BauerFinancial

What BauerFinancial does

BauerFinancial, Inc. is a privately held independent bank research firm founded in 1983 and headquartered in Southeast Florida (Coral Gables). The firm assigns proprietary Zero- to 5-Star ratings to all U.S. federally-insured banks and credit unions using FDIC call report and NCUA data, supported by two proprietary metrics — Bauer's Adjusted Capital Ratio and a Texas Ratio calculation — that adjust standard regulatory ratios for nonperforming assets. Its analytical products include a tiered report catalog (Highlights, Summary, Analytical, LLAMAS, Due Diligence, Historical, Statewide, and Troubled & Problematic reports) priced $24–$725, plus subscription programs ($99–$440/year) and an Unlimited Report Downloads tier at $725/quarter.

The firm sells two distinct product surfaces. First, it sells data and reports directly to consumers, CD investors, and professionals such as bankers, CPAs, accountants, realtors, insurance companies, job seekers, and municipalities. Second, it sells a complementary line of 4-Star, 5-Star, and "Best of Bauer" promotional materials — logos, banners, posters, certificates, stickers, tent cards, and digital marketing bundles — exclusively to institutions earning those ratings. The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at bauerfinancial.com with instant digital downloads for most reports and mail delivery for physical products, and accepts no advertising or payments from rated institutions, underpinning its "no bank pays for its rating" positioning.

Auxiliary free services — the CD Rate Watch comparison, CD Calculator, and "Stay Informed" email notifications — act as top-of-funnel acquisition, feeding paid report and subscription purchases. The firm distributes via its own website only (no resellers or third-party channels), publishes the Jumbo Rate News blog for SEO and credibility, and operates with a 1–10 employee headcount. No public API, mobile app, or AI/ML capability is offered; the technology stack centers on the star rating methodology and the underlying multi-decade call report compilation.

Name

BauerFinancial

Legal name

BauerFinancial, Inc.

Website

https://bauerfinancial.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BauerFinancial is an independent Florida-based bank research firm founded in 1983 that assigns Zero- to 5-Star ratings to all U.S. federally-insured banks and credit unions using FDIC and NCUA data, selling analytical reports, subscriptions, and promotional materials to consumers, banking professionals, and rated institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Coral Gables

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Reports Sales: Direct sales of financial reports to consumers including Highlights Reports ($24), Summary Reports ($30), Analytical Reports ($50), Due Diligence Reports ($45), Historical Reports ($78-$125), and LLAMAS Reports ($65).
2. Professional Reports and Data: Sales of professional-grade reports to bankers, CPAs, accountants, realtors, and other professionals. Includes Statewide Bank Reports ($70), Troubled & Problematic Reports ($99), Customized Data Reports ($250+), Mailing Lists ($250+), and Unlimited Report Downloads ($725/quarter or annual subscription).
3. CD Rate Watch: Free CD rate information service displaying rates from rated banks. BauerFinancial does not accept advertising from banks - no bank pays for its rating or to list its rates.
4. 5-Star and 4-Star Marketing Products: Exclusive marketing materials for institutions earning 5-Star or 4-Star ratings. Products include logos ($20), banners ($155-$325), posters ($89), certificates ($55-$145), marketing kits ($96-$116), stickers ($68), and tent cards ($52).
5. Subscription Programs: Annual subscription programs including Highlights Plus Report Program ($440/year), Highlights Report Program ($230/year), Reg F Interbank Liabilities Reports ($99/year with additional institutions at $79 each), and Section 703 Compliance Reports ($99/year).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

BauerFinancial analyzes financial data from FDIC call reports and NCUA filings to assign 0-to-5 star ratings to federally-insured U.S. banks and credit unions. The company monetizes this analytical IP by selling individual institutional reports (Highlights from $24, Summary from $30, Analytical from $50, LLAMAS from $65, Due Diligence, Historical) and geographic/compliance subscriptions directly to consumers, bankers, CPAs, accountants, realtors, and regulators. Additionally, BauerFinancial sells exclusive promotional materials (logos, banners, certificates, marketing kits, stickers, tent cards) only to institutions that have earned 4-star or 5-star ratings, and offers free CD Rate Watch and CD Calculator tools for retail savers.

Product overview

BauerFinancial is an independent bank research firm (trusted since 1983) that provides star ratings for U.S. federally-insured banks and credit unions based on financial data reported to federal regulators. The company's offerings include a portfolio of analytical reports (Highlights Report, Summary Report, Analytical Report, LLAMAS Report, Due Diligence Performance Report, Historical Reports), geographic reports (Statewide Bank/Credit Union Reports, Hometown Bank Ratings by County), compliance reports (Interbank Liabilities Report, Section 703 Compliance Report), and troubled institution reports. Additionally, BauerFinancial sells promotional products exclusively to rated institutions: 5-star superior-rated institutions can purchase marketing materials including banners, certificates, logos, stickers and media releases; 4-star adequate-rated institutions have their own line of promotional products; and Best of Bauer products are reserved for institutions maintaining 5-star ratings for 100+ consecutive quarters. The company also offers a CD Rate Watch service showing weekly surveyed rates and a CD Calculator tool.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Highlights Report Five quarters of financial highlights including BauerFinancial Star-Rating, side-by-side comparison on any U.S. bank or credit union, with graphs comparing Leverage Capital Ratio and ROA against peer groups. Starting from $24. For consumers and professionals seeking a quick performance snapshot.
• Summary Report Five quarters of detailed financial highlights including star rating, number of employees, branches, capitalization and past due loan detail, plus graphs comparing Leverage Capital Ratio, ROA, Risk-based Capital Ratio, and Nonperforming Assets against peers. From $30. For consumers and professionals needing deeper institutional detail.
• Analytical Report Comprehensive quarterly snapshot of an institution including balance sheet, income statement, profitability data, key capital and operating ratios, peer comparisons, CRA Rating, and Regulatory Enforcement Action information. From $50. For professional due diligence.
• LLAMAS Report Bundle combining Summary Report and Analytical Report with loan portfolio analysis, liabilities assessment, asset quality measures, and five quarters side-by-side. From $65. Functions as a non-confidential alternative to confidential CAMELS supervisory ratings.
• Due Diligence Performance Report Comprehensive analysis of a bank or credit union's financial performance and stability including balance sheet, income statement, KPIs, profitability, and holding company information for informed banking decisions. From $45. For accountants, attorneys, and prospective acquirers.
• Historical Bank Report Generator Side-by-side financial data for 5 quarters of choice on any FDIC-Insured U.S. bank including balance sheet, income statement, key ratios, and peer comparisons. From $78. Lets the buyer pick historical dates for trend comparison.
• Historical Star Ratings Report Complete history of all star ratings on one institution, tracking rating changes over time across all available quarters. For monitoring institutional rating volatility.
• Hometown Bank Ratings by County Street addresses for all branches within selected county(s), contact information, and current star ratings for finding banks in a specific local area. For consumers and realtors evaluating local banking options.
• Statewide Bank Report Current and previous BauerFinancial Star-Rating and financial highlights for every bank operating in a specific state. From $70, with annual subscription and spreadsheet options. For competitive landscape analysis.
• Statewide Credit Union Report Star Ratings and Financial Highlights on every credit union headquartered in a selected state. For competitive landscape and market-share analysis of credit unions.
• Troubled & Problematic Bank Report Star Ratings and Financial Highlights on every U.S. bank rated 2-Stars or below. From $99. For investors, depositors, and professionals monitoring at-risk institutions.
• Troubled & Problematic Credit Union Report Star Ratings and Financial Highlights on every credit union rated 2-Stars or below. For professionals and depositors monitoring at-risk credit unions.
• Customized Reports and Data Customized spreadsheet including all bank and credit union data from commercial real estate to residential mortgage loans, credit card loans to repossessed real estate. From $250+. For analysts requiring bespoke data cuts.
• Bank and Credit Union Mailing Lists Mailing lists of banks and credit unions for direct marketing purposes. From $250+. For service providers, vendors, and marketing firms targeting the banking sector.
• Customized Comparative Analysis Report Side-by-side comparison of an institution's financial condition and performance to any number of banks and/or credit unions chosen by the buyer, presented in both dollar amounts and percentages. For board presentations and M&A diligence.
• Interbank Liabilities Report (Reg F Compliance) Detailed analysis of one correspondent bank complying with Regulation F specifications. $99/year with additional institutions at $79 each. For credit unions and Federal Home Loan Banks meeting regulatory exposure limits.
• Section 703 Compliance Report Enables credit unions, banks, corporate credit unions, and FHLBs to comply with NCUA Section 703 standards to limit uninsured investment exposure. $99/year. For institution compliance officers.
• Unlimited Report Downloads Subscription Instant access to reports on every U.S. chartered, federally-insured bank and credit union, including Highlights, Summary, Analytical, LLAMAS, Due Diligence, and Historical Reports for download 24/7. $725 for one quarter (91 days); annual subscription available with 25% discount. For heavy institutional users and consulting firms.
• 5-Star Promotional Materials for Banks and Credit Unions Exclusive marketing products for institutions earning 5-Star Superior ratings: official logos ($20), indoor/outdoor banners ($155-$325), retractable banners, gold-framed anniversary awards, freestanding posters with easels ($89), award certificates ($55-$145), media releases, decals, stickers, tent cards ($52), window clings, marketing kits ($96-$116), and 5-Star E-Certificates. Sold only to currently 5-Star rated banks and credit unions for branch, event, website, and social media use.
• 4-Star Promotional Materials for Banks and Credit Unions Exclusive marketing products for institutions earning 4-Star Adequate ratings: official 4-star logos for banks and credit unions, personalized logos, digital and retractable banners, horizontal and vertical digital banners, indoor/outdoor vinyl banners, gold-framed anniversary awards, posters with easels, award certificates, digital marketing bundles, media releases, and tables-top easels. Sold only to currently 4-Star rated banks and credit unions.
• Best of Bauer 5-Star Promotional Materials Elite-tier promotional materials reserved for institutions maintaining 5-Star Superior ratings for 100+ consecutive quarters: Best of Bauer recognition awards ($185), E-certificates ($79.20), personalized 5-star logos in round or square, banners, marketing kits ($96-$116), award certificates, vertical and horizontal digital banners, posters with easels, personalized indoor/outdoor banners, and digital marketing kits. Sold only to Best of Bauer 5-Star institutions.
• CD Calculator Free online calculator tool for comparing certificate of deposit rates and projecting interest earnings. For retail consumers comparing CD products across rated institutions.
• CD Rate Watch Free weekly surveyed CD rate information service displaying rates from rated banks and credit unions across Money Market/Savings, 90 Day, 180 Day, 1 Year, 18 Month, 2 Year, 30 Month, 3 Year, 4 Year, 5 Year, and Long Term CDs. BauerFinancial does not accept advertising and no bank pays to list its rates. For CD investors and savers.

Quantifiable outcome

• BauerFinancial never rates banks without both FDIC insurance and U.S. charter, ensuring consistent methodology.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Weiss Ratings: Independent rating firm that issues letter-grade safety ratings on U.S. banks, credit unions, and insurance companies. Direct competitor to BauerFinancial's independent bank-rating business model, with a similar consumer-facing rating and report offering.
• Veribanc: Independent bank rating service providing star-style safety ratings for U.S. banks and thrifts based on regulatory call report data. Closest functional competitor to BauerFinancial, using proprietary analysis of the same FDIC data sources.

Broad incumbents

• Bankrate: Major consumer financial comparison site covering bank deposits, CD rates, mortgages, and credit cards. Overlaps with BauerFinancial's CD Rate Watch and consumer banking comparison offerings, but at a much broader scale and across many financial products.
• NerdWallet: Large consumer finance comparison platform covering banking, credit cards, loans, and investing. Overlaps with BauerFinancial's consumer-facing bank selection tools, though from a broader financial-product perspective.
• S&P Global Market Intelligence: Financial data and research provider used by institutions for bank and credit union analysis. Serves the same professional subscribers BauerFinancial targets but as part of a much wider financial data portfolio.
• Morningstar: Independent investment research and rating firm, most known for mutual fund ratings. Comparable as an independent research brand but operates in adjacent asset classes rather than bank credit ratings specifically.
• Fitch Ratings: Global credit rating agency covering banks among many other sectors. Adjacent institutional positioning to BauerFinancial's independent rating work, but at vastly larger scale and broader scope.

Emerging players

• DepositAccounts.com (LendingTree): Bank and credit union deposit comparison site that surfaces BauerFinancial star ratings alongside rate information. Adjacent product offering in the deposit-rating and rate-comparison space.
• MoneyRates.com: Bank rate comparison site tracking CDs, savings, and money market rates across U.S. banks. Adjacent to BauerFinancial's CD Rate Watch service, focused narrowly on deposit-rate comparison.
• WalletHub: Personal finance comparison platform covering credit cards, banking, and loans. Overlaps with BauerFinancial's consumer banking decision-support content at a wider product breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bauer-financial-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about BauerFinancial