Armed Forces Bank Earns "Outstanding" Rating for its Community Reinvestment Act Performance

Armed Forces Bank recognized as a leader in providing community development loans designed to help low and moderate-income communities and military families

Fewer than 10% of banks receive a CRA's top rating

LEAVENWORTH, Kan., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Armed Forces Bank – a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907 – received an overall rating of "Outstanding," the highest possible rating, on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance evaluation from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This elite rating reflects Armed Forces Bank's longstanding commitment to the military communities it serves throughout the United States. Over the past 10 years, fewer than 10 percent of banks nationwide received a CRA rating of Outstanding.

"Receiving an Outstanding rating from the OCC affirms our long-standing commitment to serving military families and the communities where they live and work. At Armed Forces Bank, community reinvestment is not just a regulatory requirement, it's a core part of who we are," Tom McLean, SVP/Military Regional Executive, Armed Forces Bank. "We are proud that our efforts to expand access to capital, support local development, and partner with community organizations are making a measurable difference. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our resolve to build stronger, more resilient communities every day."

Enacted in 1977, the CRA requires banks to help meet the credit needs of their local communities – especially low- and moderate-income individuals, neighborhoods, and small businesses. The OCC evaluates banks based on how effectively they fulfill these obligations.

Armed Forces Bank Performance Highlights from the CRA Evaluation

The OCC commended Armed Forces Bank for demonstrating "excellent responsiveness" to community development needs. Notable outcomes during the evaluation period included:

• $15.7 million in community development loans, supporting housing and services for elderly and disabled residents, revitalization efforts in moderate-income areas, and protective programs for low-income seniors in nursing homes.
• $17.1 million in investments directed toward affordable housing through community impact bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and Small Business Investment Company funds.
• $94,600 in donations to organizations supporting free legal services for veterans pursuing disability compensation claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, homeless outreach, and aging-in-place programs for seniors.
• 2,313 volunteer hours provided by Armed Forces Bank associates across 17 organizations – including financial literacy education at Newcomer Briefings for incoming soldiers.

Steadfast Commitment to Military Communities
Armed Forces Bank maintains a steadfast commitment to meeting the unique needs of military service members and their families. That dedication has earned national recognition, including being named "Distinguished Bank of the Year" by the U.S. Military for its extraordinary contributions to financial well-being of military families and veterans. In addition, Armed Forces Bank was the only bank this year to earn the Veterans Saves "Community Impact Award," as well as one of only four banks nationally to be awarded the "Designation of Savings Excellence" – an honor Armed Forces Bank has received 10 times in the past 12 years. These two honors from the Consumer Federation of America are the nation's only awards focused on helping veterans improve financial stability. Most recently, Armed Forces Bank was named one of Kansas City's top five strongest banks.

Introducing Heroes Roundup to Serve Homeless Veterans
In May 2025, Armed Forces Bank launched Heroes Round Up, a powerful new giving program that empowers anyone – military or civilian – to roundup their debit card purchases to support the Veterans Community Project – a nonprofit working to end veteran homelessness nationwide through innovative housing and support services.

"Everything we do is about making life easier and better for service members, veterans and their families, no matter where they are stationed," adds McLean. "We believe we are uniquely qualified to do that, because 75% of our staff are military-affiliated, meaning they or someone they love has served."

About Armed Forces Bank
Armed Forces Bank, founded and headquartered in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907. Armed Forces Bank provides affordable, personal and convenient banking and financial services to both active and retired military, as well as civilian clients in all 50 states and around the world. Approximately 75% of Armed Forces Bank associates have some type of military affiliation either by spouse, retired themselves or their children.

Armed Forces Bank has $1.4 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a $4.3 billion bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Armed Forces Bank's sister bank, Academy Bank, is a full-service community bank with over 70 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri. For more information, visit www.afbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

Member FDIC.

SOURCE Armed Forces Bank