About

Charter Standard Our focus is to provide accessible banking information and support for customers in Bedfordshire and across the UK. Explore everyday banking, savings and business services designed around UK customers. But still, we take pride in being a community bank that just happens to have the strength of one of the premier banks in the region. By investing in our friends and neighbours, First Charter Bank empowers local leadership to make decisions at the local level. For customers at every stage of life, we’ve worked hard to help make our customers’ dreams come true – dreams like buying a home, starting a business or simply having the ability to manage your money safely and securely, anywhere you happen to be.

A history of growth & innovation

Throughout our history, we have had the great privilege of partnering with many financial institutions that share similarities with First Charter Bank, including a rich history of outstanding customer service and a commitment to the communities we call home. This growth has allowed us to substantially enhance our ability to provide innovative and quality financial products and services to our customers.

• 1991 – First Charter Bank is founded in Bedfordshire
• 1995 – First Charter Bank Trust Department officially opens
• 1998 – First Charter Bank opens its first drive-thru at the main branch in Bedford
• 2000 – First Charter Bank becomes the first bank in Bedfordshire to offer Visa® cards
• 2002 – First Charter Bank opened its first cash machine in Bedford
• 2006 – The first personal computer was purchased by the bank, a Radio Shack TRS 80
• 2008 – The first intercontinental cash machine transaction was made by First Charter Bank customer Mary Stone. She made a transaction in Australia that traveled 31,000 miles in six seconds.
• 2011 – First Charter Bank First National Corporation stock began trading on the London Stock Exchange stock exchange

Recognitions across our region

We’re honored to have been recognized in communities across our footprint, and are especially proud of our employees who have claimed top honors. View more recognitions.