Why Bauer?

BauerFinancial is completely independent. It does not get paid (nor has it ever) to rate any institution, nor can any institution avoid its rating. Bauer does sell products to institutions and encourages them to share news of their 5-Star or 4-Star rating, but they must earn it first.

Bauer uses the same strict barometer to rate all banks and all credit unions and makes those ratings available to all people—for free—on its web site. Bauer has nothing to hide.

Since 1983, this practice, along with an excellent track record, has earned the respect of regulators, bankers and consumers across the country. We have been analyzing and reporting on the industry since 1983. Nobody knows this business better, nor is better respected.