Did you know that less than half of American adults have enough emergency savings in their bank accounts to cover three months’ worth of expenses? Would you have enough savings in your accounts to float you along for a few months?
If that question sparked a bit of fear in you, don’t panic. Our list of the best banks in Montana can help you keep your finances on track and your money where it belongs.
Among our list of the best banks in Montana are a few you’ve probably heard of or seen. Take a minute to investigate what kinds of accounts these banks offer and how they can help you achieve your financial goals.
The best banks are those that make managing your money easy. When you don’t have to stress about finances, you can focus on more important goals in your life.
Are you ready to learn more about the best banks in Montana? Let’s get started!
Best Banks in Montana
Based on our thorough analysis, these are the best banks in Montana of 2023.
Best Checking Accounts in Montanta
When searching for the best checking account in Montana, 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 Montana.
Here are the details on our favorite checking accounts this month.
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Best for liability protection
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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:
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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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Best Savings Accounts in Montana
The best savings accounts in Montana 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: 4.70%
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APY: 4.35%
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APY: 4.50%
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APY: 4.50%
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APY: 4.30%
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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: $325
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Bonus: N/A
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Bonus: N/A
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Best Bank Promotions in Montana
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 Montana, 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 our favorite bank account bonuses this month.
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Best for checking
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Best for savings
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Best for business
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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: 1/22/25
- Bonus Offer: $325
- Minimum Deposit: $1,000-$5,000
- Direct Deposit: Yes
- Expiration Date: 12/31/24
- Bank Bonus: $300
- Minimum Deposit: $2,000
- Direct Deposit: No
- Expiration Date: 1/16/25
Unlike the largest banks in the U.S., these Montana banks offer personalized service and a more intimate experience. Which of the best banks below will you choose?
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
FAQ
You can open as many bank accounts as you’d like in Montana. However, most people only open a few so that they can keep track of them.
Some of Montana's best banks and credit unions include Opportunity Bank of Montana, First Interstate Bank, Glacier Bank, and Valley Credit Union. Missoula Credit Union, Mountain West Bank, and Helena Community Credit Union are among the best in the state as well.
First Interstate Bank, Stockman Bank, Valley Bank of Helena, and Farmers State Bank offer free checking accounts. Other banks in Montana may offer free checking accounts if you meet specific criteria each month.
Saving Green in the Great Wide Open
Plant the seeds of a brighter future with banks in the Treasure State. Here, you’ll find much more beneath the surface than the crops that serve many families.
We hope this article helps you find the best banks in Montana, including a few you can leverage to achieve your financial goals. You might even open a few accounts to jumpstart your finances.
The best banks in any state offer products and services that make our lives better. See how the best banks in Montana can guide you in managing your money to make tomorrow a better time.
Which of the best banks in Montana will you bank with?
