First Interstate Bank Review: Flexible Accounts and Competitive CDs
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- First Interstate Bank Review: Quick Verdict
- First Interstate Bank Checking Accounts
- First Interstate Bank Savings Accounts
- First Interstate Bank CDs
- First Interstate Bank Money Market Accounts
- Banking Experience
- Comparable Options
- Is First Interstate Bank Legit and Safe?
- Pros and Cons
- Final Take to GO: Is First Interstate Bank Worth It?
Checking accounts that offer interest and additional perks.
First Interstate Bank offers a wide array of financial products. For day-to-day needs, the bank has two checking accounts that offer perks and interest on your balances. First Interstate Bank also has short-term certificates of deposit (CDs) that come with competitive rates.
If you’re searching for a First Interstate Bank review, you likely want to know whether the bank offers reliable banking services, competitive accounts and strong customer support.
First Interstate Bank is a regional financial institution operating primarily across the western United States. The bank provides checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, loans and wealth management services. While it does not have the nationwide footprint of large banks, it focuses on community-based banking and personalized service through its branch network.
Here’s how First Interstate Bank works and whether it may be a good fit for your banking needs.
First Interstate Bank Review: Quick Verdict
Feature Details Best for Customers who prefer regional banks with local branch support Account types Checking, savings, CDs, loans and wealth management Banking access Regional branches with online and mobile banking Monthly fees Vary by account; some accounts waive fees with minimum balances Ideal customer profile Individuals and businesses seeking relationship-focused banking
First Interstate Bank Checking Accounts
Checking accounts typically serve as the primary banking product for everyday transactions. Features may include:
- Debit card access
- Direct deposit
- Online bill payment
- Mobile banking tools
Checking accounts remain the most widely used banking product in the United States. According to the Federal Reserve, more than 80% of U.S. households maintain a transaction account, including checking accounts.
First Interstate Checking has four checking account options: Simple, Basic, Select and Premier Checking.
- All accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25.
- Simple Checking has a $5 service charge that cannot be waived.
- Basic Checking has a monthly service of $5 that can be waived with a minimum daily balance of $250 or a direct deposit during the statement cycle.
- Select and Premier Checking accounts earn interest.Â
- Select Checking has a per-statement cycle charge of $15. It can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500, have a daily balance of $5,000 in your combined deposit account or the account holder is at least 60 years old.
- Premier Checking has a $25 service charge that’s waivable if you maintain a $10,000 daily balance or have a $50,000 balance in combined deposit accounts.
- Annual percentage yields (APYs) range depending on account and balance but go up to .
- Select and Premier Checking to have overdraft protection, unlimited checking writing and a safety deposit box discount.
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Iowa
Loan Options
Investment Services
Open With Just $25
First Interstate Bank offers a variety of checking accounts to fit your needs, from basic options to interest-earning accounts with premium perks. Enjoy unlimited check writing, overdraft protection and waived fees when you meet minimum balance requirements.
Fees
$5 to $25 monthly
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$25
Pros
- Diverse account options
- Unlimited check writingÂ
- FDIC insured
Cons
- APYs are lower than competitors
- Balance requirement is high on some accounts to waive monthly fee
Quick Take
First Interstate Bank offers basic and simple checking accounts to meet everyday banking needs. The bank also offers Premier and Select Checking accounts for individuals with higher balances who want additional perks.
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First Interstate Bank Savings Accounts
Savings accounts allow customers to earn interest while keeping funds accessible. Interest rates at regional banks vary based on:
- Account balances
- Market interest rates
- Bank policies
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. reports that the national average savings rate remains below 1% at many traditional banks, though online banks often offer higher yields.
First Interstate Bank offers a Regular Savings account. The minimum opening deposit is $25, and you can earn up to based on your balance.
- There is a $5 service charge, but it can be waived if you keep a $200 daily balance.
- The minimum balance will be waived for those who are under 24.Â
- Account is limited to six transactions in a month. Any transactions over six will result in a $10 per transaction charge.
- The interest rates are variable.
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Iowa
Loan Options
Investment Services
Low Waivable Monthly Fee
First Interstate Bank’s Regular Savings account is ideal for everyday savers with its low $100 opening deposit and easily waived maintenance fees.
Fees
$5 monthly
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$25
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- Maintenance fee is low and can be waived easily
- Higher balances are rewarded
Cons
- APYs are lower than competitors
- Transaction limitations
Quick Take
First Interstate Bank’s Regular Savings account has an accessible entry point and a $25 deposit minimum, but some individuals may look to competitors for higher APYs.
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First Interstate Bank CDs
You can open a First Interstate Bank CD with just $1,000. Terms vary from one month to 60 months.
- APYs are between to .Â
- The minimum to open an account is typical compared to other banks.
- CD accounts are FDIC-insured.
- If you need to withdraw your funds before the end of the term, you’ll face a fee.
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Iowa
Loan Options
Investment Services
Earn Up To
First Interstate Bank CDs offer competitive rates for short-term goals. Start earning with a $1,000 deposit, backed by FDIC insurance.
Fees
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$1,000
Pros
- Varying length terms
- High APYs for short-term CDs
- Predictable returns
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit may be a barrier for some
- Limited liquidity
- Interest rate risk — if interest rates go higher, your funds remain at the lower rate
Quick Take
First Interstate Bank offers competitive APYs for short-term CDs. Some may find the minimum deposit too high and seek a lower deposit.
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First Interstate Bank Money Market Accounts
First Interstate Bank’s money market account combines easy access to your funds with the benefit of earning interest.
- The minimum to open is just $100.
- Rates are tiered and vary depending on your account balance.
- A monthly service charge of $15 unless you maintain a $1,500 daily balance.
- This account is FDIC insured.
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Iowa
Loan Options
Investment Services
Easy Fund Accessibility
First Interstate Bank’s money market account offers the flexibility of easy fund access and tiered interest rates. With a low $100 opening deposit, it’s a practical choice for savers.
Fees
$15 monthly
APY
Min Opening
$100
Pros
- Low minimum deposit
- FDIC insuredÂ
- Higher balances have the potential to have a higher APY
Cons
- Low APYsÂ
- Service charge is high if you cannot meet the minimum
- Transaction limitationsÂ
Quick Take
First Interstate Bank offers a money market account with a low bar to sign up — only a $100 minimum deposit. However, APYs are too low, and the minimum daily balance may be too high for individuals.
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Banking Experience
First Interstate Bank is a regional bank with 280 branches across Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming.
First Interstate Bank offers a complete selection of financial products, including personal banking, business banking, loans and credit cards.Â
The Better Business Bureau gives First Interstate Bank an A+. It is an accredited institution by the BBB.Â
Customer ServiceÂ
You can contact First Interstate Bank customer service at 1-855-342-3400 during the following times:
- Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT.Â
For account balance information 24/7, you can contact 1-888-752-3341.Â
You can send messages and inquiries online through your mobile banking app. On Google Play, First Interstate Bank ranked 4.5 out of 5 stars; in the Apple Store, it ranked 4.7 out of 5 stars.Â
Comparable Options
Here’s how First Interstate Bank compares to other banks.
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$5 to $25 monthly
Up to $12.00, which is waivable
$0 to $10 monthly
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$25
$25
$50 to $50,000
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
$5 monthly
No monthly service fee
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$25
$25
$25
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
Early withdrawal penalties may apply
No monthly service fee
Early withdrawal fees may apply
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$1,000
$500
$25 to $500
First Interstate Bank vs. Capital One
Capital One’s 360 Performance Savings account has a APY* with no maintenance fees. Capital One also offers fee-free checking and a robust digital platform, along with a nationwide presence.Â
First Interstate is in 12 states and doesn’t offer a savings account that matches Capital One’s rate. However, First Interstate’s checking accounts have perks, and the bank offers competitive CDs. The difference is whether you prefer a bank with a national reach versus a regional bank where you feel comfortable talking about banking needs to an officer familiar with your financial backstory.
First Interstate Bank vs. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is an online-only bank that offers competitive APYs on its financial products. The Platinum Savings account has a APY on balances over $5,000.
Those customers who prefer an online bank or don’t need to go in person to a branch will likely choose CIT Bank over FIrst Interstate because of convenience and higher APYs.
First Interstate Bank vs. Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bank and First Interstate Bank are regional banks, but each has a different focus. Western Alliance has a savings account with a APY, while First Interstate Bank’s saving APY is significantly lower. Western Alliance is also focused on commercial lending.
In contrast, First Interstate Bank’s mission centers on personal and business banking.
Is First Interstate Bank Legit and Safe?
Yes. First Interstate Bank operates as a regulated financial institution subject to federal and state banking oversight.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp protects deposits at federally insured banks. The FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category, helping safeguard customer funds.
Consumers can verify a bank’s insurance status using the FDIC’s BankFind database.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong regional branch network
- Personalized community banking approach
- Wide range of personal and business financial services
- Online and mobile banking tools
Cons
- Limited geographic footprint
- Savings rates may be lower than online banks
- Digital tools may be less advanced than large national banks
Final Take to GO: Is First Interstate Bank Worth It?
This First Interstate Bank review shows the bank can be a good option for customers who value regional banking and personalized financial service. Individuals and businesses located near First Interstate branches may benefit from relationship-driven banking and local decision-making.
However, customers seeking nationwide branch access or the highest savings rates may prefer large national banks or online financial institutions. Comparing account features, fees and interest rates can help determine whether First Interstate Bank fits your financial goals.
Before opening an account, review the bank’s fee disclosures and compare available account options to ensure the bank aligns with your financial needs.
First Interstate Bank FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about First Interstate Bank.- How much money can I withdraw from First Interstate Bank ATMs?
- Using your ATM card, you can withdraw $300 daily from a First Interstate ATM. You can withdraw $1,000 daily from a First Interstate ATM using your debit card.
- What bank owns First Interstate Bank?
- First Interstate Bank is owned by First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., a financial holding company based in Billings, Montana. First Interstate Bancorp, a separate entity based in Los Angeles, was acquired by Wells Fargo in 1996. Even though this acquisition occurred, First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. has retained the rights to the First Interstate name and logo and continues to operate independently.
- What is the minimum balance to avoid fees at First Interstate Bank?
- The minimum balance you must maintain to avoid fees depends on the account.
- For a savings account, you must have a minimum of $200 to avoid fees. You must have a minimum of $1,500 for a money market account. For a Basic Checking Account, you need a $250 minimum daily balance to avoid fees.
- Does First Interstate Bank have Zelle?
- Yes, First Interstate Bank uses Zelle as its digital platform.
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 Oct. 4, 2025, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of March 5, 2026..
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.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
*Capital One interest rates accurate as of 03/12/2026. See website for all current rates.
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