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Did you know that the number of bank branches dropped by over 5,500 between 2009 and 2019? That’s quite a few branches to lose in 10 years.
It’s not necessarily surprising, given how much we use online and mobile banking. Talking face-to-face with a teller is probably something you only do if you have to.
The best banks in North Dakota offer online and mobile banking, but many still invite you in to speak with a human representative. The personalized service and attention you get with these best North Dakota banks is what you come back for, even when national banks offer more.
While you can undoubtedly bank with big names like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, comparing them to local banks that can offer you more is a good idea. Plus, it’s nice to know you’re giving back to the community, especially if you open an account with a community credit union.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in North Dakota? Let’s get started!
Best Banks in North Dakota
Based on our research, these are the best banks in North Dakota:
Best Checking Accounts in North Dakota
When searching for the best checking account in North Dakota, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of it. That means keeping an eye out for low fees, great customer support, and easy access to free ATMs nearby.
And if you happen to find an account that also earns you some interest on your money, well, that's even better! So, keep these factors in mind as you explore your options and find the checking account that suits you best in North Dakota.
Here are the details on our picks for the best checking accounts this month.
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Best for liability protection
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Best for cashback rewards
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Best for APY
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Best for mobile banking
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Best for building credit
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MMG Rating:
5.0
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MMG Rating:
5.0
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MMG Rating:
4.5
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MMG Rating:
3.9
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MMG Rating:
4.5
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Monthly fee: $12
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Monthly fee: $0
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Monthly fee: $0
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Monthly fee: $0
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Monthly fee: $0
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Best Savings Accounts in North Dakota
The best savings accounts in North Dakota have high annual percentage yields (APYs), allowing your money to grow more over time. Look for accounts with competitive APYs to make the most of your savings.
Here are the details on our favorite savings accounts this month.
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Best for large balances
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No monthly fees
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Offers welcome bonus
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Ease of use
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No balance req.
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APY: 5.05%
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APY: 4.65%
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APY: 4.60%
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APY: 4.50%
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APY: 4.40%
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Minimum to Earn APY: $5,000
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Minimum to Earn APY: $100
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Minimum to Earn APY: $1
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Minimum to Earn APY: $100
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Minimum to Earn APY: $0
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: $300
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: N/A
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Best Bank Promotions in North Dakota
Bank account bonuses and promotions often offer attractive cash bonuses when you establish a new checking or savings account. If you're looking for the best bank bonuses in North Dakota, it's important to note that these bonuses are typically awarded as one-time perks.
To be eligible for such rewards, you will typically need to arrange for direct deposit with the bank and maintain the account for a minimum duration, often a few months.
Here are the details on the best bank account bonuses this month.
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Intro bonus: $300
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Intro bonus: $50-300
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Intro Bonus: $300
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Intro Bonus: $300
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(Nationwide)
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(Nationwide)
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(Nationwide)
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(Nationwide)
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- Bonus Offer: $300
- Minimum Deposit: $500
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 7/24/24
- Bonus Offer: $50-$300
- Minimum Deposit: $1,000-$5,000
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 6/30/24
- Bank Bonus: $300
- Minimum Deposit: $2,000
- Direct Deposit: No
- Expiration Date: 7/22/24
- Bonus Offer: Up to $300
- Minimum Deposit: $7,000
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 6/30/24
Checking and savings accounts are the bread and butter of most national banks. However, community and regional banks can offer additional perks, like those on our list below of the best banks in North Dakota.
1. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank was established in 1863 and is currently headquartered in Minnesota. As the fifth largest bank in the United States, U.S. Bank maintains a significant presence nationwide.
In North Dakota, it operates 17 store locations. U.S. Bank offers checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, loans, and credit cards and plenty of U.S. bank promotions.
Customers can choose from three checking account options, from basic to Platinum. While some accounts have monthly fees, they can be waived by meeting specific minimum requirements.
Savings accounts and CDs at U.S. Bank offer competitive APYs, particularly for money market accounts. The bank also offers business banking services.
U.S. Bank has three business checking accounts, Gold and Platinum — including a free option with its Silver Business Checking. You can apply for an account online, over the phone or in person at a branch (U.S. Bank has branches in 26 states).
To earn up to $800, open a U.S. Bank Business Checking account using the promo code Q2AFL24 and complete the following activities:
- Open a U.S. Bank Business Checking account online (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Deposit $5,000 to earn $400 or $25,000 to earn $800 in new money within 30 days of account opening and maintain at least that balance for 60 days after opening the account
U.S. Bank implements customer-friendly features such as a $50 overdraft limit without charges and a grace period to return the account to a positive balance before any fees are applied. Like most of the best national banks, U.S. Bank also provides online and mobile banking services.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo, established in New York City in 1852, has become the fourth-largest bank in the United States. With 16 locations in North Dakota, it offers convenient access for customers in the region.
You’ll find several available accounts at Wells Fargo, including some of the best checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and more. The bank also caters to business banking needs.
Regarding checking accounts, Wells Fargo provides four options, each requiring a minimum deposit of $25. Customers can avoid monthly fees by meeting the minimum daily balance requirements.
Wells Fargo's savings accounts offer an average APY, while their CDs are competitive in the market. Additionally, this bank provides services tailored to teenagers aged 13 to 17 through its Clear Access Banking.
However, it's important to note that Wells Fargo's fee structure can catch customers off guard. Being mindful of potential fees is crucial to avoiding unexpected charges.
FAQs
Some of the best banks and credit unions in North Dakota include Gate City Bank, Town & Country Credit Union, Capital Credit Union, First International Bank & Trust, and Dakota Community Bank & Trust. Many banks offer free checking accounts and a full suite of financial products and services.
Yes, you can have more than one checking account in North Dakota. You can have as many checking accounts as you like, but it’s up to you to keep track of them all.
Gate City Bank, Dakota Community Bank & Trust, and First International Bank & Trust offer free checking accounts. You may also be able to open a free checking account with other top banks in North Dakota, but you must meet specific requirements to waive those monthly fees.
Superior Banking in North Dakota
Many different forms of wildlife find refuge in North Dakota. With the best banks in the state, you can find refuge to help build your finances to where you want them to be.
We hope this article helps you find a superior bank in North Dakota that offers the financial products and services you need. When you can find a bank you trust, reaching your financial goals is less of a burden.
North Dakota hosts many banks, several offering free checking accounts and other banking perks. Check out the banks above to see which one offers you the best deal so you can take your finances to the next level.
Which of the best banks in North Dakota will you choose?
A free account with unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. You don't have to worry about keeping a minimum balance with Axos' Rewards Checking. As with the bank's other checking accounts, there are no monthly fees, and all fees charged by domestic ATM operators are reimbursed. Axos doesn't charge any ATM fees itself.
