First Foundation Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Overall institution rating
3.8
First Foundation Bank has some strong features that are well-suited to online customers. However, there are some fees, minimum balances and branch limitations. The bank has strong checking and savings options but its overdraft policies are much stricter than those of most of its competitors. That includes a steep overdraft fee and few options to avoid it. Customer support generally has good availability, including the ability to speak with representatives over the weekend. First Foundation Bank's mobile apps receive solid ratings from users.
» COMPARE: Best high-yield online savings accounts
Pros
- Competitive rates on savings accounts and some CDs.
- ATM fee rebates.
- Extended phone customer service hours.
Cons
- Expensive overdraft fee.
- No overdraft protection program.
- High minimum opening deposits for some checking accounts and CDs.
- Limited branch access.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
