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random52
random52 (@guest_1297457)
December 9, 2021 23:43

I’m 48 miles from the nearest branch in VA, did not work for me.

Brian G.
Brian G. (@guest_1230932)
July 29, 2021 12:03

I live in VA less than 60 miles from a branch, but the application form did not allow me to submit the application due to my zip code.

Gadget 🕵️
Gadget 🕵️ (@guest_799848)
August 18, 2019 16:39

 Chuck  William Charles Direct link to offer is not working/updated.

IS250
IS250 (@guest_799437)
August 16, 2019 21:41

 William Charles Live again. https://www.fbvirginia.com/Anywhere-Checking (First Checking is now called Anywhere Checking)

Chris M
Chris M (@guest_388923)
April 13, 2017 10:32

I made it all the way through the online application process yesterday (4/12) figuring everything went fine. I just received an email today (4/13) saying: “We were unable to verify some of the information you have provided through the application process. As such, the account does not qualify for online account opening.” They go on to say I can go into a branch to complete my account opening. I don’t live near any branches, so this one is a bust for me. I hope anyone else who decides to try for this bonus has better luck than me.

Gadget
Gadget (@guest_361937)
February 28, 2017 14:49

DP: Credit Card funding up to $1000. I believe it was only Visa or Mastercard, debit or credit, but I didn’t pay attention because the form took my CSP Visa. It did not automatically post as pending at the end of the application – instead a message said it would be processed in about two days after the application was approved, I believe.

Fee schedule link did not work, so I am unable to report early closing fee info. After application, multiple PDF’s are available for d/l – at least one even gave my new account number on the form. All other forms like truth in lending, privacy, and reg E pdf’s did appear after application.

Application process was a little strange compared to the average bank. Asked some personal questions and income related questions that I was not used to seeing. Not sure if some of these questions are just not PC anymore, let alone legal. Marital status, details on living situation, home ownership (free & clear owner vs. mortgage), and details on my income that was not normally being asked by other banks.

I attempted to check the status of the application, however the directions in the confirmation e-mail did not match the links on the website. The only link I could find to check application status did not work. It appears to me they updated the front-end webpages, but haven’t updated the messages the back-end systems produce.

Received this e-mail the next day after applying:

“Thank you for your interest in an account at First Bank. We are in receipt of your online request, however we were unable to verify some of the information you have provided through the application process. As such, the account does not qualify for online account opening. However, we will be happy to assist you with a new account at any one of our branch locations. Please stop by and speak with one of our Product Specialists at your earliest convenience.”

I am in VA, but the nearest branch is 2 1/2 hours away, so stopping by is not an option. I called them in hopes of clearing up the error, however, it was useless. I got told the error message they receive is not specific.

The CSR said it was probably due to me being more than 100 or 150 miles from the nearest branch (she couldn’t recall the limit), as there is a limit for online opening. I promptly asked her to pass up to the proper people that the application should screen by zip code if that is the case, instead of having a person go through the entire application process just to be denied.

So, just like Sandy Spring Bank in my online experience, unless you are within reasonable driving distance to a branch, I would not bother applying to this bank online. YMMV – good luck.

Gibunono
Gibunono (@guest_362591)
March 1, 2017 16:13

Hi Gadget, I also live in VA and I have their branch within 30 miles of my place. Has the initial deposit being processed and code as a purchase? Or they just will not process the deposit?

Thanks!

Gadget
Gadget (@guest_368602)
March 11, 2017 23:52

They did not process the opening deposit in my case. Seems like most banks do a hold on the funds as soon as you submit the application, but this one did not do that.

I just use a card that I have lowered my CA limit to nearly nothing. Either it won’t process, or it goes through as purchase. I have had great luck with Chase cards… Citi usually bounces.

escot
escot (@guest_353749)
February 15, 2017 07:09

“First” whatever…. “there’s power in one” — (ah, but the sheeple will buy that vague “with a name like that” clap trap)

Appears to be a Shenandoah Valley focused “niche bank.” (whatever that is!) I live within hour of several branches, yet never heard of “First” Bank…. Their web site “our story” not helpful either:

https://www.fbvirginia.com/Resources/About-Us/Our-Story

Ah yes, they say, “100 years of experience….” like whatever man. Do they take their customers for average joe’s who could care less? who drink their soma hot? Am guessing this “first” bank is the fruit of a merger or break up. Googling & wiki turns up little, except indications that “First Bank” is “wholly owned subsidiary” of First National Financial…. never heard of that before either. (FXNC) Caught something in their last earnings call about buying up former Bank of America branches…. well, now THAT strategy might actually be a winner… if they couched it something like, “bringing banking back home to Virginia” (except fxnc is based in Massachusetts?)

escot
escot (@guest_353750)
February 15, 2017 07:19

correction, based in tiny Strasburg, Virginia (pop. 6k ) …. well, pardon my cynicism re. the name, actually hope this incarnation of “First” Bank (despite its dumb name) actually manages to survive/thrive — without doing so well as to be bought out by those banks that have ravaged Virginia in my life time. (e.g., “walk-all-ovya,” “we’ll-go-far” with your money, and of course, Bank Amrika — aka, the borg) Alas, that would be expecting too much.