Bank Independent, a leading financial institution in North Alabama, has been named the top bank in Alabama by Forbes. This prestigious recognition underscores the bank’s commitment to exceptional customer service and community investment.
"Being named the top bank in Alabama by Forbes is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members," said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent. “Our focus has always been on building strong relationships with our customers and communities. This recognition inspires us to continue striving to be the bank and employer of choice in the communities that we serve.”
For this seventh annual ranking, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey approximately 26,000 U.S. residents. Participants were asked to name all the banks and credit unions where they currently have—and previously had—a checking or savings account and to identify financial institutions they know through the experiences of friends and family. Respondents shared their level of satisfaction with the bank or credit union, their willingness to recommend it to others, and rated the organization on criteria such as customer service, the quality of financial advice offered by representatives, fee structures, ease of navigating digital services, accessing help at branch locations, and the degree of trust the financial institutions inspired.
Survey responses from the last three years were taken into consideration, with recent data and responses from current customers weighted more heavily than the older data and responses from former customers and friends and family. Additionally, Statista collected online text reviews and ratings written between February 2021 and March 2024 for each bank and credit union. This research accounted for 20% of the scoring, while the surveys accounted for 80%. The financial institutions with the highest scores landed on the Forbes list. All told, 185 banks and 207 credit unions were ranked in one or more states.
About Bank Independent
Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 33 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products, and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All our team members reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.
