BancorpSouth was founded in 1876 in the back of a hardware store in tiny Verona, Miss. Now headquartered five miles up the road in Tupelo, this bank has approximately 280 locations across eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. The bank holds total assets north of $17 billion.
BancorpSouth carries a wide range of financial products, such as credit cards, auto, boat and RV loans, home loans, and investment accounts. They also offer checking, savings, CD, money market and IRA accounts. We’ll focus on these accounts in this review.
In this review, we put BancorpSouth’s accounts to the test. BancorpSouth may offer different rates depending on what region you’re in. To keep things consistent, we always looked at rates in the 38803 zip code (in Tupelo, Miss.), because this is where BancorpSouth is headquartered.
APY | Account Type | Account Name | Compare Rates from Similar Accounts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.15% | Savings | Bancorp South My Goal Savings | 2.20% | Barclays Online Savings Account | on Barclays’s secure website |
BancorpSouth’s checking account options
BancorpSouth My Way Checking
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $5 (waived if you meet specific requirements, detailed below)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call the bank to ask about current costs associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
This checking doesn’t earn interest, but it’s relatively easy to avoid monthly fees. You can avoid the above-referenced service charge by meeting one these requirements during the statement cycle:
- $100 minimum daily balance, or
- Five debit card purchase transactions, or
- At least one direct deposit of $100 or more
The My Way Checking account also comes with access to BudgetWi$e, the bank’s free online budgeting tool.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Performance Checking
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.10% | $30,000+ |
| 1.76% | $0.01 - $30,000 |
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $10 (waived if you meet certain requirements, detailed below)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call the bank to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: The bank will refund their $2 ATM fee plus up to $2 in fees paid by the ATM owner for the first five non-BancorpSouth transactions if the account holder meets all three of the higher rate requirements listed below.
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
The standard interest rate for this checking account is pretty meager, but it may be easy for you to earn the bonus rate. The Bonus APY of 1.76% applies on balances of $30,000 or less if you meet these three requirements each statement period:
- Must have at least one direct credit or debit, such as direct deposit or automatic bill payment
- Must make at least 12 debit card purchase transactions
- Must be enrolled to receive online statements
You’ll definitely want to make sure you meet the requirements to receive the bonus rate every month. Doing so will not only get you a higher APY, but you’ll also be able to avoid the $10 monthly service charge and get up to $10 in ATM fees refunded each month. You can also avoid the monthly service charge by maintaining a $1,000 minimum daily balance in your account.
The Performance Checking account also comes with access to BudgetWi$e, BancorpSouth’s free online budgeting tool.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Interest Plus Checking
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.10% | $0.01 - $4,999.99 |
| 0.12% | $5,000 - $9,999.99 |
| 0.15% | $10,000 - $24,999.99 |
| 0.17% | $25,000 - $49,999.99 |
| 0.20% | $50,000 - $99,999.99 |
| 0.25% | $100,000+ |
- Minimum opening deposit: $1,000
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $10 (waived if you maintain a $1,000 minimum daily balance)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
The interest rates available for this checking account aren’t exactly generous. The highest rates available on this account are quite a bit lower than the bonus rate available through the Performing Checking account. However, since the bonus rate is available only on balances up to $30,000, this account might be a better option if you maintain a higher balance in your checking account.
And there’s one more benefit that might be appealing to people who prefer paper statements with imaged checks. This service is free for Interest Plus Checking account holders, whereas some of BancorpSouth’s other checking account options charge a fee.
The Interest Plus Checking account also comes with access to BudgetWi$e, BancorpSouth’s free online budgeting tool.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Heritage Checking
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.10% | $0.01 |
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $8 (waived if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
The interest rates available for this checking account are modest, but it offers some unique perks. Account holders receive:
- One free box of checks per year
- $100,000 common carrier Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- A free Savers Club Book with discount offers at over 3,000 participating lodging properties, theme parks and car rental companies
- The ability to receive discounts and earn cash rewards when they arrange travel through a third-party partner
- Free copies of Sojourns magazine
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Student Checking
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $0
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
This checking account doesn’t earn interest, but with no minimum monthly balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fee, it’s an affordable option for college students. Plus, it comes with a few nice features. Account holders receive their first box of 25 checks printed at no charge and have the option to upgrade to checks with their college’s logo.
The Student Checking account is available for students through the age of 24. After age 24, the account will automatically be converted to another standard checking account.
The Student Checking account also comes with access to BudgetWi$e, BancorpSouth’s free online budgeting tool.
How to get BancorpSouth’s checking accounts
You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and driver’s license number. You’ll also need details for your current U.S. checking or savings account to fund your new account. If you don’t already have a U.S. checking or savings account, you’ll have to apply in person at a BancorpSouth location.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
How BancorpSouth’s checking accounts compare
This bank’s checking accounts offer modest interest rates compared with the best online checking accounts out there. Truly fee-free checking is only available to students, although it’s possible to avoid monthly service fees rather easily.
If you’re between the ages of 24 and 62 and don’t mind jumping through a few hoops to meet the requirements each month, you’ll earn a better rate with BancorpSouth’s Performance Checking than you will with their other accounts. However, you might be able to earn more by keeping less money in your checking and more in another interest-bearing account.
BancorpSouth’s savings account options
BancorpSouth My Goal Savings
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.15% | $0.01 |
- Minimum opening deposit: $100
- Minimum balance to earn APY: $0.01
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $5 (waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $100)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
This is BancorpSouth’s basic savings account, and an option if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills place to store your cash. This account does have a monthly fee, but you can easily avoid it by keeping a minimum of $100 in your account.
Per Regulation D, you’re allowed up to six certain withdrawals or transfers per month. After that, there’s a $5 fee for each transaction from the bank.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Performance Savings
Account holders can earn a higher interest rate on balances of $100,000 or less by making a minimum of $50 in total deposits into the account through either online banking transfer or ACH deposit. If you don’t make the minimum deposit, your account will earn the standard rate of interest. Call BancorpSouth to learn about the current rates.
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Minimum balance to earn APY: $0.01
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $2.50 (waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $50)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
This savings account is an option if you plan to save at least $50 per month and can take advantage of the bonus interest rate. Even if you skip a month, the service fee is half that of the My Goal Savings account.
Again, watch out if you plan to make a lot of withdrawals each month. You’re allowed up to six certain withdrawals or transfers each month, per Federal Regulation D. After that, there’s a $5 fee for each transaction from the bank.
You cannot open a Performance Checking account online. Use BancorpSouth’s Find a Branch tool to locate a branch near you and sign up in person.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Select Savings
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.25% | $0.01 |
- Minimum opening deposit: $1,000
- Minimum balance to earn APY: $0.01
- Quarterly account maintenance fee: $15 (waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $1,000)
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
For people with a little more money available to open an account, the Select Savings account pays a higher rate of interest than you’ll get from BancorpSouth’s My Goal Savings account. This account does have a quarterly maintenance fee, but you can avoid it by keeping a minimum of $1,000 in the account.
Per Regulation D, you’re allowed up to six certain withdrawals or transfers each month. After that, there’s a $5 fee for each transaction from the bank.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
BancorpSouth Young Savers Savings
Call BancorpSouth to learn about the current rates.
- Minimum opening deposit: $25
- Minimum balance to earn APY: $0.01
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $0
- ATM fee: No fee for using BancorpSouth ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call BancorpSouth to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
This account is only available to account holders below 17 years of age and requires a parent or guardian over 18 to be a joint account holder. Once the account holder reaches age 18, the account will convert to a My Goal Savings account.It’s a good account for teaching kids the value of savings because the minimum opening deposit is low, there’s no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service charge.
You’re allowed up to six certain withdrawals or transfer each month, per Regulation D. After that, there’s a $5 fee for each transaction imposed by the bank.
You cannot open a Young Savers Checking account online. Use BancorpSouth’s Find a Branch tool to locate a branch near you and sign up in person.
How to get a Bancop South savings account
You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and driver’s license number. You’ll also need details for your current U.S. checking or savings account to fund your new account. If you don’t already have a U.S. checking or savings account, you’ll have to apply in person at a BancorpSouth location.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
How BancorpSouth’s savings accounts compare
These savings accounts make it easy to avoid monthly or quarterly account maintenance fees, but their interest rates aren’t really that competitive. You’ll earn a better return on your money by opening one of these top online savings accounts.
BancorpSouth’s CD rates
BancorpSouth Certificate of Deposit
Interest rates are determined at the time of purchase. Call BancorpSouth to discover current rates.
- Minimum opening deposit: $1,000 – $5,000, depending on maturity
- Minimum balance amount to earn APY: $1,000 – $5,000, depending on maturity
- Early withdrawal penalty: Early withdrawal penalties apply. Call BancorpSouth to learn more.
If you want to earn a higher rate of interest and don’t mind tying up your money for anywhere from one to 60-plus months, consider a BancorpSouth CD. The longer the term, the higher the rate.
You can open a CD with BancorpSouth with as little as $1,000, so there’s a low barrier to entry.
You cannot open a BancorpSouth CD online. Use their Find a Branch tool to locate a branch near you and apply in person.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
How BancorpSouth’s CD rates compare
BancorpSouth doesn’t publish their CD rates online, so it’s impossible to know how they compare to the CDs that you can get elsewhere. However, we do like their low opening balance requirements and a variety of maturity terms.
BancorpSouth’s money market account options
BancorpSouth Money Market Select
| APY | Minimum Balance to Earn APY |
|---|---|
| 0.10% | $0.01 - $9,999.99 |
| 0.10% | $10,000 - $24,999.99 |
| 0.15% | $25,000 - $49,999.99 |
| 0.20% | $50,000 - $99,999.99 |
| 0.25% | $100,000 - $149,999.99 |
| 0.30% | $150,000 - $499,999.99 |
| 0.50% | $500,000+ |
- Minimum opening deposit: $1,000
- Minimum balance to earn APY: $0.01
- Monthly account maintenance fee: $10 (waived if you maintain a $10,000 minimum monthly ledger balance)
- ATM fee: No fee for using the bank’s ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM in the United States, you may be charged a fee by both BancorpSouth and the ATM’s owner. Call the bank to ask about current fees associated with out-of-network ATMs. If you use a foreign ATM, you’ll pay $2 per transaction, plus a 2% cross-border fee.
- ATM fee refund: None
- Overdraft fee: $36 per item
You’ll only need $1,000 to open a Money Market Select account, but you’ll need 10 times that amount to avoid the monthly fee mentioned above. If you can clear that hurdle, this is a way to earn a little more interest than you’d get from some of the bank’s checking account options. You’ll have access to unlimited over-the-counter and ATM transaction, but more than six withdrawals during any given month will hit you with a $10 fee per withdrawal.Keep in mind, though, you must have a BancorpSouth checking account to open a Money Market Select account.
How to get BancorpSouth’s Money Market Select account
You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and driver’s license number. You’ll also need details for your current U.S. checking or savings account to fund your new account. If you don’t already have a U.S. checking or savings account, you’ll have to apply in person at a BancorpSouth location.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
How BancorpSouth’s money market accounts compare
This account has a low opening deposit requirement, but the interest rates are low, too. You could potentially earn a better rate of return with a money market account from an internet bank.
BancorpSouth’s IRA account options
IRA
Call BancorpSouth the learn the current rates.
- Minimum opening deposit: Call the bank to learn more
- Minimum balance to earn APY: Call the bank to learn more
- Monthly account maintenance fee: None
If you’re under age 70½, you can contribute to an IRA and take advantage of potential tax savings. BancorpSouth’s IRA does not charge a monthly service fee, however, if you need to withdraw funds early, those withdrawals may be taxed as earned income and incur an early withdrawal penalty.
You’ll have to call the bank to learn more about interest rates associated with this account and how to open the account.
on Bancorp South’s secure website
How BancorpSouth’s IRA accounts compare
We don’t know how BancorpSouth’s IRA CDs compare because the bank chooses not to advertise its rates. You’ll have to call to find out. If you do, be sure to compare the rates they’re paying to our list of the top IRA CD rates.
Overall review of BancorpSouth’s banking products
BancorpSouth does offer a wide variety of account options for checking and savings, and while many of their accounts to charge a monthly or quarterly service fee, they make it easy to avoid the fees by maintaining relatively low minimum balances, using your debit card, or using direct deposit.
But if you’re like most people, you probably want to put your money where it will earn the best interest rate. If that’s the case, BancorpSouth might not be the best option for you because their interest rates just aren’t competitive with those offered by other banks. With many of its rates not published online, the bank doesn’t make it easy for you to shop around.
