Intro – First Niagara Bank Review | (Online Banking, Lending, Accounts Review)


First Niagara Bank was recently ranked and reviewed by AdvisoryHQ as a top rated bank. 

Firms on our top rated lists were selected after they successfully passed AdvisoryHQ’s ground-breaking four-step banks and credit unions selection methodology.  

Click here for a step-by-step breakdown of the methodology and selection process used during our First Niagara Bank review: AdvisoryHQ’s Methodology for Selecting Top Banks and Credit Unions.

The below First Niagara Bank review provides a detailed review of First Niagara Bank, including the specific factors we used in our decision-making process.


First Niagara Bank Review


Effective in July of 2016, KeyBank successfully acquired First Niagara. This included approximately 300 First Niagara branches across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

As a result of the First Niagara acquisition, KeyBank now has over 1,200 branches spread across 15 states. Below, please find our review of First Niagara as a top financial institution, prior to the acquisition by KeyBank.



Key Factors that Enabled This Firm to Rank as a Top Banking Firm

Next, you’ll see the reasons we chose to rank First Niagara Bank as one of the top banking firms.

Advanced Lending Options (First Niagara Bank review)

The more specifically tailored your loan is to your borrowing needs, the greater the likelihood of success and satisfaction. First Niagara offers an extensive selection of lending options, including:

  • Home Equity Line of Credit: Borrow up to 85% of your home’s value.
  • Mortgage Loans: Choose a fixed or adjustable rate.
  • Home Equity: Interest-only options are available.
  • Credit Cards: Find great rates and unlimited rewards.
  • Auto Loans: Get quick pre-approval and a locked in fixed rate.
  • Personal Loans: Flexible terms and lines of credit starting at just $1,000.
  • Home Building Loans: Cover your construction and permanent financing needs.

Trusted Banking Services (First Niagara Bank review)

Most people need more help managing their finances than just a basic checking or savings account.

First Niagara has a great variety of products and services to help you make the most of your time and money as you live for today and plan ahead for the future. Banking solutions include:

  • PinnaclePlus Checking: Unlimited ATM fee rebates and VIP rates for personal loans or lines of credit.
  • Regular Checking: All the basics you need, along with online banking, bill pay, and a debit card.
  • Savings & Certificates of Deposits: Offering money market accounts, CDs, and IRAs.
  • Credit Cards: Low introductory rates and unlimited rewards.
  • Health Savings Account: Take a tax-advantaged approach to covering unexpected medical costs.

Insurance Options (First Niagara Bank review)

Flexible insurance options from First Niagara keep you covered no matter what the road ahead may bring. With special group rates and additional coverage options available, insurance options include:

Personal Insurance:

  • Flood insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Homeowners insurance
  • High net-worth insurance

Business Insurance:

  • Property insurance
  • Liability
  • Worker’s compensation
  • Auto insurance
  • Management liability

Benefits Counseling:

  • HR support
  • Claims analysis
  • Employee benefits
  • HR & benefits administration
  • Associate health plan management

Take Control of Your Investments (First Niagara Bank review)

Whether you are a highly experienced investor or just deciding to take a dip for the first time, First Niagara has a team of knowledgeable professionals who will guide you in the direction of your best interest every time with:

  • Life planning
  • Retirement planning
  • Education planning
  • Financial advisory services
  • Wealth planning
  • Investment management
  • Fiduciary services
  • Risk management
  • Private client services

Building a Sustainable Future (First Niagara Bank review)

At First Niagara, making daily changes both big and small to reduce their impact on the earth is of utmost importance. As with their banking and community involvement, First Niagara passionately makes the following efforts:

  • Running two projects for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)
  • Participating in the Herman Miller Furniture’s rePurpose Program
  • Partnering with Shaw Contract Group to build greener and smarter
  • Energy sourcing
  • Lighting retrofitting
  • BioPCM (Phase Change Material)
  • Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program

Click any of the links below to browse exclusive reviews of all top rated banking firms:



AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:

Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.

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