The Cooperative Bank logo

The Cooperative Bank in Roslindale, MA

4.2/5

Boston-based community bank since 1898 offering retail and commercial banking services with focus on local neighborhood lending and SBA loans.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

The Cooperative Bank Review

The Cooperative Bank is a Boston-based community bank that has operated since 1898, positioning itself as 'Boston's Neighborhood Bank' with emphasis on supporting local communities. The bank serves the greater Boston area including neighborhoods like West Roxbury, Roslindale, Charlestown, and Somerville. S.

Government, providing standard banking protections to depositors. The bank offers a range of financial services including personal checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages for home purchase and refinance, and commercial lending products. Their commercial lending focuses heavily on construction loans for single-family homes and condominiums, SBA-backed restaurant expansion loans, lines of credit for investment properties, and equipment financing.

8 million, demonstrating active commercial lending activity across the Boston metro area. What distinguishes The Cooperative Bank is its explicit positioning as a community-focused institution. Their marketing emphasizes that banking with TCB means supporting the local community, and the bank actively sponsors local events, nonprofits, and community partnerships.

The bank maintains a local decision-making structure appropriate for neighborhood lending and appears to have maintained continuous operation for over 125 years, suggesting stability and established relationships within Boston communities. The website provides limited detail on specific product terms, rates, fees, or minimum balances. While the bank clearly serves both retail and commercial customers, the online presence focuses more on community narrative than detailed product specifications.

For consumers seeking specific account terms or comparing rates, direct contact with the bank would be necessary as this information is not prominently featured on the website.

Services & Features

Commercial lines of credit for investment properties
Commercial loan products
Condo construction financing
Construction loans for single-family homes
Credit cards
Equipment lines of credit
FDIC-insured deposit products
Mortgage loans (home purchase and refinance implied)
Personal checking accounts
Personal savings accounts
Restaurant expansion loans
SBA-backed small business loans

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • FDIC-insured deposits with full U.S. government backing
  • 127+ year operating history in Boston (established 1898) suggests stability and local expertise
  • Active commercial lending with recent loans ranging from $120K-$2.8M across multiple categories
  • SBA loan programs available for small business expansion (demonstrated with restaurant loans)
  • Multiple service locations across Boston neighborhoods (West Roxbury, Roslindale, Charlestown, Somerville mentioned)
  • Community-focused institution with stated commitment to supporting local nonprofits and events
  • Offers full suite of banking products: checking, savings, credit cards, mortgages, and commercial loans

Cons

  • Website lacks specific information on interest rates, APYs, fees, or account minimums for comparison shopping
  • Limited online banking information or fintech features mentioned compared to modern neobanks
  • Commercial loan examples shown suggest focus on larger construction/commercial clients; unclear how welcoming to smaller borrowers
  • No information provided about mobile banking app capabilities or digital-first services
  • Geographic focus limited to Boston area; not a national bank option for customers outside Massachusetts

Rating Breakdown

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

Mortgage Lending Transparency

The Cooperative Bank processed 104 mortgage applications in 2023, approving 96.2% of applicants across 1 states.

104

Applications

96.2%

Approval Rate

$754K

Avg Loan

1

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
100%
$50K–$100K
100%
$100K–$200K
89.7%
Over $200K
100%

Based on 104 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

Top Lending States

Massachusetts 104 apps · 89.4%

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does The Cooperative Bank offer?

The Cooperative Bank offers 12 services including Personal checking accounts, Personal savings accounts, Credit cards, Mortgage loans (home purchase and refinance implied), SBA-backed small business loans, and 7 more.

Who is The Cooperative Bank best suited for?

The Cooperative Bank is best suited for Boston-area residents and small business owners seeking community-focused banking with local decision-making, Commercial borrowers in construction, real estate development, and restaurant industries pursuing SBA or conventional loans, Customers prioritizing support for local community through their banking relationship, Property investors and developers in the greater Boston metropolitan area.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of The Cooperative Bank?

Key strengths: FDIC-insured deposits with full U.S. government backing; 127+ year operating history in Boston (established 1898) suggests stability and local expertise; Active commercial lending with recent loans ranging from $120K-$2.8M across multiple categories. Areas to consider: Website lacks specific information on interest rates, APYs, fees, or account minimums for comparison shopping; Limited online banking information or fintech features mentioned compared to modern neobanks.

How does The Cooperative Bank compare to similar companies?

In the Banks category, comparable providers include 42 North Private Bank, Adams Community Bank, Avidia Bank. Each company has different strengths — compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records to find the best fit.

Quick Facts

Founded
1898
Headquarters
Roslindale, MA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #26922
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit The Cooperative Bank

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on The Cooperative Bank

The Cooperative Bank is best for Boston-area residents and commercial borrowers who value community-focused banking and local decision-making over digital convenience or competitive rate shopping. The main caveat is that the website provides minimal information on specific rates, fees, or terms, requiring direct outreach to the bank for detailed product comparisons.

Best For

  • Boston-area residents and small business owners seeking community-focused banking with local decision-making
  • Commercial borrowers in construction, real estate development, and restaurant industries pursuing SBA or conventional loans
  • Customers prioritizing support for local community through their banking relationship
  • Property investors and developers in the greater Boston metropolitan area
Updated 2026-05-08

Similar Companies

42 North Private Bank logo

42 North Private Bank

42 North Private Bank offers private banking services with personalized relationship-focused banking for individuals, business owners, and advisors seeking customized financial solutions.

4.2/5
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Best for: High-net-worth individuals seeking personalized private banking relationships, Business owners requiring specialized banking products and direct advisor relationships

Adams Community Bank logo

Adams Community Bank

Independent community savings bank established in 1869, offering checking, savings, CDs, mortgages, and fraud protection services to individuals and businesses.

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Avidia Bank logo

Avidia Bank

FDIC-insured community bank serving Massachusetts with personal checking, savings, mortgages, and commercial lending. Headquartered in Hudson, MA with 10+ branches.

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Best for: Central Massachusetts residents and businesses seeking personalized community banking relationships, Small to mid-sized business owners needing commercial lending with local expertise and relationship banking

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