If you're traveling for holidays please notify our Customer Care Call Center at 888.543.5510 and let them know where you're going so that we can unblock your debit card for use in other states or countries.  Our fraud protection center monitors and recommends  states and countries that need to be blocked due to fraud volumes.  Our fraud center provides continuous monitoring 24/7 to limit fraud.   Remember that your card always works when you use it as a transaction where you must enter your PIN number.

Are you ready to get your free  2013 photo with Santa?

Santa Claus will be waiting for you at First Reliance Bank branches during the week of December 2nd.

While you're waiting to have that photo snapped, you can even register to win a $100 holiday gift basket filled with edible holiday treats!

Santa fans of all ages are invited to stop by and have a free 4 inch by 6 inch color photo taken with Old St. Nick.  Santa also loves pets, so bring them too!

Here's when he'll be visiting a branch near you :

- 411 Second Loop Rd., Florence — Monday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- 2170 W. Palmetto St., Florence — Tuesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- 800 S. Shelmore Blvd., Mt. Pleasant — Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

- 2805A Sunset Blvd., W. Columbia — ...

We invite you to celebrate Fall with us!  We're having a PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST!  Show us your creativity and win a little cash while having some fun! We encourage you to carve, paint, add decorations or gourd pieces or additional pumpkins into your masterpiece!

THREE PRIZES!

1st Prize:  $100

2nd Prize:  $75

3rd Prize:  $50

FACEBOOK POST ENTRY DEADLINE:  October 29th by noon.  Post to:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/firstreliancebank

Winners will be announced on facebook at 3pm on October 29th

(Entries that are not family friendly may be disqualified and removed from our Facebook page.)

If there's one thing South Carolina knows – aside from football, grits and sweet tea, of course – it's good ol' southern hospitality. We wave and say “Hi, ya'll!” We offer to help our neighbors. We return what doesn't belong to us. These characteristics are more than just tradition; they're a way of life.

George Jebaily, one of our Florence branch customers, recently told us how happy he is with the spirit of southern hospitality he and his family are welcomed with each time they walk through our doors. Naturally, we wanted to learn more.

George's roots are firmly planted in South Carolina. A West Florence High School grad, he went on to study at USC, eventually earning his law degree. George and his wife, Debbie, live in Florence with their 16-year-old son, Kirk. Their 19-year-old daughter, Kayla, on the other hand, is currently attending Clemson. The family is actively ...

July is a time for food, fireworks, family and friends. It's one of those special times of year when we pause to celebrate our nation and appreciate our community. In keeping with that spirit, it's also a good time to reflect about those who have contributed time and energy toward helping us have a better life.

Danny Turner is one such person. A successful businessman, Danny owns a company that provides good jobs for 40 employees.

His story starts at the foot of the Smokey Mountains in Greenville County, South Carolina, where he was born.

Like many young people, he served our country after he graduated high school. He joined the U.S. Navy and spent four years working in navigation and nuclear submarines.

When Danny finished his tour with the Navy, he moved to the Florence area. He got a job running the Florence-based operation of a glass company headquartered ...

Have you been dreaming of getting a boat, but can't decide if a boat's really right for you? Thinking about how much fun a boat could be, but not sure you can afford one?

Here are five good reasons to bring a boat into your family's life, as well as some helpful tips on how to buy and finance a boat.

A boat can bring the family closer. A boat is a recreational vehicle that the whole family can enjoy. It's fun to go out on the water and make memories together. It's exciting to look back to the land and get a different perspective. A boat is a vehicle for exploring quiet coves or skiing over the open water. And where else can you be sure you'll get uninterrupted time together?

Fellowship. A day out on the water with your friends is a bonding experience. As a boater, you'll ...

Year after year First Reliance's Relay For Life Team, under the leadership of Joan Billheimer, Community Development Officer, shows its commitment to the American Cancer Society.  This year, First Reliance is the second top team in Florence County for raising funds announced Chinel Boateig, American Cancer Society. "First Reliance is very committed to supporting the community and giving back," said Rick Saunders, CEO.  "Several of our employees are cancer survivors and many of our employees have family and friends who have had cancer.  Our company truly wants to make a difference by supporting this cause that has affected so many people including our own." Joan Billheimer, a twelve year cancer survivor herself,  begins planning fundraising activities early each year, including an Italian Buffet which features entertainment, a live auction and dancing.  Each year the event grows larger along with the funds that are raised.  There are several other smaller activities ...

Published courtesy of She Magazine.

Recently, we were excited to receive a letter from a Mount Pleasant branch customer named Randy Bates who just couldn't say enough good things about banking at First Reliance Bank. Randy has his personal accounts with us, and he relies on us for his business banking too. From friendly employees to special programs, Randy told us that he's had outstanding service at our Mount Pleasant branch.

We appreciate that Randy would take the time to write to us, and we thought you'd like to learn a little about him and his experience with our bank.

The youngest of 3 kids, Randy grew up outside of Charlotte, N.C. in the small town of Gastonia. When he was 15, his parents relocated to South Carolina – but that didn't stop him from opting for Carolina Blue and eventually becoming a Tar Heel. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he spent one year ...

For many of us, our father is the most important man in our life. But we don't always appreciate what he brings to our lives and how hard he works just to make life better for his family.

A Dad teaches responsibility, shows us how to be strong in the face of challenges, and instills us with a sense of drive — even when we don't want to hear it.

A Dad is sometimes tough and sometimes tender. And there's no one more protective and caring when adversity strikes.

But, it might take you years to fully appreciate what a gem he is. Maybe Mark Twain said it best: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in ...