Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Find Your Local Branch
Back
Scroll to top

First Bank is One of the Top Banks in the U.S.A.

Personal Finances 3 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch

When searching for the top banks in the U.S., it is often smarter to work with a small community bank over a national bank. Small banks often have deeper connections to the community and are invested in the success of individuals and businesses.

First Bank* is a community bank that provides a wide range of banking services to people living in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Make First Bank Your Top Choice

Recent data shows that community banking institutions make up 94% of all banks in the United States. This is largely due to the fact that local banks continue to serve an important role for small businesses, agricultural lending and the nation’s overall economic sector.

According to Forbes, “Small banks serve the economy well: they provide reasonably safe places for savings and are a source of essential finance for households and businesses.”

Since opening our first branch in 1935, First Bank has had a longstanding commitment to providing the right solutions for financial success. Today, First Bank has grown into a progressive bank network that serves people throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. More than 80 years after opening, First Bank’s focus remains the same: to be the best community bank in every community we serve and through every delivery channel we offer.

Our Core Values

Becoming one of the top banks in the U.S. does not come without creating a distinct mission, vision and set of core values. At First Bank, the following core values are also what differentiate us in a competitive market:

  • Be committed to safety and soundness.
  • Provide accurate, prompt, courteous service.
  • Make it easy for our associates to deliver the best value to our clients, and easy for our clients to do business with us whenever, wherever, and however they choose.
  • Help our clients and associates build and achieve goals.

Our Services

First Bank offers a wide variety of banking services, including:

Find a First Bank Near You

With over 100 locations across NC and SC finding a First Bank near you is simple. Visit our Location Finder and type in your city and state or zip code. Or, you can contact our Customer Service Center by phone or email. We look forward to showing you why we are one of the top banks in the United States.

Insurance products are underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies. Insurance products offered are:

Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Insured May Lose Value
Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Institutions and FB Wealth Management, a division of First Bank, are not affiliated. We do not provide tax advice. Consult your tax advisor. Investment and Insurance Products are:

Not Guaranteed by the Bank Not FDIC Insured Not a Deposit
Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency May Lose Value including Loss of Principal

———

Sources:

North Carolina in the Global Economy: http://www.ncglobaleconomy.com/banks/overview.shtml

Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/francescoppola/2013/12/10/big-banks-versus-small-banks-size-doesnt-matter/#6773cc041d86

Ready to talk to an expert?

Find A Location Get In Touch
Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

What to Know About Joint Checking Accounts Some of the biggest causes of stress in a relationship stem from finances. If you’re considering opening a joint checking account, there are some things you should know. Here are some common questions surrounding this type of bank account. Managing a Joint Checking Account Questions about joint checking accounts often include: Q: What exactly is a joint checking account? A: A joint account is a checking account shared by more than one person. Each person on the account may add, withdraw or transfer money and has access to account records. Q: Who uses joint checking accounts? A: Joint checking accounts are common among married couples. Adults also sometimes share a joint checking account with an elderly parent or adolescent child as a way of monitoring and managing expenses. Q: What are the advantages of opening one? A: Bills and expenses become easier to manage as the two people involved no longer have to determine “their share” of a utility bill, groceries, rent, mortgage or any other expense. With a joint account, any money spent is coming out of the same pile. Because the income from both parties is combined, the balance on a joint checking account will be higher than it would be for two individual accounts. This increased balance creates less likelihood that checks will bounce and can keep account fees to a minimum. A joint checking account provides greater transparency of all the finances involved in the relationship and harbors trust and communication. Q: What should we be careful about? A: A joint checking account doesn’t offer any financial privacy between partners, as both parties are able to see every transaction that occurs. Additionally, either person has the ability to take all of the money from the account without consulting the other, which can be a problem if a relationship sours. Checking Accounts at First Bank* Whether you’re considering a joint account or separate bank accounts, First Bank can help. We have a number of checking accounts designed for different needs that can put you and your partner on your way to financial happiness. Source: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/marriage-killing-money-issues.asp 2 min read
Checking Account Comparison – South Carolina With over 75 banks located in the state of South Carolina, checking account comparison can be overwhelming. If you live in South Carolina and are looking at opening a checking account, consider stopping in at First Bank. First Bank Checking Account Options First Bank aims to make the process of comparing checking accounts as easy as possible. That is why we offer five different checking accounts, ranging from basic accounts for individuals to specialized accounts for college students and senior citizens. Everywhere Checking Free online and mobile banking, free online bill pay, and free eStatements or paper statements.* Earn rewards when you use your eligible First Bank credit card*** Everywhere Plus Includes all the great features and benefits of Everywhere Checking Earn interest at a minimal balance requirement. Everywhere Premium Includes all the same benefits and features of Everywhere Plus Free member checks or 50% off other check designs 4 free official checks per statement cycle Unlimited out-of-network ATM transactions with no First Bank fee Campus Checking For students under 25 Includes all the benefits of Everywhere Checking No monthly maintenance fees Senior Checking Monthly direct deposit of $250 a month can qualify Seniors (55+) for no monthly maintenance fees**** Includes all the benefits of Everywhere Checking Free basic checks or 50% off other check designs You can also use the checking account comparison chart on our website to find the best checking account for you. Visit First Bank Today Call or visit the First Bank location nearest you. We can help with checking account comparisons and show you why First Bank is the best bank in South Carolina to open a checking account. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. ***Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. ****Direct deposit defined as external ACH credit. Transfers from other First Bank accounts or deposits made at a branch do not apply. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directdeposit.asp Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/minimum-balance.asp 2 min read
Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Loan Payment (with Taxes and Insurance) A mortgage loan calculator with taxes and insurance can help prospective homeowners prepare for the financial responsibility of owning a home. Purchasing a home may be one of the biggest decisions you ever make, so it is important to know how much your mortgage payment will be each month after taxes and insurance are added, so you can know how much house you can afford. How Much House Can I Afford? First Bank* provides a mortgage loan calculator with taxes and insurance for potential homebuyers who want to estimate their monthly payments before applying for a loan. Before you use the calculator, you will need to gather the following information: Loan term in years Purchase price Percentage down Interest rate Annual tax Annual insurance Once you have all of the necessary information, you can click here to calculate your potential monthly mortgage payment.** Applying for a Home Loan Now that you’ve calculated how much house you can afford, you may be ready to apply for a mortgage loan. You can get the homebuying process started by visiting First Bank’s online Mortgage Center. Our Mortgage Center provides you with tools, tips, and tricks to help you find a loan that meets all of your needs. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or ready to build your vacation home, we can structure a loan to meet your needs. First Bank offers a variety of home loan options*** with competitive interest rates, including : Conventional loans Government loans Professional loans Jumbo loans Construction loans Dream It, Own It loans The path to quickly finding an affordable home loan starts at First Bank. When you’re ready to apply, all you have to do is start an online application or visit your local branch to speak with one of  our home loan experts. *Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #474504. **Determining exact rates and payments can be a complex process. Your exact rates and payment amounts will depend on a number of factors including geographical location and personal financial information. This tool provides you with an estimate of payments based on the information you put in but does not guarantee them. Loans are subject to credit and collateral approval. ***Loans subject to credit approval. 2 min read
FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans: How to Tell the Difference Overwhelmed with the prospect of buying a home? FHA loans and conventional loans are likely two sources of financing that you’ve considered. Let First Bank help you understand these options and come to a conclusion about which best suits your needs and budget. After all, choosing the right loan is key for timely, affordable payments. Choose the Right Loan with First Bank If you’re a first-time homebuyer or interested in purchasing your second home, there are different qualifications for each loan you should consider: FHA loans—The FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, provides mortgage insurance on loans made by approved lenders. Single and multi-family homes in the United States (and U.S. territories) can qualify. First Bank can help put you on the right track to securing one of these loans. The advantages of an FHA loan can be: Owing a lesser down payment, as low as 3.5%. Enjoying quicker eligibility following a major credit issue such as bankruptcy or foreclosure. Allowing a co-applicant to help you get the loan, even if you don’t live in the same household. Conventional Loans—A non-government insured loan that can be used with a second home purchase or an investment. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans can require a higher credit score (often a minimum of 640), but they can have some major advantages for you. Conventional loans can allow: A risk-based premium, unlike FHA where one set premium rate is required from everybody, MI if applicable. Your monthly payments to be lower, even if you have a higher interest rate. Your loan to cover a higher loan amount. You to cover different types of loans like, investment or second home (FHA doesn’t do those types). When considering an FHA loan versus a conventional loan, keep in mind that conventional loans are not affiliated or insured with the government like FHA loans. Additionally, an FHA requires mortgage insurance and conventional loans do not, unless the LTV exceeds 80%. There is an upfront MI premium (1.75%) that is required on FHA loans that is not required on Conventional loans. For a more detailed look at FHA loans versus conventional loans, or assistance with applying, call or meet with your local mortgage loan professionals. *Loans subject to credit approval. 3 min read