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Falcon International Bank Review: Overall Rating

FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)
Savings3.75
Checking3.5
CD3.75
Money Market3.5
Trustworthiness5
Total4

Falcon International Bank Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Hispanic American-owned bank

  • No monthly service fees for savings or checking accounts

  • Variety of CD term options

  • Money market account includes a debit card

  • Low APY on accounts
  • Limited ATM options
  • Branch locations are only in Texas
  • Compounds interest monthly/quarterly, not daily

About Falcon International Bank

Falcon International Bank is a Hispanic American-owned bank in Texas. There are 18 branches scattered throughout the state and two representative offices in Monterrey, Mexico, and Guadalajara, Mexico.

You can find branch locations in the following cities:

  • Laredo
  • Del Rio
  • Eagle Pass
  • San Antonio
  • Brownsville
  • Buda
  • McAllen
  • Zapata 

Around 24 free ATMs are available in eight Texas cities. If you use an out-of-network ATM, there is a $4 transaction fee. 

Customer service hours vary by branch. However, most locations have availability from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on Saturdays. There's also a 24/7 teller available. The 24/7 teller has one phone number for the Laredo branches and a different phone number for other branches, so make sure to call the right one depending on your location. 

If you accidentally lose your debit card or have it stolen, Falcon International Bank has separate contact information. 

The Falcon International Bank mobile app has 3.8 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store and 4.0 out of 5 stars on Google. 

The bank's website also has the option of translating the page to Spanish if you'd prefer.

Since Falcon International Bank is an FDIC member, deposits are insured up to $250,000 for individuals and up to $500,000 for joint accounts. 

The Role of Hispanic American-led Institutions 

Hispanic American-led financial institutions offer local products and services geared toward Hispanic American and underserved communities. At Falcon International Bank, customer support and website features are available in Spanish and English. 

These banks are also often more closely tied to these communities than national banks. Falcon International Bank leaders and staff have volunteered locally at the American Cancer Society, Leadership Laredo, South Texas Food Bank, and more. The bank also hasn't gone through any public controversies in recent years. 

Is Falcon International Bank Trustworthy?

We use ratings from the Better Business Bureau to help you better understand how these institutions deal with customer disputes. Falcon International Bank has an A+ rating from the BBB. 

Keep in mind that a good BBB rating doesn't guarantee that your relationship with a bank will be great. Make sure to also get feedback from friends, families, or online reviews to see if a bank is right for you. 

Falcon International Bank FAQs

Is Falcon International Bank legit? 

Falcon International Bank is a legitimate bank. Its bank accounts are federally insured for up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category.

Is Falcon International Bank a good bank?

Falcon International Bank may be a good option if you value banking with a Hispanic-American-led financial institution in Texas. If you're strictly looking for the most competitive savings rates, online banks will likely offer higher rates right now.

Who is the CEO of Falcon International Bank?

Gilbert Narvaez, Jr. is the president and CEO of Falcon International Bank. 

Falcon International Bank Account Reviews

Falcon International Bank Statement Savings Account

The Falcon International Bank Statement Savings Account is a good option if you want to avoid monthly service fees. You only need a Falcon International Bank Statement Savings Account minimum deposit, and there's no minimum balance required. However, the interest rate is low, and other savings accounts could provide better rates. For example, the best high-yield savings accounts have higher rates. 

Falcon International Bank Regular Checking Account

The Falcon International Bank Regular Checking Account is a good option if you're looking for a checking account that is easy to maintain. There are no monthly service fees and no minimum balance needed for this account.

However, if you frequently use out-of-network ATMs, overdraw from your account, or stop using the account for more than 90 days, then additional fees may stack up for you. 

Falcon International Bank CD

Falcon International Bank offers a wide array of CD term options, from 30 days to 5 years. However, CDs require a Falcon International Bank Certificate of Deposit minimum opening deposit.

If you decide to withdraw your money early, you'll also have to deal with withdrawal penalties based on the amount deposited and the term length left.

Falcon International Bank Money Market Account

The Falcon International Bank Money Market Account is a decent option, if you want an account with a debit card option or can deposit a minimum of Falcon International Bank Money Market Account initially. There is a Falcon International Bank Money Market Account - Fees Display, but it can be waived if you keep Falcon International Bank Money Market Account in your account daily.  

How Falcon International Bank Compares

Falcon International Bank vs. Bank of South Texas

Falcon International Bank has more branch locations but fewer ATMs than Bank of South Texas. 

Bank of South Texas offers more checking account options, including one that accumulates interest and another that is designed for customers age 55 and older. However, if you want a checking account that has zero monthly fees, then you may be more interested in Falcon International Bank. Depending on your needs, one bank may be a better choice.

Bank of South Texas Review

Falcon International Bank vs. Texas National Bank

Texas National Bank offers higher rates for savings, money market, and CD accounts. However, if you're looking for an account with a lower opening deposit, or with a greater variety of term options for CDs, then Falcon International Bank may stand out more to you. 

You should also keep in mind branch locations and offerings. Falcon International Bank has more branch locations and offers longer customer service hours. However, Texas National Bank has more ATMs available. 

Texas National Bank Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Falcon International Bank 

At Personal Finance Insider, we rate savings, checking, CD, and money market accounts using our banking methodology and CD methodology.

Each account receives a rating between 0 and 5. We evaluate a bank's ethics, customer service, and mobile app for all accounts. We also consider different features for specific types of bank accounts. For example, we look at overdraft fees for checking accounts and early withdrawal penalties for CDs.

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