First County Bank had very competitive CD rates in 2024 so I opened up 4 CDs with varying maturity dates at First County. I also opened up CDs at other local banks including Bankwell and DR Bank. A number of my CDs at the other banks have matured already, and my first First County CD matured yesterday. I tried to close my matured First County CD, and I was told that they were going to charge me a $10 fee for the bank check used to close the account. (So I would be charged a total of $40 for my 4 CDs). Neither Bankwell nor DR bank charges their customers fees to close their accounts. Even Citibank doesn't charge for this. So theoretically, if your child deposits her $100 birthday money into a First County account, whenever she decides to close the account, she will be charged $10 (if she's issued a bank check.) I understand that banks charge their customers a fee to issue a bank check for their customers' use (to buy a car, etc.) In First County's case, First County is charging the customer a fee for First County's own use of the bank check (to close out their customer's account). This is not a First County rant: their rates are competitive, and their CSRs are polite. I am posting this to give potential customers a heads' up about their unusual account closure fee. read more

New Caanan Branch gets (5 stars) I can't say enough good things about this branch! Agnieszka Maciejewski and her team (New Caanan) do an amazing job. They are polite, helpful, sincere, and truly remind you that this is not Citi or BofA. This is a small, local bank with plenty of branches in Fairfield County to satisfy anyone. If you're looking for top-notch service and a personal touch, this is the place to go. Overall, this bank (the company) gets (3.5 stars) (the branch gets (5 stars)). Here's why: Positives: They are a small bank, and their decision-makers are responsive and accessible. Their branches make banking easy, and there are almost never more than 2-3 people in line, except Fridays at lunchtime. There are no fees for qualified depositors. Cons: The bank has its own way of looking at living trusts, which can be restrictive. After a lot of effort from Agnieszka, my wife, and myself, the issue has been resolved. We still maintain our business account at Chase (which has $5,000 in it). They pay an interest rate of just .001%, so don't leave money in your interest-bearing checking account. If you are looking for a local bank with a personal touch, you found it. PS I will amend my review (if warranted) in 90-days. I am inclined to say that the bank will get regraded to (4 stars) and the branch to (5 stars). read more