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Independent Bank was recently named the Best-In-State Bank in Michigan by Forbes magazine for 2026. Independent Bank is the only bank in Michigan that has been recognized by Forbes four years in a row.
Forbes partnered with market research firm, Statista, for the ninth straight year to survey approximately 26,000 U.S. residents. Survey participants were asked to rate banks and credit unions at which they have or previously have had a checking or savings account within the last three years, and how likely they were to recommend these financial institutions. In addition, they had to rate the financial institutions on factors including trust, customer service, digital tools, the quality of financial advice given, and whether fees were transparent and reasonable.
Statista also gathered more than 1.2 million publicly available text reviews and ratings about each bank and credit union written between February 2023 and March 2026. This research was incorporated into the analysis, accounting for 20% of each financial institution’s score, while the surveys accounted for 80%.
The financial institutions with the highest scores made the final list. This year, 228 banks and 246 credit unions were selected.
“This honor reflects the strength of our people and the relationships they build across Michigan,” said Brad Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank. “By staying close to our customers, supporting our communities, and showing up with purpose, our team continues to make Independent Bank a place where people come first.”
