11 Best Banks in North Dakota

1. Chase

$400 is a lot of money to leave on the table. That’s exactly what most North Dakotans do every year by sticking with the same checking account they opened in college. Chase pays new customers $400 just to open an account and set up direct deposit. The bonus lands within 15 days of qualifying. Most working adults qualify.

The requirement is simple: open a new Total Checking® account and have $1,000+ in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of enrollment. The $15 monthly fee drops to $0 in any statement period you receive $500 or more in qualifying electronic deposits, so the account is effectively free.

Beyond the bonus, you get the largest banking footprint in the country. Chase has 14,000+ free ATMs and 5,000+ branches across all 50 states, so you’re covered every time you cross into Minnesota, Montana, or South Dakota. Zelle is built in. The mobile app is top-rated. And you can link a Chase savings account or credit card later, all under one login.

If you want the biggest checking bonus on the market and a real bank you can walk into, claim your $400 with Chase here.

2. Current

If you’ve ever had your check posted on Wednesday but rent due on Monday, you know the feeling. North Dakota winters make it worse. Heating bills can hit $300+ a month. One dead car battery in February is $200. One frozen pipe is $400. And payday is still six days out.

Current closes that gap. Set up $1,500 or more in direct deposits using code WELCOME75 and you get $75 in free cash just for doing what you were going to do anyway. After that, you can pull up to $1,000 of your next paycheck early, with no interest, no credit check, and no application. The money’s just there in the app whenever you need it. For a renter in Fargo, an oil worker in Williston, or anyone heating a Bismarck house through a real North Dakota winter, that’s the difference between paying rent on time and eating a $50 late fee.

No monthly fees. No minimum balance. No overdraft charges. Get paid up to two days early. The account opens in two minutes from your phone, no branch visit. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank, and banking services come from Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, both Members FDIC.

And if it’s not for you, close it in 60 seconds. No fees, no calls, no penalty. Switch your paycheck and claim your $75 here.

3. American Federal Bank

American Federal Bank offers a variety of checking account options. One of their primary offerings is the American Free Checking account, which stands out for its simplicity and customer-friendly features. 

This account has no monthly fees, unlimited check writing, and a free debit card. There are no minimum balance requirements to worry about either. 

American Federal Bank emphasizes convenience. Customers can use direct deposit, bill pay, and online banking. 

When opening an American Free Checking account, customers receive a complimentary set of 16 checks. The bank operates multiple locations across North Dakota, including Fargo, Grand Forks, Northwood, and Wahpeton.

4. Bell Bank

Bell Bank is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota. Established in 1966 within a shopping center, the bank has expanded its presence to nine locations across the state. 

This North Dakota bank is one of the largest family-owned banks in the state. Bell Bank stands out for its extensive list of free services, including Roundup Savings, ATM fee waivers, identity theft recovery insurance, and ATM reimbursements. 

Bell Bank provides three free options regarding checking accounts, including accounts that bear interest. This bank also offers five savings account options and many CDs.

Bell Bank is renowned for its outstanding customer service. For individuals seeking the best bank account bonuses, Bell Bank may offer various promotional offers throughout the year.

5. BNC National Bank

BNC National Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services. This bank is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. 

The bank caters to personal and business banking needs and wealth management services. You can find BNC National Bank locations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. 

BNC National Bank also offers mortgage banking services in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. The bank has a community-oriented approach, with 10 branches in North Dakota.

BNC National Bank offers four checking account options, all of which are free. These accounts provide customers with competitive interest rates based on tiered balances. 

The bank also offers various savings options, including money market accounts, CDs, and traditional savings accounts. BNC National Bank requires an initial deposit of $50 to open a checking account. 

Premier Interest Checking has a monthly fee of $6 if the account balance falls below $1,500. Otherwise, this BNC National Bank checking account is free. 

6. Dakota Community Bank

You must submit to a credit check to become a member of Dakota Community Bank. If you don’t initially qualify for a checking account, you can open a savings account and then open a checking account after six months.

Dakota Community Bank offers a range of checking account options, including:

• Free Checking
• Now Checking
• Relationship Checking
• Relationship+ Checking
• Student Checking

You can also open several money market accounts with Dakota Community Bank. The Free Checking account is the simplest option, providing customers with a straightforward banking experience. 

This free account comes with a free check card and unlimited check writing. You can also earn interest on your funds with no minimum balance requirement.

Dakota Community Bank hosts physical branches in the following cities: 

• Bismarck
• Bowman
• Dickinson
• Glen Ullin
• Hebron
• Lincoln
• Mandan
• New Leipzig
• Taylor

If you’re looking for a new North Dakota bank, try Dakota Community Bank. 

7. First Community Credit Union

Established in Jamestown in 1939, First Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state. This credit union expanded its reach through mergers with Citizens Community Credit Union and Agassiz Federal Credit Union in 2017 and 2018, respectively. 

You can find 29 locations spanning over half of the state and three branches in Minnesota. First Community Credit Union serves approximately 45,000 members with various financial services and products. 

Members can choose from three checking account options, including Free Kasasa Checking and Reward Checking. The free checking account comes with a high interest rate, while Reward Checking offers the chance to earn points you can exchange for prizes. 

You can also open savings accounts and CDs with First Community Credit Union. Accounts have no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.  

This North Dakota credit union does operate under restricted business hours. However, you can use several credit union promotions to make opening a new account worthwhile. 

8. Gate City Bank

This bank offers comprehensive financial services, including personal and business banking, investment services, and insurance products. Gate City Bank operates over 35 locations, with a significant presence in North Dakota and several locations in Minnesota. 

Established in 1923, Gate City Bank has a long-standing history in the region. Additionally, the bank is recognized as one of the top mortgage lenders in North Dakota.

Gate City Bank provides checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, loans, and credit cards. The bank offers four checking account options, all of which include overdraft protection and Early Payday features. 

These accounts have no minimum balance requirements, provide free checks, offer interest, and require low opening deposits. Gate City Bank provides five account options, including money market accounts and the Coverdell Education College Savings Account. 

The bank provides respectable APY rates on its accounts compared to the best national banks. Gate City Bank offers My School Spirit debit cards to support local communities, allowing customers to show support for their favorite schools. 

The bank also provides SavingsLink, a service that helps minimize overdrafts, although transfers using this feature come with a $5 fee. Opening a checking account with Gate City Bank requires an initial deposit of $25.

9. Town & Country Credit Union

Town & Country Credit Union offers various checking account options, including Perks, Progress, and Premium Checking. These accounts are tiered based on the average daily balance maintained in the account. 

Perks Checking stands out as it has no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement, even if the account balance is below $300. Town & Country Credit Union members can also qualify for courtesy pay and overdraft protection, subject to credit approval. 

The credit union provides a free debit card and online banking with bill pay. To qualify for membership, you must reside within 75 miles of Minot, ND, 50 miles of Kenmare, ND, Fargo, MD, or Moorhead, MN. 

Town & Country Credit Union has branch locations in Fargo, Kenmare, Minot, Ryder, Stanley, and West Fargo. The NCUA insures your balance at Town & Country Credit Union.

10. VISIONBank

VISIONBank is a locally-owned financial institution that was established in 2003. The bank offers various checking account options to meet various customer needs. 

Among these options are Totally Free Checking, Interest Checking (requiring direct deposit or automatic payment), 55+ Interest Checking (with a co-signer aged 55 or older), and High-Interest Checking. Each account tier provides distinct features and benefits.

In addition to checking accounts, VISIONBank offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. The bank provides free checking account options with a free debit card and online banking.

VISIONBank offers free mobile banking and bill pay through one of the best banking apps. This bank also reimburses up to four ATM fees per month.

The High-Interest Checking account requires a $1,500 minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee. However, its attractive interest rate can make it an appealing choice.  

11. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is one of the most reliable banking options in North Dakota, with branches and ATMs throughout Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.

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

With robust fraud protection and excellent online tools, Wells Fargo makes managing your finances in the Peace Garden State easy.