Planters First Bank

This is a community-focused commercial bank offering SBA loan programs and small business financing solutions to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed locally.

It is recommended to schedule an appointment, but walk-in consultations may be available depending on the time and staff availability.

The bank's typical hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's best to contact them directly for specific appointment times.

There are no fees to visit or consult; however, loan processing and application fees may apply depending on the services used.

This bank primarily serves local residents and small business owners within the region, but they welcome inquiries from new clients fitting their criteria.

A minimum personal credit score of around 640 is generally preferred, though higher scores improve approval chances.

The underwriting process typically takes between 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the loan and completeness of the application.

Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Planters First Bank typically follows the same pattern. SBA lending staff are generally reachable Monday through Friday. A few locations offer Saturday or by-appointment hours, so call Planters First Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.

Planters First Bank is located in Georgia — see the contact card for the full address. Most bank locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.

This page is an independent directory listing for Planters First Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Planters First Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Planters First Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for Planters First Bank — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Planters First Bank before applying. If you represent Planters First Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach Planters First Bank by phone at (229) 273-2416 or online at bankplanters.com — the details are in the contact card on this page. For SBA loans specifically, ask for their business lending or SBA department. Treat this directory page as a starting point and confirm hours and contact details with Planters First Bank before relying on them.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Planters First Bank most often finances businesses in hotels & lodging, restaurants & food service, automotive repair & services, and general retail. This reflects Planters First Bank's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Planters First Bank which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Planters First Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Planters First Bank and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status lets a lender approve loans in-house without sending each one to the SBA first, which usually means faster decisions. Many established banks hold PLP status, but it varies by institution. Planters First Bank can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.

The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. Planters First Bank's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Planters First Bank directly whether it considers start-up loans.

For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Planters First Bank what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Planters First Bank to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Planters First Bank to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Planters First Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Planters First Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.