RELOCATING TO THE TRIANGLE? Have you thought about where you'll be banking?
When we first moved to the area, my husband and I didn't even think about needing to switch banks. But, once we realized that our current bank wasn't located in Raleigh, we started looking for a new bank. We had no idea what banks were available or how many branches each of the banks had - we just knew that we couldn't deposit a paycheck or write a check until we set up an account with a local bank!
If you're relocating to the Triangle, here's a guide to local banks, along with where they are headquartered, how many branches they have, and some features of each. This information is geared to the Wake and Johnston county areas, specifically to the towns of Raleigh, Clayton, Knightdale and Wendell, as well as the neighboring communites of Eagle Rock, Wilders Grove, Shotwell, and Auburn.
Bank of America
I think everyone knows BofA - one of the largest US banks. If you're already with them, chances are you're going to relocate without switching banks - congratulations! What I didn't know was that Bank of America is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. There are more than 10 branches in Raleigh and one branch in Clayton. If you're interested in a career with Bank of America, click here.
Capital Bank - Raleigh
Capital Bank is a "younger" North Carolina bank, but has been making a name for itself. If you're building a custom home and need a construction loan, contact Capital Bank - but they also do plenty with personal finance. There are about 5 branches in Raleigh. If you're looking for a position with a growing bank, click here.
Suntrust Bank - Raleigh
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Suntrust bank offers nearly 1700 retail branches throughout the SouthEast. Open a new account by the end of March, and Suntrust will donate $100 to a charity of your choice (or give you a $50 gift card). With 15 locations in Raleigh there are plenty of branches. And if you're looking to relocate and need to find a new banking position, click here.
BB&T Bank
BB&T is one of the largest banks in the Carolinas, with a huge tower in downtown Raleigh, and over 100 years of North Carolina experience. BB&T Bank operates about 1500 branches in 11 states and Washington DC, and has 29,000 employees. One of the perks they offer customers is a "points" system when using your debit/check card. One location in Clayton and about 15 in Raleigh. For career opportunities, click here.
First Citizens Bank
Founded in 1898 in Johnston County, NC, First Citizens Bank has grown to cover 200 cities in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland. Their subsidiary, IronStone Bank, has branches in another 9 states. First Citizens Bank also offers free checking, free bill pay, and free online banking. First Citizens does offer construction loans as well. There is one location in Wendell, two in Clayton and more than 15 in Raleigh. If you're relocating and looking for a bank position, click here.
Wachovia Corporation
Wachovia is the result of the joining of two original North Carolina banks, both founded in the 1800s. Now ranked #4 in the US based on total assets, Wachovia offers banking throughout about half of the US. Free checking is offered - but be careful, they do charge a fee to download to Quicken. There is one branch in Wendell, one in Clayton and over 20 branches in Raleigh. If you're looking for a career, click here.
KS Bank
Locally owned and operated, KS Bank opened in 1924 and has been FDIC insured since 1961. If you are looking for a bank that offers personal service when you walk in as well as online banking as free bill pay, KS Bank can help you. If you need a mortgage, construction business or consumer loan, KS Bank offers them all. With eight locations total, there is one branch in Clayton and one in Wendell. For career opportunities click here.
Crescent State Bank
A smaller local bank, Crescent State Bank is a subsidiary owned by Crescent Financial Corporation. When Crescent opened December 1998 there was only one office and 11 employees, there are now 12 locations and more than 130 employees. They offer free checking and free online services as well as personal, mortgage and auto loans. If you are interested in a career in a growing community bank, click here.
RBC Centura
Based in Raleigh, NC and ranked one of the largest five banks in the state, RBC Centura is part of one of the largest financial service companies in North America. They offer free checking and have a pocket check visa debit card program for your purchases. With more than 335 branches in the southeastern states, there are 20 locations in Raleigh and one in Clayton. It is also one of the top employers in North Carolina with more than 4700 employees. If you are interested in career opportunities with RBC, click here.
I'm sure I've missed a couple of terrific banks. If you don't see your favorite here, let me know, and I'll add it!
And if you're relocating and looking for a new banking position, be sure to check out the career links - some of these positions never make it to Jobs.com.
You may also be interested in:
Jobs in the Raleigh Area
Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?
Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?
Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!
Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live? Property Tax Guide
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Phase 2 is so new we don't have great inside photos yet but email me for updates. Clayton NC is the fastest growing town inside one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. With it's low tax rate, big employers like Talecris (maker of the insulin pen), Cisco, Bayer and Caterpillar, excellent schools that won't reassign your child on an annual basis and easy drive into Raleigh for shopping and night life, it's no wonder so many families are making Clayton their home.
