FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Bank
How is the Bank doing?
Community Bank is well capitalized, the highest rating a bank can achieve. In addition, the Bank continues to post strong earning. So the next time someone inquires about the health of your bank, you can respond Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest is well capitalized and remains a very profitable institution.
Why is everyone so friendly at your bank?
We find people who are friendly by nature, train them about the banking business, and then make sure to have fun doing what we do. This isn't exactly rocket science. It's easy to say hello to someone and call them by name when they hand you a deposit slip or a check with their name on it. Also, our employees like their bank; we're like a family.
Who are your stockholders?
When we started the Bank, we sold stock to our organizing directors, all of which are members of our community. They, like us, wanted to be part of bringing a different level of service to our friends and associates. They purchased approximately one-half of the Bank's stock. Other friends and local community residents purchased the other half. Virtually every stockholder either lives in our community or has ties to it.
Do you make mortgages?
We sure do! We conservatively estimate that we have originated over $400 million of mortgages since we opened. We make large and small mortgages, short term and long term. We like the business, and Claude L'Heureux, who heads the mortgage unit, welcomes your inquiry. Contact Claude L'Heureux.
How can you compete with the large banks?
Very easily. We do virtually everything a large bank does, except that we don't do it at quite the same scale. We do loans of all types, we have competitive loan and deposit rates. We offer Internet-based information and deposit products. Our employees know how to handle your inquiries better than the large banks because we know our customers. We answer the phone and we have fun doing what we do. Our bank prospers because we are focused on our customers and our community. Once we overheard two women talking to each other in our lobby. The first asked why she banked at Community Bank. The second said, "Because I see all of my friends here."
Do you have sophisticated banking services?
We are as sophisticated as anyone. The truth is that when we solicit the banking business of our friends, if they ask for something we don't presently offer, we will acquire it for them, or find a way to do what they ask within what we offer. That's smart customer relations.
What is an E-statement?
An E-statement is an electronic version of your normal statement. It is an Adobe PDF file, and it is an exact duplicate of your regular paper statement. Anyone that receives a paper statement for a deposit account can receive an e-statement. This includes DDA, Money Market, Savings, CD and IRA accounts. You can signup for E-statements in person or by calling 708.660.1000.
What is Online Bill Pay?
Online Bill Pay is a free, safe and convenient feature of Online Banking that allows you to make payments to individuals or businesses in the United States. You can setup both automatic payments and one time payments, whatever is convenient for your needs. Not only will you save time by using Online Bill Pay, but you’ll also save the cost of stamps.
Why don't you have a drive up at your River Forest location?
We wish we did. We have tried to find the right location for a branch with a drive-up since we began looking in River Forest. We haven't found that right location yet. We continue to look, and when we do, we'll have at least 3 drive up lanes. In the meantime, our customers can get our original, good service at our second location.
Do you charge for ATM transactions?
Community Bank is part of a network of over 32,000 surcharge free ATM's available through the STARsf and Allpoint networks. 16 of them are here in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. Click here for a list of free ATM machines.
Do you have a question? Please email Marty Noll.
