ICBA Reminds Consumers that Community Banks Offer the Best Protection

Consumer protection is the cornerstone of community banking.  ICBA wants consumers to know that community bank advantages include:

• Quality Service.  Community banks focus on the needs of local families, small businesses and farmers.

• Local deposits.  Community banks lend in the communities where their depositors live and work, keeping local communities vibrant and growing.

• Local Expertise. Because community banks are themselves small businesses, they understand the needs of small-business owners.  Their core concern is lending to small businesses and farms. 

• Responsiveness.  Community banks offer nimble decision making on loans because their decisions are made locally.  Any community bank decision-makers are accessible to their customers in person.

• Trust.  Because their sucess depends on establishing long-term relationships, community banks always look out for the best interests of their customers.  They work hard to deliver only the financial services and loan their customers truely need and want.  Many community  banks are willing to consider character, family history, and discretionary spending in making loans.

• Civic Loyalty.  Community bank officiers are typically deeply involved in making their local communities better places to live.