SouthState checking, the short version
If you bank in the Southeast, SouthState Bank is likely on your list, and its checking lineup is built to keep monthly costs low if you go paperless. The entry account charges $5 a month, but you can wipe that out by switching to electronic statements. Here is how the accounts compare and what to watch before you apply.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Bank | SouthState Bank, N.A. |
| Entry account | SouthState Checking, $5 monthly fee |
| Fee waiver | Enroll in eStatements to waive the $5 |
| Minimum to open | $0 on the core checking account |
| Premium account | Gold Checking, $15 monthly fee |
| Gold fee waiver | $5,000 daily balance or $25,000 combined deposits |
| Insurance | FDIC insured up to $250,000 |
Who SouthState Bank is
SouthState Bank is a regional bank based in the Southeast, serving customers across states including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Virginia. It offers personal checking, savings, loans, and business banking through branches and a mobile app.
SouthState Checking: the everyday account
The core account, SouthState Checking, carries a $5 monthly maintenance charge. You can avoid that charge by signing up for electronic statements before the last day of your statement cycle. As of July 2026, there is no minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance requirement on this account.
That makes it a low-cost option if you go paperless. You get a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to the bank's ATM network. If you would rather skip branches entirely, an app-first account like Current offers a debit card and mobile banking with no monthly maintenance fee to waive in the first place.
Current Banking
Current Banking
Current is a mobile-first banking app with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Members can earn up to 4.00% APY with a qualifying direct deposit of $200, receive direct-deposit paychecks up to 2 days early, and overdraft up to $200 fee-free.
Standout feature
4.00% APY on Savings Pods (with a $200+ qualifying direct deposit) plus paycheck up to 2 days early — both included on the standard account for free
Fees
Free
Pros
$0 monthly fee; up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods with qualifying direct deposit; paycheck up to 2 days early;
Cons
No physical branches
Gold Checking: more perks, higher bar
Gold Checking is the interest-bearing, premium tier. It charges a $15 monthly maintenance fee. You can waive it by keeping a minimum daily balance of $5,000 in the account for the statement cycle, or by holding a combined $25,000 or more across other SouthState deposit accounts.
This account fits people who keep a larger cushion and want extras. If your balance runs lower, the fee can eat into any interest you earn, so run the math first.
Other checking choices
SouthState has offered additional options over time, including a Direct Checking account with a low $5 monthly charge and simpler features. Product names and terms can change, so confirm the current lineup on the bank's site when you apply. Terms and conditions apply, and fees vary by account.
How to open a SouthState checking account
You can apply online or at a branch. To open online, expect to provide:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Your Social Security number
- Address, phone, and email
- An opening deposit funded by card or transfer, if the account requires one
The online form usually takes about 10 minutes. Approval is often immediate, though some applications get a short manual review.
Fees to watch beyond the monthly charge
The monthly maintenance fee is only one cost. Before you open, check the disclosures for:
- Overdraft and returned-item fees
- Out-of-network ATM fees
- Wire transfer costs
- Paper statement fees if you skip eStatements
Avoiding overdrafts and staying in-network for ATMs will keep your real cost close to zero on the entry account.
How Current and Chime compare
If you want a fee-light, app-first account, two fintech options are worth a look next to SouthState. Current and Chime both work with FDIC-insured partner banks and lean on mobile tools rather than branches.
Chime advertises no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance, plus the option to get paid up to two days early with qualifying direct deposit. Current offers similar early-pay features and spending insights in a mobile-first design. Neither runs physical branches, so if you deposit cash often or want in-person help, SouthState's branch network is an advantage. Compare monthly fees, ATM access, and early-pay features before choosing.
Chime
Chime
- Fee-free banking plus early pay access (up to 2 days early with direct deposit)¹ - Overdraft up to $200 without fees for eligible members¹ - 5% cash back on category of choice (with qualifying direct deposit)¹ - 3.75% APY on your savings¹
Standout feature
No credit check, no interest, no annual fee, and no minimum deposit required.
Fees
$0
Pros
Fee-Free Banking and Get paid up to 2 days early
Cons
App/online-only support, no branches
What Users Commonly Report
Customers often describe SouthState's branch staff as helpful and appreciate the local presence in Southeastern states. Some note that avoiding the monthly fee is simple once eStatements are on. Others mention that ATM access outside the bank's footprint can feel limited, and that mobile features may trail those of app-only providers. Experiences vary by location and account type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the monthly fee on a SouthState checking account?
The core SouthState Checking account charges a $5 monthly maintenance fee as of July 2026. You can waive it by enrolling in electronic statements before the end of your statement cycle. The Gold Checking tier charges $15 per month with its own balance-based waivers.
Is there a minimum balance to open the account?
The entry SouthState Checking account has no minimum opening deposit and no ongoing minimum balance requirement. Premium accounts like Gold Checking use balance thresholds to waive fees rather than to open the account. Always confirm the current terms in the account disclosures.
Can I open a SouthState checking account online?
Yes, you can apply online in about 10 minutes with your ID, Social Security number, and contact details. Many applications are approved right away, though some may need a brief manual review. You can also open an account at a branch if you prefer in-person help.
Is my money safe at SouthState Bank?
Deposits at SouthState Bank are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. That is the standard federal coverage for banks. Keep balances within the limit, or use multiple ownership categories, to stay fully protected.
