First National Bank of Fort Smith is a full-service, community-focused bank and direct mortgage lender headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Established in 1872, it is the oldest national bank in Arkansas and one of the largest banks in the state, serving the River Valley, Northwest Arkansas, and Eastern Oklahoma regions.
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How First National Bank of Fort Smith compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Fort Smith, Arkansas |
| Website | fnbfs.com |
| Rate | 0.15% less than the median rate |
| Lender fees | $899 (median) |
| Savings after 1 year, compared to the median interest rate | $838 |
| Savings after 10 years, compared to the median interest rate | $5,032 |
| Added cost after 1 year (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $1,740 |
| Added cost after 10 years (vs. Tomo Mortgage) | $6,153 |
For a $400,000 mortgage, First National Bank of Fort Smith’s rates and lender fees will likely result in savings of around $840 in the first year and around $5,000 after 10 years compared to the median lender. Borrowers should rate shop and compare First National Bank of Fort Smith to lower cost lenders such as Tomo Mortgage to see if larger savings of several thousand dollars can be achieved.
What customers are saying
First National Bank of Fort Smith’s mortgage lending receives mixed but generally positive sentiment on third-party review platforms. The most substantiated positive feedback, found on Zillow, highlights knowledgeable and responsive loan officers who help secure competitive rates and make the process smooth and straightforward for borrowers. On Yelp, customers note that cashiers are friendly and courteous, contributing to a welcoming in-branch experience.
The most substantiated negative sentiment involves occasional complaints about inconsistent service and delays, with some reviewers mentioning long wait times or difficulty resolving issues. Overall, while most borrowers report helpful staff and a positive mortgage experience, some encounter service inconsistencies.
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.