Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service, mutually owned community bank and direct mortgage lender headquartered in Groton, Connecticut. Established in 1854, it serves individuals, families, and businesses throughout Connecticut and neighboring states, with a particular focus on New London County and a network of 14 branch locations.
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How Chelsea Groton Bank compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Groton, Connecticut |
| Website | chelseagroton.com |
| Rate | 0.17% less than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $515 (median) |
| Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $901 |
| Savings after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $5,663 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $1,677 |
| Added cost after 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $5,522 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, Chelsea Groton Bank’s rates and lender fees will likely result in savings of over $900 in the first year and over $5,650 after 10 years compared to the median lender. Borrowers should rate shop and compare options—including lower-cost lenders like Tomo Mortgage—to see if even greater long-term savings are possible.
What customers are saying
Chelsea Groton Bank’s mortgage lending receives predominantly negative sentiment on Yelp, where customers report dissatisfaction with loan servicing, citing issues such as payments not being properly applied to principal, unhelpful or dismissive customer service, and delays in processing. Some reviewers express frustration with the lack of face-to-face teller access and the inconvenience of branch locations. However, SmartAsset offers a more positive perspective, noting the bank’s strong financial health, low fees, and high mobile app ratings, with few complaints filed with the CFPB, suggesting a generally satisfactory experience for many customers. Overall, negative experiences with mortgage servicing and support are most prominent on review platforms.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.