Top 4 Reasons to Switch to a Community Bank

Posted on March 12, 2024

If more personal attention, local decision-making, and strong community ties appeal to you, a community bank may be a better fit for you than a big bank.

1. Personalized Service

Community banks focus on building personal relationships with customers. They emphasize quality over quantity and personalization over volume. With big banks, you might feel more like a number.

At United, we offer personal support on your schedule. People are the heart of what we do, and we remain committed to developing personal relationships through dedicated bankers. Since 1950, we’ve been consistently recognized for our outstanding customer service. A few of our recent awards include:

World’s Best Banks, Forbes¹
America’s Most Trustworthy Companies, Newsweek²
America’s Best Banks, Forbes³
#1 in Customer Satisfaction with Consumer Banking in the Southeast, J.D. Power⁵
Overall Satisfaction in Small Business Banking, Greenwich Excellence Awards⁶

2. Strong Community Ties

Community banks invest in the communities they serve, and they often support local businesses and organizations through donations and volunteering.

At United, we believe in leaving our world a little better than we found it. This means dedicating ourselves to enhancing our communities and going the extra mile for each other and our neighbors. We’re United for our communities and committed to coming together for good.

Through the United Community Bank Foundation, we support four key areas that align with our employees’ interests, contributions, and volunteer efforts:

Economic empowerment
Artistic expression
Housing strategies
Youth development

In 2023, the Foundation made more than $580,000 in donations across 230 organizations in the six states we serve.

3. Big-Bank Capabilities, Small-Bank Service

When you bank with a community bank, you can get the best of both worlds without compromising the services and banking products you need to succeed. Community banks, like United, offer the same range of services that the big banks do—but without losing the personal touch that they’re known for.

At United, for example, you can:

Apply for a mortgage
Apply for your account online
Send money to friends and family with Zelle
Manage your money with online budgeting and transaction management tools
Bank on your schedule with our interactive teller machines
Deposit checks through your phone
And more

4. Local Decision Making

Community banks excel in local decision-making, fostering a personalized approach that big banks often lack. With deeper roots in their communities, these banks understand the unique needs and challenges of their customers, allowing for tailored solutions and faster responses. Localized decision-making empowers them to act swiftly, flexibly, and with a genuine understanding of the unique characteristics of the communities they serve.

At United, you can trust that your banker cares about your financial needs—and has the power to help.

When you’re ready to switch to a community bank, United is here to help. Stop by your local branch or schedule an appointment online.

¹World’s Best Banks published on April 11, 2023 by Forbes Media, LLC
²America’s Most Trustworthy Companies published on March 29, 2023 by Newsweek Magazine
³America's Best Banks published on February 14, 2023 by Forbes Media, LLC
⁵J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study
⁶2023 Greenwich Excellence Awards for U.S. Small Business Banking published February 21, 2024