Good job you Arvest.  Good for you!!!

Thank you for not accepting TARP funding.  I will gladly continue to do business with your bank and tell others to do the same.

     Another good reason to bank with Arvest.  I was a Superior Federal customer & it was one of the few S&L's not to go under.

 We're in the process of moving to Arkansas over the next year and very happy to know Arvest is not involved with TARP funds.  We have already established a checking account and feel very comfortable continuing doing business with Arvest.  I also hope Arvest has no dealings with Acorn.  Please continue to stand firm against this government intervention in business.

Thank God!  I always new I was in good hands with ARVEST.  Good sound leadership is what this country needs, I'm glad to see that ARVEST is leading the way.

We have been customers with Arvest for many years.  It is very comforting to know that my bank continues to handle my money in a safe manner and there is still at least one good trustworthy bank in this country.  Thank you for not violating our trust, and for not being part of a pattern of corruption and greed that seems to permeate everything.

Hooray for Arvest! Thank you for refusing gov't handouts and for obviously managing our money well!!!!

It is also a fabulous place to work

Thankyou for not taking any federal monies,TARP, or any offers the Gov't  makes to the banking or mortgage companies. I'm proud of you.

Over the years, Superior Federal had changed hands a time or two, but always retained the name.  I was a bit un-nerved when it became Arvest, but was reasured since service and convenience actually improved.

I am delighted to see that you folks are actually in the Banking Business; know what you're doing, and intend to keep it up.  Thank you!

It's good to know that the people I trust my money with are making great decisions!  I feel completely safe banking with Arvest.

I am so glad to know that Arvest is not asking for a government bailout.  I appreciate your decision and it relieves me to know that my bank is solid.  I pray for your continued success.  Thank you!

I am happy to hear that Arvest is doing good and made good decisions through the years. I wish more banks would follow this example instead of diving into the taxpayers money.

I worked for the bank 20+ years.  Each time it sold or changed names I got alittle nervous.  When Arvest came along I felt welcomed and appreciated.  They were an excellent employer and even though I have changed careers they still provide me with excellent service and financial products.  I am very proud to have been a part of your team and now proud to be one of your loyal customers.  Keep up the good work!

Banking with Arvest is more than just somewhere to make financial transactions, but it is a great place to make good friends. I am so glad you are refusing the TARP help. I wish our Government would allow "we the people" to work together to overcome this entire economic situation. It would be solved much more effecient and quicker. I would recommend Arvest bank to anyone looking for a great place to bank.

Although I have moved from Arkansas, I continue to do all of my banking with Arvest. They have treated me better than any other bank I have been affiliated with. I will continue to do my banking with Arvest, even though I won't be living any where near Ark or Okla. Keep up the great work, and OUTSTANDING customer service!!!

I'm very glad to see that Arvest is in a strong position and doesn't have to accept federal funds. It's good to know that I made a great choice years ago when I established my accounts with Arvest !!!

Thanks for good post

Glad to see you are offering CD's again!  Had to use my credit union for the interim.

Several times, especially during these times, I Have thought very seriously about removing my funds from Arvest. Not that they have ever treated me anything but great, but with the economy, I couldn't help but fear my money would be safer in a tin can burried in the north 40. In having really dug and looked for any dirt indicating any potential problems with Arvest Bank, I am once again left empty handed. I feel quite comfortable with my 5 accounts left right where they are...I will indeed "keep an eye peeled" so to speak, as that's just being prudent, but my hat's off to these guys. Incedently, I wasn't aware it was owned and backed by the Sam Walton family. That also is a comfort, as the Sam's Clubs and the WalMarts here in Oklahoma are always packed-even in these bad times.

Thank you for not accepting any bailout funds, Arvest!  Keep believing in the free market.  The government is a spending entity only.  What becomes over-governed always becomes slow.  May entrepreneurship prevail!!! 

Several times, especially during these times, I Have thought very seriously about removing my funds from Arvest. Not that they have ever treated me anything but great, but with the economy, I couldn't help but fear my money would be safer in a tin can burried in the north 40. In having really dug and looked for any dirt indicating any potential problems with Arvest Bank, I am once again left empty handed. I feel quite comfortable with my 5 accounts left right where they are...I will indeed "keep an eye peeled" so to speak, as that's just being prudent, but my hat's off to these guys. Incedently, I wasn't aware it was owned and backed by the Sam Walton family. That also is a comfort, as the Sam's Clubs and the WalMarts here in Oklahoma are always packed-even in these bad times.

As a senior citizen and having been a customer of Arvest for almost 20 years I don't know why every senior does not use Arvest.  Free checks, free cashier checks, great people to help you in any way with your money and thank you for staying away from so called government money..    Great Bank!!!

I admire  Arvest for for not applying for federal funding.  I just bought a new car and it was a Ford for the very reason that they did not require federal funding for survival.  The thought of assisting any business that is in trouble due to bad busines decisions and or greed turns my stomach. I would much rather see any additional liquidity be directed to Companies like Arvest that have proven they can manage their business successfully and profitably.  Way to go Arvest.  I will make it my job to avoid companies that required a federal bailout and consumed my hard earned tax dollars.  Let those companies go under and they will be replaced by more innovative better run companies.  Bail them out and encourage mediocrity

Thanks Arvest- I Knew When I Returned From Europe That I Had Found A Great Bank. My Family Recomended Your Bank. I Will Be With You Now And No Matter Where I Am.

Arvest is the bank to do business with.  We recently moved from Texas to Arkansas and had our mortgage with Wells Fargo who incidentally did take TARP money.  When my husband wanted to finance a new boat (he upgraded) Wells Fargo gave us a ridiculous interest rate -- we thought the bail out was supposed to help the banks give loans -- and we have an excellent credit score!!!  We turned to Arvest who not only gave us a great interest rate but have wonderful customer service!  We are currently going through the paperwork to transfer our mortgage on our Arkansas house from Wells Fargo to Arvest, who once again gave us a better interest rate.  We first thought there were so many Arvest banks in the area because they had a monopoly -- now we realize they do -- on Great Customer Service, Great rates and the desire to be successful with good financial sense!

good job thats why we have been with u for last 10 years 

I am a 10+ year Arvest customer with 4 or 5 accounts.  I encouraged my daughter and her family, who live in Texas, to join the Arvest Family after poor customer service treatment from Wells Fargo.  They receive better service long distance from Arvest than they did from Wells Fargo just down the street.

Praise the Lord for honest bankers.  Gives me confidence in the integrity of Arvest in other matters.

I've been banking with Arvest for some years and appreciate good customer service, fulfilling my banking needs, and knowing that the money is secured.  Thank God for your services to all of us who have trust our banking and financial needs to Arvest .

Just last night, I had dinner with a new made friend that works for Arvest, and I asked him that exact question about TARPS.  I knew there was a good reason I originally went to Arvest, and have remained there since.  I have been a satisfied customer for 8 years now.

We will be switching from Bank of National (America) to Arvest. Thank you for not participating in this ridiculous spending of taxpayers hard earned money. Looking forward to joining the family. BTW, don't offer me any car loans for GM or the likes, as I won't be interested from the start :)     

So, as an Arvest customer, I'd love to get a look at the actual balance sheets of this bank.   Care to invite me in for a peek???   Can I bring my own auditors???   :-)

So many bankers have lied on this topic of solvency, which is really what we are talking about here, and they have done it  by trying to use arcane accounting rulesand  saying that they should be able to wait years to determine the value of assets that have declined  and will continue to decline in value over the next several years, that only a very gullible person would believe Arvest management's statements at face value.

David - Thank you for your post.

Thanks Arvest for being My Bank! Thank you for your lending integrity! Thank you for saying no and not saying yes just to stack your numbers. You are the Bank of choice, as far as I'm concerned. May God continue to give you great favor in this industry as you maintain your integrity!

I am stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where there are NO Arvest Banks, and I still refuse to switch to a local bank. Arvest has been a great bank and I trust them to continue to tell the Federal Government to take a hike.

Thank you, Arvest for showing strength in these dark economic times caused by democrats:)

Arvest,

You said...

>David - Thank you for your post.

The Arvest team should be proud. I feel very safe with ALL my assets at Arvest. It's called "good management". Jerry Don C. and the Lovely Ladies at the Flippin branch are the best !!

David,   I understand your mis-trust of banks and corporations we all have good reason to be skeptical.   That said Arvest did not accept TARP funding, which is the main point of the Blog.  I think the easy way out of a problem for any bank would be get in line for a bailout.  Whether Arvest has any overstated assests or not they are showing accountability and not accepting assistance.  If they have any issues they are managing thru them rather than looking to the taxpayer, that deserves our admiration and in my case my business.    I am proud to bank with Arvest.

Keep up the good work.  I am going to need a new auto loan soon.

It never crossed my mind that Arvest would even consider a Govt loan...I can see Arvest loaning the Govt money though...that makes more sense to me...Thank you Arvest for being my bank....how do I buy shares in Arvest?

Thank you.   I knew you guys were great, but I was concerned about the stability.   Thank you for making this statement and re-assuring all of your customers.   I will spread the word with everyone I know.  

**So refreshing to see a business be as responsible with their money as they expect their customers to be with theirs. 

Gentemen and Ladies. leaders of Arvest Banking. Thank you for not accepting any monies from the government. My wife and I moved from Bella Vista 4 years ago to Reno NV.we moved the majority of our accounts here with much regrets,after watching the varios stock brokers we were with, not useing the conserative approch regarding my acct. wich is fairly substantial. I contated Roger Cunningham of your firm who has managed my account for years and reqested him to accept my portfolio from the other brokers  here in Reno .he has done a superb job in this present world crisis. Thank you for haveing such a bright young man in your firm. Arthur and Beverly Osowski

I am eligible for the home affordable modification program, according to the guidelines from the treasury, yet since Arvest will not be participating I am unable to take advantage of this program. That really stinks. If I had my mortage with another institution that is participating I would not be worried sick about keeping my home.

Frustrated -

While Arvest has chosen not to participate in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), it is our intention to participate in the loan modification plan which is included in the Homeowner's Affordability Relief Program recently presented by President Obama.  We are currently working out the details of implementing this program, but would welcome your call at Arvest Mortgage Company at 1-800-232-5524 to discuss and evaluate your current options for loan modification.

 

Please  I beg, do not do the loan modification program, it is a time for us to adjust. The greatest amount of the TARP funding to date,"new words ""same program"  by morgage, and loan of this program will go over seas. "China, Germany,Saudi Ariba, England...Have we not learend anything from AIG....Don't do it. We are on our own, so are you. We have each other, but to enter in to that agreement, will make you only a Walmart Bank.

Please Arvest, It is my opinion that we as a nation will only sink into the level of a third world country if we continue to allow other countries to get a foothold into American businesses. We need to stand on the premise of keeping our business in America and depend on our own resources. Ther is to much outsourceing going on. Yes, even by Walmart! Mr Sam was all about using American made products, What happened to what he based his business basics on? He would stomp his feet if he knew what has happened to the American business world. I do bank at Arvest because it is the best, but let's keep it the best.

Way to go, Arvest!  My husband and I switched to Arvest last  year.  This is just another indication that we made the right decision.  You have our mortage (it had been with Superior), our checking account, the BEST employees, and our whole-hearted support.  Keep up the great work!

We have been with ARvest since it took over our hometown bank, I am glad and I hope they DO NOT do any business with the "GOV." of course we the taxpayers  are the "GOV." But, I am a little unsure of the statments about still  making loans to people and bussinesses, I know people who have tried to refiance to a lower rate, or for home improvements and been turned down for reasons that my unfiniancal brain did not quite register. So dispite what the TV and everyone is saying I believe most banks, ARvest too are NOT doing much lending. I do not want "GOV" involvement but the bottom line is the banks are out to make money and it will stay that way, I miss the SMALL town approach sometimes. Max in AR

We bought a house thanks to Arvest months before the economy collapsed, 5 years after opening my first checking account with the bank.  The bank was very helpful about finding us a home we could AFFORD.  In these troubling times, I am thankful for Arvest being there to provide sound advice and security.  Thank you Arvest for helping reassure and strengthen our communities.

Yeah for Arvest!  Don't let Barney Franks or Chris Dodd get in to managing our money any more than they already are!

Hooray to Arvest for not losing everyone's money?

Good for them, but isn't keeping our money safe a part of their job? That's like expecting a reward when you refrain from maxing out your company's credit card with lottery tickets.

Again, I'm glad Arvest isn't squandering our money, but this is just empty populist gesturing.

(edited)

I'm glad to hear the Arvest position on TARP, but I also hope Arvest isn't just playing a shell game in how it "classifies" certain funds.  The reason I share this is because approx 4 to 6 weeks ago in monthly statement I received a small flyer that at the very bottom said, and I quote, "Arvest Has Accepted Government TARP Money."

I've been an Arvest customer for years and will continue to do so...but would be interested in Arvest also clarifying this apparent confusion...thank you.

Doug, I am not aware of what flyer you are referring to with a statement regarding Arvest and TARP funding.  I can assure you Avest Bank has never applied for or accepted government funding through the Troubled Assets Relief Program. (TARP)  This was initially announced by Arvest in November of 2008 and nothing has changed since that time.

If possible, please email me at arvestblog@arvest.com with some further details of the flyer you are referring to.  Thank you.

It is not a problem to me if Arvest accepted TARP assistance if and when it may be needed.  This announcement from Arvest and the replies to it strike me as a discussion of Arvest's fear of the political attitudes of its highlly emotional customers rather than a discussion of the financial soundness of the bank.   I think the management of Arvest would do well to keep their eyes on the road, focusing on business decisions rather than personalities, and not be distracted by highly vocal back seat drivers who are more interested in their own ideology than they are interested in what is going on in the world.

Good for you! Glad to hear that ARVEST does not accept government funding.

Way to go Arvest! We have been customers for several years now. We have several accounts and have paid off auto loans and construction loans and now have a home mortgage with Arvest that we just refinanced. We always receive great service from Glenna Cruze and our hometown crew in Mountain Home. It is so refreshing and reassuring to know that your business and banking practices are solid in these days of banks going under left and right. Thank you Arvest!

 Arvest not accepting TARP funds is a critical BUSINESS DECISION !! As soon as Arvest accepts TARP funds the government starts making business decisions for Arvest and I for one do not want the government making decisions for Arvest!! The government isn't doing too well running the government.

     Just curious if any of the posters on here realize that TARP is not "bailout" money?  TARP funds get repaid to the government, with what is essentially interest.  Therefore the government stands to gain billions of dollars because of its investment in healthy banks.  It is fine that Arvest feels it has enough capital to weather the economic storm that we are in.  But blogs like this and subsequentially not correcting posters who use the word "bailout" is irresponsible on the part of Arvest.  Don't perpetuate the stereotype!  It is fantastic that Arvest is progressive enough to use new media to educate the public, but you should be responsible and educate all sides of the issue.

I am so thankful for ARVEST. When I first moved to Arkansas I was with the Bank of Yellville and wasn't sure that I would like the change, but it has been ALL GOOD. A special thank you to Glenna Cruz of Mountain Home for being our banker and always being helpful and friendly to take care of all of our needs! All of the staff at ARVEST are helpful and friendly and I highly recommend it to everyone I meet or know!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I have been an ARVEST customer since they brought out Superior Federal.  I am so satisfied with the customer service and relationship I have gained that all my family and friends now bank with ARVEST.  There is really no better advertisement than a satisfied customer.  As long as you keep your customers first you'll always stay on top.

I am so satisfied with ARVEST.   I love the 7am - 7 pm hours.  It allows me to take care of business before work so I don't have to deal with the lunch crowd.  Shelly on Capitol in LR is always friendly and efficient.  99% of the time, ARVEST has done things right; and even with the 1%, they were professional, courteous, and seem to value me as a customer.  You don't really know how great your bank is until you have a problem.  I'm a educator and I've been an ARVEST customer a long time-actually since it changed from Superior Federal.   ARVEST makes the grade-A+! 

Thank you for not taking the TARP money, its a lot of CARP. Now lets talk about that

LARGE loan. Have your people call my people.

That is wonderful????? Could that also be why Arvest is foreclosing on home owners rather than working with them like other banks? Is it because you have chosen to not take any homeowners help that you have no heart......OH NO....it is because Wal-Mart backs you and Lord knows Wal-Mart does not need to help the little man.  Do not get a home loan from Arvest. They would love to take your home rather than take a few percentage points hit on the interest. Then they can sell it again and have the home paid for twice......WAY TO GO ARVEST. At least you have good business sense.

greetings,

in spite of your claim that you wont accept/apply for TARP, how long can you hold out before 0-0 demands that you do ? or shut you down???

   (rumor) has it that other banks have tried the samething. AND FAILED. 0-0 demanded that they take it ,even tho like you, didnt need it., they got shut down,  but, they were smaller than you.!    ///// just curious is all.   been with the mac and Arvest  too long  to dig around my fence posts, and besides paper money rots.

be safe, LG

after being tired of putting up with bank of america's very poor service, i changed to arvest. so far the service has been what i needed. this current government farce into the sound banking arena, is about to cause all of us to question our need for the current leaders in the government. suggest we vote them all out!

i have to say i have ahd some bad times but u as a bank ive been doing bank with arvest before u when to arvest. im to get a 10000.00 loan this month i know it willbe save to put it into arvest. i thank you for being the bank u are                                                                  08/12/2009  ma oh my 10000.00 will be in to the bank on the  08/22/09

I guess I can understand why Arvest touts that it has not had to participate in the TARP program, but in my personal world, it seems  you (and others) have avoided this avenue by dropping the interest paid on Money Market, CD, Savings and Checking accounts to near nothing, while maintaing interest rates charged on mortgages and credit cards at rates from five years ago. I want this bank to remain solvent, but why do I still pay 5.5% on my mortgage and 16.9% on a credit card, while receiving .05% on my checking account and .5% on my Money Market account? Have there been too many defaults on bad speculative loans that the "rest of us" need to cover? I want to remain loyal to the old "First National Bank", because John Harris would loan me money for tuition, with just my signature, when I was a kid.

Just wondering,

Calvin

Does anybody realise how bad this is for the struggling Arvest mortage customers? Now arvest does not have to participate in the Federal mortage assistance programs. Hellooow people. Watch as your unemployed neighbors lose their homes to forclosure do to the brilliant decision to bystep the federal help for stuggling families. Arvest seems a bit greedy if you look carefully!

Arvest Mortgage participates in the Federal loan modification programs and works every day with homeowners to help them by modifying their loans.  If a borrower is in need, they should contact their local Arvest lender for assistance.

To Calvin:

While you locked in those rates there are always options. Knowing that most banks are in the same boat with interest rates it comes down to making $1 or $.50. If you are unhappy with your service them you should pursue other options. This is a free country with free enterprise, thus options. You have the opportunity to lower your FIXED interest rate that you agreed to if you refinance. And while rates are lower now they will not be that way forever. Make sure to take a good look at history of the rates and find a good time to refinance. Also, try to tier your CD's instead of focusing on one area to make money. If you want that 100% security that your funds will be secure you have to be willing to take a lower rate. Arvest does provide great options through their Arvest Asset Management with little risk involved and much higher returns than the market average for MMA, Savings, or CD's. Oh and I got a mortgage rate of 4.675%(through Arvest)... NO one could get that 5 years ago. And the Credit Card company is a high risk unsecured loan. If you are unhappy with your rate find a card with a lower rate. If you like the conveniences of the Arvest Credit Card then you will keep it. I personally love talking to an American that I bank with and is local about my credit card.

I hope these tidbits of information will open you to the broad array of products that Arvest does offer. My treatment along with the other positive 65/71 posts (to this point) has been awesome. I love Arvest and while I do bank at other banks it is purely for the interest rates. But you can bet that my life decisions (Big ticket items) will be with people that I trust!

ARVEST!