At a Glance: Chesapeake Bank has operated as an independent community bank since 1900, now across 17 Virginia branches. Customers work with named local bankers, and deposits carry the same FDIC insurance as at any national bank. The bank displays AARP’s BankSafe seal and was named a 2025 Best Bank to Work For.

The Chesapeake Way

Meet “The Chesapeake Way,” our very own blueprint for banking that’s been honed over a century of community involvement, leadership, and that personal touch. This is more than just banking — it’s a tradition, with our roots running deep in our unique history and unwavering values. It’s what sets us apart in a sea of sameness.

Thanks to over 125 years of community banking experience, residents looking for personal financial service can partner with Chesapeake Bank instead of big-city firms and get local decision-making, wealth management expertise, and genuine community investment that’s more responsive, more personalized, and stays right here in your neighborhood.

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Meet the Local Bankers Behind The Chesapeake Way

Say Hey to some of our people who help bring "The Chesapeake Way" to life.

Chesapeake Bank: An Independent Virginia Community Bank Since 1900

Independent. And proud of it.

At Chesapeake Bank, independence isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we believe in.

Since 1900, we’ve believed in doing things our own way, putting communities first, and staying proudly independent. The Chesapeake Way.

Read Top 5 Reasons to Bank with an Independent Community Bank

Awards, Recognition, and 125 Years of Community Banking

Raise your hand if you work for a community bank that holds a world record?!

125 years independent. Chesapeake Bank has served Virginia since 1900 without being acquired.
A world record. The bank marked its 125th year by serving the world’s largest crab cake. Read all about it here.
2025 Best Banks to Work For. Recognized by American Banker.
AARP BankSafe. The bank displays AARP’s BankSafe seal for protecting older customers.

Explore More News and Good Ol’ Community Spirit »

“We appreciate doing business with a friendly and helpful bank. All of the staff work so hard to make sure we are taken care of above and beyond!”

Barry C.

“Best staff and service. Such a pleasure to come to the bank and feel like you are part of the community.”

Nash

“6+ years and we are very happy with Chesapeake Bank!”

Victoria T.

Community Bank vs. National Bank: What Actually Differs

Both a community bank and a national bank can hold your deposits under the same federal insurance and offer the same core products. What differs is ownership, who you deal with, and where decisions are made.

Factor	Chesapeake Bank	What It Means for You
Ownership	Independent since 1900; not part of a national holding company	The bank’s priorities are set locally rather than at a distant head office
Who you deal with	Named local bankers, listed by branch on the Find Us page	The same person knows your history from one year to the next
Deposit insurance	FDIC-insured to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category	Identical federal protection to any national bank — it is set by law, not by size
Digital banking	Online and mobile banking, Zelle®, mobile check deposit, digital debit card	The tools you would expect from a larger institution
Commercial banking	Commercial lending, treasury management, merchant services, Positive Pay	A growing business does not outgrow the bank
Protecting older customers	Displays AARP’s BankSafe seal	Front-line staff trained to spot financial exploitation

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a community bank and a national bank?

A: The difference customers notice most is who they deal with. At a community bank the same local banker handles the relationship over time. Ownership differs too: Chesapeake Bank has been independent since 1900 rather than part of a national holding company.

Q: Are deposits at a community bank as safe as at a national bank?

A: Deposit insurance does not depend on bank size. Chesapeake Bank is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category — the same statutory coverage that applies at the largest national banks, because it is set by federal law.

Q: Can a community bank handle commercial lending and treasury management?

A: Yes. Chesapeake Bank provides commercial loans and lines of credit, business credit cards, accounts receivable financing, and commercial real estate financing, alongside treasury tools including ACH, wires, Remote Deposit Capture, Lockbox, and Positive Pay fraud protection.