BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 21, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Niagara Bank (Nasdaq:FNFG) has been recognized by personal finance website NerdWallet for its consumer-friendly products and services.

First Niagara Bank was selected as a "best bank" for Online/Mobile Banking and Branch/ATM access.

"Making sure their customers have easy access to their money, both online and in-person, is clearly a top priority for First Niagara Bank," said NerdWallet Brand Manager, Nico Leyva.

NerdWallet's Consumer Banking Index (http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/nerdwallet-consumer-banking-index/) evaluates banks and credit unions based on 5 criteria: Free Checking, High-Yield Savings, Branch/ATM Access, Online/Mobile Access, and Security. These criteria were selected by a survey of consumers as the top considerations when choosing a financial institution. Fall 2013 marks the inaugural release of this index and includes 50 of the nation's largest banks.

Receiving high marks for each criterion serves as an indication of a bank's superior value to consumers.

"We are thrilled to be recognized by NerdWallet for our commitment to our customers," said First Niagara Retail Planning Director Jay Clark. "Customers want to be mobile – and we continue to make it easier to bank where and when our customers choose."

About NerdWallet

NerdWallet has been featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, among other publications. Our products have been recognized by consumer advocates Liz Weston, Clark Howard and Consumer Action. Through in-depth research and analysis we find the best financial organizations, products and services, and bring them to the attention of consumers everywhere.

About First Niagara

First Niagara, through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., is a multi-state community-oriented bank with approximately 420 branches, $37 billion in assets, $27 billion in deposits, and approximately 5,800 employees providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.firstniagara.com.

CONTACT: For further information, please contact:
         Nico Leyva
         NerdWallet Brand Manager
         415-699-8648
         
         Oliver Hays
         First Niagara Communications Manager
         716-819-5923