Best Banks in North Dakota
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
North Dakota’s economy is steeped with a strong agricultural presence in its rural communities. Many of the banks and credit unions are focused on banking needs that cater to the communities that they serve. Check out this guide for top options in checking, savings and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts.
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TOP NORTH DAKOTA BANKS AT A GLANCE
Bank/Institution
Savings APY
Notable Highlights
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Banks in North Dakota
Here’s a rundown of the main features, benefits and pros and cons of GOBankingRates’ picks for best banks in North Dakota.
Gold Winner: Bremer Bank
As of May 2025, Bremer Bank is now a division of Old National Bank. Currently it has locations across 10 cities in North Dakota including Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks.
The bank offers basic financial needs like checking and savings accounts, as well as business services. In addition, North Dakota derives its profit from agriculture, and Bremer Bank is known for its robust agricultural lending.
Best For
Digital Banking
Low Monthly Fees
Loan Options
Interest-Earning Checking
Business Banking
Interest-Earning Checking Accounts and Small Business Banking
Bremer Bank stands out for its regional focus and community-centered approach. The bank offers three checking accounts, one savings account and two money market accounts. Bremer Bank also offers a wide variety of CDs with a low minimum deposit of $500.
Total Branch Locations
350
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 3.6 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Checking, savings, money market, CDs, business banking
Pros
- Access to larger network
- Strong local presence
- Personal and business suite of products
Cons
- Potential integration challenges with Old National Bank
- APYs for savings are not the most competitive
- Possible changes in customer service
Why We Like Bremer Bank
Bremer Bank offers a variety of checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs. The bank also offers business banking services. Community-focused customer service is a key feature of Bremer Bank.
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Silver Winner: Gate City Bank
Gate City Bank has 45 locations across Minnesota and North Dakota. Gate City Bank is well known for its “Totally Free Checking” account that has no minimum deposit or balance requirements. The bank is considered the number one mortgage lender in the state.
Best For
Highly-Rated Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Loan Options
Investment Services
Home Loans
Fee-Free Checking Accounts and Rewards for Using Your Debit Card
Gate City Bank has four checking accounts — many offering no minimum deposit and balance requirements. The bank also refunds ATM fees nationwide.
Total Branch Locations
Over 40
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.8 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Checking, savings, loans, business accounts
Pros
- Fee-free checking
- Diverse loan products
- Community focused
Cons
- Reports that app has customer service issues
- Less competitive rates for savings accounts
- Limited geographic presence
Why We Like Gate City Bank
Gate City Bank has a “Totally Free Checking” account and competitive rates on CDs. The bank also offers a generous refund policy on ATM charges.
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Bronze Winner: U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is the fifth largest bank in the United States with over 2,000 branches in 26 states. The bank has a robust financial suite of personal and business products and services — from checking and savings accounts to wealth management.
Best For
Investment Management
Personal Loans
Corporate and Commercial Banking
Home Loans
National Banks
$25 Minimum Deposit for Checking Accounts
U.S. Bank provides services for everyday banking and specialty services like loans, investments and commercial banking. The U.S. Bank app is user friendly and there are approximately 2,200 ATMs across 26 states.
Total Branch Locations
Over 2,200
Mobile App Rating
4.8 on the Apple App Store and 4.7 on Google Play
Other Products Offered
Everyday banking, investment management, corporate and commercial banking, home, vehicle and personal loans
Pros
- Diverse product offerings
- Extensive branch and ATM network
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Low interest rates on savings accounts
- Monthly maintenance fees
- High overdraft fees
Why We Like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a wide range of banking products, including checking, savings, loans and investment services, making it a one-stop solution for financial needs. It has an extensive branch and ATM network and a user-friendly app.
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Best Banks
Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Money Market Accounts
Research Methodology
To discover the Best Banks by state, GOBankingRates analyzed the top institutions (excluding online banks and neobanks) by state branch locations. To determine rankings, GOBankingRates looked at the following factors: (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) checking product minimum deposit; (3) monthly checking fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); (4) savings product minimum deposit; (5) savings product APY; (6) Bauer rating (out of 5 stars); (7) products/services offered (auto loans, mortgage loans, credit cards, investment services and insurance); and (8) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1), (2) and (4) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (5) was weighed 2.5 times and factor (7) was weighed 1.5 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 8, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Aug. 22, 2025.
To qualify as one of the Best Banks in the state, the institution needed at least five branch locations in the respective state, with some exceptions for larger and/or smaller states.
How To Choose the Right Bank in North Dakota
There are several factors to consider when selecting the right bank or credit union in North Dakota. To choose the best fit, start by considering what’s important to you.
- Local vs. national banks: What’s most important to you — regional or national access? Find out where locations are across the country and whether they are readily accessible.
- Digital banking availability: If you want to access your account 24/7 and would like to conduct your transactions online, determine whether the bank mobile app or platform works for you.
- Branch and ATM access: Do you need access to ATMs to withdraw cash or conduct transactions? Or are you in need of in-person service? Branch access may be an important factor for you.
- Fee structures and waivers: If you have trouble keeping up with minimum balances, then look at which banks don’t require minimums. If they have minimums, determine if you can meet the waiver requirements.
- Community involvement: Is your North Dakota bank giving back to the community? You can find out by looking at the website to see the way your financial institution is supporting regional and national charities.
Conclusion
The best North Dakota banks offer something for everyone, whether you value high APYs, strong branch networks or advanced digital tools. Think about which features matter most to your life, then explore the options above to find a bank that aligns with your financial goals.
FAQs About Banking in North Dakota
Here’s more information to help you find the best North Dakota bank for your needs.- What is the best bank for high-yield savings in North Dakota?
- From GOBankingRates' top picks in North Dakota, Gate City Bank has the best rates for savings accounts.
- Which banks have the most ATMs in North Dakota?
- Town and Country Credit Union and Capital Credit Union have a strong network of ATMs.
- Are there any banks in North Dakota with no monthly fees?
- Gate City Bank has a Totally Free Checking account that has no minimum deposit or balance requirements.
More Resources for Banking
Best Banks
Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
CD Account Rates
Money Market Accounts
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