Who We Are
Pathfinder Bank has been serving the Central New York community since 1859 but the only hint of "old-fashioned" you'll find here is in our commitment to customer service and community involvement.
It is both our customer focused approach to providing financial services and our innovative philosophy that have made us who we are today. Our aim is to provide all the advanced conveniences the national banks have to offer, without the hassles. Here at Pathfinder Bank, we are local decision makers dedicated to serving the communities in which we live, work, and play.
We invite you to learn more about our accounts and services, either by browsing our website or stopping by for a personal visit to one of our 10 conveniently located branch offices throughout Onondaga and Oswego Counties. We look forward to partnering in your financial well-being.
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Our Vision
At Pathfinder Bank, we strive to be the local bank our community trusts.
Local: We have proudly served Central New York for over 150 years. Like our customers, we live, work and play here. That fact not only allows us to know our customers better, but gives our customers access to decision makers right here in Central New York.
Community: Our success is intertwined with the success of the communities we serve. For that reason, and because it is the right thing to do, we invest our resources, time, and talents in those communities.
Trust: Because we want to serve our local communities for another 150 years, we must earn the trust of our customers every day. We do that by being ethical, capable, honest, reliable, and responsive. We do not sell products and services to our customers. We listen, and inquire, to determine our customers' needs. Then, with the help of a team of trusted advisors, we develop a program of services and products to uniquely satisfy those needs.
President’s Message
Dear Valued Visitor,
On behalf of Pathfinder Bank, I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you. Thank you for taking the time to explore our website and learn more about our banking services. We greatly appreciate your interest and trust in our institution.
At Pathfinder Bank, we believe that a strong knowledge of the needs of our market is essential in providing exceptional financial solutions. We take pride in our deep understanding of the communities we serve. Our dedicated team, comprised of individuals deeply rooted in the local area, ensures that we are well-informed and equipped to meet your unique personal and business banking needs.
Other key advantages that make us who we are:
- The personal relationship we cultivate. We understand that banking is not just about transactions; it's about building trust, listening attentively, and offering tailored advice. Our commitment, which spans over 165 years, to fostering meaningful connections enables us to provide you with personalized solutions that align with your specific goals and aspirations.
- Direct access to decision-makers. We value open communication and direct engagement with our customers. This accessibility allows us to respond quickly to your inquiries, offer prompt assistance, and make informed decisions that best suit your financial requirements.
- Our extensive array of products and services, designed to address the diverse financial needs of our customers. Whether you are looking for personal accounts, mortgage solutions, or business banking products and services, we have a comprehensive range of options to cater to your unique circumstances. Our goal is to be your trusted financial partner throughout life's journey, providing the support and resources you need every step of the way.
- The interdependence between our growth and success and that of our market area. As a local institution deeply invested in the communities we serve, we understand the vital role we play in promoting growth, prosperity, and financial well-being. Our commitment extends beyond the balance sheets and reaches into the heart of our community. We are dedicated to supporting local initiatives, contributing to economic development, and making a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors.
In closing, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your interest in Pathfinder Bank. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your financial journey. Should you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to discuss your financial goals further, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Warmest regards,
James “Jim” A. Dowd
President & CEO, Pathfinder Bank
Our History
While we're always looking toward the future, it's valuable to see how far we've come. Below is a brief timeline of our history.
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1859 – Oswego City Savings Bank was incorporated on March 4, and opened its doors for business on May 28. 1874 – Bank opens its new building, which is the main office to this day. 1894 – Bank's assets total $1 million. 1906 – Installation of Burroughs adding machine marking the beginning of the automation of the bank's operations. 1911 – The bank purchased its first typewriter and change machine. 1914 – Due to WWI, the bank invests funds into Liberty Bonds. Customers who purchased war bonds were given free safe deposit storage. 1940 – Bank joins the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 1962 – Bank began to study the desirability of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). 1967 – Bank opens new branch in Oswego Plaza Shopping Center. 1970 – A walk-up window opened in the bank's main office entrance. 1976 – Checking accounts added to bank's services. 1977 – Tele-Teller answering service of checking accounts and other transactions implemented. 1978 – Grand opening of Mexico Branch on October 16, 1978. 1986 – Computerization of all savings accounts, mortgages, personal loans, and other transactions completed. 1987 – Plaza Branch is built to replace the older facilities at the Oswego Plaza. 1987 – City Savings Bank Loan Center is opened to provide customers with added conveniences in applying for mortgage, home improvement, home equity, personal, auto, boat, and student loans. 1994 – Bank purchases the Fulton and Oswego locations of Columbia Banking Federal Savings and Loan, increasing branch totals to five. 1995 – Oswego City Savings Bank becomes a stock held institution with an initial public offering of $7.50. Forms Pathfinder Bancorp. Inc. as mutual holding company. 1997 – Bank introduces first off-site ATM at Sunrise Foods in Mexico. 1999 – Bank's website is introduced as www.pathfinderbank.com. 2000 – Oswego City Savings Bank officially changes its name to Pathfinder Bank on November 29, 2000. 2001 – Pathfinder Bank launches eSolutions by Pathfinder in September 2001 providing convenient online banking and bill pay access to its customers. 2002 – Pathfinder Bank announces the purchase of Cayuga Bank's Lacona Branch location in October 2002 and retains all staff members. 2005 – Bank builds new branch in Central Square, which opened June 12, 2005. 2009 – Pathfinder Bank celebrates 150 years! 2011 – Pathfinder Bank opens first branch in Onondaga County. Route 31, Cicero Branch opens on February 2nd. 2014 – Pathfinder Bancorp, MHC reorganized from the two-tier mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure. 2014 – Pathfinder Bank opens Business Banking Office in Downtown Syracuse. 2017 – On January 1, 2017 the Pike Block became a fully licensed banking branch. 2018 – Pathfinder Bank continues market expansion in the Mohawk Valley with the opening of a Loan Production office and hiring of additional staff to support the growth. Utica opens in October. 2018 – Pathfinder Bank opens a third banking office in Onondaga County. Route 31, Clay Branch opens on November 19th. 2022 – Pathfinder Bank opens a fourth banking office in Onondaga County on November 14th. Located at 506 West Onondaga Street in the Southwest Corridor of Syracuse, this branch marks the second branch location within the City of Syracuse. |
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