You’re driving down Highway 17 Business, salt air coming through the window, and you realize you need a physical bank. Maybe the ATM at the pier hit you with a massive out-of-network fee, or you need to deposit a stack of cash from a local sale. If you’re looking for a Bank of America in Surfside Beach SC, you might notice something frustrating pretty quickly. There isn't a massive branch sitting right in the heart of the "Family Beach."
It’s weird, right? Surfside is a hub. But banking footprints are changing fast.
The reality of banking in the Grand Strand has shifted significantly over the last few years. While Surfside Beach is a distinct town with its own vibe and local government, most of the heavy-hitting financial infrastructure sits just outside the town limits. If you plug "Bank of America Surfside Beach SC" into your GPS while sitting at the Surfside Pier, it’s going to point you north or south. You won't find one next to the Piggly Wiggly.
Where the actual branches are hiding
The closest full-service Bank of America isn't technically in Surfside, but it's close enough that most locals just consider it the "Surfside branch." You’ll find it at Sayebrook. Specifically, the branch at 104 Sayebrook Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.
It’s about a five-to-ten-minute drive depending on how many tourists are struggling with the bypass. This location is a powerhouse. It’s got the drive-thru ATM, the glass-walled offices for mortgage lenders, and the usual hustle and bustle of a suburban financial center.
Then you have the Garden City options. If you head south toward Murrells Inlet, you’ll find another cluster of banking. However, Bank of America has consolidated many of its smaller "neighborhood" footprints into these larger "Financial Centers." They want you in a place where they can sell you a Merrill Lynch investment account, not just a place to swap a twenty for five-dollar bills.
Honestly, the Sayebrook location is your best bet because it’s adjacent to Target and Marshalls. You can handle your wire transfer and then go buy a swimsuit. It’s peak convenience, even if it’s technically a zip code over.
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The ATM situation in Surfside Beach
Sometimes you don't need a teller. You just need twenty bucks for a parking meter or a corn dog.
Bank of America has been aggressive about placing "Advanced ATMs" in high-traffic areas. These aren't the old-school machines that just spit out cash; they take deposits and let you choose your bill denominations. While standalone branches are getting rarer, these kiosks are popping up in retail strips.
You’ve got to be careful, though. Many "partner" ATMs in gas stations like 7-Eleven or Circle K might accept your card, but they won't always offer the full suite of Bank of America services. To avoid fees, always check the mobile app first. It’s more accurate than a Google Maps listing that hasn't been updated since 2022.
- Pro tip: If you're at the Surfside Beach shoreline and need cash without a fee, the Sayebrook branch is the nearest "guaranteed" free ATM for BofA customers.
- Alternative: If you just need cash back, the Publix at 17 Bypass or the Walmart Supercenter nearby are often faster than hunting for a specific bank-branded machine.
Why the physical footprint is shrinking
It’s not just Surfside. Banking is becoming a digital-first experience. According to recent FDIC data and industry reports from analysts like Cornerstone Advisors, banks are closing physical branches at a record pace. They’re focusing on "hub" locations.
Why? Because you probably haven't stepped inside a bank to deposit a check in three years. You use your phone.
Bank of America's strategy in the Myrtle Beach area reflects this. They want fewer, larger buildings. These buildings act as billboards as much as they act as banks. By positioning themselves at the Sayebrook intersection—where Highway 17 Bypass meets Highway 544—they catch everyone coming from Coastal Carolina University, everyone heading to the beach, and everyone living in the massive new housing developments in Socastee.
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It makes sense from a corporate balance sheet perspective, even if it means you have to drive an extra three miles.
Handling specific needs: Mortgages and Notaries
If you’re moving to Surfside Beach, you’re likely dealing with real estate. The market here has been wild. If you need a notary or a mortgage officer, don't just show up at a branch.
- Appointments are mandatory. Well, not legally, but if you walk in on a Tuesday afternoon asking for a notary, you might wait an hour. Use the app to book a slot.
- The Notary catch. Bank of America typically only notarizes documents for their own customers. If you have an account elsewhere but just happen to be near a BofA, they’ll likely turn you away.
- Medallion Signature Guarantees. This is a step above a notary, usually for transferring stocks or bonds. Not every branch has someone authorized to do this. Call the Sayebrook or the South Kings Highway branch before you waste the gas.
The South Kings Highway location (near the airport) is another alternative if you're on the north end of Surfside. It's a straight shot up Business 17.
Moving to the area? Here’s the reality
Living in Surfside Beach is a dream for many. It’s the "Family Beach." It’s quiet. But the "quiet" part means there is less commercial density.
If you are a hardcore Bank of America user, you’ll find that the digital tools work perfectly here. The mobile deposit feature is your best friend because of the lack of a branch on Surfside Drive. Most local businesses, from River City Cafe to the local surf shops, are fully integrated with digital payments. You rarely need cash, though it’s nice to have for tipping the guys who set up your beach umbrellas.
If you’re a business owner in Surfside, you might actually find a local credit union or a regional bank like South State or Conway National Bank more convenient for daily cash drops. They have more literal "on the corner" presence in the 29575 zip code.
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Navigating the Sayebrook Branch
Since this is where you'll likely end up, let’s talk logistics.
The Sayebrook branch is located at a very busy intersection. If you’re coming from Surfside Beach, take Glenns Bay Road over to the Bypass. It’s usually faster than fighting the lights on 17 Business. The branch stays busy during the "snowbird" season—roughly January through March—when residents from the Northeast move down for the winter and need to handle their accounts.
Wait times can be high on Fridays. Honestly, if you can go on a Wednesday morning, you'll be in and out in five minutes.
Actionable Steps for Surfside Residents and Visitors
If you need banking services right now, don't just drive aimlessly.
- Check the App First: Ensure the branch you’re heading to hasn't changed its hours. Post-2020, many branches have "temporary" hours that become permanent.
- Schedule Appointments: For anything involving a desk (loans, new accounts, safe deposit boxes), use the Bank of America website to secure a time.
- Cash Alternatives: If it’s just about cash, use the "Cash Back" option at the grocery store. The Harris Teeter at Garden City or the Lowes Foods on 707 are closer than the actual BofA branch for many Surfside residents.
- Verify ATM Capability: If you’re depositing a large amount of cash at an ATM, make sure it’s an "All-In-One" machine. The older kiosks in some gas stations are "Dispense Only."
Banking in a coastal town requires a bit more planning than in a big city. Surfside Beach offers a slower pace of life, and that includes a slightly longer drive to see your banker. Plan accordingly, avoid the Saturday morning rush, and use the digital tools to keep your beach time prioritized over your bank time.