Most people sleep on Valley Bank, but theyβve been around for over 90 years and play heavy in the business + personal credit lane π‘
β
Why Valley Bank?
- Relationship-based β they like clients who bank AND borrow with them π€
- More flexible underwriting than some βbig nameβ banks πͺ
- Personal + Business credit cards available π³
- Solid for lines of credit & SBA loans if your profile is set up π
β
What They Pull:
Primarily Experian (personal) π
β but ALWAYS check before you apply (location matters too).
β
Pro Tips:
- Open a checking/savings first β build that relationship π
- Keep utilization low and payment history clean (theyβre conservative lenders) π
- Use them as a secondary bank to diversify funding sources π¦
- If youβre playing the biz credit game β line up your EIN, DUNS, and biz checking before applying for business lines πΌ
π‘ Lesson: While everyone is chasing the same 3β4 banks, Valley Bank can be a low-key funding cheat code if you move smart.