What Is Flagstar Bank and What Services Does It Offer

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Flagstar Bank is a community bank that offers a range of personal and business banking services. It was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan.

Flagstar Bank operates over 160 branches across the United States, primarily in the Midwest region. Its services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and home and auto loans.

Flagstar Bank is a subsidiary of New York Community Bank, which acquired it in 2020. This acquisition expanded Flagstar's reach and resources, allowing it to better serve its customers.

Flagstar Bank offers a mobile banking app that allows customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds on the go.

Bank Overview

Flagstar Bank is a relatively young bank, having been in operation for just about thirty years. It's impressive to see how far it's grown in such a short time.

Flagstar Bank has expanded from its original branch in Michigan to lending locations across the country, with over 100 branches in Michigan and a handful in southern California. This rapid expansion is a testament to its success.

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The bank's primary business is mortgage lending, making it the fifth-largest mortgage originator in the country. This focus has helped it establish a strong reputation in the industry.

Flagstar Bank offers a wide range of deposit accounts, including checking, certificates of deposit, savings, and money market accounts. This variety caters to different customer needs and preferences.

You can expect certain benefits when banking with Flagstar, regardless of your account type. These include free online and mobile banking, a free debit or ATM card, and free access to all Allpoint ATMs (there are 56,000 in the global network).

Here are some of the deposit account types offered by Flagstar Bank:

  • Savings accounts
  • Money Market Accounts (MMAs)
  • Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Account Types

Flagstar Bank offers a variety of account types to suit different needs.

The bank has a Money Market Account that requires a $50 minimum deposit to open, with a $15 monthly fee that can be waived with a $2,500 minimum average daily balance.

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You can also avoid the monthly fee by opening a checking account, which is a convenient option.

Flagstar's Ready Savings account is a no-frills option with a $1 minimum deposit to open, but it comes with a $3 monthly service fee that can be waived under certain conditions.

The bank's Performance Savings account offers a higher APY of 4.20% for balances of $25,000 or more, but it also has a $15 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived with a $10,000 average daily balance or a personal checking account.

Flagstar's SimplyKids Savings account is a custodial account designed for minors, with a $1 minimum deposit to open and no monthly maintenance fee.

Here's a summary of Flagstar's account types:

The bank's Elite Checking account requires a $50 minimum deposit to open and has a $15 monthly fee that can be waived with a combined $25,000 minimum balance across all Flagstar personal deposit accounts.

Overall, Flagstar Bank's account types offer a range of options for different needs and preferences.

Savings Options

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Flagstar Bank offers a range of savings options to suit different needs and preferences.

You can open a Ready Savings account with just $1, which is a great option for those who want to start small. This account also comes with access to online and mobile banking, as well as a debit card.

The monthly fee for the Ready Savings account is $3, but it can be waived if you meet certain requirements, such as maintaining an average daily balance of $300 or owning a Flagstar personal checking account. Alternatively, if you're 18 years old or younger, you can also avoid the fee.

Flagstar's Performance Savings account has a higher APY of 4.20% for balances of $25,000 or more, but it comes with a higher monthly maintenance fee of $15, which can be waived if you maintain an average daily balance of $10,000 or have a personal checking account through Flagstar.

Savings Accounts

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If you're looking for a basic savings account, Flagstar's Ready Savings account is a great option. It has a $1 minimum deposit to open an account, and you can access your account online, through mobile banking, or at physical branches.

There's a $3 monthly fee, but it's waivable if you maintain an average daily balance of $300, own a Flagstar personal checking account, or are 18 years old or younger.

Flagstar's Performance Savings account is geared towards those with more substantial savings. If you can maintain an average daily balance of $10,000, you can waive the $15 monthly fee.

The account offers a high APY of 4.20% for balances of $25,000 or more, but you'll get a lower rate of 0.10% if your balance is less than $25,000.

Here's a comparison of the two accounts:

Ultimately, the choice between these two accounts depends on your individual financial situation and needs.

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of Deposit are a type of savings account that allows you to earn higher interest rates by locking your money away for a fixed period of time. Flagstar Bank offers a range of terms from as short as one month to as long as ten years.

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The minimum deposit required for a CD at Flagstar is $500, which is relatively low compared to some other banks. Your interest rate is fixed for the term of the CD, so you won't have to worry about the bank lowering your rate.

However, if interest rates go up during your term, you'll be stuck with your initial rate. This is something to consider if you're planning to keep your money in a CD for an extended period.

Here are some key features of Flagstar's CDs:

The best rates tend to be on the longest CDs, but keep in mind that there are penalties for early withdrawal. This means you should only open a CD if you're confident you won't need to access your money before the end of the term.

Money Market Account

If you're looking for a savings account that earns interest and provides check-writing capabilities, a money market account might be a good option for you.

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A Flagstar Money Market Account requires a minimum deposit of $50 to open.

You can access your money market account online, through mobile banking, or by visiting a physical branch.

This account is FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

To avoid a $15 monthly fee, you'll need to maintain an average daily balance of at least $2,500 in your account.

Alternatively, you can also avoid the monthly fee by opening a checking account with Flagstar Bank.

Account Opening Process

Opening an account with Flagstar Bank is a straightforward process that can be completed online. You'll need to provide your social security number and a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

To fund your new account, you can use an existing bank account or a check. If you're using a check, you'll need to either mail it in or bring it to a Flagstar branch.

Bank Services

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Flagstar Bank offers a range of banking services to its customers. One of the notable services is its free online and mobile banking, which allows users to manage their accounts and conduct transactions conveniently.

Flagstar Bank also provides a free debit or ATM card, and free access to all Allpoint ATMs, with over 56,000 locations in the global network.

In addition to these services, Flagstar Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts, including savings accounts, Money Market accounts, CDs, and checking accounts. The availability of these accounts may vary by location.

Here are some of the deposit accounts offered by Flagstar Bank:

  • Savings & MMAs
  • CDs

Some of the other services offered by Flagstar Bank include credit cards, which can be used for making purchases and managing expenses.

Bank Offerings

Flagstar Bank offers a wide range of accounts and services to meet your financial needs. You can choose from checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and credit cards.

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One of the benefits of banking with Flagstar is the availability of free online and mobile banking, as well as free access to over 56,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. This can save you money on ATM fees and make it more convenient to manage your finances on the go.

Flagstar also offers a variety of credit cards, including cash-back rewards cards, a balance transfer card, and a secured credit card. The 2% Cash Back Visa Signature Card is a popular option that rewards cardholders with 2% cash back on all purchases.

Here are some of the credit cards offered by Flagstar Bank:

  • 2% Cash Back Visa Signature Card
  • Maximum Rewards Visa Signature Card
  • Platinum Edition Visa Card
  • Secured Visa Card

If you're looking for a bank that offers competitive rates on CDs, Flagstar may not be the best option. According to the article, Ally Bank, Barclays, Capital One, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and TIAA Bank all offer more competitive rates on CDs. However, Flagstar's CDs are still a good option if you're looking for a low-risk investment.

Elite Checking

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The Elite Checking account from Flagstar is a solid option if you're looking to avoid monthly fees. You'll need to maintain a minimum balance of $25,000 to waive the $15 monthly fee.

To access your money, you can use online banking, mobile banking, or visit one of their physical branches. This flexibility is a big plus for those who like to manage their finances on the go.

Security is also a top priority with Flagstar, as all accounts are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

If you're not careful, those monthly fees can add up quickly. But with the Elite Checking account, you can avoid this fee by maintaining a combined balance of $25,000 across all your Flagstar personal deposit accounts.

You'll have access to a wide network of ATMs with the Allpoint ATM network, and you can also use other ATMs with your debit card.

Management and History

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Flagstar Bank was founded in 1987 as a federal savings bank by Thomas J. Hammond, who later became the chairman of the bank.

The bank initially focused on funding regional retail and wholesale mortgage operations, and a bank holding company, FSSB Holding Corporation, was established in 1993.

Flagstar became a public company in 1997, and it moved its stock listing from the NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange in 2001.

The bank has undergone significant changes over the years, including a $1.6 billion capital raise during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and it repaid all TARP funds in August 2016.

The bank has also made significant acquisitions, including 52 branches from Wells Fargo in 2018, and it has paid settlements to various parties, including MBIA, Assured Guaranty, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

For another approach, see: Flagstar Bank Ticker

History

Flagstar Bank was founded as a federal savings bank in 1987 by Thomas J. Hammond.

The initial branch focused on funding regional retail and wholesale mortgage operations. This marked the beginning of the bank's journey, which would eventually lead to its current status as a leading financial institution.

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In 1993, a bank holding company called FSSB Holding Corporation was established, paving the way for the company's future growth and expansion.

The company acquired Security Savings Bank, based in Jackson, Michigan, the following year. This acquisition was a significant step in the bank's efforts to expand its reach and services.

Two years later, in 1996, the company adopted its current name, Flagstar Bank. This name change reflected the bank's commitment to its core values and mission.

Flagstar became a public company via an initial public offering in 1997. This move allowed the bank to raise capital and expand its operations.

The bank moved its stock listing from the NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange in 2001. This change marked an important milestone in the bank's history and reflected its growing presence in the financial industry.

During the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Flagstar raised $1.6 billion in new capital with investments from MP Thrift Investments L.P., the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), and public offerings.

If this caught your attention, see: Flagstar Financial

Management

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Thomas J. Hammond, the founder of Flagstar, served as chairman of both Flagstar Bank and Flagstar Bancorp.

Mark Hammond took over as president of the bank in 1995 and later became CEO in 2002.

Joseph P. Campanelli, former CEO of Sovereign Bancorp, was named chairman, president, and CEO of Flagstar Bank and Flagstar Bancorp in 2009.

Michael J. Tierney, previously executive vice president and managing director of personal financial services at Flagstar, became president and CEO in 2012.

John D. Lewis, former vice chairman and director of Comerica, was named chairman in 2012.

Alessandro P. DiNello became president, CEO, and director of the organizations in 2013.

A fresh viewpoint: Ceo Flagstar Bank

Pros and Cons

Flagstar Bank is a robust financial institution that offers a wide range of services, including mortgages, wealth management, and estate planning. Its vast offerings also include health savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, and education accounts.

Flagstar Bank offers relationship bonuses, which can help you save money on interest fees. For example, you can snag higher CD rates by keeping $5,000 or more in combined deposit accounts, and enjoy a 0.25% reduced rate on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) with automatic payments.

One of the bank's most convenient features is its vast ATM network, which includes over 56,000 ATMs across the US through its partnership with Presto and Allpoint networks.

Pros Explained

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Flagstar Bank offers a wide range of financial services, from deposit accounts to mortgages and wealth management services. This makes it a great option for those who need to manage multiple financial aspects.

One of the benefits of banking with Flagstar is the ability to earn relationship bonuses. By setting up automatic payments for certain products, you can snag higher rates on things like CDs and personal loans.

For example, keeping $5,000 or more in combined deposit accounts can get you a higher CD rate. Similarly, setting up automatic payments on a home equity line of credit can get you a 0.25% reduced rate.

Flagstar Bank also has a vast ATM network, with access to over 56,000 ATMs across the US through the Presto and Allpoint networks. This makes it easy to withdraw cash on the go.

Here's a breakdown of some of the relationship bonuses you can enjoy with Flagstar Bank:

Cons Explained

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Flagstar Bank has some notable drawbacks to consider. Its savings account requires a high balance of $25,000 to earn a competitive rate of 4.20% APY.

The bank's physical branches are limited to only nine states in the Northeast and Midwest, making it inconvenient for those outside these areas.

Flagstar Bank's overdraft fees can be substantial, with each fee being $10 and a possibility of up to three fees per day. This can add up quickly if you're not careful with your account balance.

Here are the specific cons to keep in mind:

  • High balance requirement for competitive savings rate
  • Limited physical branches
  • Substantial overdraft fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bank is Flagstar?

Flagstar Bank is a diversified commercial bank that focuses on building personal and business relationships. It offers a range of financial services tailored to clients' unique needs.

Is Flagstar the same as Wells Fargo?

No, Flagstar Bank is a separate financial institution from Wells Fargo, but it has acquired some of Wells Fargo's retail bank branches. This acquisition does not mean Flagstar is the same as Wells Fargo, but rather a new owner of some of their operations.

Is Flagstar a legit bank?

Yes, Flagstar Bank is a legitimate financial institution with over 30 years of operation and a strong reputation in the US. It offers a wide range of banking services and has grown to become one of the largest residential mortgage originators in the country.

What is the parent company of Flagstar Bank?

Flagstar Bank's parent company is New York Community Bancorp, Inc. It's the parent company of one of the largest regional banks in the country.

Alexander Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Alexander Kassulke serves as a seasoned Assigning Editor, guiding the content strategy and ensuring a robust coverage of financial markets. His expertise lies in technical analysis, particularly in dissecting indicators that shape market trends. Under his leadership, the publication has expanded its analytical depth, offering readers insightful perspectives on complex financial metrics.

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