First Foundation Bank Review: Checking, Savings and CDs

First Foundation Bank has limited branch access but high interest rates on certain online products.
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Written by Chanelle Bessette
Lead Writer
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Edited by Sara Clarke
Assistant Assigning Editor
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First Foundation Bank

    Overall institution rating

    3.8

    NerdWallet rating 
    The bottom line:

    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.

    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.