First Security

Since the 1790s, banking has played a critical role in the hair and makeup of society. 

Established in America under the watch of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, banking continues its journey now nearly two-and-a-half centuries later.

For First Security Bank, serving the communities it has helped build stands front and center across the company.

“We pride ourselves on serving the people who reside here,” said Cindy Burke, loan officer VP (MLS #424342) for First Security Bank in Benton. “But our reach extends beyond the Saline County area to surrounding communities, as well. 

“What distinguishes First Security Bank are our people and the level of service they provide. Our employees really do care, not only about meeting clients’ financial needs, but also about genuinely advocating for them on a personal level. First Security Bank is committed to providing exceptional banking for everyone who walks through the doors. We treat our customers and each other like family.”

First Security Bank traces its roots to 1930s Searcy, and is now one of the state’s largest home-grown organizations.

Perhaps as a nod to those roots, First Security Bank focuses on the entire family, not only the adults. Currently, the Bank’s focus is on its Flex Account, taking care of children from an early age.

“Our Flex Checking Account is designed for children and teens ages 6 to 17. The account is jointly-owned by a parent or guardian and the child,” Burke said. “For kids, it provides a sense of independence with a personalized debit card they can use. For parents, it provides the tools to easily fund, manage, and control the debit card while teaching money management skills.”

First Security also offers standard deposit accounts and loan programs for consumer and commercial customers.

Burke said First Security Bank is also lately seeing an increase in requests for home equity lines of credit.

“This product is a line of credit secured by the borrower’s residence and allows the consumer to use the equity in their home,” Burke said. “This type of line often goes to home improvements and debt consolidation. It allows them to borrow funds as needed, up to a set maximum credit limit.” 

Above all, First Security Bank’s priority is service.

“First Security Bank employs a tremendous lending staff, and when we receive a request for a new loan, we understand it’s about more than financial assistance. It’s about finally owning a home, or raising a family. It’s a young adult looking to purchase her first vehicle, or an entrepreneur hoping to turn the dream of business ownership into a reality. 

“While credit history and repayment ability absolutely affect our credit decision, we still aim to learn about borrowers personally. We want to know what their goals are, to look beyond credit and employment history to understand underlying circumstances.” 

And First Security strives to encourage and empower those trying to better their credit. The institution offers classes in Benton and surrounding areas.

“On our consumer side, we assist borrowers with a lack of credit to build that history, as well as assisting borrowers with re-establishing credit,” Burke added. 

“First Security Bank offers educational courses at our local school districts and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County through ‘My Money,’ a financial literacy curriculum guiding our community’s youth to look towards achieving goals for their financial futures.”

Aside from catering to nearly every banking need, First Security Bank also takes great pride in giving back to its communities and joining in events.

“I personally feel it’s vital to give back. The people in our community are the reason First Security Bank is here and something that we keep at the forefront of all we do,” Burke said. “We walk that out through Teal Grills, golf tournaments, Chamber of Commerce banquets, and other civic events. We’re also huge supporters of our local school districts and their staff, supporting them through back-to-school events and various donations and visits during the year. Our employees are active in their churches and other nonprofit organizations.”

“The excellence of our service, and how the customer is treated from the time they enter the building until the time they exit, is so important,” Burke said. “A feeling of ‘being known’ is what I believe most people value. And there are practical ways to provide that feeling to those we serve: offering a positive response time; answering the phone when the customer calls; Returning calls, being responsive and attentive; and fostering a genuine personal relationship.”