First Chatham Bank has long served as a cornerstone of the financial landscape in Savannah and the surrounding coastal communities. Since its establishment in 2002, the institution distinguished itself as a community-focused bank, deeply embedded in the economic fabric of Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, and Glynn counties. As we navigate the financial environment in 2026, the legacy of First Chatham Bank has evolved through its integration into the Cadence Bank network, a transition that has expanded resources while attempting to maintain the local touch that defined the original charter.

Understanding the current status of First Chatham Bank requires a look at both its historical significance and its modern identity as a division of a larger regional powerhouse. This evolution reflects a broader trend in the banking industry where community-centric values meet the technological and capital advantages of a regional institution.

The Journey from Local Roots to Regional Strength

Founded by local business leaders who understood the unique dynamics of the Lowcountry, First Chatham Bank filled a critical void when it was chartered in 2002. It was the first community bank chartered in Chatham County in over a decade at that time. Its mission was clear: to provide personalized service to families and small businesses that drive the regional economy—from the bustling Port of Savannah to the historic tourism corridors.

In early 2025, a significant milestone was reached when Cadence Bank announced the acquisition of FCB Financial Corp., the holding company for First Chatham Bank. This merger was valued at approximately $103.6 million, bringing together First Chatham’s approximately $590 million in assets with Cadence’s robust $50 billion platform. By April 2026, this integration has matured, providing customers with a seamless blend of local expertise and expanded financial capabilities.

The transition was designed to be relationship-driven. While the name on the building might be Cadence Bank, the commitment to the Savannah market remains a primary focus. For legacy customers of First Chatham Bank, this has meant access to a wider array of products, including sophisticated treasury management, specialized commercial lending, and enhanced digital banking tools that were previously the domain of only the largest national banks.

Navigating Your Accounts in the Post-Merger Environment

For those who have banked with First Chatham Bank for years, the primary concern during any merger is the continuity of service. In 2026, the systems are fully integrated, but it is still essential for account holders to understand the technical and practical aspects of their banking relationship.

The Role of Routing Numbers and Account Access

One of the most frequent questions involves the First Chatham Bank routing number (061220133). In the banking world, a routing number acts as an address for your funds. While mergers often lead to the eventual adoption of the parent bank's routing number for new accounts, legacy routing numbers frequently remain active for extended periods to ensure that direct deposits, automated bill pays, and wire transfers continue without interruption.

If you are initiating a new wire transfer or setting up a new direct deposit, it is advisable to verify the current preferred routing instructions through the digital banking portal or at a local branch. Typically, for domestic transfers, the recipient's full name, account number, and the designated ABA routing number remain the critical components for successful transactions.

Digital Banking and Mobile Integration

The shift to the Cadence Bank digital platform has introduced several enhancements for former First Chatham users. The 2026 digital experience includes:

  • Rapid Account Opening: New checking or savings accounts can often be opened online in minutes.
  • Advanced Fraud Monitoring: Utilizing AI-driven tools to detect impersonation fraud and digital mask threats.
  • Mobile Check Deposit: Enhanced limits and faster clearing times compared to older community bank systems.
  • Integrated Wealth Management: Direct visibility into personal wealth portfolios and retirement planning tools within a single dashboard.

Comprehensive Branch Network in Coastal Georgia

First Chatham Bank operated through several key divisions, each tailored to its specific community. In 2026, these locations continue to serve as vital hubs for face-to-face banking, though they now operate under the unified strength of the Cadence network.

Savannah and Chatham County Locations

The heart of the operation remains in Savannah. The Downtown (Telfair) Branch at 111 Barnard Street continues to serve as a landmark for commercial and personal banking in the city's historic district. Other key branches include:

  • Hodgson Memorial Branch: Located at 7401 Hodgson Memorial Drive, serving the busy Southside retail and professional corridor.
  • Pooler Branch: Situated at 196 Pooler Parkway, this location has grown alongside the rapid residential and industrial expansion in west Chatham County.
  • Wilmington Island Branch: Located at 454 Johnny Mercer Blvd, providing essential services to the island communities.

Specialized Divisions: Effingham, Richmond Hill, and Glynn

The merger preserved the regional identities of the bank's specialized divisions, acknowledging that banking needs in Rincon or Brunswick differ from those in downtown Savannah.

  1. First Effingham Bank: With branches in Rincon (Highway 21 South) and Springfield (South Laurel Street), this division remains a primary lender for the growing population and small businesses in Effingham County.
  2. Richmond Hill Bank: The branch at 9943 Ford Avenue serves the affluent and fast-growing Bryan County market, focusing on mortgage services and small business lines of credit.
  3. First Glynn Bank: The Brunswick branch at 550 Glynn Isles ensures that the southern reach of the coastal Georgia market has access to the same high-level commercial lending and personal banking products found in the Savannah metro area.

In addition to these brick-and-mortar locations, customers have access to over 1,100 Publix/Presto! ATM locations, offering surcharge-free cash withdrawals—a significant perk that extends the bank’s reach far beyond its physical branches.

Tailored Financial Solutions for the Local Economy

Savannah’s economy is a complex engine driven by logistics, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The evolution of First Chatham Bank into a regional division has allowed for more sophisticated support for these sectors.

Commercial Lending and Treasury Management

With the Port of Savannah being one of the busiest in the United States, businesses involved in logistics and warehousing require significant capital and complex cash management solutions. The current banking structure offers:

  • Asset-Based Lending: Allowing companies to leverage inventory and accounts receivable for growth.
  • Equipment Financing: Essential for the logistics and manufacturing sectors prevalent in Pooler and Rincon.
  • AI in Treasury Management: Helping corporate treasurers optimize liquidity and protect against sophisticated cyber fraud, a growing concern in 2026.

Small Business and Personal Banking

Despite the increased scale, the "community bank" feel is maintained through specialized checking and savings products. Whether it is a small retail shop on Broughton Street or a family in Richmond Hill saving for their first home, the bank offers:

  • Customizable Checking: Various tiers designed to fit different lifestyles and transaction volumes.
  • Competitive Savings and CDs: Providing stable options for long-term wealth accumulation.
  • Mortgage and Home Equity: Utilizing local market knowledge to provide competitive rates for Coastal Georgia real estate.

Security, Trust, and the E-E-A-T Standard

In the modern financial era, trust is the most valuable currency. Banking with a well-capitalized institution like Cadence Bank, which carries the legacy of First Chatham Bank, provides customers with multiple layers of protection.

FDIC Insurance and Financial Stability

All deposits are backed by the FDIC, providing the foundational security that customers expect from a leading American financial institution. As of 2026, the consolidated entity maintains a strong balance sheet, with tens of billions in assets, ensuring that it can weather economic cycles and continue to lend to local businesses.

Proactive Fraud Prevention

Cybersecurity has moved to the forefront of the banking experience. The bank now employs advanced AI tools to monitor for "digital mask" fraud—where attackers attempt to impersonate legitimate users through sophisticated digital means. Education is also a key component; the bank frequently provides insights on protecting businesses from cyber fraud and identifying impersonation attempts in an increasingly digital world.

The Future of Regional Banking in Savannah

As we look toward the remainder of 2026 and beyond, the story of First Chatham Bank serves as a model for successful bank integration. It demonstrates that it is possible to scale up—providing the technology and capital of a regional bank—without losing the local insights and relationship-first approach of a community institution.

For the residents and business owners of Coastal Georgia, the evolution means more choice, better technology, and the same familiar faces at the local branch. The commitment to Savannah, Pooler, Rincon, and Brunswick is not just a legacy; it is the roadmap for the future. Whether you are managing a multinational logistics firm or opening your first savings account, the current iteration of what began as First Chatham Bank stands ready to support the next chapter of Georgia’s economic success.

When choosing a financial partner in this region, it is often helpful to consider both the historical reliability of the institution and its future-facing capabilities. The blend of First Chatham’s deep roots and Cadence’s broad expertise provides a balanced platform for almost any financial need in the Savannah area. Continuing to engage with local branch managers and utilizing the robust digital tools available will ensure that you make the most of this powerful banking partnership.