Bankwell Bank vs Essex Bank
Comparing a Bank in New Canaan, CT with a Bank in Essex, CT using federal FDIC, NCUA, and CFPB data. Trust Grades reflect financial strength and complaint history.
| Bankwell Bank ↗ Bank · New Canaan, CT · Est. 2002 | Essex Bank ↗ Bank · Essex, CT · Est. 1851 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Grade | A · 98/100 | A · 97/100 |
| Institution type | Bank | Bank |
| Location | New Canaan, CT | Essex, CT |
| Total assets | $3.4B | $525.7M |
| Capital ratio | 10.4% | 14.2% |
| Return on assets | 1.5% | 0.9% |
| Deposits | $2.9B | $439.7M |
| Branches | 11 | 8 |
| CFPB complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints / $1B assets | — | — |
| State rank | #5 of 28 | #6 of 28 |
| Established | 2002 | 1851 |
Bankwell Bank
- Assets: $3.4B
- Deposits: $2.9B
- Capital ratio: 10.4%
- Return on assets: 1.5%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #5 of 28
Essex Bank
- Assets: $525.7M
- Deposits: $439.7M
- Capital ratio: 14.2%
- Return on assets: 0.9%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #6 of 28
Are both institutions federally insured?
Yes. Bankwell Bank is FDIC-insured and Essex Bank is FDIC-insured. Both protect deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, regardless of Trust Grade. The Trust Grade reflects financial strength and complaint history — not the safety of insured deposits. Estimate your coverage →
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bankwell Bank or Essex Bank?
Based on Bankzia's Trust Grade — which blends financial strength (capital ratio, ROA) with CFPB complaint history — Bankwell Bank scores higher with a grade of A (98/100). However, "better" depends on your needs: if you prioritize branch access, local service, or membership eligibility for a credit union, the lower-scoring option may still be the right choice for you.
Is Bankwell Bank safe?
Yes — Bankwell Bank is FDIC-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected regardless of the institution's Trust Grade. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100), reflecting its financial strength and complaint history relative to peers.
Is Essex Bank safe?
Yes — Essex Bank is FDIC-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected. Its Trust Grade is A (97/100).
What is the capital ratio of Bankwell Bank vs Essex Bank?
Bankwell Bank has a capital ratio of 10.4%, placing it in the top 47% of $1B–10B peers. Essex Bank's ratio is 14.2%, placing it in the top 13% of $100M–1B peers. A higher capital ratio generally signals a stronger financial cushion.
How many complaints does Bankwell Bank have compared to Essex Bank?
The CFPB database shows 0 complaints against Bankwell Bank, and 0 complaints against Essex Bank. The per-$1B rate adjusts for institution size and is a more meaningful comparison metric.
How does Bankzia calculate the Trust Grade?
The Trust Grade combines a financial strength score (based on capital ratio, return on assets, and other FDIC/NCUA metrics) with a customer experience score derived from CFPB complaint data. The scores are weighted and normalized within peer groups by institution size and type. See our full methodology for details.
Compare Bankwell Bank with other Banks in Connecticut
Financial data from FDIC call reports; complaint data from the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Bankzia is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or financial institution.
