First Foundation Bank review (2025): Personal and business banking with competitive online rates
Summary: First Foundation Bank (FFB) is a California-based bank that provides consumer and business banking products as well as private wealth management services. The bank was founded in 2008, though its roots date back to 1990 when it originally provided wealth management services to individuals and businesses in Orange County. Today, it operates a handful of branches in California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas and provides online accounts.
First Foundation Bank offers three checking account options.
Personal checking: The personal checking account requires a $100 minimum opening deposit, but there's no ongoing minimum balance required. There are also no monthly fees. However, this account does not earn interest.
Personal interest checking: This interest-bearing checking account also requires a minimum opening deposit of $100. It comes with a monthly fee of $20, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $2,500.
Senior interest checking: This interest-bearing account is designed for customers age 55 and older. There is no minimum balance required to avoid monthly fees or earn the highest rate. It also comes with free checks.
First Foundation Bank reimburses ATM fees (nationwide) for checking account customers up to $20 per transaction.
First Foundation Bank offers a variety of savings accounts tailored to meet different financial goals and preferences.
Personal savings: This traditional savings account requires a minimum opening balance of $100. There is a $3 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $250 or more.
Senior savings: This savings account for customers age 55 and older requires a minimum opening deposit of $100. It also charges a $3 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $250 or more.
Online savings: The online savings account offers a competitive interest rate (4.25% APY as of May 2025) and has no monthly fee. It does, however, require a larger minimum opening deposit of $1,000.
First Foundation offers personal and online money market accounts. Both accounts give you debit card and check writing access while earning a high yield on your balance. The online money market account has a 4.25% APY ($1,000 minimum deposit required), ranking it among the best money market accounts available today.
Additionally, First Foundation Bank's money market accounts have no monthly maintenance fees. They also offer ATM fee reimbursements when using a debit card.
First Foundation Bank offers various CDs, including two you can open online (four-month and 12-month terms). CDs require a $2,500 minimum deposit.
Here's a look at the common fees you may incur as a First Foundation Bank customer:
While this bank has some attractive offers, consider these pros and cons before opening an account.
Pros
Competitive interest rates on deposits: The yields on savings, CD, and money market accounts are among the best available today.
Online accounts have no monthly fees: Several of this bank's accounts, including its online accounts, have no monthly fees.
Generous ATM fee reimbursement: First Foundation reimburses up to $20 of ATM fees per transaction. There is no monthly limit on reimbursements.
Cons
Higher minimum deposit requirements: Several accounts have minimum opening deposit or monthly balance requirements to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.
Limited branch access: FFB has 31 branches in California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas. Some of its products can only be opened in person.
FFB has several contact methods.
You can email the Digital Bank team with questions at newaccount@ff-inc.com.
Phone support is available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT, Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT, and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT. The contact number is 888-405-4332.
First Foundation Bank's app has mostly positive reviews with a 4.1-star rating on the Google Play store and a 4.6-star rating on the Apple App Store. Many users say the app is easy to use and intuitive, while some report various technical issues.
The app lets you get a quick glance at your accounts, view statements, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks. While banking apps often focus on banking activities, FBB's app also lets you link external accounts for budgeting purposes.
First Foundation's corporate headquarters are located at the following address:
18101 Von Karman Ave., Suite 750
Irvine, CA 92612
For phone support, call 888-405-4332.
Yes, First Foundation Bank is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor per ownership category.
First Foundation Bank's routing number is 122287581.
As an FDIC-insured bank, FFB is very safe. Your money is insured up to the allowable limit.
Yes, First Foundation Bank is real. It is a California-based bank with physical locations in five states.
First Foundation Bank is a relatively small bank. It has $12.6 billion in bank assets and $5.1 billion in advisory assets as of March 31, 2025. It has 562 employees and 31 branch locations.
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