First Bank vs Farmers & Merchants Bank
Comparing a Bank in Southern Pines, NC with a Bank in Granite Quarry, NC using federal FDIC, NCUA, and CFPB data. Trust Grades reflect financial strength and complaint history.
| First Bank ↗ Bank · Southern Pines, NC · Est. 1934 | Farmers & Merchants Bank ↗ Bank · Granite Quarry, NC · Est. 1909 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Grade | A · 98/100 | A · 98/100 |
| Institution type | Bank | Bank |
| Location | Southern Pines, NC | Granite Quarry, NC |
| Total assets | $12.9B | $985.6M |
| Capital ratio | 13.4% | 14.8% |
| Return on assets | 1.5% | 2.5% |
| Deposits | $11.0B | $831.1M |
| Branches | 116 | 12 |
| CFPB complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints / $1B assets | — | — |
| State rank | #2 of 38 | #3 of 38 |
| Established | 1934 | 1909 |
First Bank
- Assets: $12.9B
- Deposits: $11.0B
- Capital ratio: 13.4%
- Return on assets: 1.5%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #2 of 38
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
Are both institutions federally insured?
Yes. First Bank is FDIC-insured and Farmers & Merchants 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, First Bank or Farmers & Merchants Bank?
Based on Bankzia's Trust Grade — which blends financial strength (capital ratio, ROA) with CFPB complaint history — First 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 First Bank safe?
Yes — First 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 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. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100).
What is the capital ratio of First Bank vs Farmers & Merchants Bank?
First Bank has a capital ratio of 13.4%, placing it in the top 21% of $10B–100B peers. Farmers & Merchants Bank's ratio is 14.8%, placing it in the top 11% of $100M–1B peers. A higher capital ratio generally signals a stronger financial cushion.
How many complaints does First Bank have compared to Farmers & Merchants Bank?
The CFPB database shows 0 complaints against First Bank, and 0 complaints against Farmers & Merchants 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 First 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.
