Farmers & Merchants Bank vs Lifestore Bank
Comparing a Bank in Granite Quarry, NC with a Bank in West Jefferson, NC using federal FDIC, NCUA, and CFPB data. Trust Grades reflect financial strength and complaint history.
| Farmers & Merchants Bank ↗ Bank · Granite Quarry, NC · Est. 1909 | Lifestore Bank ↗ Bank · West Jefferson, NC · Est. 1939 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Grade | A · 98/100 | A · 98/100 |
| Institution type | Bank | Bank |
| Location | Granite Quarry, NC | West Jefferson, NC |
| Total assets | $985.6M | $503.0M |
| Capital ratio | 14.8% | 10.7% |
| Return on assets | 2.5% | 1.1% |
| Deposits | $831.1M | $443.4M |
| Branches | 12 | 4 |
| CFPB complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints / $1B assets | — | — |
| State rank | #3 of 38 | #5 of 38 |
| Established | 1909 | 1939 |
Farmers & Merchants Bank
- Assets: $985.6M
- Deposits: $831.1M
- Capital ratio: 14.8%
- Return on assets: 2.5%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #3 of 38
Lifestore Bank
- Assets: $503.0M
- Deposits: $443.4M
- Capital ratio: 10.7%
- Return on assets: 1.1%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #5 of 38
Are both institutions federally insured?
Yes. Farmers & Merchants Bank is FDIC-insured and Lifestore 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, Farmers & Merchants Bank or Lifestore Bank?
Based on Bankzia's Trust Grade — which blends financial strength (capital ratio, ROA) with CFPB complaint history — Farmers & Merchants 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 Farmers & Merchants Bank safe?
Yes — Farmers & Merchants 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 Lifestore Bank safe?
Yes — Lifestore Bank is FDIC-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100).
What is the capital ratio of Farmers & Merchants Bank vs Lifestore Bank?
Farmers & Merchants Bank has a capital ratio of 14.8%, placing it in the top 11% of $100M–1B peers. Lifestore Bank's ratio is 10.7%, placing it in the top 41% of $100M–1B peers. A higher capital ratio generally signals a stronger financial cushion.
How many complaints does Farmers & Merchants Bank have compared to Lifestore Bank?
The CFPB database shows 0 complaints against Farmers & Merchants Bank, and 0 complaints against Lifestore 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 Farmers & Merchants Bank with other Banks in North Carolina
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.
