A recent report finds that illegal card skimming continues to grow and has cost consumers more than $2 billion. Skimming is big business, netting crooks an average of $50,000 ($50,000!) each time. Unfortunately, skimming is an increasingly popular method for thieves to steal credit or debit card numbers and PINs, where cardholders swipe to pay… Read More


When an earthquake devastated Nepal last April, Austin Paik, who was traveling throughout Asia at the time, knew he had to help the many children impacted by the disaster. He had always hoped to improve the lives of children around the world, but the events in Nepal provoked a sense of urgency and desire to… Read More


Wire transfers can be a convenient way to send guaranteed funds quickly. That makes them an attractive way for criminals to steal funds. Fortunately, our crack team of fraud prevention experts here at FirstBank has some advice to help you protect your hard-earned money and prevent you from becoming a victim of wire fraud. Before… Read More


At FirstBank, we’re always looking out for ways to help you save money without sacrificing the little things in life. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our five favorite ways to save when spending quality time with the family this summer. Whether you’re road-tripping across the U.S. or settling in for a staycation,… Read More


This week beer lovers across the U.S. are celebrating American Craft Beer Week. The 2015 festivities (May 11-17) mark the 10th anniversary of the week-long celebration of small and independent craft brewers. One of our favorite craft brewers is FirstBank customer Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., the back-to-nature brewpub based in Gilbert, Arizona. And, we’re not… Read More


Nothing embodies the Colorado lifestyle more than the mountains, craft beer and the rugged yet sophisticated look of a strong beard. At least that’s the belief that inspired FirstBank customers Cody and Ashley McAllister to found the Colorado Beard Company. Cody, who has been able to grow a thick beard since his early 20’s, found… Read More


Several years ago when Colorado native and longtime FirstBank customer, Sean Smiley, wanted to leave a successful career in the oil and gas business and invest his life savings into creating an all agave-based spirits distillery, not everyone was onboard. But Smiley had good reason for this drastic lifestyle change: to spend more time with… Read More


Did you know identity thefts occur more in the summer than any other season?  In fact, there’s been a significant increase in identity theft cases—over the summer travel season—since 2010. According to the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA), the increase in social media, mobile capabilities and lax consumer behavior are responsible for the spike. Because… Read More


From our experience working with thousands of businesses — from small start-ups to nationally recognized brands — we can tell you that overnight success stories are more the exception than the rule.  Knowing that launching a business involves a lot of hard work, research, testing and money, here are three important questions to ask yourself… Read More