Ameris Bancorp offers credit cards through its subsidiary banks across the Southeast
Ameris Bancorp is a regional bank holding company that operates multiple community banks in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and other southeastern states. The credit cards available depend on which Ameris subsidiary bank you use — each operates under its own brand name and offers its own card products. You cannot walk into a website and explore for "an Ameris card" the way you would with Visa or Mastercard; instead, you explore through the specific bank where you hold an account or want to open one.
The cards themselves are typically standard Visa or Mastercard products with features like cash back, rewards points, or introductory rates. What matters most is understanding which Ameris bank serves your area, what that bank's specific card offers, and whether the terms match what you actually use a card for.
Key Takeaways
- Ameris credit cards are issued by individual Ameris subsidiary banks, not by Ameris Bancorp directly, so the card you can get depends on which bank operates in your state.
- You typically need to be a customer of the specific Ameris bank to open its credit card, though some banks allow non-customers to open cards.
- Card features — rewards rates, annual fees, introductory offers — vary by the individual bank and the specific card product, so comparing the terms before you explore is essential.
- Ameris banks are FDIC-insured regional institutions, which means your deposits are protected but the card terms are set by that individual bank, not a national card issuer.
Which Ameris bank operates in your state
Ameris Bancorp owns multiple subsidiary banks, each with its own name and service area. The largest include Renasant Bank (which acquired Ameris operations in Tennessee and Mississippi), Fidelity Southern Bank (Georgia and South Carolina), and Renasant Bank's other regional operations. Some Ameris subsidiary banks have been acquired by or merged with other regional banks in recent years, so the landscape has shifted.
The first step is to find out which Ameris-affiliated bank operates near you. You can do this by visiting Ameris Bancorp's main website and looking for a bank locator tool, or by searching for "Ameris banks near me" plus your state. Once you identify the specific bank, visit that bank's website directly — that is where you will find information about its credit card products and how to open one.
What credit card products are typically available
Ameris subsidiary banks usually offer a small number of credit card options rather than a full suite like a national issuer. A typical lineup might include a cash back card (offering 1% to 2% back on purchases), a rewards card (earning points toward travel or merchandise), and sometimes a card with an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual fees vary. Some Ameris bank cards carry no annual fee, while others charge $50 to $95 per year. The introductory rates, if offered, typically last 6 to 12 months. The regular APR (the interest rate you pay after any introductory period ends) usually ranges from 16% to 24%, depending on your credit score and the specific card. Because these are regional products, the terms are not as widely advertised as those of national card issuers, so you need to check the specific bank's website for current offers.
How to open an Ameris credit card
Most Ameris subsidiary banks require you to be an existing customer — meaning you already have a checking or savings account with them — before you can open a credit card. Some banks make exceptions and allow non-customers to open a card, but this is less common. If you are not yet a customer, you may need to open a deposit account first.
Once you are a customer, you can open a card online through the bank's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need to provide your Social Security number, income information, and employment details. The bank will pull your credit report and make a decision, usually within a few business days. If you are approved, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are not a customer yet and want to open both an account and a card, start with the deposit account. Most Ameris banks let you open a checking account online with just an initial deposit (often $25 to $100) and a valid ID. Once that account is open and active, you can then open the credit card.
Understanding the terms before you open the card
Before you submit an process, read the card's disclosure document — usually called a "Schellinger" or "pricing and terms" sheet — which lists the APR, annual fee, grace period, and any introductory offers. Pay special attention to the regular APR, because that is what you will pay on any balance you carry after the introductory period ends.
Check whether the rewards rate (if the card offers one) applies to all purchases or only certain categories. A card that offers 2% cash back only on groceries and gas, for example, is very different from one that offers 2% on all purchases. Also confirm the grace period — the number of days you have to pay your balance in full before interest starts accruing. Most cards offer 21 to 25 days; some offer fewer.
If the card has an introductory 0% APR offer, note when it ends. After that date, the regular APR kicks in, and any remaining balance will start accruing interest at that rate. If you plan to carry a balance, make sure you understand what the regular APR will be.
How to manage your Ameris credit card account
Once your card arrives, you can set up it online, by phone, or at an ATM, depending on the bank's options. Most Ameris banks let you set up online account access so you can view your balance, make payments, and read statements from the bank's website or mobile app.
Payments can usually be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. Many banks offer automatic payments, where you authorize the bank to deduct a set amount from your checking account each month. This is a straightforward way to avoid late payments. You can also pay more than the minimum due at any time — paying down the balance faster reduces the interest you owe.
Keep an eye on your statement each month. Check for unauthorized charges and report them to the bank right away if you spot them. Also watch your credit limit and available balance, especially if you are close to your limit — using more than 30% of your available credit can lower your credit score.
What to do if you have questions or problems
Contact the specific Ameris subsidiary bank that issued your card. You can usually reach customer service by phone (the number is on the back of your card and on your statement), through the bank's website, or by visiting a branch in person. Have your card number and account number ready when you call.
If you have a dispute about a charge, report it to the bank in writing within 60 days of the statement date. The bank will investigate and respond within 30 days. If you believe you were charged interest incorrectly or the card terms were misrepresented, the bank's customer service team can review your account and explain what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a customer of the bank to open an Ameris credit card?
Most Ameris subsidiary banks require you to have a checking or savings account with them before you can open a credit card. Some banks make exceptions, but this is uncommon. If you are not yet a customer, contact the specific bank to ask whether you can open a card without an existing account, or open a deposit account first.
What is the APR on an Ameris credit card?
The APR varies by card and by your credit score. Most Ameris bank cards carry a regular APR between 16% and 24%. Some cards offer an introductory 0% APR for 6 to 12 months on purchases or balance transfers. Check the specific card's terms on the bank's website to see the current rates.
Can I use my Ameris credit card at any store or ATM?
If your card is a Visa or Mastercard (which most Ameris cards are), you can use it anywhere that accepts that brand. You cannot typically withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card — you would need to do a cash advance at a bank or ATM, which usually comes with a fee and higher interest rate. Check your card's terms for cash advance details.
How do I pay my Ameris credit card bill?
You can pay online through the bank's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a branch. Many banks offer automatic payments from your checking account. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day; mail payments take longer, so send them at least a week before the due date.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. The bank may also charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment). If you miss a payment, contact the bank as soon as possible to bring your account current and ask about options to avoid future late fees.