Palmetto Citizens opens first Georgia branches after Southern Bank acquisition

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union began serving four former Southern Bank locations in east Georgia on Aug. 3, its first expansion into the state in more than 90 years. The move gives customers in Waynesboro, Sardis, Gibson and Hephzibah access to broader banking products, digital tools and community programs.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union its first footprint in Georgia and extends the credit union’s member base into four east Georgia communities. - Local customers in Waynesboro, Sardis, Gibson and Hephzibah now have access to more banking options, while keeping their existing branches and staff. - The transition brings new community-giving and education programs to the area, including teacher grants and scholarships.

What happened: - Four former Southern Bank branches officially became Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union locations on Aug. 3, 2026. - The completed acquisition closed on July 31. - The new branches are in Waynesboro, Sardis, Gibson and Hephzibah. - Palmetto Citizens described the move as its first expansion into Georgia in its more than 90-year history.

The details: - Existing loan terms and payment schedules remain unchanged for members. - All local employees stayed on, preserving familiar branch relationships. - Members now have access to personal and business banking, digital banking tools, competitive lending options and nearly 50 ATMs across South Carolina and Georgia. - Palmetto Citizens Foundation now makes educators in the four Georgia communities eligible for its Teacher Grant program. - The foundation also offers college scholarships and works with local nonprofits and schools on financial education and community support. - Palmetto Citizens says it serves more than 100,000 consumers, manages over $1.5 billion in assets, employs more than 310 people and operates 19 branches and nearly 50 ATMs. - The credit union was founded in 1936 by 10 educators. - The organization was recognized in 2026 as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. - Palmetto Citizens says it gave more than $600,000 and 900 volunteer hours in 2025. - More information is available on the Georgia information page. - Additional background is available on the credit union’s main site.

Between the lines: - The acquisition is not a rebrand-only change. Palmetto Citizens is layering a larger product set and a stronger digital platform onto an existing local branch network. - Keeping employees in place suggests the credit union wants to reduce customer disruption while building trust in a new market. - The community-investment messaging signals a long-term push to be seen as a civic partner, not just a lender.

What's next: - East Georgia members will begin using Palmetto Citizens products, services and member benefits under the new branch structure. - Educators, nonprofits and schools in the four communities can begin engaging with the Palmetto Citizens Foundation’s grant, scholarship and education programs. - Palmetto Citizens is positioning the Georgia branches as part of a broader regional growth strategy across South Carolina and Georgia.

The bottom line: - Palmetto Citizens has turned a four-branch acquisition into its first Georgia market entry, pairing banking expansion with a community-focused pitch.