Our experts answer readers' banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

FirstBank Puerto Rico: Overall Rating

FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)
Savings4
Checking4
CD4
Trustworthiness5
Total4.25

FirstBank Puerto Rico Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • One of the largest banks in Puerto Rico

  • Most board members are Hispanic American, and the bank serves a minority community

  • Variety of accounts to choose from

  • Possible to waive monthly service fees

  • Low savings rates
  • Interest compounds monthly, not daily

About FirstBank Puerto Rico

FirstBank Puerto Rico is a designated minority depository institution, because most of its board members are Hispanic American, and the bank serves a minority community. There are 57 FirstBank branches around Puerto Rico and 319 free ATMs.

Hours vary by branch. All branches are open Monday through Friday, and some are open part of the day on Saturday.

The FirstBank Puerto Rico mobile app has 3.5 out of 5 stars in the Apple store, and 3.4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.

Your deposits are FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, or up to $500,000 for joint accounts.

The Role of Hispanic American-led Institutions

Hispanic American-led financial institutions provide local services and products to largely Hispanic American and underserved communities. These banks are also often more closely tied to these communities than national banks.

FirstBank Puerto Rico began the Think First, Think Green program, which focuses on environmental awareness. FirstBank partnered with local organizations, including The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico and FundaciĆ³n Amigos de El Yunque.

Is FirstBank Puerto Rico Trustworthy?

FirstBank Puerto Rico doesn't have any public controversies.

The Better Business Bureau gives FirstBank Puerto Rico an A- rating because it has failed to respond to one customer complaint on the BBB website. 

BBB grades do not necessarily guarantee you'll have a smooth relationship with a bank, though. You may still want to read online customer reviews or ask friends and family about their experiences with FirstBank Puerto Rico.

FirstBank Puerto Rico FAQs

Is FirstBank Puerto Rico a US bank?

FirstBank Puerto Rico is regulated by the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Commission of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Its headquarters are located in Puerto Rico, and it has a banking division in Florida.

Is FirstBank Puerto Rico legit? 

Yes, FirstBank Puerto Rico is a legitimate bank. It's a Member FDIC financial institution, so up to $250,000 per depositor, per category is protected.

Is FirstBank Puerto Rico the same as FirstBank Florida?

FirstBank Florida is a banking division of FirstBank Puerto Rico. Bank account product and services are different, since FirstBank Puerto Rico is specifically for Puerto Rico residents and FirstBank Florida caters to Florida residents.

FirstBank Puerto Rico Bank Account Reviews

FirstBank Puerto Rico Easy Savings Account 

You may like the FirstBank Puerto Rico Easy Savings Account if you can maintain a $250 balance, because then you'll waive the FirstBank Puerto Rico Easy Savings Account - Fees Display. However, you'd earn a much better interest rate with the best high-yield savings accounts.

The bank also has savings accounts for kids, teenagers, and Christmas savings.

FirstBank Puerto Rico Cuenta Perfecta Checking

FirstBank Puerto Rico has several checking accounts to choose from. You may like the FirstBank Puerto Rico Cuenta Perfecta if you can maintain a $500 average monthly balance, because then you're eligible to waive the monthly fee.

FirstBank Puerto Rico CD

FirstBank Puerto Rico offers a variety of CD terms and requires a standard FirstBank Puerto Rico CD - Minimum Deposit. You may want to look at online banks for the best CD rates, though.

How FirstBank Puerto Rico Compares

FirstBank Puerto Rico vs. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico has more branches than FirstBank Puerto Rico, so it may be more convenient for you. But FirstBank has a variety of checking and savings accounts to choose from, so it's possible you'll find the best fit with this bank.

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Review

FirstBank Puerto Rico vs. Oriental Bank

FirstBank Puerto Rico has more branches than Oriental Bank, so it may be the better option if there's a location closer to your home. If you want to open a CD, the better interest rate will come down to which term length you want. Compare the banks' accounts to make your decision.

Oriental Bank Review

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed FirstBank Puerto Rico

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.

Read the original article on Business Insider