Regional bank operating across Northern New England for 135+ years, offering personal checking, savings, mortgages, wealth management, and business services with local branch presence.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a community-focused regional bank founded over 135 years ago, headquartered in Maine with locations throughout Northern New England. The bank was established by local residents seeking a strong financial institution rooted in their community, and has maintained that mission through significant changes in the banking industry. Today, Bar Harbor Bankshares (the parent company) operates as a full-service bank combining modern digital capabilities with traditional relationship banking.
The bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking services including checking and savings accounts, CDs with IRA options, online and mobile banking, debit card management through Card Control, home mortgages, Treasury Services, and wealth management planning. Customers can access funds through Online Banking, Mobile Banking apps, Remote Deposit Capture, and the TotalWealth platform for investment management. The bank supports money transfers via Zelle and offers cash back rewards on debit card purchases. They also provide business banking solutions and shareholder services.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust differentiates itself through its emphasis on personalized service from local bankers who understand regional needs, despite offering technology capabilities comparable to larger national banks. The bank is FDIC-insured and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. They actively promote community engagement and employee development, with a stated commitment to being "an active participant and advocate for community growth and prosperity." Their referral program (Give $100, Get $100) and specific product promotions like IRA CD specials indicate active customer acquisition efforts.
As a regional bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is best suited for individuals and businesses in Northern New England seeking relationship-based banking with local decision-making. The honest caveat is that their geographic footprint appears limited to Northern New England, making them inaccessible for customers outside this region. Additionally, while they offer modern digital tools, their specific product features, rates, and fee structures are not detailed on the homepage, requiring customers to contact branches or navigate deeper into the website for detailed product information.
Yes. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a registered company headquartered in Bar Harbor, ME, founded in 1887. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is ideal for Northern New England residents and businesses seeking full-service banking from an established, locally-rooted institution with modern digital tools and personalized service. The main caveat is strict geographic limitation—this bank only serves Northern New England, making it inaccessible for customers outside Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and product-specific details (rates, fees, terms) require direct contact with branches rather than being available on their website.
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