If you’ve just moved in town and you’re wondering which bank to go for, consider the merits of choosing a community bank.
Convenience
A community bank is a much more convenient choice, especially if you’re in a small town or city. You could expect friendlier support which can make your banking transactions an easy and pleasant experience.
Reputation
It’s likely that your neighbors, right along with long-time residents in the area, use the services of the community bank as well. That’s a sign that the bank provides secure services so you won’t have to worry about your accounts being compromised.
Fees
Many community banks often have lower fees for checking accounts, which is an excellent reason to choose them over bigger banks, says the Huffington Post. If you want to save on costs, this is one way to do it.
Personal
You get a more personal customer service experience with community banks. Since many of the members on the board of directors are probably friends or people in your community, you know they’re going to have the town or community’s best interest in mind. If you’re going for a loan or want a community garden or park, you could be provided leeway on some of those transaction fees. Big banks, on the other hand, will offer only standard fees across the board.
Deposit rates
Some community banks also allow you to save by offering higher rates on savings accounts as well as interest checking accounts. Some also offer more rewards so you can enjoy better deposit rates.
Service
Thinking about starting a small business? Small community banks can be much more understanding of small businesses. If you need a loan, you could make an appointment to see if they’d take a look at your case.
In the end, it will depend on which bank is a good match with your financial habits and needs. Consider these things carefully before you open an account.