First Independence Bank logo

First Independence Bank in Detroit, MI

4.1/5
Google rating from 23 reviews

Community bank operating in Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago offering personal, business, and commercial banking products with a focus on relationship banking and economic empowerment.

Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available

First Independence Bank Review

First Independence Bank is a community-focused financial institution with regional presence across Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The bank has expanded its footprint through acquisition, notably integrating MetCap operations in Chicago. Under CEO Kenneth Kelly's leadership, the bank positions itself as a relationship banking provider committed to economic empowerment in local communities.

The bank offers comprehensive personal banking services including checking and savings accounts, personal loans, credit building products, mortgage and home financing, and mobile/online banking. For business customers, First Independence provides business checking and savings accounts, commercial lending solutions, treasury management, and payment and merchant services. The bank maintains separate online banking platforms for personal/business and commercial customers, plus a dedicated online loan payment system.

First Independence distinguishes itself through explicit focus on community banking and economic empowerment across underserved markets. The bank operates both Community Banking products for traditional personal and business needs and Universal Banking products targeting growth-stage enterprises and wealth management. The presence of established leadership (Kenneth Kelly as CEO, Dimitrius Hutcherson as President) and regional market presidents suggests organizational depth and local market experience context.

The website provides functional banking access but limited detailed information about product terms, fees, rates, or specific lending criteria. While the bank demonstrates regional expansion and operational capability, potential customers would need direct contact to understand competitive positioning on interest rates, minimum balances, or loan approval standards. The accessibility focus and multi-channel login options suggest customer service commitment.

Services & Features

Business checking and savings accounts
Commercial lending solutions
Mobile and online banking
Mortgage and home financing
Online loan payment system
Payment and merchant services
Personal checking accounts
Personal loans and credit building products
Personal savings accounts
Secure online banking (24/7 access)
Treasury management services
Universal Banking products for growth-stage enterprises and wealth management

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Multi-state presence with offices in Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago providing regional banking relationships
  • Comprehensive product suite spanning personal, business, and commercial banking with listed Universal Banking offerings
  • 24/7 secure online banking access with separate portals for personal/business and commercial customers
  • Online loan payment system enabling convenient debt management
  • Explicit commitment to community banking and economic empowerment in local markets
  • Leadership stability with established CEO and regional market presidents
  • Accessibility-focused website design with AudioEye optimization for assistive technology users

Cons

  • Website provides minimal transparency on interest rates, fees, minimum balance requirements, or loan terms
  • No clear information about loan approval criteria, credit score requirements, or eligibility thresholds
  • Limited product comparison data or competitive rate information to evaluate against other banks
  • Regional footprint may limit access for customers outside Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago markets
  • No detailed information about business lending capacity, SBA loan participation, or commercial lending limits

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Banks consumers in Detroit, MI. It does not confirm that First Independence Bank or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services

Key state rules to check

  • Payday loans (deferred presentment) capped at $600 with tiered fees: 15% first $100, 14% on $100-$200, 13% on $200-$300, etc.
  • Maximum loan term is 31 days; rollovers prohibited.
  • Borrowers limited to one payday loan at a time.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Mortgage Lending Transparency

First Independence Bank processed 110 mortgage applications in 2023, with 86.4% recorded as approved across 3 states.

110

Applications

86.4%

Approval Rate

$352K

Avg Loan

3

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
75%
$50K–$100K
69%
$100K–$200K
92.2%
Over $200K
96.2%

Based on 110 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

States With Recorded Applications

Michigan 104 apps · 84.6%
Minnesota 5 apps · 80%
Illinois 1 apps · 100%

Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does First Independence Bank offer?

First Independence Bank offers 12 services including Personal checking accounts, Personal savings accounts, Personal loans and credit building products, Mortgage and home financing, Mobile and online banking, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for First Independence Bank?

First Independence Bank has profile signals associated with Customers in Detroit, Minneapolis, or Chicago seeking community-focused relationship banking, Small business owners and entrepreneurs needing local lending relationships and commercial services, Individuals prioritizing economic empowerment banking from institutions with explicit community mission.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of First Independence Bank?

Key strengths: Multi-state presence with offices in Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago providing regional banking relationships; Comprehensive product suite spanning personal, business, and commercial banking with listed Universal Banking offerings; 24/7 secure online banking access with separate portals for personal/business and commercial customers. Areas to consider: Website provides minimal transparency on interest rates, fees, minimum balance requirements, or loan terms; No clear information about loan approval criteria, credit score requirements, or eligibility thresholds.

How does First Independence Bank compare to similar companies?

In the Banks category, comparable providers include Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, Fairmax Law, Law Office of Erik Severino. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on First Independence Bank

First Independence Bank is profile signals for individuals and businesses in Detroit, Minneapolis, or Chicago seeking relationship-based community banking with explicit focus on economic empowerment. The main caveat is that the website lacks listed pricing and product details—potential customers must contact the bank directly to compare rates, fees, and approval criteria against competitors.

Profile Signals

  • Customers in Detroit, Minneapolis, or Chicago seeking community-focused relationship banking
  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs needing local lending relationships and commercial services
  • Individuals prioritizing economic empowerment banking from institutions with explicit community mission
Updated 2026-04-29

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Quick Summary

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