What's So Special About a Community Bank?

Are you in search of a bank that truly understands your needs? We get it — Crews Bank & Trust has a long-standing legacy of understanding our clients’ wants and needs from their community bank. We are committed to delivering personalized service, and since we live and work in the same communities as our customers, we have an intimate understanding of their financial requirements.

What is a Community Bank?

A community bank, as defined by the FDIC, “focuses on providing traditional banking services in their local communities. They obtain most of their core deposits locally and make many of their loans to local businesses …… This means that they have specialized knowledge of their local community and their customers. Because of this expertise, community banks tend to base credit decisions on local knowledge and nonstandard data obtained through long-term relationships and are less likely to rely on the models-based underwriting used by larger banks.”

Community is What Counts

With an intimate knowledge of the local economy, community banks factor in the needs of the community when deciding to grant a loan. While larger national banks might only play a numbers game, a community bank’s insight into local market conditions leads to more business loan approvals. In fact, community banks hold 36 percent of total small business loans, which accounts for double their share of the banking industry's total loans.

Community banks conduct business at a higher standard of ethics because they themselves are members of the community. Understanding that their behavior and practices directly affect their community, their assets are invested in small, local businesses rather than national or international industries, which is common among "megabanks".

"What makes community banks different from every other bank is that we live and work in those actual communities," said Justin Fussell, Market President for Crews Bank &Trust, DeSoto and Hardee Counties, when he was asked why he felt community banks were unique. "We understand the dynamics, we understand the customers and the industries for the businesses in which we serve. We're able to give them that first-hand community knowledge that no one else can."

A Community Bank that Feels Like Family

Crews Bank & Trust, a community bank owned and operated by four generations of the Crews family, has been a trusted financial partner in Central and Southwest Florida since 1929. Initially opening a branch as Wauchula State Bank at the onset of the Great Depression, the bank grew and expanded into new communities, adding Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust, and First Bank of Arcadia (rebranded as Crews Bank & Trust in 2019). In 2023, after nearly 95 years of service, all branches unified under the Crews Bank & Trust banner to streamline operations and provide consistent, convenient services to customers.

The Crews Bank purpose is "to build relationships that span generations." Customers are not just clients but also neighbors, local businesses, and the future of their communities. This enduring relationship is why Crews Bank remains a trusted institution after more than 95 years.

One of the greatest benefits of working with a bank firmly rooted in the community is knowing that you are supporting a business that supports you in return. Our branches and employees are proud to sponsor and support important causes and events such as blood drives, celebrations of the patriotic service of our veterans, and volunteer their time in local civic organizations and chambers of commerce.

It's What Customers Think That Matters

What sets Crews Bank & Trust apart? Market researcher David Poulos recently conducted interviews with customers to get their honest opinions. Overwhelmingly, the top responses were:

Personal: Customers value the individualized service from familiar faces they recognize as members of their community. It's common for customers to know three to seven employees by name, including the market president and branch manager.

Friendly: Being greeted by name when entering the bank or drive-through makes them feel valued and welcomed.

Fast: Resolving issues, approving loans, and answering queries promptly is possible because decisions are made locally by staff members they know. Customers also appreciate Crews Bank’s "all human" Customer Service team, with average call response times of just 12 seconds and resolutions within 3.5 minutes.

Secure: Customers trust Crews Bank with their data and their finances, knowing that their information is handled discreetly, professionally, and securely and deposits are backed by FDIC insurance, just like national banks.

What are Customers Saying?

Crews Bank’s customers' satisfaction speaks volumes. In 2023, Crews Bank earned a Google Reviews rating of 4.9 stars out of 5, with a 100% response rate to every review. Here is what customers are saying about Crews Bank:

• "I chose this bank based on their Google reviews and their local presence. They did not disappoint! Phenomenal customer service, very kind, and patient."
• "I am blown away by the service level… Having been with big brand name banks most of my life, I am thrilled to have switched to Crews! If you're with a big bank, make the move!"
• "Love this bank! Everyone is always so kind and helpful. I appreciate the personalized service I receive as soon as I walk through the door. A+"

Join the Crews Bank Family

No matter where you are in life—whether you're a recent college graduate, seasoned investor, business executive, or grandparent planning asset preservation—Crews Bank & Trust is committed to supporting you in achieving your financial goals. Reach out to us today to discover how we can be your financial partner now and in the future.