First City Bank in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Great community bank.

It's historically been a good bank for us but in recent months, the customer service (on the phone and in the drive thru) has left a lot to be desired. I thought the first few times were just a fluke since they had always been nice and helpful in the past but it hasn't gotten any better and two phone calls today have further proven that to me. We recently started doing the bulk of our banking at our other bank (a credit union) because they are always very helpful and nice and we are thinking of switching to our other bank for all accounts and banking needs since this seems to be an acceptable and permanent change with FCB.

I am not a customer. However I just visited this bank to cash a check and had the worst customer experience I've had in a long time. I grew up in this area and have been banking with Eglin Federal Credit Union for 40 years. I stopped by First City bank to cash a check that was given to me for a consulting job I recently finished. After waiting in the drive thru line for 20 minutes I finally got to the teller window. I have them my endorsed check and FL state driver license. I was asked if I was a customer at the bank. No. I was then very rudely told that the drive thru line was for their customers only. Then I was told that non customers have to get inside the building to cash a check from their bank, but because I us been waiting she would go ahead and help me (gee thanks for doing your job). Then I was told there was a $5 fee for cashing the check. I told the teller she was really making me feel special (sarcastic tone implied). After thinking about it, I said that's fine. She then brings a fingerprint form and ink pad and says that I have to submit my finger print if I want th check cashed. I told her no thanks and took my check and left. She offered no apology. Not even a word. It was more like, take your check and go somewhere else. I have never felt so small, and insignificant by a bank. Especially with this being a local, home town bank, I would have thought they would have better policies and certainly someone with better people skills in such a public facing position. Never, ever will I have anything to do with this bank. There are lots of other choices in the area with better policies that don't make you feel insignificant or like a criminal.

Great experience with this bank. Bernita helped me with setting up an account and even sent a thank you card. Highly recommend this financial institution.