First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath logo

First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath

3.5/5

Community savings bank in Maine serving Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, and Wiscasset with deposit accounts, debit cards, and local lending since 1935.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: Free Consultation Visit Website

First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath Review

First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Bath is a federally chartered mutual savings institution founded in 1935 with just $2,635 in assets. Over nearly 90 years, it has grown to approximately $180 million in assets and maintains a strong presence in Maine's mid-coast region across Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. The institution was established by local community and business leaders with a commitment to serving the people who live and work in their communities.

First Federal offers core banking products and services including savings and deposit accounts, debit cards with fraud protection and rewards programs, check reordering, ATM access, and branch locations across four Maine towns. The bank provides customer support through dedicated phone lines for card disputes, fraud reporting, and general inquiries, with both domestic and international contact options. Their website emphasizes straightforward banking in a friendly environment with current interest rates and product information available online.

What distinguishes First Federal is its deep community integration and local reinvestment philosophy. The bank explicitly positions itself as "locally invested the same way you are" and maintains an active community involvement program, including employee volunteer days on Patriot's Day supporting local nonprofits. Operating as a mutual institution rather than a publicly traded entity means profits are theoretically returned to members rather than shareholders, which aligns with their community-focused mission.

As a regional community bank with under $200 million in assets, First Federal serves a specific geographic market rather than offering nationwide services. While they provide essential banking products, their service area is limited to Maine communities, making them unsuitable for customers outside their branch footprint. Like most smaller institutions, they likely have more limited product offerings compared to national banks, though their community focus and local decision-making may appeal to customers prioritizing relationship banking over breadth of services.

Services & Features

Savings accounts and deposit products
Checking accounts
Debit cards with fraud protection
Debit card rewards loyalty program
Check reordering
ATM access and branch locations
Card fraud reporting and dispute initiation
Lost/stolen card reporting
Community reinvestment programs
FDIC deposit insurance
Customer support via phone (domestic and international)
Money market and certificate products (implied)

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Federally chartered mutual institution with assets reinvested in the community rather than distributed to external shareholders
  • Nearly 90 years of continuous operation demonstrating stability and local trust
  • Debit card rewards loyalty program earning points redeemable for customer benefits
  • Multiple convenient branch locations across four Maine towns (Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Wiscasset)
  • Dedicated fraud and dispute phone lines with 24/7 access (1-833-221-8638)
  • Active community reinvestment program with employee volunteer days supporting local nonprofits
  • Member FDIC insured deposits with clear regulatory compliance (NMLS# 412684)

Cons

  • Service area limited to four Maine towns in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties—not accessible to customers outside this geographic region
  • No mention of online banking, mobile app, or digital account opening capabilities on their website
  • Significantly smaller than national banks with ~$180M in assets, likely offering more limited product variety and potentially higher fees
  • Limited information about specific deposit rates, loan products, or fee structures available on their website
  • No mention of business banking services, investment products, or wealth management beyond basic savings accounts

Rating Breakdown

Value
3.8
Effectiveness
3.5
Customer Service
3.7
Transparency
3.6
Ease of Use
3.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath legitimate?

Yes. First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath is a registered company headquartered in Bath, ME, founded in 1935. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How long does First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath take to show results?

Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.

Quick Facts

Founded
1935
Headquarters
Bath, ME
BBB Rating
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #29636
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on First Federal Savings And Loan Association Of Bath

First Federal is best for Maine residents in the mid-coast region who value community banking, local reinvestment, and personalized service over digital banking convenience and product variety. The primary caveat is strict geographic limitation—this institution only serves four specific Maine towns, making it inaccessible to customers outside this footprint or those requiring nationwide banking capabilities.

Best For

  • Maine residents in Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, or Wiscasset seeking a relationship with a locally-rooted community bank
  • Customers who prioritize community reinvestment and local decision-making over national brand banking
  • Individuals wanting straightforward savings and checking accounts with fraud protection and rewards in a mutual institution structure
Updated 2026-03-21

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