BayFirst National Bank, a St. Petersburg-based community bank, has been named Florida’s No. 1 bank by Forbes for 2024. Recognized as one of America’s “Best-In-State Banks,” BayFirst stood out for its exceptional customer service and community-focused approach, earning a spot among only 185 banks nationwide.
This prestigious award is based on a comprehensive survey by Forbes and Statista Inc., which collected feedback from over 26,000 U.S. residents. Participants rated banks across six key areas: Trust, Terms & Conditions, Branch Services, Digital Services, Customer Service, and Financial Advice. In addition, publicly available online reviews were analyzed to further evaluate customer satisfaction, with BayFirst taking the top spot in Florida.
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BayFirst CEO Thomas G. Zernick expressed gratitude for the recognition: “It is a tremendous honor to be ranked the No. 1 bank in Florida, especially because it was direct feedback from our customers that led to this award. This recognition reflects our commitment to putting customers and the community first.”
A Year of Growth and Innovation
Over the past year, BayFirst has made significant enhancements to its services. The bank expanded its branch offerings to include free community meeting spaces and new programs for kids under 12 and customers 50 and older. On the digital front, BayFirst introduced online account opening, contactless debit cards, paperless teller-line transactions, and external account aggregation, making banking more seamless and convenient for its customers.
Customer service improvements were also a priority, with the launch of a dedicated Contact Center and the introduction of CLICKswitch, a program designed to help new customers easily transfer their accounts. BayFirst also rolled out a customer referral program, rewarding loyal customers for sharing their positive experiences.
Commitment to the Community
BayFirst’s focus on financial literacy and community engagement has further strengthened its ties to the Tampa Bay region. Through mentorship programs and educational initiatives, the bank continues to invest in the well-being of local residents.
As BayFirst celebrates this top honor, the bank remains dedicated to exceeding customer expectations and continuing its community-focused mission. For St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay residents, BayFirst’s recognition as Florida’s best bank is a testament to its outstanding service and commitment to innovation.
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