Are you a small business owner in Georgia looking for the best bank to manage your finances? Look no further—we're here to help with a guide to the absolute best banks for small business owners in Georgia.
From traditional banks with extensive branch networks to modern digital banks offering cutting-edge financial technology, your small business banking options in Georgia are abundant.
To help you decide between these options, we've compared Georgia's best regional, national, and online banking platforms for small businesses. You can use this guide to find the perfect fit for your business's unique needs.
Ready to get started? Let's dive in! 🚀
The 10 Best Banks for Small Businesses in Georgia
Each bank we evaluated is FDIC-insured and provides one (or multiple) business checking accounts. Additionally, most of these banks offer other financial services, like lending, money market accounts, payroll services, and business credit cards:
Relay: Best for convenient digital banking in Georgia
🏆 Verdict: Relay stands out as a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive online banking experience. With no hidden fees, a competitive APY for savings, and seamless integration with popular accounting tools, Relay is ideal for businesses that want to prioritize digital convenience.
Banking Built for Business Owners
No account fees or minimums; 20 checking accounts; 2 savings accounts with 1.00%-3.00% APY; 50 virtual + physical debit cards. Open account 100% online.
Learn more
Relay is an online business banking platform designed specifically for small businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of financial tools without the hidden fees associated with traditional banks.
With Relay, you won't encounter monthly fees, overdraft charges, or fees for wire transactions and deposits. Businesses can open up to 20 individual accounts (for free) and issue up to 50 Visa® physical or virtual debit cards to their team members. Additionally, Relay’s savings accounts provide a competitive 1-3% APY, ensuring your money is always working for you.
Integration is a breeze with Relay, since the platform syncs with leading accounting tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Gusto. For those seeking even more efficiency, Relay Pro offers automated Bill Pay, reducing the time business owners spend on end-of-month administrative tasks.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0 |
Minimum Balances | $0 |
Checking Accounts | Up to 20 |
Savings Accounts | 2 savings accounts with 1-3% APY |
Money Movement | • Unlimited transactions • Free ACH and check deposits • Domestic outgoing wires: $5 • International outgoing wires: $10 Or with Relay Pro for $30/month, you get: • Unlimited free outgoing domestic and international wires • Same-day ACH transfers • Accounts payable automation |
Cards | Up to 50 free virtual or physical debit card Mastercards |
Financing | None available |
Customer Service | Dedicated customer service via email or phone |
4.5/5 |
Southwest Georgia Bank: Best for community banking
🏆 Verdict: The First Bank (formerly Southwest Georgia Bank) offers a blend of traditional banking services at branches throughout Georgia. Their diverse account options and commitment to the Georgia community make them a top choice for businesses seeking a personalized banking experience.
Southwest Georgia Bank, now operating under the name The First Bank, has a longstanding history of serving Georgia’s small business owners. After being acquired by The First Bancshares, Inc., a national banking association, they've preserved their essence as South Georgia's local bank.
They offer a variety of business banking services, encompassing everything from checking and savings accounts to commercial lending. Southwest Georgia Bank is committed to backing local businesses, blending the personal touch of a community bank with a wide range of account options customized for different business needs.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0-$20 monthly fee $100 minimum deposit |
Minimum Balances | $0-$5000 |
Checking Accounts | First Free Business Checking First Free Business Checking First Friends Money Manager Commercial First Analysis Checking |
Savings Accounts | Business First Money Market First Friends Money Manager IOLTA |
Money Movement | 150+ free transactions per month (Checks, ACH debits and credits, deposits) |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Commercial loans for different purposes |
Customer Service | In-person, phone |
Reviews |
Georgia’s Own Credit Union: Best for in-person service
🏆 Verdict: Georgia’s Own Credit Union offers a variety of tailored banking services. Their commitment to the local community and diverse account offerings make them a top choice for businesses that value regional banking partnerships and in–person service.
Georgia’s Own Credit Union, formerly Vinings Bank, is a Georgia-based financial establishment offering business savings accounts, checking accounts, and financing services. Dedicated to the local community, they offer a variety of options designed to cater to the unique needs of different Georgia-based businesses.
Whether it's checking accounts or lending services, Georgia’s Own Credit Union strives to be the go-to banking ally for regional businesses.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $12+ monthly fee 250 transactions, fees apply after |
Minimum Balances | $1000+ |
Checking Accounts | Primary Business Checking Preferred Business Checking Not-for-Profit Business Checking Corporate Business Checking |
Savings Accounts | Business savings account Money market Certificate of deposit |
Money Movement | $32 ACH service fee per month $15+ domestic wires $50 international wires |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to the main checking account |
Financing | Business loans, lines of credit, and commercial mortgages |
Customer Service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
South State Bank: Best for comprehensive services
🏆 Verdict: South State Bank offers traditional and digital banking services. Their commitment to community engagement and their wide range of financial solutions positions them as a reliable partner for businesses in Georgia.
Originating in Georgia, South State Bank combines classic banking services with the convenience of modern digital features. Offering both personal and business banking solutions, this bank provides checking and savings accounts, loans, and wealth management services.
With a commitment to community engagement and tailored customer service, South State Bank seeks to be a trusted financial partner for the communities in which it operates.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0+ monthly maintenance fee $0.35 per transaction after 150 $36 overdraft fees |
Minimum Balances | $0+ |
Checking Accounts | Small Business Checking Business Gold Checking Community Checking |
Savings Accounts | Business Savings Business Gold Savings Money Market |
Money Movement | $30 domestic wires $15 international wires 5 ATMs |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Business loans and lines of credit |
Customer Service | Phone, in-person |
Reviews |
Metro City Bank: Best for mobile banking
🏆 Verdict: Metro City Bank is a great option for local Georgia businesses that prioritize in-person service and mobile banking features.
Located in Georgia, Metro City Bank offers banking services for individuals and businesses. They provide personalized customer service by phone, through email, and in person at branches all over Georgia.
Their business checking account provides essential banking services with a monthly fee that can be waived based on a set daily balance. They also provide mobile banking for convenient financial management on the go.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | Monthly fee of $10, waived if you maintain the minimum balance Overdraft fees $35 |
Minimum Balances | Minimum balance: $50-$1000 |
Checking Accounts | Business Analysis Checking Account Business Checking 2016 Business Interest Checking |
Savings Accounts | 1 business savings account |
Money Movement | Domestic and international wires, fees may apply ACH payments, fees may apply |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Small business loans Residential mortgage loans |
Customer Service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
First Chatham Bank: Best for Savannah businesses
🏆 Verdict: First Chatham Bank is a local community bank with a great reputation in Savannah and the surrounding area. It’s a great option for small businesses in the region that desire in-person banking services.
First Chatham Bank has a longstanding presence in Georgia and offers a wide range of business banking services. This includes business checking and savings accounts as well as lending services.
With eight branches in and around Savannah, Georgia, First Chatham Bank provides excellent face-to-face customer service. Plus, as a local community bank, their dedication to small businesses and established reputation make them a trusted banking ally in the region.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0 to $10 monthly service fee $50 minimum opening deposit $0.15 fee per item over 1,000 $1 cash deposit fee per $1,000 |
Minimum Balances | No minimum balance on Simply Free Business Checking Balance requirement to waive monthly service charge with Business Interest Checking |
Checking Accounts | Simply Free Business Checking Business Interest Checking Commercial Checking IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account) |
Savings Accounts | Business Savings Money Market E-Business Money Market |
Money Movement | Unlimited check writing Free Bill Pay |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Business lines of credit Business acquisition financing Commercial term loans Owner-occupied commercial real estate loans |
Customer Service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
BankSouth: Best for self-employed lawyers and law firms
🏆 Verdict: With dedicated checking accounts for attorney firms, BankSouth is an excellent choice for any lawyer looking for a regional bank in Georgia. Their IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account) has a $100 minimum deposit but no other account fees, unlike the rest of their checking accounts. This makes it a cost-effective option for lawyers who need trust accounts.
Georgia's BankSouth is a community bank providing financial services for individuals and businesses. They emphasize personalized service and offer diverse business checking options for companies of every size. With several local branches and online banking services, they cater to both traditional and modern banking needs.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0 to $5 monthly service fee $0.18 to $0.25 per transaction item over 150 for accounts with minimum daily balance of less than $2,500 |
Minimum Balances | $100 |
Checking Accounts | Professional Executive Business Interest IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account) |
Savings Accounts | Interest-bearing savings accounts Money market accounts |
Money Movement | Mobile check deposit Online Bill Pay |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Business loans available |
Customer Service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
Georgia Banking Company: Best for interest-bearing checking
🏆 Verdict: Georgia Banking Company is best for business owners looking for personalized service and competitive rates, as well as those who value community involvement from their bank.
Georgia Banking Company (GBC) is a Georgia bank committed to helping businesses reach their financial goals through exceptional customer service and personal relationships. They offer a variety of business checking account options with competitive interest rates and low fees to fit your unique business needs.
Plus, they have CDs, IRAs, and regular savings accounts. Lastly, GBC has online and mobile banking portals, making it easy for busy small business owners to manage their finances from anywhere.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | Minimum opening deposit of $100 $.30 per transaction after 150 |
Minimum Balances | $1000+ |
Checking Accounts | Business Essentials Business Advantage Business Interest |
Savings Accounts | Certificate of deposit Commercial money market |
Money Movement | Online ACH and Bill Pay Online and branch wires Free ATM transactions |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Commercial real estate and construction loans |
Customer service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
Bank of Newington: Best for local banking
🏆 Verdict: If you live in Newington, Springfield, or Sylvania, the Bank of Newington is a great option for local, community banking. They offer competitive rates, personalized service, and a variety of banking products.
Bank of Newington, based near the east coast of Georgia, offers a variety of business services, from checking accounts to interest-bearing savings accounts. With a commitment to local businesses, they provide tailored support both in-branch and online, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to succeed.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0-$7.50 monthly fee $32.50 overdraft fee |
Minimum Balances | $0 for Free Business Checking $1,000 for Business Now Account |
Checking Accounts | Free Business Checking Business Now |
Savings Accounts | Business Savings Money Market Account |
Money Movement | No per-item fees Unlimited check writing Free currency exchange |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Small business loans (SBA) Commercial real estate loans Commercial lines of credit |
Customer service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
Synovus Bank: Best for banking in multiple Southern states
🏆 Verdict: Synvous Bank is ideal for banks that need in-person service and conduct business in multiple Southern states—Snyonvus has conveniently located banking branches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Synovus offers a variety of business checking accounts to fit the needs of small businesses, including options for low transaction volumes and businesses with higher transaction volumes. They also provide online and mobile banking services for convenient financial management.
Banking feature | |
Account Fees | $0-$25 per month $36 overdraft fee |
Minimum Balances | $1,000 minimum balance to waive maintenance fee |
Checking Accounts | Pro Business Checking Preferred Business Checking Business Interest Checking Nonprofit Checking |
Savings Accounts | Business Savings Money Market Account |
Money Movement | Mobile check deposit Free Bill Pay |
Cards | 1 physical debit card per business, which is linked to main checking account |
Financing | Small business loans (SBA) Commercial real estate loans Commercial lines of credit |
Customer service | Phone, in-person, email |
Reviews |
What’s the best bank for small businesses in Georgia?
After reviewing the top banks for small businesses in Georgia, it's clear that each bank offers unique benefits and features. So which one is the best overall?
The answer ultimately depends on your business's specific needs and preferences. But if you're looking for convenient digital banking and want to save on pesky bank fees, Relay might be right for you.
Banking Built for Business Owners
No account fees or minimums; 20 checking accounts; 2 savings accounts with 1.00%-3.00% APY; 50 virtual + physical debit cards. Open account 100% online.
Learn moreThe best part? You can apply for an account in just 10 minutes, entirely online. Get started here.
