Our Heritage: Founded in 1893

First Merchants Bank traces its origins to 1893, when visionary leaders in Muncie, Indiana established a financial institution dedicated to serving the growing community. From those humble beginnings, First Merchants Bank has evolved into the largest financial holding company headquartered in Central Indiana.

Throughout more than a century of operation, First Merchants Bank has weathered economic storms, including the Great Depression, while maintaining unwavering commitment to our customers and communities. This resilience reflects our core philosophy: building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual success.

Helping You Prosper: Our Mission

The phrase "Helping You Prosper" encapsulates everything First Merchants Bank stands for. We believe that true prosperity extends beyond mere financial metrics. It encompasses the well-being of individuals, the growth of businesses, and the vitality of communities.

Our mission drives every decision we make:

  • Personal Attention: Every customer receives individualized service from dedicated relationship managers who understand their unique circumstances.
  • Community Investment: First Merchants Bank actively invests in the communities we serve through charitable donations, volunteer programs, and financial literacy initiatives.
  • Innovative Solutions: We continuously enhance our digital banking platforms and financial products to meet evolving customer needs.
  • Ethical Practices: Transparency and honesty guide all our interactions with customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Serving the Midwest Region

First Merchants Bank operates across four states, providing comprehensive financial services to diverse communities:

Indiana

Our home state, where we maintain the strongest presence with branches throughout Central Indiana, including Marion, Hamilton, Lake, and Porter counties.

Ohio

Serving communities in Butler County and the Columbus metropolitan area with full-service banking solutions.

Illinois

Providing banking services to customers in Cook and DuPage counties, supporting both personal and commercial clients.

Michigan

Expanding our footprint to serve select Michigan markets with the same commitment to excellence.

Recognition and Awards

First Merchants Bank has earned numerous accolades that reflect our commitment to excellence:

  • Forbes Best In-State Bank (2022): Recognized as a top financial institution based on customer trust and satisfaction.
  • America's Best Banks - #2 (2019): Ranked among the highest-performing banks in the United States by Forbes.
  • S&P Global Top 20 U.S. Banks (2022): Acknowledged for exceptional financial performance and stability.
  • Best Places to Work: Named among the best employers in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois for our positive workplace culture.

These recognitions validate our approach to banking: combining financial strength with genuine care for customers and employees.

Experience the First Merchants Difference

Discover why thousands of individuals and businesses choose First Merchants Bank as their trusted financial partner.

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