Come visit us at our Lake Wales branch, located right off Central Avenue, across from Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and Lake Wales Fire Department. As a leading regional bank in the US, we're committed to helping our customers find their success. With a robust suite of products including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, wealth management, and commercial and small business loans and solutions, we are here to help tailor a solution to fit your unique needs. This paired with our convenient ATMs, online banking and mobile app, means you can bank conveniently anytime, anywhere. This is banking at its best. This is Banking Forward. This is SouthState Bank.
My hope is for anyone who intends on doing business with this bank, that you see this review first and carefully consider.
My journey started with this bank because I needed foreign currency exchange. The banks I currently have accounts with couldn’t do it. I called SouthState bank on 9/9 to confirm if I could get foreign currency from the bank, and was told that I needed an account.
I opened an account on 9/9, went to the bank on 9/10 to get the currency only to be turned around and told about the account good standing & acct age requirements to receive foreign money. That should’ve been my first red flag that this company struggles with communication. However I was willing to overlook that because I made other arrangements to get what I needed.
Upon returning from my trip, I begin using the card on Tuesday 9/30. The card had been used multiple times between 9/30 and 10/3. By Saturday 10/4, I signed into my account and there was no account data online. I tried signing in and out multiple times, but to no avail. I called customer service. The first person I reached, Marissa, was okay at first then became rude. I told her that I’d just used my card on 10/3, but now online shows no account information. She stated she was unable to see my account and I needed to go into my branch on Monday for more information. There’s an issue with My primary source of money at your bank, but I need to wait until Monday to spend my money? She proceeds “as she’s stated you need to go into the bank on Monday…”Hang up on her for being rude, & called again.
This time I get Albert on the line. He’s able to see the account, and that it’s locked but doesn’t see a note as to why. No further details mentioned.
I call a third time, because by now I’m trying to be kind about it, but this is absolutely unacceptable and interrupting my weekend plans. 3rd person states that the account is pending closure, but there is no reason or notes as to why. Under normal circumstances, I’d think with the technology available in 2025 that some sort of notification would be sent out advising that there’s an issue, but I got nothing. I had to wake up Saturday morning, get dressed and ready to go out, to discover an issue with my banking. Not only was there an issue, but due to the lack of compassion and communication from multiple employees, I had to call multiple times to find out accurate information said issue. Still, to only be told bits & pieces of the story.
I called a 4th time because it still wasn’t adding up & The last person I reached was finally honest in confirming me that it’s pending closure for fraud but there is no reason as to why because it was automated.
Fast forward to Monday & I’m at the local
Branch. Walked into the branch and told them exactly what’s going on, only to be told they don’t have a way to reach their fraud department and that there is no note as to why the account is pending closure. SouthState bank can’t call and contact SouthState bank’s Fraud department…And my account is what’s being considered fraudulent...okay.
I’m further told that I have to wait until the fraud department reviews the account for my funds to be released. So you mean to tell me you’ve frozen my money, told me to come in to the branch Monday for resolution, but still can’t resolve the issue? Absolutely not. It’s the principle that these people have quickly caused a major issue for me and can’t quickly fix it NOR give me any information as to why this is happening.
Fast fwd, I was able to get my money back same day, however as of 10/9 I still have absolutely no idea why my account was randomly closed. I was told I’ll be notified via mail and someone from the complaint department would be reaching out…… however this answer was not good enough, so I called customer service and was told there was an issue with my identification which is why the account is pending closure. The account had been open for almost a month, and now weeks later you’re just noticing an issue with my identification...very reassuring that this is a reputable bank.
MB
Megan Birth
Nov 10, 2016
1.0
The girls are great, but it's not enough to keep my business. Allowing a payment to bounce my account shouldn't be an option and if it is, then I shouldn't be charged for it if I fix the problem within the 24 hours it happened. I'm not an account bouncer! So this is unacceptable! For this reason, I will be closing my account ASAP.
OJ
Odalys Jianny
Jul 30, 2015
1.0
I am so SAD to think this bank helps all types of organizations but cannot help a Local family buying an $8.00 dollar fundraising ticket.. By the way this family has Banked with them for years, is just VERY SAD!!! Way to go Lake Wales off 27 Branch!!!
What are the regular operating hours for SouthState Bank's Lake Wales branch?
The branch is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
What are the drive-through hours at the Lake Wales branch?
The drive-through is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed on weekends.
Is SouthState Bank closed on any holidays?
Yes, the branch is closed on Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (November 27), and Christmas Day (December 25) in 2025.
What financial products and services does SouthState Bank offer?
SouthState Bank offers checking and savings accounts, mortgages, wealth management, credit cards, loans including small business and commercial loans, car loans, home equity lines of credit, investments, trust services, cash flow management, and safe deposit boxes.
Does SouthState Bank provide any digital banking options?
Yes, they offer convenient ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps available for Android and iOS devices for banking anytime, anywhere.
How can customers contact SouthState Bank's Lake Wales branch?
Customers can call the main phone number at +1 863-676-9600 or use the alternate phone +1 855-863-2265. They can also email customercare@southstatebank.com for assistance.
Where is SouthState Bank located in Lake Wales?
The branch is located at 300 West Central Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853, across from the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and Lake Wales Fire Department.
What nearby places can help customers orient themselves when visiting SouthState Bank?
Customers can find SouthState Bank right across from the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Wales Fire Department, making these landmarks helpful to locate the branch.
Are there dining options near SouthState Bank in Lake Wales?
Yes, nearby dining options include Scuttles New England Seafood Restaurant, Junior’s Fish Market & Seafood Restaurant, and Ximena’s Tacos Lake Wales, which are great spots to visit before or after banking.
What community and public services are located near SouthState Bank?
Nearby services include Lake Wales Main Street landmark, Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Wales Planning Department, and City of Lake Wales town hall, all within easy reach for customers visiting the bank.