Beneficial Bank: Your Partner in Financial Success

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Beneficial Bank has been a trusted partner in financial success for over 130 years, with a rich history that spans multiple generations.

Beneficial Bank offers a wide range of personal and business banking services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment products.

With over 60 branches across the Mid-Atlantic region, Beneficial Bank provides convenient access to banking services for individuals and businesses alike.

Beneficial Bank's commitment to community involvement is evident in its numerous charitable initiatives and sponsorships, demonstrating a genuine interest in giving back to the communities it serves.

For another approach, see: Banks and Banking Services

About Beneficial Bank

Beneficial Bank was founded in 1853 by members of the Board of Managers of St. Joseph's Hospital, who wanted to create a safe and secure place for Philadelphia's immigrants to deposit their savings.

The bank was incorporated in 1853 and began operations in 1854. This was a pivotal moment in the bank's history, marking the beginning of its long and storied past.

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Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant red piggy bank against a minimalist and contrasting studio background, ideal for finance themes.

Beneficial Bank celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2013, a testament to its enduring legacy in the city of Philadelphia.

Over the years, Beneficial Bank made several major acquisitions, including the FMS Financial Corporation and St. Edmond's Federal Savings Bank. Its last acquisition was the 2015 purchase of Conestoga Bank of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

In 2014, Beneficial Bank moved its headquarters to 1818 Market Street in Philadelphia, where it remains to this day.

Here are some key facts about Beneficial Bank:

  • Banks based in Philadelphia
  • American companies established in 1853
  • Banks established in 1853
  • Banks disestablished in 2019
  • Defunct banks of the United States
  • 2019 disestablishments in Pennsylvania

Banking Services

Beneficial State Bank offers a range of banking services to its customers. It provides commercial banking services to small and medium-size businesses, nonprofits, and community facilities.

The bank offers checking and money market accounts to individuals. Savings and checking accounts are also available to families and individuals in California, Washington State, and Oregon.

Businesses can take advantage of online cash management and commercial lending services. This includes lines of credit, term loans, commercial real estate loans, and loans guaranteed by the Small Business Association.

Two ATMs on city street with people using them and bank poster nearby.
Credit: pexels.com, Two ATMs on city street with people using them and bank poster nearby.

Non-profit organizations can benefit from checking and savings accounts, as well as assistance bridging capital campaigns. The bank also helps non-profits with financing facilities and real estate, money market accounts, and managing deposits and payments.

Beneficial State Bank's CDARS service allows qualified non-profits to invest up to $50 million and be eligible for FDIC insurance on every dollar. This provides an added layer of security and peace of mind for non-profit organizations.

The bank lends to multiple nonprofit organizations and businesses, and offers cash management services to increase administrative and operational efficiency.

Bank Culture

At Beneficial Bank, company culture is a top priority. The bank's approach to banking is centered around a concept called Beneficial Banking, which goes beyond traditional ethical banking.

Beneficial Banking meets four key criteria that guide the bank's decision-making and actions. These criteria are stakeholder capitalism, high impact lending practice, transparency and accountability, and equitable banking services and solutions.

A sleek corporate lobby featuring marble walls, metal dividers, and glass windows for a sophisticated design.
Credit: pexels.com, A sleek corporate lobby featuring marble walls, metal dividers, and glass windows for a sophisticated design.

Stakeholder capitalism is a key part of Beneficial Banking. This approach considers the potential impacts on all stakeholders, including clients, employees, communities, and the planet. It's a "triple bottom line" approach that prioritizes people and the planet alongside profit.

The bank's high impact lending practice is another core aspect of Beneficial Banking. At least 75% of the bank's lending is dedicated to supporting people and the planet, with the remainder avoiding harmful industries. This is a deliberate effort to make a positive impact.

Transparency and accountability are also essential at Beneficial Bank. The bank has sought out third-party certifications and memberships to demonstrate its commitment to responsible and impactful operations. These include B Corp certification, CDFI certification, and Fossil-Free certification, among others.

Beneficial Bank's commitment to equitable banking services and solutions means providing inclusive access to banking and delivering services that leave customers better off. This is a key part of the bank's mission to regenerate and restore communities and the planet.

Here are some of the certifications and memberships that demonstrate Beneficial Bank's commitment to transparency and accountability:

  • JUST certification
  • B Corp certification
  • CDFI certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Beneficial Bank?

Beneficial Bank was acquired by WSFS in 2019, with the deal closing on March 1st of that year. The acquisition marked a significant change for the bank, which had relocated its headquarters to Philadelphia in 2014.

What bank took over beneficial banks?

WSFS Bank acquired Beneficial Bank as a result of a $1.5 billion merger. Beneficial Bank is now a part of WSFS Bank following the acquisition.

What is a beneficial bank?

Beneficial Bank is a financial institution that operates in compliance with regulatory requirements in all relevant jurisdictions, ensuring its stability and security.

Is beneficial bank WSFS?

Beneficial Bank is now known as WSFS, a locally-based retail bank in the Delaware Valley, after a merger completed nearly six months ago. WSFS is banking on its unique nickname to stand out in the market.

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

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