Skip to content

Financial Advisors in Hickory, NC: 2026 rankings

49 financial advisors ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Hickory: Summit Credit Union, RFA Score 73/100; 4.6★ from 58 Google reviews.

  2. 8

    Most-reviewed: Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM), 130 Google reviews at 3.1★, the most of 49 ranked; ranked #8.

Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

49 Hickory financial advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 3 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 49 rated firms.

Top 10 financial advisors in Hickory at a glance

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 financial advisors in Hickory at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1Summit Credit Union734.6★ (58)HickoryTop score
2Stoic Private Wealth735.0★ (38)Hickory—
3Thayer Financial725.0★ (32)Hickory—
4Melissa Pearce, Mortgage Loan Officer - First Horizon Bank725.0★ (30)Hickory—
5Dean Financial LLC714.9★ (28)Hickory—
6First Horizon Bank - Hickory, NC - 3rd St NW684.3★ (21)Hickory—
7Western & Southern Life684.3★ (15)Hickory—
8Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)673.1★ (130)HickoryMost reviews
9Tenet Wealth Management675.0★ (8)Hickory—
10Thrivent Financial // Viewmont Group675.0★ (8)Hickory—

All 49 financial advisors in Hickory, in rank order

Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  1. Ranked #1 in Hickory

    #1 Summit Credit Union

    Based in Hickory

    73/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 58 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.6★ from 58 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    102 1st Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
    View profile for Summit Credit Union(828) 267-5768

  2. #2 Stoic Private Wealth

    Based in Hickory

    73/100RFA Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 38 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    407 1st St E, Conover, NC 28613
    View profile for Stoic Private Wealth(828) 994-4755

  3. #3 Thayer Financial

    Based in Hickory

    72/100RFA Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    439 4th St SW, Hickory, NC 28602
    View profile for Thayer Financial(828) 569-2785

  5. #5 Dean Financial LLC

    Based in Hickory

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 28 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial advisor”.

    • 4.9★ from 28 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    200 1st Ave NW #407, Hickory, NC 28601
    View profile for Dean Financial LLC(828) 855-9833

  13. #13 Simplified Financial

    Based in Lincolnton, 19 mi away

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 23 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    333 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
    View profile for Simplified Financial(980) 222-7404

  18. #18 Truist

    Based in Hickory

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.7★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 2.7★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1920 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
    View profile for Truist(828) 326-6885

  22. #22 Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John E Arney IV, CFP®

    Based in Hickory

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 8:30 AM–4 PM · Thu 8:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    24 Falls Ave, Granite Falls, NC 28630
    View profile for Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: John E Arney IV, CFP®(828) 523-4655

All 49 financial advisors

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #49, in RFA Score order; each links to its profile.

financial advisors in Hickory, ranks 26 to 49
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Steve Reese, AAMS®645.0★ (3)In Hickory
27Prime Benefits Insurance645.0★ (3)In Hickory
28Deal Financial Group645.0★ (3)In Hickory
29Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Denise D Clay645.0★ (3)In Hickory
30Resource Partners, LLC Raymond James645.0★ (3)In Hickory
31R&J Investments643.8★ (4)In Hickory
32First Horizon Bank - Morganton, NC - E Meeting St644.4★ (21)19 mi
33First Horizon Bank - Lenoir, NC - College Ave SW634.3★ (16)17 mi
34First Horizon Bank - Lenoir, NC - Norwood St SW634.0★ (13)15 mi
35Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Sarah White625.0★ (4)8 mi
36United Bank623.6★ (24)19 mi
37Western & Southern Life614.2★ (17)25 mi
38Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jim Engelman Sr614.7★ (3)11 mi
39Patrick Elmore - Raymond James605.0★ (9)25 mi
40Chris Rhyne Financial Management605.0★ (4)19 mi
41Rhyne Financial604.2★ (5)19 mi
42Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Brent Reynolds, CFP®605.0★ (4)19 mi
43Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)602.7★ (47)19 mi
44Melissa Spivey - Raymond James605.0★ (4)19 mi
45Richard Hedrick OSAIC WEALTH INC.595.0★ (3)17 mi
46Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)592.6★ (79)19 mi
47Heritage Finance Company Lenior584.5★ (59)16 mi
48Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Martin J Sohovich583.7★ (3)19 mi
49Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Myron Stephens583.7★ (3)20 mi

Also serving Hickory

20 more financial advisors within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked financial advisors serving Hickory
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Adam L SmithIn Hickory
Aspire Private Capital, LLC5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Capital Concepts5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Dru Schneeberger - Thrivent5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Daniel Whitener5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mike Durham5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Terry D Eskind, AAMS®5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Epic Financial5.0★ (2)In Hickory
Heritage LawIn Hickory
Hollar Financial Group3.0★ (2)In Hickory
Integrity FinancialIn Hickory
Mark Davey - Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLCIn Hickory
Mark Walker - Private Wealth Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLCIn Hickory
Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Christopher McBrideIn Hickory
Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Jason LailIn Hickory
Premier Planning Group5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Raymond James5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Spinnaker Financial5.0★ (1)In Hickory
Stifel5.0★ (2)In Hickory
Wells Fargo Advisors1.0★ (1)In Hickory

How we ranked Hickory financial advisors

We scored 49 Hickory financial advisors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RFA Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Hickory data
Reputation30%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results)Measured
Registration20%Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Specialty focus15%How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a financial advisor

  1. Confirm the financial advisor and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
  2. Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
  3. Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
  4. Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
  5. Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
  6. Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
  7. Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.

Questions to ask a financial advisor

  • Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
  • How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
  • Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
  • Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
  • What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my financial advisor?
  • Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
  • Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
  • How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
  • What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?

Terms explained

Fiduciary
Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Registered investment adviser (RIA)
A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
Investment adviser representative (IAR)
A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
Broker-dealer
A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
Form ADV
The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
Form CRS
A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
CRD number
The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
Assets under management (AUM) fee
A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
Fee-only
An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
Fee-based
An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
CFP® professional
A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.

Financial advisors in Hickory: frequently asked questions

Which financial advisor has the highest RFA Score in Hickory?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked financial advisor in Hickory, NC is Summit Credit Union with an RFA Score of 73/100. It has 4.6★ from 58 Google reviews. Stoic Private Wealth (#2) and Thayer Financial (#3) follow. We ranked 49 financial advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many financial advisors are there in Hickory?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 49 financial advisors serving Hickory, NC. 26 of them are based in Hickory; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which financial advisors in Hickory work on weekends?

3 of 49 ranked financial advisors post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Truist (#18). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Hickory financial advisors have?

The median Google rating among 49 rated financial advisors in Hickory is 5.0★, with a median of 8 reviews. Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM) has the most, 130 reviews, and ranks #8. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank financial advisors?

Each financial advisor gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do financial advisors outside Hickory count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Hickory city center, our service radius for financial advisors. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.

Can financial advisors pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?

No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help clients plan and manage their money, from budgeting and saving to investing, retirement and estate questions. In the US they work as registered investment adviser representatives, as broker-dealer representatives, or both.

How are financial advisors in Hickory ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers financial advice and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.

How do I check a financial advisor’s registration and record?

Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.

Is every financial advisor in Hickory a fiduciary?

Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.

How much do financial advisors charge?

Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.

Update log for Hickory

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 49 financial advisors serving Hickory.

More financial advisors and Hickory pages