May 2, 2025

First Community Bank Review

Read more about First Community Bank
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First Community Bank is well-regarded for its great service across the Coastal Bend region, but it comes with setbacks. Read on for the details.

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

Pros and Cons

  • Strong community focus
  • Good range of accounts
  • Mobile banking
  • Small network
  • In-person account opening

Bottom Line

Traditional community bank with decent mobile tools

Done with big banks? You're not alone. More people are seeking genuine connections in an increasingly digital world.

Because of this, smaller banks like First Community Bank are gaining attention for their personalized approach.

In this article, see if this local bank could be the banking relationship you're looking for, and learn about its other benefits and drawbacks.

What is First Community Bank?

First Community Bank (FCB) is a bank that boasts deep roots in South Texas, launching its inaugural branch in Alice in 1983 before settling its headquarters in Corpus Christi.

Today, the bank operates eleven branches across the region, providing a suite of financial services. These include personal deposit accounts, consumer loans, and small business solutions.

Interestingly, all FCB employees are also its shareholders. This means they can be personally invested in both the bank's success and the community's well-being. Clients are likely to benefit from this setup through a more engaged and customer-focused banking experience than others.

What type of customer service experience do you prefer for your banking needs?

Multiple banks operate under the name "First Community Bank" across different US regions. The FCB discussed in this article primarily serves Coastal Bend and shouldn't be confused with another FCB in Texas that's focused on the Rio Grande Valley. Make sure you're working with the correct bank.

Who is FCB Best For?

First Community Bank is great for South Texas residents craving personalized service with a good variety of product offerings.

This bank excels particularly in family-focused banking given its thoughtfully designed starter accounts, guiding young customers from their first savings to teenage financial independence.

Furthermore, if you seek a banking partner that values both individual prosperity and community growth, FCB delivers a compelling alternative to larger banks.

FCB has awarded dozens of Coastal Bend organizations and charities through its Others 1st project, which recognizes those helping Coastal Bend communities.

Pros & Cons

Here are the positives and negatives of banking with First Community Bank:

Pros

  • Strong community focus
  • Good range of deposit accounts
  • Mobile banking convenience
  • Easy account switch process
  • Value-added spending tracker bonus
  • Curated travel package deals
  • Interactive ATMs

Cons

  • Small ATM and branch network
  • Requires in-person account opening
  • No early payday feature
  • No credit card offering
  • Website lacks comprehensive details

Community Bank vs. Credit Union
While both banking structures are perceived as having a more down-to-earth approach with its brand of customer service, there's one big difference: profits. Community banks are typically for-profit institutions while credit unions are nonprofits owned by their members.

First Community Bank Checking

FCB offers distinct checking accounts, each featuring a complimentary Visa debit card:

  1. Community Checking
    Start banking with just $50 for this free checking account. This includes free FCB ATM access, plus sufficient online and mobile banking capabilities.

  2. Community Gold
    Designed for customers aged 55 and above, this checking is a notch higher than Community Checking, given its free first order of checks and cashier's checks as perks.

  3. Teens Club Checking
    This starter checking account for teens age 13 to 17, combines financial independence with parental oversight.

All checking accounts include up to $15 in ATM fee reimbursements for non-FCB ATMs. This covers FCB's out-of-network fees only, not those charged by other ATM operators or third parties.

In January 2023, Investar Holding Corp., which is the parent company of Investar® Bank, completed the sale of its two South Texas branches to First Community Bank, allowing Investar to focus on its core market in Louisiana.

First Community Bank Savings

FCB's savings accounts generally require minimal balances to earn interest. Here's a closer look at your options:

  1. Community Savings
    Keep at least $50 to grow your money in this account. If your daily balance is lower than that, a $3.95 Balance Maintenance Fee will be applied per statement cycle.

  2. Teens Club Savings (ages 13 to 17)
    Like Community Savings, you must maintain a $50 balance or more to earn the posted APY.

  3. Kids Club Savings (ages 12 and under)
    With just $5 to earn some interest, FCB will match your first deposit with up to $5 as a bonus, making this a nice banking introduction for your child.

    For FCB interest-earning accounts, accumulated gains are forfeited if the account is closed before the end of the statement cycle.

  4. High-Yield Savings Account
    Looking for premium returns? Through FCB's partnership with Raisin's savings marketplace, you can access higher yields with a minimum of $1 to open your custodial account.

Compare Savings Account Offers

You can use this savings calculator to see just how much your funds can grow with a High-Yield Savings Account:

Savings Calculator

FCB Account Opening
To open an account with First Community Bank, visit any of its branch locations in South Texas. Expect a friendly staff member to assist you.

Other FCB Products and Services

While FCB isn't a big bank, its product coverage extends beyond checking and savings by offering the following:

  • Money Market Plus
    Maximize your returns with a tiered rate when maintaining at least a $2,500 balance in this money market account.

  • Certificate of Deposits (CDs)
    Choose from flexible terms (90 days to 4 years) to fit your financial goals, starting at $1,000.

  • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
    Plan for your future with 12, 18, or 24-month maturity options.

  • Business services
    FCB empowers local businesses with a selection of checking and savings accounts, business financing and SBA loans, merchant services with credit card processing, and streamlined accounting through Autobooks.

  • Loan services
    Access financing solutions with FCB's personal loans and home mortgage loans.

  • Savings Sam
    Take control of your finances by connecting accounts from nearly 17,000 financial institutions for a complete picture.

  • Travel Club
    Score curated travel packages at value pricing without any add-on fees.

Compare CD Rates

Fees to look out for

First Community Bank offers several accounts without mandatory fees, but its complete fee schedule isn't readily available online. Here are some published fees:[1]

Balance maintenance fee$15.95 (Money Market Plus);
$3.95 (Community Savings)
Excess withdrawal fee$7.50 (Money Market Plus), applies on the 7th withdrawal onwards per statement cycle
Domestic wire transfer fee$5 (Community Gold)
Non-sufficient funds fee$30

Depositing and Withdrawing Funds

Visit any First Community Bank location during business hours for assistance with deposits and withdrawals. Other ways include:

  • ATM/ITM
    Standard ATM services are available 24/7. It also has Interactive teller machines (ITMs) that feature a live video chat with FCB tellers in English or Spanish during bank hours.

    FCB Visa debit cards have a stand-in limit of $505 for ATM withdrawals and $500 for purchases based on your end-of-day balance from the previous night. Transactions may decline if this balance falls below these thresholds.

  • Online transfer
    Move funds between accounts via online or mobile banking in real time. However, peer-to-peer payments like Venmo, Zelle®, PayPal, etc. received after 2 pm may be credited on the next business day.

  • Mobile check deposit
    Deposit checks on-the-go 24/7 via Mobile 1st app.

  • Direct deposit
    Set up your paycheck, Social Security benefits, or other recurring deposits by providing FCB's routing number and your account number to the payer.

Is First Community Bank legit?

First Community Bank is a legitimate bank, with deposits that are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per customer, per account category. It's also subject to regulatory oversight by the Texas Department of Banking.

Is First Community Bank safe?
First Community Bank maintains robust security protocols to protect your finances, making it a safe banking option. Here's how:
  • Real-time transaction monitoring through its Fraud Center
  • Immediate alerts for suspicious activity
  • Automatic transaction blocking in high-risk areas
  • FDIC insurance coverage

First Community Bank vs. other banks

Knowing FCB's features and client experiences, see how FCB stacks up against bigger banks to further understand if it's the best option for you.

FCB vs. Capital One
Given Capital One's much larger ATM and branch network, FCB dwarfs in comparison with its localized focus.

At the same time, Capital One boasts modern banking facilities with its cafes, where clients can even get a 50% discount on handcrafted beverages while enjoying a comfortable space.

Although Capital One represents a large-scale banking institution, FCB distinguishes itself by its personalized approach. Its simpler infrastructure enables a customer-centric service that often gets overlooked by major national banks.

FCB vs. CIT Bank®
These banks represent two distinct banking models since CIT Bank® is the online division of First Citizens Bank. As such, CIT Bank® doesn't have physical locations, unlike FCB, which provides traditional branch services with personal interaction.

Being fully digital, all CIT deposit accounts are free of monthly fees while earning more competitive APYs for its savings products. But without the in-person support that FCB offers, it may leave customers feeling frustrated during complex financial situations.

FCB vs. Chase
As the largest U.S. bank by assets, Chase dominates with its comprehensive financial suite, sophisticated digital platform, and round-the-clock customer support across its nationwide network.

On the other hand, FCB differentiates itself by providing bankers who intimately understand the South Texas market. This helps maintain closer connections with customers.

Bottom Line

First Community Bank has established itself as a trusted financial partner for the local residents and small business owners in South Texas. The community-focused approach and personalized service are its standout features.

While FCB may not match the extensive digital innovations of much larger banks, it's still able to deliver banking conveniences alongside thoughtfully designed financial products.

Nonetheless, with its limited branch and ATM network, this could be an impractical choice for frequent travelers or those planning to relocate outside the region soon. In this case, you can check out the best national banks instead.

References

  1. ^ First Community Bank. Bank Services, Retrieved 03/28/2025
First Community Bank

High-Yield Savings Account - 4.30% APY

  • $1 minimum deposit
  • No fees
  • 24/7 online access to funds
  • FDIC insured
Bank of America
Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer

Expires 5/31/2025
  • The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
  • The offer is for new checking customers only.
  • Offer expires 05/31/2025.
  • To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
  • Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
  • Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
  • *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
  • Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase
Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Expires 7/16/2025
  • New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
  • Chase Mobile® app - Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks from almost anywhere.
  • Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
  • Help keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
  • Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
  • With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
  • Open your account online now
  • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
U.S. Bank
Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials - $500 Bonus

Expires 6/30/2025

Promo code Q2AFL25 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Business Essentials, Silver, or Platinum Business Checking account. Limit of one bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.

Earn your $500 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Business Essentials or Silver Business Checking account between 4/3/2025 and 6/30/2025. You must make deposit(s) of at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $5,000 until the 60th day after account opening. You must also complete 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening.

Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, ACH credits, Wire Transfer credits and debits, Zelle credits and debits, U.S. Bank Mobile Check Deposit or Bill Pay. Other transactions such as (but not limited to) other Person to Person payments, transfers to credit card or transfers between U.S. Bank accounts are not eligible.

New money is considered money that is new to U.S. Bank. Funds must come from outside U.S. Bank and cannot be transferred from another U.S. Bank product or a U.S. Bank Affiliate. For accounts opened on non-business days, weekends or federal holidays, the open date is considered the next business day. Account fees (e.g., monthly maintenance, paper statement fee, etc.) could reduce the qualifying daily balance, therefore you must make deposit(s) to cover the fees to maintain the daily balance during the qualifying period to be awarded the bonus. Refer to the Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information Document for a list of fees.

Bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank Business Checking account within 30 days following the last calendar day of the month you complete all of the offer requirements, as long as the account is open and has a positive available balance.

Offer may not be combined with any other business checking account bonus offers. Existing customers (businesses) with a business checking account or customers (businesses) who had an account in the last 12 months, do not qualify.

All regular account-opening procedures apply. For a comprehensive list of checking account pricing, terms and policies, reference your Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information and YDAA disclosure. These documents can be obtained by contacting a U.S. Bank branch or calling 800.872.2657.

Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Current U.S. Bank employees are not eligible. U.S. Bank reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Member FDIC

Discover Bank
Member FDIC

Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus

Expires 9/11/2025

To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY325 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.

What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 09/11/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.

Penelope Besana is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Penelope Besana at penelope.besana@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

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