Looking for a checking account with great rates and benefits? SouthEast Bank has you covered! We strive to be among the best banks for checking accounts, offering multiple options to fit your needs. 

From Rewards Checking,¹ which features cashback on qualifying purchases, to Bonus Rate Checking,² which provides 2.01% APY on balances up to $20,000, you can choose the account that’s right for you.

5 SouthEast Bank Checking Accounts

SouthEast Bank offers an unmatched combination of personalized service and top-of-the-line banking products. Enjoy the convenience of an expansive digital banking platform paired with in-person assistance at our branches located throughout Middle and East Tennessee.

At SouthEast Bank, you can choose from multiple checking accounts. Each account includes benefits like mobile deposits, online bill pay, instant-issue debit cards, and access to more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide. 

1. Bonus Rate Checking: Best for Earning Interest

The Bonus Rate Checking account is SouthEast Bank’s highest interest-bearing account.² It gives customers up to 2.01% APY on balances up to $20,000. You can open an account with as little as $50. 

Keep in mind, this account is best for heavy debit card users. To qualify for the highest APY,* you must enroll in eStatements and settle at least 15 qualifying debit card transactions — point of sale or online purchases — of $1 or more. Otherwise, your account will earn a lower yield.

2. Rewards Checking: Best for Cash Back Rewards

The Rewards Checking account gives customers cash back on every qualifying debit card purchase.¹ You’ll earn $0.10 in cash back rewards every time you use your debit card for eligible transactions of $1 or more. 

The Rewards Checking account also includes access to Accelerate, a program that allows you to receive your direct deposit funds up to three days sooner. 

Enrollment in eStatements is required to earn the $0.10 cash back rewards. 

3. Premium Interest Checking: Best for Long-Term Use

The Premium Interest Checking account allows you to earn a higher APY* as your checking account balance grows.³ The APY* is based on a tiered structure: 

• $0 – $9,999.99 = 0.10% APY*

• $10,000 – $49,999.99 = 0.15% APY*

• $50,000 – $99,999.99 = 0.50% APY*

• $100,000 – $249,999.99 = 0.70% APY*

• $250,000+ = 1.00% APY*

The account includes unlimited check writing, subject to available funds. There is a $10 monthly service fee, but it’s waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,500.

4. EDU Checking: Best for Students

The EDU Checking account is for students between the ages of 13 and 24.⁴ Customers can earn $0.10 cash back on qualifying debit card transactions. There are no minimum balance requirements or monthly service charges, and the account includes unlimited check writing, subject to available funds. 

EDU checking account customers can take advantage of Accelerate and get access to their direct deposits up to three days sooner. 

5. Thrive Senior Checking: Best for Individuals Ages 60 and Older

If you are 60 years of age or older, a Thrive Senior Checking account may be a good fit for you.⁵ The account has no minimum balance requirement and doesn’t charge monthly service fees. When you open an account, you’ll get free checks and paper statements, a $25 safe deposit box credit, and early access to direct deposits through Accelerate. 

Choosing a Checking Account

If you’re shopping for a new checking account, do your homework. There are many options out there, and SouthEast Bank works hard to stand out as one of the best banks for checking accounts. 

Certain SouthEast Bank checking accounts offer benefits like free checks, early direct deposit access, high APYs,* and cash back rewards, so you can find a checking account that matches your habits and suits your financial goals.

For more information or to open an account online, check out SouthEast Bank’s checking accounts. Or, visit a branch in person or call SouthEast Bank’s customer care center for help. You can reach customer support by calling 1-844-732-2657. 

Note: Links to other websites or references to services or applications are provided as a convenience only. A link does not imply SouthEast Bank’s sponsorship or approval of any other site, service or application. SouthEast Bank does not control the content of these sites, services or applications.

Information contained in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing contained in this blog should be construed as legal or tax advice. An attorney or tax advisor should be consulted for advice on specific issues.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield 

¹Enrollment in monthly eStatements is required to earn the $.10 cashback rewards. Qualifying transactions include point of sale or online purchases of $1 or more using the SouthEast Bank debit card. ATM and cash-only transactions do not qualify for cashback rewards. The Rewards Period begins on the first calendar day after the last business day of the prior month and ends on the last business day of the current calendar month. Regardless of the Statement Cycle, cashback rewards will be paid (credited to the account) on the 1st business day of each month. Unlimited check writing is subject to available funds. $3 paper statement fee is waived with a daily average account balance of $1200 or a daily average relationship balance of $10,000. Fees may reduce earnings. Some fees and restrictions apply. A $2.95 non-activity fee will apply to accounts with balances less than $300 each month in which no credit or debit transactions occur.

²To earn the bonus rate, each statement cycle the account must be enrolled in eStatements and post and settle at least 15 qualifying debit card transactions of $1 or more. If all qualifications are met during the statement cycle, the account will earn a 2.01% APY on balances up to $20,000 and .20% APY on balances over $20,000. If bonus qualifications are not met during the statement cycle, the account will earn .05% APY. Unlimited check writing is subject to available funds. $3.00 Paper Statement fee is waived with a daily average account balance of $1,200 or a daily average relationship balance of $10,000. Qualifying transactions include point of sale or online purchases using the SouthEast Bank debit card. ATM and cash-only transactions do not qualify towards minimum debit card transaction amount. Fees may reduce earnings. Some fees and restrictions apply. Rates are accurate as of 09-1-2022. Rates are variable and subject to change after account opening.

³Interest is earned on daily collected balances of $0 and above and is credited monthly to the account. This is a tiered rate account that earns higher interest based on higher balances. Interest rates may reprice with the market. Rates are subject to change after account opening. APYs are accurate as of 09-1-2022. Fees may reduce earnings. Some fees and restrictions apply. Unlimited check writing is subject to available funds. 

⁴The Thrive checking account is available to customers who are 60 years old and older. There is no monthly service charge with this account. The free checks are safety paper checks. The free certified checks are limited to 9 per month.

⁵Enrollment in monthly eStatements is required to earn the $.10 debit card rewards. Qualifying transactions include point of sale or online purchases of $1 or more using the SouthEast Bank debit card. ATM and cash-only transactions do not qualify for cash back rewards. The Rewards Period begins on the first calendar day after the last business day of the prior month and ends on the last business day of the current calendar month.  Regardless of the Statement Cycle, Cash Back Rewards will be paid (credited to the account) on the 1st business day of each month. The primary account holder must be between the ages of 13-24. Customers over age 25 will be notified and moved into a Rewards Checking product. No monthly service fee will be assessed for account holders (e-statement required). Overdraft/Returned item fees may apply. Please see the full Fee Schedule for any other fees that may be imposed in connection with this account.