BCB BANCORP INC

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant [x]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ANNUAL MEETING INVITATION

March 24, 2026

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of BCB Bancorp, Inc. The annual meeting will be held at The Chandelier Restaurant, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on April 23, 2026.

The enclosed notice of annual meeting and proxy statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the annual meeting. During the annual meeting we will also report on the operations of BCB Bancorp, Inc. Directors and Officers, as well as a representative of our independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to any shareholder questions.

The annual meeting is being held so that shareholders may vote upon the following matters: (i) the election of four directors; (ii) the ratification of the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026; and (iii) an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the proxy statement.

The Board of Directors has determined that approval of the matters to be considered at the annual meeting is in the best interests of shareholders. For the reasons set forth in the proxy statement, the Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” its proposed director nominees, as well as proposals (ii) and (iii) above.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we urge you to sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope, or vote by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card, as soon as possible even if you currently plan to attend the annual meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in person at the annual meeting but will assure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the annual meeting. Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares that you own. Your cooperation is appreciated, since a majority of the common stock must be represented at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.

Thank you for your continued support of BCB Bancorp, Inc.

Sincerely,

Mark D. Hogan

Chairman of the Board

Notice of 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

By Order of the Board of Directors

Ryan Blake

Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary

March 24, 2026

Your vote is important!

Shareholders of record can vote their shares by using the Internet or the telephone, or by attending the meeting and voting in person. Instructions for voting by using the Internet or the telephone are set forth on the proxy card that has been provided to you. The prompt voting of proxies will save us the expense of further requests for proxies. Shareholders of record who received a paper copy of the proxy materials also may vote their shares by marking their votes on the proxy card provided, signing and dating it, and mailing it in the self-addressed envelope provided, or by attending the meeting voting in person. If you need directions to attend the annual meeting and to vote in person, please call us at 1 (800) 680-6872.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability

of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on April 23, 2026

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders are available atwww.edocumentview.com/BCBP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

i

ii