georgia, with 30 bank branches in 14 cities. The bank has a full range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, loans, investment accounts and insurance, which can be accessed through physical locations or by using the bank's website or mobile app.

Despite the availability of branches and on-site cash machines throughout the state, you also have access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

Pros:

• Free basic checking account available, as well as savings and higher-tier checking accounts with waivable monthly maintenance fees
• Account holders who receive paychecks via direct deposit will receive them up to two days earlier
• Wide branch availability and strong digital presence

Cons:

• The best rates are reserved for relationship banking

What to look for: New account holders should enroll for MyAdvance after a few months to help with cash flow issues. MyAdvance is a short-term credit line for $50 to $1,000 based on your historical deposits. Make sure to establish a banking history with Fifth Third before enrolling to receive a higher line of credit. Once approved, the funds are available right away.

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PNC

Why it stands out: Georgia residents who don't need a local branch or are living in a rural area may prefer to work with a bank with a strong online presence. PNC Bank is largely digital. New account holders start with a basic Virtual Wallet® and select a checking account type. Adding a savings account can serve as your checking's overdraft protection in case of a cash shortfall.

If you're ready to graduate from the basic Virtual Wallet setup, Performance Spend and Performance Select are PNC's next tiers of checking and savings. Account holders will receive added value through features such as reimbursed ATM fees. However, a larger balance is required to avoid PNC's monthly maintenance fees.

Pros:

• Robust mobile app
• Innovative online checking and savings accounts known as Virtual Wallet, Performance Spend and Performance Select
• Monthly maintenance fees can be waived
• A grace period of 24 hours is available to cover overdrawn accounts before an overdraft fee is charged

Cons:

• Daily overdraft fee of $36; up to $144 per day

What to look for: The mobile app is extremely robust, allowing you to monitor your balances and manage them. If your account balance runs low, you can decline select transactions before they overdraw your account and you get hit with an insufficient funds fee. In addition, you'll have 24 hours to fund your account before any overdraft fees kick in.

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First Citizens Bank

Why it stands out:First Citizens offers Georgia residents free checking and savings account options with minimal opening balance requirements. One of the bank's best features is the full level of service available. Personal and business checking, savings, credit cards, loans and insurance are offered by the financial institution. Best of all, balances can earn favorable interest rates for savings, CDs and money market accounts.

Pros:

• Low minimum of $500 to open a CD
• Free checking accounts can be opened with just $50
• Unlimited transfers and withdrawals allowed at branches and First Citizens ATMs for money market account holders
• 52 locations in Georgia

Cons:

• Interest rate of only 0.05%on premium checking accounts

What to look for: First Citizens is a good bank option if you're interested in opening a high-yield CD. You could earn 5.00% APY on an 11-month promotional CD with an initial investment of at least $5,000.

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