Community National Bank logo

Community National Bank in Derby, VT

4.2/5

Community National Bank is an FDIC-insured Vermont community bank offering deposit accounts, electronic banking, home lending, and trust & investment services since 1851.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Community National Bank Review

Community National Bank is a Vermont-based community bank that has operated since 1851, growing from its original $1,200 weekly business into a modern billion-dollar institution. The bank positions itself as Vermont's Community Bank, emphasizing local involvement and commitment to strengthening communities through banking services and charitable initiatives. While the website highlights mortgages prominently through dedicated residential lending pages and staff profiles, the bank's actual service portfolio extends well beyond mortgages to include traditional banking products.

The bank offers FDIC-insured deposit accounts, electronic banking services, a mobile banking app, trust and investment services through CFSG, and special home equity programs. Two named residential lenders (Benjamin Brooks and Penelope L. Johnson) are featured with specific NMLS numbers and service territories across Vermont counties.

The bank emphasizes community involvement, mentioning volunteer work, school partnerships, charitable foundation investments, and specific programs like Habitat for Humanity collaboration. Recent leadership changes are highlighted through CEO videos released in 2024-2025, with new President and CEO Christopher Caldwell promoting the bank's independence and community values. The website content focuses heavily on personal banking and mortgages rather than comprehensive banking service details, limiting visibility into the full breadth of their deposit account offerings, rates, or business banking services.

Services & Features

Community Circle (membership/loyalty program referenced)
Electronic banking
FDIC-insured deposit accounts
Home purchase mortgage lending
Home refinancing
Mobile banking app
Mortgage pre-qualification and application
Mortgage rate quotes (by contact with residential lender)
Residential lending across specified Vermont counties
Special home equity programs
Trust and investment services through CFSG
VA mortgage lending (residential lender certified)

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • FDIC-insured deposits backed by full faith and credit of U.S. Government
  • Long institutional history since 1851 with substantial growth to billion-dollar asset size
  • Dedicated residential lending team with named NMLS-licensed loan officers and specific service territories
  • Mobile banking app available for convenient digital access
  • Special home equity programs explicitly offered for home improvement and renovation projects
  • Active community involvement through volunteering, school partnerships, and charitable foundation
  • Trust and investment services available through CFSG subsidiary
  • Multiple service locations across Vermont counties (Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Orleans, Washington, Franklin, Lamoille)

Cons

  • Website does not display mortgage rates, requiring customers to contact for pricing
  • Limited information about deposit account types, minimum balances, fees, or interest rates
  • No clear information about business banking, commercial lending, or small business services
  • Residential lending appears geographically limited to specific Vermont counties only
  • Minimal details about personal loan products, credit card offerings, or other consumer lending beyond mortgages

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.7
Customer Service
3.8
Transparency
4.0
Ease of Use
4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Community National Bank offer?

Community National Bank offers 12 services including FDIC-insured deposit accounts, Electronic banking, Mobile banking app, Mortgage pre-qualification and application, Home purchase mortgage lending, and 7 more.

Who is Community National Bank best suited for?

Community National Bank is best suited for Vermont homeowners seeking mortgage pre-qualification or refinancing with local relationship banking, Residents in Orleans, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Caledonia, Orange, and Washington Vermont counties, Customers seeking FDIC-insured deposit accounts with local community bank values, Homeowners interested in home equity lines or special equity programs for renovations.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Community National Bank?

Key strengths: FDIC-insured deposits backed by full faith and credit of U.S. Government; Long institutional history since 1851 with substantial growth to billion-dollar asset size; Dedicated residential lending team with named NMLS-licensed loan officers and specific service territories. Areas to consider: Website does not display mortgage rates, requiring customers to contact for pricing; Limited information about deposit account types, minimum balances, fees, or interest rates.

How does Community National Bank compare to similar companies?

In the Banks category, comparable providers include Ledyard National Bank, Northfield Savings Bank, Passumpsic Savings Bank. Each company has different strengths — compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records to find the best fit.

Quick Facts

Founded
1851
Headquarters
Derby, VT
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #6271
Visit Community National Bank

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Community National Bank

Community National Bank is best for Vermont residents seeking traditional FDIC-insured banking with a community-oriented lender, particularly those in Orleans, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Caledonia, Orange, and Washington counties. The main caveat is that the website emphasizes mortgages heavily while providing minimal disclosure about deposit account terms, rates, fees, and the full range of banking services, requiring direct contact for most product information.

Best For

  • Vermont homeowners seeking mortgage pre-qualification or refinancing with local relationship banking
  • Residents in Orleans, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Caledonia, Orange, and Washington Vermont counties
  • Customers seeking FDIC-insured deposit accounts with local community bank values
  • Homeowners interested in home equity lines or special equity programs for renovations
Updated 2026-05-08

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Northfield Savings Bank logo

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