14 Best Banks in Montana

1. Chase

Chase runs 4 branches in Montana, and it will pay you $400 to open a checking account. That is the largest new-checking bonus any major bank is offering right now, and it is money most Montanans leave on the table by keeping the account they opened years ago.

Here is the entire requirement. Open a new Total Checking account, then have $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits arrive within 90 days of enrolling in the offer. It is cumulative, so two or three ordinary paychecks clear it, and the bonus is paid within 15 days of you meeting the requirement. The $15 monthly service fee drops to $0 in any statement period with $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500 daily beginning balance, or $5,000 in average beginning day balance across linked accounts. One trap to know: Zelle, cash, checks, wires and interest do not count toward either number.

Set your expectations on the footprint. 4 branches across Montana is not a bank on every corner, so treat Chase as a national account you can occasionally reach in person rather than a neighborhood bank. What carries it is the nationwide side: 5,000+ branches and 14,000+ ATMs, Zelle built in, a well-rated app, and the option to add a Chase savings account or credit card later under the same login.

The catch worth naming: the bonus is only open to people who are not already Chase checking customers, and you can collect one new-checking bonus every two years. It is reported to the IRS on a 1099-INT. If that fits you, open a Total Checking account and route your paycheck to it.

If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market alongside a real Montana branch network, claim the $400 with Chase here.

2. Current

In Billings, one truck repair before payday can reshape the whole month. The gap between when a bill is due and when your paycheck lands is where most budgets actually break, and it is the specific problem Current is built for.

The signup math is simple. Open an account with promo code WELCOME75 and get $75 once your Eligible Payroll Deposits total $1,500 or more in your first 35 days. It is cumulative rather than one big deposit, it is new customers only, and the cash arrives about 10 business days after you cross the line. Recurring wages from an employer, a payroll provider or a government payer count. Non-direct-deposit ACH transfers, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Google Pay, mobile check deposits, cash and one-off deposits such as a tax refund do not.

The feature that earns its keep after the bonus is Paycheck Advance, which lets you draw up to $1,000 of pay before payday and is offered by Finco Advance LLC rather than a bank. There is no monthly fee on the account, and the whole thing opens from your phone, which is the point in a state where the nearest branch may not be convenient.

One thing to be clear about, because it is routinely written up wrong: Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services come from Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, both Member FDIC, so deposit insurance reaches you on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 and depends on those conditions being met. If that structure is fine with you, open an account with code WELCOME75 and claim the $75.

3. Wells Fargo

Montana residents can rely on Wells Fargo for secure and convenient banking services. With branches and ATMs in cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls, Wells Fargo ensures access to your money across the state.

The Everyday Checking account offers a $325 bonus for new customers who open an account with a $25 deposit and set up $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days.

With advanced fraud monitoring and an intuitive mobile app, managing your finances in Big Sky Country is easy. The $15 monthly fee can be waived with qualifying activities.

4. Farmers State Bank

Farmers State Bank is a community bank offering various banking services. This bank provides both e-banking and traditional banking services.

You’ll find a selection of checking accounts that require a minimum balance to open at Farmers State Bank. However, this bank also provides a fee-free option with no minimum balance or fees. 

Opening an account with this option typically requires a $25 deposit. In addition to checking accounts, Farmers State Bank offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. The bank also provides consumer and business loans to support personal and entrepreneurial ventures within the community.

A noteworthy aspect of Farmers State Bank is its scholarship program for students. This program demonstrates their commitment to supporting education and investing in the local community’s future.

As a community bank, Farmers State Bank focuses on building relationships and providing personalized service to its customers. With its range of banking services, commitment to the community, and scholarship program, Farmers State Bank strives to be a trusted financial institution for individuals and businesses alike.

5. First Security Bank

First Security Bank offers various checking accounts to cater to customer preferences and needs. There are four types of checking accounts: 

• Totally Free Checking
• Easy Interest Checking
• 50+ Interest Checking
• Premier Interest Checking

Totally Free Checking is a popular option that requires a $50 opening deposit. It has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. 

This account includes a free Visa debit card and provides access to online and mobile banking services, as well as bill pay features. Easy Interest Checking, 50+ Interest Checking, and Premier Interest Checking have features and requirements based on individual preferences.

First Security Bank has multiple branch locations across Montana, including Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, and Big Sky. These branch locations ensure convenient access to in-person banking services for customers in these areas.

6. Garfield County Bank

Garfield County Bank is a financial institution located in Jordan, Montana. They offer three types of checking accounts to cater to different customer preferences: 

• Standard Checking
• Payless Checking
• Money Market Checking

The Standard Checking account provides a straightforward solution with no minimum balance requirement. The Payless Checking option includes two variations. 

The first Payless Checking account option does not have a monthly fee, making it a cost-effective choice for customers. However, check images are not included on the monthly statement for this account.

The second Payless Checking account option has a $6.75 monthly fee but does provide check images with the monthly statement. This service can benefit customers who prefer to have a record of their check transactions.

Garfield County Bank also offers a Money Market Checking account, which likely provides additional features such as potential interest-earning capabilities and higher balance requirements.

7. Glacier Bank

You can find over 200 Glacier Bank locations in:

• Montana 
• Idaho
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• Arizona
• Nevada 

This Montana bank offers several of the best bank account bonuses on our list, including a $25 bonus for signing up when you sell Glacier Bank your old checks or debit cards. This regional bank also works with the Allpoint ATM network to offer you convenient access to your funds. 

Glacier Bank’s Totally Free Checking account has no minimum balance, monthly fees, or minimum opening deposit. You’ll also get a thank-you gift when you open a new account. 

While most personal checking accounts don’t earn interest, you get unlimited check writing. If you are a small business owner, Glacier Bank specializes in business banking. 

8. Independence Bank

Independence Bank offers two checking account options, one of which is a fee-free account. Both accounts have the advantage of no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

For individuals aged 60 and over, Independence Bank provides special perks and benefits to enhance their banking experience. This service demonstrates the bank’s commitment to serving the needs of this specific demographic.

One of the checking account options available is the Freedom Checking account. This account provides unlimited check-writing capabilities, online and mobile banking access, and key features such as free direct deposit, a debit card, and electronic statements (eStatements).

Independence Bank aims to provide customers with a convenient and hassle-free banking experience by offering fee-free checking accounts with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. The inclusion of special perks for individuals aged 60 and over further showcases the bank’s dedication to meeting the unique needs of its diverse customer base.

9. Opportunity Bank of Montana

If you’re looking for a basic checking account or one that offers cashback rewards, look no further than Opportunity Bank of Montana. This bank offers some of the best checking accounts for flexible checking options. 

Opportunity Bank of Montana is based in Helena and offers two free checking accounts. These accounts require $100 to open, but no minimum balance requirements exist. 

With Opportunity Reward Checking, you’ll earn 1% cash back on qualifying purchases. Your earnings are unlimited if you have at least $1,000 directly deposited into your account each month and make at least 10 qualifying debit transactions. 

Opportunity Bank of Montana also offers HSAs, savings, and personal loans. 

10. Stockman Bank of Montana

Stockman Bank of Montana is one of the largest family-owned banks in the state. This bank offers a customer-focused approach to banking with exceptional customer service.

With Stockman Bank, customers can benefit from their commitment to transparency and affordability. There are no monthly fees associated with their accounts, and although a minimum deposit of $100 is required to open an account, there are no ongoing minimum balance requirements.

Stockman Bank offers a range of financial products, including CDs and savings accounts. Its 406 Checking account is a popular option with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. 

With an initial deposit of $100, customers can access a free Visa check card and online statements. Additionally, Stockman Bank provides convenient online account management tools to assist customers in easily monitoring and managing their accounts.

The bank’s strong emphasis on customer service has earned them high ratings, further establishing their commitment to serving their client’s needs effectively. As a family-owned bank, Stockman Bank of Montana aims to provide exceptional service, affordable banking solutions, and accessible account options. 

11. TrailWest Bank

TrailWest Bank is a locally-owned financial institution that serves Ravalli, Missoula, Mineral, and Flathead counties. This bank provides a range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts tailored to meet the needs of its customers.

One of TrailWest Bank’s standout offerings is the rewards checking account, which includes a debit card that earns a dime back for every purchase made. This feature allows customers to accumulate rewards while conveniently managing their everyday expenses. 

This rewards checking account does not have any fees or minimum balance requirements. Opening an account with TrailWest Bank typically requires a $25 deposit.

In addition to personal banking services, TrailWest Bank offers personal loans to help individuals meet their financial goals. The bank also provides business checking and savings accounts.

As a locally-owned bank, Trailwest Bank focuses on building customer relationships and providing personalized service. Its range of services, including the rewards checking account, highlights its commitment to meeting the diverse banking needs of its customers.

12. Valley Bank of Kalispell

Many of the best national banks claim a prestigious heritage, but Valley Bank of Kalispell has served Montana residents for over 100 years. The bank’s main office is in downtown Kalispell. 

This community bank offers multiple checking accounts. These accounts require a $50 opening deposit but lack monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. 

Valley Bank of Kalispell makes it easy to order checks. You can also access your funds via the vast MoneyPass ATMs network and apply for various loans. 

13. Valley Credit Union

Valley Credit Union has convenient branch locations in Billings, Bozeman, Columbus, and Roundup. Members of the Co-Op Shared Branch Network can also access services at other participating credit union branches.

Valley Credit Union offers an Opportunity Checking account, which can be opened with a minimum deposit of $50. The monthly fee is $7.50 unless you receive a direct deposit, which reduces it to $5. 

Members can take advantage of mobile and online banking services, including bill pay and the convenience of eStatements. Valley Credit Union requires a $25 savings account deposit to become a member. 

Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the following counties:

• Carbon
• Big Horn
• Golden Valley
• Gallatin
• Park
• Musselshell
• Sweet Grass
• Stillwater
• Treasure
• Yellowstone County 

Additionally, individuals can join if they have a family member who is already a member. Valley Credit Union also offers credit union promotions occasionally, providing additional benefits and incentives to its members.

14. First Interstate Bank

First Interstate Bank operates branches across multiple states, including: 

• Montana
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wyoming 

Customers of First Interstate Bank enjoy fee-free access to ATMs within the MoneyPass network. The bank offers a fee-free checking account option that can have its monthly fees waived by having a direct deposit or maintaining a daily balance of $250. 

Additionally, individuals under the age of 24 are also exempt from monthly fees. Opening an account with First Interstate Bank typically requires a minimum deposit of $100 but no minimum balance.

Aside from checking accounts, First Interstate Bank provides a range of financial products and services, including savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts. The Montana-based bank also offers wealth management services.