Bank Of The Sierra

Bank of the Sierra is a California community bank founded in 1977, operating as the banking subsidiary of Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR). It serves retail consumers, small and middle-market businesses, agricultural operators, and real estate firms through 34+ branches across seven California counties, plus online and mobile banking.

Company typePublic
Founded1977
HeadquartersPorterville, United States
Headcount501–1,000
GTM typeB2B and B2C
OfferingServices

What Bank Of The Sierra does

Bank of the Sierra is a California community bank founded in 1977 in Porterville, operating as the sole banking subsidiary of publicly traded holding company Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR). The bank serves retail consumers, small and middle-market businesses, agricultural operators, and real estate industry customers through 34+ full-service branches spanning seven California counties (Tulare, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara), supplemented by online and mobile banking built on the Jack Henry Netteller platform, a Visa-branded debit and credit card program issued with Elan Financial Services, and mobile wallet support across Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

The bank earns revenue primarily through net interest income from its lending portfolio, which spans personal loans, small business credit (including the QuickBiz online line of credit at WSJ Prime + 1.75% for $5,000-$30,000), commercial lending, mortgage banking, real estate industry finance, and specialized agricultural lending via dedicated loan production offices in Templeton and Fresno. Non-interest income is generated from deposit account fees, card interchange, and merchant processing services. Distribution combines physical branches with digital channels and the Allpoint network for 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs.

The bank differentiates through 46 years of community presence, an Outstanding FDIC CRA rating, a 5-star Bauer Financial rating, 109 consecutive quarterly dividends since 1987, and a community investment platform (the Sierra Grant Program, with over $5.6M awarded to 1,949 nonprofits since 2004). Recent strategic moves include a new Bakersfield commercial banking team, expansion of the agricultural and real estate verticals, and the launch of the digital QuickBiz small business lending product, contributing to a 38% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026 net income to $12.5M and an improved ROAA of 1.39%.

Bank Of The Sierra firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Bank Of The Sierra
Legal name: Bank of the Sierra
Website: https://bankofthesierra.com
Company type: Public
Founded year: 1977
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 501–1,000 employees
Short description: Bank of the Sierra is a California community bank founded in 1977, operating as the banking subsidiary of Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR). It serves retail consumers, small and middle-market businesses, agricultural operators, and real estate firms through 34+ branches across seven California counties, plus online and mobile banking.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Bank Of The Sierra industry classification

Industry

Product category: Community Banking
NAICS: Commercial Banking (522110)
SIC: State Commercial Banks (6022)
akta.pro primary industry: Retail Lending (Personal Loans, Auto, Credit Lines) (FSABAAAB)

Keywords

Community banking services
Small business lending
Agricultural lending
Commercial real estate finance
Consumer deposit products

Where Bank Of The Sierra is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Porterville
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices36 records

Markets served

Bank Of The Sierra business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B and B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

Net Interest Income: Interest earned on loans and securities minus interest paid on deposits. Primary revenue stream from lending activities including commercial lending, agricultural lending, real estate financing, and consumer loans.
Non-Interest Income: Fees from deposit accounts, credit cards, merchant services, and other banking services.
Loan Fees: Processing fees and interest from small business lines of credit such as the QuickBiz product.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Usage-based	Monthly	QuickBiz Line of Credit rates based on deposit balance tiers
Other	Multi-year contract	Sierra Grant Program provides community grants to nonprofits

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Bank Of The Sierra product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Bank of the Sierra is a community bank offering retail and commercial banking products and services through 34+ branches and digital channels across California. Its offerings span personal and business deposit accounts, consumer and small business loans, commercial and agricultural lending, real estate industry finance, credit and debit cards, merchant payment processing, and a community grant program. Distribution combines physical branches with online banking, mobile banking, mobile wallets, and a multi-thousand ATM network.

Product overview

Bank of the Sierra is a community bank offering a comprehensive suite of retail and commercial banking products and services through its branches across California. The product portfolio includes core deposit products (checking and savings accounts), lending products (personal, small business, commercial, and agricultural loans), credit cards, digital banking platforms, and the community-focused Sierra Grant Program. The bank operates a platform-plus-services model with physical branch locations, online banking, and mobile banking as delivery channels. Key products include Impact Checking (with tree-planting environmental initiative), Sierra QuickBiz Line of Credit (100% online small business lending), Visa debit and credit cards with mobile wallet support, agricultural lending services, and the Sierra Grant Program providing community grants to nonprofits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

Sierra Grant Program: Community-driven grants program for local nonprofits, government organizations, and tribal entities making a difference in communities served by Bank of the Sierra. Has awarded over $5 million in grants since 2004.
Sierra QuickBiz Line of Credit

Products and services

Impact Checking Personal checking account with environmental focus where the bank plants a tree for each new account opened and another when the customer signs up for eStatements to support California reforestation.
Essential Checking Basic personal checking account offering standard banking services including online and mobile banking access.
Growth Checking Personal checking account with features designed for customers seeking to grow their savings alongside everyday banking.
Personal Savings Basic savings account for personal banking customers to deposit and grow funds with FDIC insurance.
Sierra High-Yield Savings High-yield savings account offering competitive interest rates for personal savings growth.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Time deposit accounts with fixed terms offering guaranteed returns for personal savings.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts including Traditional and Roth IRA options.
Money Market Account (MMA) Savings account with competitive interest rates offering limited check-writing privileges.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Tax-advantaged account for individuals with high-deductible health plans to save for medical expenses.
Sierra Reserve Line of Credit Personal line of credit providing flexible access to funds when needed.
Credit Cards Visa credit card products issued through Elan Financial Services with various rewards and rate options.
Visa Debit Card Contactless Visa debit card accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay mobile wallets and includes Visa Zero Liability Policy with access to 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs.
Online Banking Web-based banking platform providing account access, transfers, bill pay, and statement viewing through the NetTeller system.
Mobile Banking Smartphone banking application enabling account access, transfers, deposits, and account management on iOS and Android devices.
Online Bill Pay Electronic bill payment service allowing customers to pay bills to merchants and individuals through online banking.
Business Impact Checking Business checking account tied to the bank's environmental initiative supporting reforestation.
Performance Checking Business checking account designed for businesses with higher transaction volumes.
Non-Profit Checking Specialized checking account for non-profit organizations with tailored fee structures.
Sierra QuickBiz Line of Credit Unsecured business line of credit from $5,000 to $30,000 with low variable rate (WSJ Prime Rate + 1.75%) for existing business banking customers. Features a 100% online application with quick funding and no collateral requirement.
Commercial Lending Commercial loan products for businesses including term loans and lines of credit for various business needs.
Small Business Lending Loan products specifically designed for small business financing needs.
Mortgage Banking Finance Commercial real estate financing and mortgage banking services for business customers.
Real Estate Industries Lending Specialized lending and banking services for real estate industry professionals.
Agricultural Lending Specialized financing for agribusinesses and farming operations, including agricultural credit services delivered through dedicated loan production offices.
Merchant Solutions Payment processing and merchant services for business customers to accept card payments.
Sierra Grant Program Community giving program providing grants to local nonprofits, government organizations, and tribal entities. Over $5.6 million awarded to 1,949 recipients since 2004, supporting community services, affordable housing, economic development, and community improvement.

Quantifiable outcome

Q1 2026 net income of $12.5 million, up 38% year-over-year
+5 more outcomes

Companies that use Bank Of The Sierra

Customer profile

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Bank Of The Sierra technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Bank Of The Sierra partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

Various Nonprofits (Q1 2026 Sierra Grant Recipients)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026$206,500 in Sierra Grants awarded to organizations across service areas during Q1 2026 through the bank's community giving program supporting nonprofits in community services, affordable housing, economic development, and revitalization.
One Tree PlantedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReforestation partnership where One Tree Planted works with U.S. Forest Service and CalFire to identify California regions heavily affected by wildfires and plant trees. Bank of the Sierra plants a tree each time someone opens an Impact Checking account or signs up for eStatements. 30,092 trees planted toward goal of 50,000.
American Red Cross Central California RegioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for disaster relief and community support. Bank of the Sierra donated $150,000 to build an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) dedicated to serving the Central Valley. The ERV provides hot meals and emergency supplies during natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. Red Cross serves 4.2 million people across 11 counties.
Sequoia Parks ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental partnership for reforestation. Volunteers from Bank of the Sierra teamed up with Sequoia Parks Conservancy and One Tree Planted to prepare 1,500 trees for planting following the 2022 Earth Day event.
AllpointcoreTechnology or IntegrationATM network partnership providing customers access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide through the Allpoint network.
U.S. Forest ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with One Tree Planted to identify California regions for tree planting as part of wildfire reforestation efforts.
CalFireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with One Tree Planted to identify California regions for tree planting as part of wildfire reforestation efforts.
Central California Animal Disaster TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization working with American Red Cross during disaster relief, providing small pet sheltering during wildfire evacuations.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Bank Of The Sierra competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

CVB Financial (Citizens Business Bank): CVB Financial is a California-based community bank holding company (Citizens Business Bank) serving similar SMB and commercial banking customers across Southern and Central California, with comparable agricultural and commercial lending focus. Highly comparable peer given similar California community bank model.
Pacific Premier Bancorp: Pacific Premier Bancorp is a California-headquartered community bank holding company serving SMBs and commercial customers across the western US, with similar product mix (deposits, commercial loans, treasury management) and growth strategy via acquisitions and organic expansion.
TriCo Bancshares: TriCo Bancshares operates Tri Counties Bank, a Northern California community bank with strong agricultural lending presence, serving similar SMB, commercial, and agribusiness customers. Closely comparable in business model and California-focused community banking strategy.
Heritage Commerce Corp: Heritage Commerce Corp operates Heritage Bank of Commerce, a California community bank focused on SMB and commercial banking in the Bay Area and Central Valley. Comparable California community bank peer with similar SMB and middle-market commercial lending focus.
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp operates a long-standing Central Valley community bank (Lodi-based), with deep agricultural lending roots and similar customer profile in California's Central Valley. Highly comparable as a direct Central Valley agricultural community bank competitor.
Mechanics Bank: Mechanics Bank is a California community bank serving Northern and Central California with comparable full-service retail, commercial, and agricultural banking. Similar community bank model with overlapping branch geography in California's Central Valley.

Regional players

Bank of Marin Bancorp: Bank of Marin is a Northern California community bank offering comparable retail and commercial banking services. While serving different geography (Bay Area/North Coast), shares similar California community banking model and SMB/commercial customer focus.
Westamerica Bancorporation: Westamerica Bancorporation is a Northern California community bank holding company operating through multiple community bank subsidiaries. Comparable California community bank model though primarily focused on Northern California rather than Central Valley.

Broad incumbents

Banner Corporation: Banner Corporation operates Banner Bank, a Pacific Northwest and Western US community bank with comparable community banking strategy including agricultural lending. Broader geographic footprint but similar community bank operating model and customer segments.
Zions Bancorporation: Zions Bancorporation operates California-based banking subsidiaries (e.g., Zions Bank, National Bank of Arizona, California Bank & Trust) with significant California commercial and agricultural banking presence. Larger regional competitor operating in California community and commercial banking segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Bank Of The Sierra compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

Bank Of The Sierra financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Bank Of The Sierra leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Bank Of The Sierra funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Bank Of The Sierra M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bank Of The Sierra

What does Bank Of The Sierra do?

Is Bank Of The Sierra a public or private company?

Bank Of The Sierra is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.

When was Bank Of The Sierra founded?

Bank Of The Sierra was founded in 1977. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.

Where is Bank Of The Sierra based?

Bank Of The Sierra is headquartered in Porterville, United States, in the North America region.

How does Bank Of The Sierra make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Net Interest Income is the primary driver. The others are non-Interest Income and loan Fees.

Who are Bank Of The Sierra's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are CVB Financial (Citizens Business Bank), Pacific Premier Bancorp, TriCo Bancshares, Heritage Commerce Corp, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and Mechanics Bank. Regional players are Bank of Marin Bancorp and Westamerica Bancorporation. Broad incumbents are Banner Corporation and Zions Bancorporation.

Does Bank Of The Sierra have an API?

No public API is recorded for Bank Of The Sierra.

What industry is Bank Of The Sierra in?

Bank Of The Sierra's product category is Community Banking. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABAAAB, Retail Lending (Personal Loans, Auto, Credit Lines). Its NAICS code is 522110 and its SIC code is 6022.