Overview of First Foundation Bank

First Foundation Bank (FFB) is a California-based bank that has been providing consumer and business banking products, as well as private wealth management services, since its inception in 2008. However, the bank’s roots date back to 1990, when it originally offered wealth management services to individuals and businesses in Orange County. Today, FFB operates a handful of branches in California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas, while also providing online accounts to its customers.

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Checking Accounts

FFB offers three checking account options, each catering to different customer needs. The first option is the personal checking account, which requires a minimum opening deposit of $100 but has no ongoing minimum balance requirement. There are also no monthly fees associated with this account, making it an attractive option for those who want a hassle-free banking experience.

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The second option is the personal interest checking account, which also requires a minimum opening deposit of $100. However, this account comes with a monthly fee of $20, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $2,500. This account is designed for customers who want to earn interest on their deposits while also having access to online banking services.

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The third option is the senior interest checking account, which is specifically designed for customers aged 55 and older. This account requires a minimum opening deposit of $100 to open, but there is no minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly fees or earn the highest rate. Additionally, this account comes with free checks, making it an attractive option for seniors who want to manage their finances easily.

FFB also reimburses ATM fees nationwide for its checking account customers, up to $20 per transaction. This feature is particularly beneficial for customers who frequently use ATMs while traveling or shopping.

Savings Accounts

FFB offers a variety of savings accounts tailored to meet different financial goals and preferences. The first option is the personal savings account, which requires a minimum opening balance of $100. There is a $3 monthly maintenance fee associated with this account, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $250 or more.

The second option is the senior savings account, which is designed for customers aged 55 and older. This account requires a minimum opening deposit of $100 and also charges a $3 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $250 or more.

The third option is the online savings account, which offers a competitive interest rate of 3.75% APY as of July 2026. This account has no monthly fee and requires a larger minimum opening deposit of $1,000. However, it is designed for customers who want to earn interest on their deposits while also having access to online banking services.

Money Market Accounts

FFB offers personal and online money market accounts, both of which provide debit card and check writing access while earning a high yield on the balance. The online money market account has a 3.75% APY and requires a $1,000 minimum deposit to open. This account is particularly beneficial for customers who want to earn interest on their deposits while also having access to online banking services.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

FFB offers various CDs, including two that can be opened online. CDs require a $2,500 minimum deposit and offer a fixed interest rate for a specific term. This feature is particularly beneficial for customers who want to earn a fixed return on their deposits while also having access to online banking services.

Fees

FFB charges various fees for its services, including monthly service fees, wire transfer fees, and ATM fees. The bank also charges fees for services such as cashier’s checks, foreign drafts, and stop payments. Additionally, FFB charges fees for services such as account research, document copy, and mail paper statement.

Pros and Cons

FFB has several attractive features, including competitive interest rates on deposits, online accounts with no monthly fees, and generous ATM fee reimbursement. However, the bank also has some drawbacks, including higher minimum deposit requirements for some accounts, limited branch access, and higher fees for certain services.