Forney Business Owners: Is Your Bank Making the Grade for 2025?

As we approach 2025, small businesses should evaluate whether their current banking partner is meeting their needs and keeping up with industry trends.

Well? Is your current bank quickly and effectively serving your needs? Are your current banking tools and rates aligned with your goals? Do you need a localized solution that better knows your market? 

These are just a few of the questions that, if you’re a business owner, you’re likely reflecting on at the year’s end. 

Harmony Bank, your trusted local banking partner in Kaufman County, wants local entrepreneurs to take a look at our “bank report card” here, to help set them up for business banking success in the coming year.

Report Card: Is Your Bank Serving You Well? 

Got your red pen ready? Here is a checklist of questions to ask as you evaluate your current bank (especially if it’s a national “big bank.”)

Business Checking and Savings Accounts

• Do you have access to comprehensive services like treasury management and merchant services?

• Are the bank's fee structures transparent and easy to understand?

• How do the fees and rates compare to other banks serving small businesses

Lending and Credit Options

• Does your bank provide a variety of financing options, including working capital, real estate, and term loans?

• Are loan application processes streamlined, and do you receive quick responses from local decision makers? 

• Does your bank offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms for small businesses?

 

Customer Service and Support

• Do you have a dedicated banker who understands your business?

• Is your banker available when you need them, and accessible by phone, email, and even personal visits?

• How quickly and effectively does your bank resolve issues?

• Is your bank actively involved in supporting local businesses and community development?

• Does the bank demonstrate an understanding of the unique challenges faced by small businesses in your area?

 

Digital Banking Innovation

• Does your bank offer robust online and mobile banking platforms?

• Can you easily perform transactions, monitor accounts, and access support on-the-go?

• Does your bank's system integrate seamlessly with your accounting software?

• Are there features such as bill management systems that sync with tools like QuickBooks?

• Is your bank investing in new technologies to improve services?

Overall Satisfaction

• Has your overall satisfaction with your bank improved over the past year?

• Has your overall satisfaction with problem resolution improved over the past year?

• Do you feel confident in your bank's ability to meet your future needs?

If you’re answering most of these prompts with a resounding “no,” a resigned “not really,” or even an ambiguous “meh...”, it may be time to explore other options that better serve your small business needs.

A strong banking partner can significantly impact your business's financial health and growth. Community banks like Harmony Bank excel in providing personalized service and a deep understanding of local business needs. They offer a combination of modern banking solutions with a relationship-based approach for everyone, from plumbers to growing tech firms.

By assessing your bank's performance at year’s end, staying informed about available options, and planning accordingly, you can ensure that your banking partner continues to support your business's success in 2025 and beyond.

Harmony Bank offers a banking partnership for north and east Texas businesses that yields vision, reliability, and personalized care.  Follow Harmony Bank on LinkedIn for more local banking insights and tips to recognize fraud. Give us a call today at 1-800-HARMONY and see how we can best serve your business.