Florence Bank

I was a first time home buyer. Dealing with Arlene Bensch was among the worst experiences I've ever had. She's impatient, rude and gets angry at you when you ask questions. And based on the information my real estate agent gave me, Arlene seemed to be mistaken and/or confused about quite a few things. I thankfully decided to go with another lender. I know from my brief interaction with her that it would have been an absolutely awful experience to work with Arlene. Avoid at all costs!

I opened accounts with Florence Savings Bank in 2000. Recently, I moved my accounts to another bank. Over the years, Florence Savings Bank has vigorously expanded in local communities but the employee culture has spiraled downwards. There have been inappropriate and unprofessional encounters with employees at most of the branches. Recently, I was in the office of a customer service representative who was chatting about boy friend and family while she worked. She commented on a recent storm and referred to the torrent of rain as a "...Mexican car wash." My expectations of an institution that serves the needs of the community on the most intimate of terms does not include a culture that permits employees to denigrate the people who fill their coffers. It's just not the right bank for me.

When I bought a house in 2014 I of course sought to secure my mortgage with FB where I had been a customer for years, and my parents, for decades. Despite my excellent credit rating, they refused me over the phone on the grounds that I had changed teaching jobs too often, whereas I had done so within a limited geographical radius in order to remain employed. They knew nothing of my assets which I would have explained in person. I was able to secure a 15-year loan at 3% with one appointment at a local credit union. A VP at Florence Bank later apologized to me in an exchange of emails, but it was too little, too late. I would argue that they are not a « family » bank, and they would definitely benefit from more personal contact and better research.

Can't speak for their residential loan services, but as far as their commercial loan department they are the WORST. I'd go so far as to say that if I landed on the Moon and they were the only bank there I'd fire up the boosters and head for Mars. Inconsistent and ineffective loan officers, reprehensible loan committee, draconian policies - please, please do yourself a favor and find another bank for your commercial business, or you'll be very sorry. Barely one small step above worthless, one giant leap below a bank you should give your business to. If I took the time and effort to post this feedback, please believe it is to help others from getting screwed.....

Florence savings bank is great. I've never had an issue with my savings account there. the basic account has no fees or minimum balance, and if you get rewards checking they reimburse any ATM fees you incur over the course of the month. i have not tried their CD accounts but I'm sure they are fine. They also are quite well known for being supportive of local and small businesses, which i find to be admirable.