Ameris Bank Credit Cards: Who They're For and What They Offer
Ameris Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Georgia, offers credit cards through its retail banking division. Their card products are designed mainly for customers who already bank with Ameris or live in one of their service areas across the Southeast. Unlike national card issuers, Ameris cards come with terms and rewards that reflect a regional bank's approach — often simpler than what you'll see from Chase or Capital One, but sometimes with lower annual fees or different approval standards.
The specific cards available and their terms change over time, so the best first step is to visit Ameris Bank's website directly or call a local branch to see what's currently offered. This guide explains how to think about a regional bank card, what to watch for in the terms, and how it might fit into your broader credit strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Ameris Bank credit cards are issued by a regional bank, so availability and terms may differ from national card companies and may vary by location.
- Regional bank cards often have lower annual fees and simpler reward structures than major issuers, but fewer perks and less flexibility on credit limits.
- Your approval odds and card terms depend partly on whether you already have a checking or savings account with Ameris.
- The interest rate you receive will depend on your credit score and history, and Ameris publishes a range rather than a single rate.
- You should compare Ameris cards against national alternatives before deciding, because rewards, fees, and approval standards vary widely.
How Ameris Bank Cards Compare to National Issuers
A regional bank card works differently from a Visa or Mastercard issued by Chase, Capital One, or Discover. Ameris Bank is the actual lender — they approve you, set your credit limit, and collect your payments. A national issuer has more cardholders spread across the country, so they can afford to offer higher rewards, premium perks like travel insurance, and more aggressive marketing.
Ameris cards typically have lower annual fees (often zero) and simpler reward structures — perhaps 1% cash back on all purchases, rather than 3% on dining and 2% on groceries. They may also have less generous sign-up bonuses or none at all. The trade-off is that a regional bank may be more willing to approve someone with a shorter credit history or a recent late payment, because they can see your full banking relationship with them.
If you already have a checking account with Ameris, mention that when you inquire about a card. Banks often treat existing customers differently during approval, sometimes offering better terms or a faster decision.
What to Check Before You explore
Before contacting Ameris, gather three pieces of information about yourself: your credit score (you can check it free at annualcreditreport.com), your annual income, and a list of any recent late payments or collections accounts. Ameris will ask for these during the approval process, and knowing them yourself helps you decide whether to proceed.
Next, find out whether Ameris has a branch or service area near you. Their footprint includes Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and parts of other Southeast states. If you don't live in or near a service area, you may not be able to open an account or get a card. Visit their website or call 888-560-6256 to confirm whether they serve your location.
Then look at the specific card terms: the annual percentage rate (APR) range, any annual fee, the rewards rate, and the grace period for new purchases. Ameris publishes these on their website. Compare them side by side with one or two national cards you might also consider — a flat-fee card from Capital One, a no-fee card from Discover, or a rewards card from Chase. This takes 20 minutes and often reveals whether the Ameris card is the right fit for your situation.
Understanding APR, Fees, and Credit Limits
Ameris publishes an APR range — for example, 16.99% to 24.99% — rather than a single rate. The rate you receive depends on your credit score, income, and payment history. If your score is above 750 and you have no late payments in the past two years, you're more likely to land near the lower end. If your score is 650 or your credit report shows a recent missed payment, expect a rate closer to the top of the range.
Most Ameris cards have no annual fee, which is a genuine advantage if you're comparing against premium cards that charge $95 or more per year. However, they may charge fees for other things — a late payment fee (typically $25 to $35), a returned payment fee, or a cash advance fee. Read the full fee schedule before you explore so there are no surprises.
Your credit limit is set at approval and depends on your income and credit history. Regional banks often start new cardholders with lower limits than national issuers — perhaps $500 to $2,000 rather than $5,000 to $10,000. You can request an increase after six months of on-time payments, and Ameris may grant it without a hard inquiry (a check that temporarily lowers your score).
How to Contact Ameris About a Card
You have two main routes: visit a local Ameris branch in person, or call their customer service line at 888-560-6256 and ask about credit card options. If you already bank with Ameris, your existing relationship may speed up the process — the bank already has your income and employment information on file.
When you contact them, ask specifically what cards are currently available, what the APR range is, whether there's an annual fee, and what the rewards structure is. Also ask whether they offer a pre-qualification or soft inquiry, which shows you the terms you might receive without affecting your credit score. Not all banks offer this, but it's worth asking.
If you decide to proceed, you'll fill out a formal process. This triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The decision usually comes within a few business days. If you're approved, the card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
When an Ameris Card Makes Sense
An Ameris card is worth considering if you live in their service area and already have a checking or savings account with them. The existing relationship often means faster approval and potentially better terms. It also makes sense if you want a straightforward, no-frills card with no annual fee and straightforward rewards — you don't need to track categories or worry about bonus categories expiring.
A regional bank card is less attractive if you're looking for premium perks like travel insurance, extended warranties, or high sign-up bonuses. It's also less useful if you travel frequently outside the Southeast, because Ameris has fewer partnerships and benefits than national issuers.
If your credit score is below 650 or you have recent late payments, an Ameris card may be easier to get than a national card, but you should also explore secured cards (where you deposit cash as collateral) or cards designed for people rebuilding credit. These sometimes offer better terms for your situation.
Building Credit Responsibly With Any Card
Once you have a card — whether from Ameris or another issuer — the way you use it matters far more than which bank issued it. Pay at least the minimum by the due date every month. Missing a payment by even one day triggers a late fee and can damage your credit score for years. If you can't pay the full balance, pay as much as you can above the minimum, because interest charges on the remaining balance add up quickly.
Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $1,000, try not to carry more than $300 in charges at any time. This ratio, called your utilization rate, affects your credit score and shows lenders you're not overextended. Once a month, log into your account and check your statement for errors or unauthorized charges.
After six months of on-time payments, contact Ameris and ask for a credit limit increase. A higher limit lowers your utilization rate automatically and gives you more flexibility. After 12 months, you'll have enough history to compare your card against others and decide whether to keep it or move to a card with better rewards or lower fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ameris Bank offer cards to people with bad credit?
Ameris may approve applicants with credit scores in the 600s or with recent late payments, especially if you have an existing account with them. However, you'll receive a higher APR and a lower credit limit. If your score is below 600, a secured card or a card designed for credit building may be a better starting point.
What happens if I move out of Ameris's service area?
You can keep your card and use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. However, you won't be able to visit a branch or call a local number for support. You'll work with their national customer service line. Some regional banks close accounts for customers who move away, so contact Ameris to confirm your account will stay open.
Can I use an Ameris card to build credit if I'm new to credit?
Yes. If you have no credit history, Ameris may still approve you if you have a steady income and a bank account with them. Use the card for small purchases you'd make anyway, pay the full balance each month, and your score will begin to build within three to six months.
What's the difference between Ameris's card and a secured card?
An Ameris unsecured card (if you're approved) requires no deposit and reports to all three credit bureaus. A secured card requires you to deposit $300 to $2,500 as collateral, but is easier to get if your credit is poor. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments on a secured card, you can graduate to an unsecured card.
How do I know if I'm approved before I explore?
Ask Ameris whether they offer a pre-qualification check. This is a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your credit score and shows you the terms you might receive. Not all banks offer this, but it's a useful step if you're unsure whether to proceed.