First Internet Bank: Digital Pioneer Earns Top Workplace National Honor

FISHERS, IN – April 15, 2026 – First Internet Bank, an industry pioneer in branchless banking, has added a significant national honor to its accolades, being named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplace. The award stands apart from many corporate recognitions as it is determined entirely by confidential feedback from a company's own employees, offering an unfiltered look into its internal culture and operational health.

The recognition highlights organizations with a demonstrated commitment to putting their people first. For First Internet Bank, this award validates a long-standing focus on its team, which has grown to 355 full-time equivalent employees.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of our employees,” said David Becker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Internet Bank, in a statement. “Our team is the driving force behind our success, and we take pride in fostering a culture that supports professional growth and empowers people to do their best work.”

The Anatomy of a Credible Award

The USA TODAY Top Workplaces program, powered by HR technology and research firm Energage, is a rigorous and highly regarded measure of organizational health. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the 2026 program, which requires a company to have at least 150 employees to be eligible for national recognition.

Unlike awards that can be influenced by marketing budgets or application essays, this honor "cannot be bought; it is earned," according to Energage. The core of the methodology is a confidential, research-backed employee engagement survey. This 24-question survey measures critical culture drivers grouped into themes like alignment, execution, and connection. Employees rate their workplace on crucial factors including feeling valued, having clear direction from leadership, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth.

To ensure statistical validity, organizations must achieve a minimum 35% response rate. Energage then analyzes the feedback, benchmarking the results against data from millions of employees surveyed over more than 17 years. Only the highest-scoring companies earn the Top Workplace designation, making it a reliable badge of a people-first culture.

Cultivating Culture in a Digital-First World

Since its inception in 1999, First Internet Bank has operated without a traditional branch network, a model that was revolutionary at the time and has since become a cornerstone of modern finance. This digital-first identity has profoundly shaped its internal culture, which employees on public forums often describe as having a "tech start-up vibe" rather than the feel of a rigid, traditional bank. This distinction suggests a more agile, innovative, and collaborative environment.

The challenge for any remote-centric organization is fostering the connection and shared purpose that often develops organically in a physical office. First Internet Bank appears to address this with a deliberate hybrid strategy. While embracing a flexible, remote-first work model to promote work-life balance, the bank also leverages its state-of-the-art headquarters in Fishers. The facility is designed not just for work but for community, offering amenities like an on-site fitness center, ergonomic workspaces, and an outdoor patio for collaboration.

This approach acknowledges that a successful modern workplace isn't about choosing between remote or in-person, but about providing the flexibility and resources for employees to thrive in both settings. The company’s career page emphasizes a commitment to welcoming new ideas and fostering collaboration among a diverse group of talented people, indicating a conscious effort to build community regardless of physical location.

People as a Strategic Asset in a Competitive Market

In the highly competitive financial services industry, attracting and retaining top talent is a critical component of success. The USA TODAY Top Workplace award serves as more than a point of pride; it is a powerful strategic asset. It signals to potential new hires that the bank offers a healthy and supportive environment, giving it a competitive edge in the war for talent.

This national recognition is not an anomaly but the continuation of a consistent pattern. For twelve consecutive years, the bank has been named one of Central Indiana's Top Workplaces by The Indianapolis Star and has previously been recognized as one of the "Best Banks to Work For" by American Banker magazine. This sustained record demonstrates that its people-first philosophy is deeply embedded in its long-term strategy, not a fleeting initiative.

The foundation of this strategy is a robust set of employee-centric policies and benefits. The bank offers a comprehensive package that includes competitive pay, a generous 401(k) match, parental leave, and paid volunteer time. Critically, it also invests in its team's future through tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. In a tangible demonstration of its commitment, the bank proactively raised its minimum wage to $20 per hour in mid-2022 to help employees combat rising inflation, a move that underscores its focus on employee well-being.

The Power of Listening and Empowerment

At its core, the Top Workplace award is a testament to the power of employee voice. The survey measures whether employees feel heard, appreciated, and aligned with the company's mission. First Internet Bank's success in these areas points to a culture of trust and open communication.

CEO David Becker’s emphasis on the award reflecting "the voices of our employees" highlights a leadership philosophy centered on empowerment. This is crucial for an institution that provides a wide range of services, from consumer loans to complex commercial real estate and SBA financing. An engaged and empowered workforce is better equipped to innovate and provide the high level of service required in a national, digital-only banking model.

While the overall sentiment is clearly positive, public employee reviews also provide a nuanced picture, indicating areas for continued focus. While many praise the supportive management and team-oriented atmosphere, others have noted challenges related to communication during organizational changes and opportunities for advancement. This feedback, common in many growing companies, provides a roadmap for continuous improvement. The bank's ability to secure this national honor suggests that its strengths in fostering a connected, valued, and purpose-driven team far outweigh these challenges, setting a benchmark for what it means to be a leading employer in the digital age of banking.