First Internet Bank of Indiana (https://www.firstib.com/) has retained its ranking as the best bank operating solely via the Internet and the #2 online bank overall in the semi-annual scorecard published by Gomez, Inc., the Internet quality measurement firm. First IB has maintained the same high rankings for three consecutive evaluations published over the last year.
In the Gomez Spring 2002 Internet Banks Scorecard(tm), First IB placed a scant two one-hundredths of a point behind giant Citibank for the overall quality of its offerings and again ranked ahead of high-profile institutions such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Bank One Corporation. First IB was also the only bank with no brick-and-mortar facilities to place in the top seven.
In the category rankings, First IB captured the top spot in Relationship Services for the third time, reflecting the wide range of tools available to customers to complete their online banking activities. The bank also rose to second place in the On-Site Resources category, based on the depth and breadth of offerings.
“When First IB opened three years ago, we brought to the market a suite of customer-oriented products and services,” said David B. Becker, Chairman and CEO of First Internet Bank. “We remain a top player in this market by constantly innovating and continuing to strengthen our offering. We are proud of our achievements and revel in the opportunity to improve the delivery of banking services to our customers.”
To address the convenience consumers seek in online banking services, First IB offers the ability to transfer funds between accounts in real time; an intuitive bill payment system; and an Instant Account capability allowing existing customers to open an account without a followup signature when funding it via an internal transfer. Customers can also view balances and pay bills online with only one login, set up automatic transfers in advance, view outstanding balances when a transfer is made, and access accounts via wireless devices.
Gomez Scorecards measure the quality of e-commerce offerings through an algorithmic and data-driven process that produces objective, consistent and reproducible results. The Spring 2002 Internet Banking Scorecard evaluated 30 financial institutions representing both Internet-only as well as hybrid Internet and brick-and-mortar offerings. Ratings reflect a set of a minimum of 150 criteria assembled during a rigorous data collection process that involves visiting sites, opening accounts, transacting, contacting customer service, and monitoring site performance throughout the day.
First Internet Bank of Indiana is the first state-chartered, FDIC-insured institution to operate solely via the Internet. First IB has customers around the country and more than $248 million in assets. Services include interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, credit cards, and check cards that can be used instead of cash or checks. First IB also offers personal lines of credit, installment loans, unique real-time transfers between accounts, and the ability to display checking, savings and loan information on a single screen.
Gomez and Gomez Internet Banks Scorecard are trademarks of Gomez, Inc.