First Foundation Bank Review: Checking and Savings
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Overview
Editor’s note, September 18, 2026: First Foundation Bank was acquired by Texas-based Sunflower Bank in April 2026. As of September 18, First Foundation no longer lists checking or savings accounts on its website. We’ll update this review when more information becomes available.
First Foundation Bank is worth considering if you want a savings account that earns a good rate and you can meet the $1,000 minimum opening deposit. That said, we’ve reviewed other savings accounts with higher rates or lower opening requirements. You can compare them on NerdWallet’s list of best savings accounts.
First Foundation charges a steep overdraft fee and offers few ways to avoid it. This bank earns one of the lowest overdraft ratings among institutions reviewed by NerdWallet.
Customer support is available by phone Monday through Saturday, and the bank’s mobile apps receive solid user ratings. You can only do your banking in person if you live in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas and Florida.
Competitive rates on savings accounts.
ATM fee rebates.
Extended phone customer service hours.
Expensive overdraft fee.
No overdraft protection program.
High minimum opening deposits for some accounts.
Limited branch access.
Rating methodology
How we rate banks and credit unions
Banking writers and editors use an objective methodology to rate banks, credit unions, and other providers, and to recommend the best products.
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
We took a close look at around 100 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
30+
Categories assessed
30+
Categories assessed
Each provider is evaluated across five weighted categories and 30 subcategories, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, customer experience, and overdraft services. For banks or credit unions without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
60+
Data points analyzed
60+
Data points analyzed
We considered more than 60 data points for each provider. Depending on the category, these included account fees and rates (such as annual percentage yields), ATM and branch access, account features, account bonuses, customer service access and user-facing technology, such as innovative tools and mobile apps. We gathered this information for each financial institution from its website, a media representative or both.
Star rating categories
The review team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who cover personal banking deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and certificates of deposit, as well as related banking services, such as overdraft programs and ATM networks. For providers without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for banks and credit unions and our editorial guidelines.