Community First

What Community First does

Community First Banking Company is a privately held, community-owned state-chartered bank headquartered in West Plains, Missouri, founded in 1997 by a group of over 45 local shareholders. It serves individuals, families, small and mid-sized businesses, agricultural operations, and non-profit organizations across three southern Missouri communities through branch locations in West Plains (two sites), Mountain Grove, and Thayer. Its product suite spans personal checking (Pinnacle, CFBC Smart, Senior), savings vehicles (Statement Savings, Money Market, CDs), retirement and health savings accounts, overdraft protection, safe deposit boxes, and Visa EMV chip debit cards; business banking offerings include Small Business, Business Interest, Corporate, and Non-Profit checking accounts plus business savings and CDs; and lending covers mortgage, commercial real estate, construction, HELOC, general commercial, and a full suite of agricultural loans (farmland, livestock, equipment, revolving operating lines, short-term operating, and special-purpose). Core technology consists of the third-party Banno Digital Banking and Mobile App for 24/7 web, tablet, and mobile access, supplemented by the proprietary iTalk 24/7 telephone banking service, Visa-powered debit card processing with round-the-clock fraud monitoring, and SSL-encrypted digital sessions. The bank earns revenue primarily through net interest income on its loan portfolio, augmented by recurring deposit account, overdraft ($30 per item, capped at $155/day), safe deposit box, and debit card interchange fees, with pricing structured across subscription (account maintenance), hybrid (interest-bearing with fee waivers), and transaction-based (overdraft) models. Its go-to-market is relationship-driven, combining physical branch presence with digital self-service channels, community involvement, and word-of-mouth referral in its rural footprint.

Name

Community First

Legal name

Community First Banking Company

Website

https://cfbankco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community First Banking Company is a privately held, community-owned state-chartered bank in West Plains, Missouri, offering personal, business, and agricultural banking and lending services across three southern Missouri branch locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Banking

NAICS

Commercial Banking (52211)

SIC

State Commercial Banks (6022)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass-Market Consumer Deposit Banking (Checking/Savings) (FSABAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Branch & In-Person Banking (Teller/ATM Networks) (FSABAAAE), Small Business Banking (Microbusiness/Sole Proprietor) (FSABAAAI)

Keywords

• Community banking services
• Personal banking accounts
• Business banking solutions
• Agricultural lending
• Commercial loan products

Headquarters

HQ city

West Plains

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Lending: The primary revenue stream comes from interest earned on loans including mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, business loans, agricultural loans, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans. Interest rates are competitive and tailored to customer needs.
2. Deposit Account Fees and Charges: Monthly service charges for accounts that fall below minimum balance requirements, overdraft fees ($30 per item presented), and various account-related fees provide recurring fee revenue.
3. Safe Deposit Box Rental: Annual fees for secure safe deposit boxes of various sizes, offering customers peace of mind for storing valuables and important documents.
4. Overdraft and Insufficient Funds Fees: Fees charged when accounts are overdrawn or items returned due to insufficient funds. $30 Overdraft Fee per item presented, with daily fees for accounts overdrawn beyond 10 calendar days.
5. Debit Card Transaction Interchange: Revenue generated from Visa debit card transactions including the Community First Visa EMV Chip Debit Card used for purchases and ATM withdrawals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Community First Banking Company is a community bank that provides personal banking (checking, savings, IRAs, HSAs, debit cards, safe deposit boxes, overdraft protection), business banking (small business, interest, corporate, and non-profit checking, business savings and CDs), and a full lending suite including mortgage, home equity, construction, commercial, and agricultural loans (farmland, livestock, equipment, revolving lines of credit, and special purpose loans). Services are delivered through four Missouri branch locations plus 24/7 digital banking via the Banno platform, iTalk telephone banking, and a 24-hour ATM network.

Product overview

Community First Banking Company is a community bank headquartered in West Plains, Missouri, offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services organized across digital banking, personal banking, business banking, and lending divisions. Its core digital banking platform consists of the Banno Digital Banking and Mobile App (a third-party fintech-powered platform) and iTalk 24/7 Telephone Banking, which together provide 24/7 access to accounts. Personal banking includes three checking account types (Pinnacle Checking, CFBC Smart Checking, and Senior Checking), three savings vehicles (Statement Savings, Money Market Account, and Certificates of Deposit), Traditional and Roth IRAs, Health Savings Accounts, overdraft protection services (Overdraft Transfer and Overdraft Privilege), safe deposit boxes, and Visa® EMV Chip Debit Cards. Business banking encompasses four checking account variants (Small Business Checking, Business Interest Checking, Corporate Business Checking, and Non-Profit Checking), three savings products (Business Statement Savings, Business Money Market, and Business CDs), and payroll direct deposit services. Lending products span mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, home equity lines of credit, commercial loans, and a full range of agricultural loans including farmland, livestock, equipment, revolving operating credit, and special purpose loans. The company operates four branch locations (West Plains Porter Wagoner, West Plains Southern Hills, Mountain Grove, and Thayer) with 24-hour ATM access at each, and provides online financial calculators. The bank was founded in 1997 and transitioned from a national bank to a state bank in 2009.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Banno Digital Banking and Mobile App A digital and mobile banking platform powered by Banno, providing 24/7 access to finances via web, tablet, and mobile devices for Community First customers. Includes account alerts, transaction history, bill pay, debit card management, mobile check deposit, downloadable account information, and a secure authenticated chat feature (Conversations Chat).
• iTalk 24/7 Telephone Banking A round-the-clock telephone banking service allowing customers to check balances and transaction history, activate or deactivate debit cards, verify checks for merchants, place stop payments, schedule automatic transfers and loan payments, and access future-dated transaction information by dialing 417-255-2265.
• Pinnacle Checking A premium personal checking account with a $6.00 monthly membership fee offering cash back member rewards (up to $40 annually), identity theft expense reimbursement insurance (up to $10,000), common carrier insurance ($50,000), AD&D insurance ($10,000), complimentary cell phone protection, roadside assistance, and exclusive travel, leisure, and shopping discounts.
• CFBC Smart Checking A personal checking account with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service charge, earning a bonus interest rate and domestic ATM refunds when straightforward monthly activities are met. Includes e-statements service.
• Senior Checking A free personal checking account for customers aged 50 and above, offering competitive interest rates, no minimum balance, no monthly service charge, unlimited check writing, and an annual box of custom-style checks provided at no cost.
• Statement Savings A personal savings account with a $50 initial deposit, requiring a $100 minimum balance to avoid a $2 monthly service charge. Monthly charges and minimum balance requirements are waived for children and students under age 18.
• Money Market Account A personal money market account with a tiered interest rate system rewarding higher balances. Requires a $50 opening deposit and $1,000 minimum balance to avoid a $10 monthly service charge.
• Certificates of Deposit (Personal) Personal certificates of deposit offering guaranteed returns with terms from 90 days to 5 years and a $1,000 minimum opening deposit. Bank penalties may apply for early withdrawal.
• Traditional IRA A tax-deferred individual retirement account offering immediate tax benefits with deductions on contributions and penalty-free withdrawals for significant life events such as first home purchases or education funding.
• Roth IRA A retirement account with tax-free growth, allowing contributors to pay taxes upfront and withdraw contributions tax-free after five years, with no required distributions at a certain age.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) A health savings account paired with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), offering triple tax savings through pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. Funds roll over year after year.
• Overdraft Privilege A discretionary overdraft service allowing accounts to be overdrawn up to a disclosed limit for a $30 fee per item presented. New eligible consumer accounts receive a $100 introductory limit (increased to $500 after 30 days in good standing); business accounts receive $700 after 30 days. A daily $5 Overdraft Fee applies after 10 consecutive business days overdrawn.
• Safe Deposit Boxes Secure and confidential safe deposit boxes housed in bank vaults with state-of-the-art security technology and constant surveillance. Available in a variety of sizes for an affordable annual fee.
• Visa® EMV Chip Debit Card A Visa debit card with EMV chip technology available in a wide array of designs including area school mascots, featuring round-the-clock fraud monitoring.
• Small Business Checking A business checking account with no minimum balance requirement, no monthly service charge, and a $100 opening deposit. Includes a free debit card, internet banking, and bill pay.
• Business Interest Checking A business checking account that earns competitive interest on balances, requiring a $500 minimum balance and charging a $7 monthly service charge if the daily balance drops below minimum. Opens with $100.
• Corporate Business Checking A business checking account with scaled monthly service charges based on average balance, offering lower fees for higher balances. Includes free debit cards, internet banking, and bill pay.
• Non-Profit Checking A checking account tailored for non-profit organizations, earning competitive interest on balances with no minimum balance, no monthly service fee, and unlimited check writing.
• Business Statement Savings A business savings account requiring a $100 opening deposit and minimum balance, with a $2 monthly service charge if balance falls below $100.
• Business Money Market Account A business money market account with a tiered interest rate system where higher balances earn higher rates. Opens with $100 and requires a $1,000 minimum balance to avoid a $10 monthly service charge.
• Business Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Business CDs with terms ranging from 90 days to 5 years and a $1,000 minimum opening deposit, offering guaranteed rates and insured safety.
• Mortgage Loans Residential mortgage loans offering flexible terms, competitive rates, and personalized service for first-time homebuyers, refinances, and forever homes. NMLS ID 407971.
• Commercial Real Estate Loans Commercial real estate financing for purchasing new property, refinancing existing property, or investing in development, tailored to support business growth and investment strategies.
• Construction Loans Construction financing for commercial property development, business space expansion, and residential construction projects, offering tailored financial solutions, a streamlined application and approval process, and local market insight.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A flexible revolving credit line allowing homeowners to borrow against accumulated home equity, functioning like a credit card with access to a set amount of funds drawn as needed. Offers lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans and potential tax benefits.
• Commercial Loans Business lending solutions for buying, building, or expanding commercial operations. Decisions are made locally with flexible, creative financing options tailored to each business's unique needs.
• Farmland Loans Agricultural loans for purchasing or expanding farmland, offering competitive rates and terms designed for long-term land ownership goals.
• Livestock Loans Financing for the purchase, care, and feeding of livestock, with flexible solutions designed for the cyclical nature of livestock farming.
• Equipment & Machinery Purchase Loans Loans for purchasing farm equipment and machinery such as tractors and irrigation systems, helping farmers invest in quality assets to maintain efficient operations.
• Revolving Agricultural Lines of Credit Flexible revolving credit lines for managing the ups and downs of farm income and expenses, usable for purchasing seed, fuel, or covering unexpected costs.
• Short-Term Operating Loans Seasonal financial solutions for covering immediate costs of planting, harvesting, and other between-season operations, tailored to match the seasonality of farming businesses.
• Special Purpose Agricultural Loans Customizable loans for unique farm needs such as sustainable farming practices or organic certification, providing financing solutions that do not fit neatly into standard loan categories.
• Financial Calculators Online loan calculators including a borrowing affordability calculator, a monthly payment estimator, and a home mortgage calculator that estimates monthly principal, interest, tax, and insurance payments.
• ATM Services Network of 24-hour ATMs at four branch locations (West Plains Porter Wagoner, West Plains Southern Hills, Mountain Grove, and Thayer) with no ATM fees charged to Community First customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Earn up to $40 annually with Pinnacle Checking cash back rewards
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• BannocoreTechnology or IntegrationBanno is a fintech platform partnership providing the digital banking technology stack for Community First. The partnership delivers a unified, branded, and user-friendly digital banking experience including web banking, mobile app, and digital account management features. Banno Digital Banking enables 24/7 account access, mobile check deposit, bill pay, debit card management, and secure chat functionality.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Hawthorn Bancshares: Jefferson City, Missouri-based community bank holding company operating Hawthorn Bank across central Missouri. Comparable size and full-service community banking profile with strong ag and small business lending.
• Simmons First National Corporation: Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based community bank holding company (NASDAQ: SFNC) operating across multiple Midwestern and Southern states with full-service consumer, business, and ag lending. Comparable mid-size community banking profile.
• BTC Bank: Bethany, Missouri-based community bank with a similar small-town rural footprint and full suite of consumer, business, and agricultural lending products. Direct peer in geography and product offering.
• OakStar Bank: Ozark, Missouri-based community bank of comparable size serving southwestern Missouri with personal, business, and lending products. Closely comparable to Community First on footprint, product mix, and community banking model.
• The Bank of Missouri: Perryville, Missouri-based community bank offering personal, business, and agricultural lending across southeastern Missouri. Comparable in scale, geography, and full-service community banking orientation.
• Southern Bank: Poplar Bluff, Missouri-based community bank serving southeastern Missouri with personal, business, and agricultural lending. Comparable community-focused model and rural footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Equity Bancshares: Multi-state community bank holding company (NYSE: EQBK) headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, with operations across the Midwest including Missouri. Comparable full-service community banking model at somewhat larger scale.
• Commerce Bancshares: Kansas City, Missouri-based regional bank holding company (NASDAQ: CBSH) operating Commerce Bank across Missouri and surrounding states. Large established incumbent providing a benchmark for regional scale and product breadth.
• Bank OZK: Little Rock, Arkansas-based regional bank (NASDAQ: OZK) with significant commercial real estate and business lending operations across the South and Midwest. Larger competitor with adjacent geographic reach.
• Great Southern Bancorp: Springfield, Missouri-based regional bank holding company (NASDAQ: GSBC) operating across multiple states with personal, business, and commercial lending. Larger-scale regional incumbent with overlapping Missouri footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cfbankco
• Instagraminstagram.com/communityfirstbanking
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-first-banking-company

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

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 Community First