10 Best Banks in South Dakota for 2025

9 min read

South Dakota isn’t just about wide-open prairies and national parks—it’s also home to a diverse range of banking options. Whether you live in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or one of the many smaller towns across the state, having access to a bank that fits your lifestyle is key.

From community banks to online banking platforms, South Dakota offers plenty of choices. If you want low fees, strong customer service, or competitive interest rates, there’s likely a bank here that checks all the boxes.

Welcome to South Dakota

10 Best Banks in South Dakota

To help you narrow it down, we’ve reviewed the best banks in South Dakota based on fees, features, accessibility, and account options.

1. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank is a top pick for South Dakotans who want both convenience and full-service banking.

With multiple branches across the state and a strong national presence, it’s a go-to option for those who value accessibility and a wide range of financial products.

U.S. Bank is currently welcoming new applicants with a special offering:

  • Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
  • Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through May 6, 2025. Member FDIC.
  • Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.

The account includes a free debit card that can be locked or unlocked if ever misplaced or stolen. There are no ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs and no surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass® Network ATMs.

The checking account requires a $25 opening deposit and a $6.95 monthly fee. This fee can be waived for those 24 and under, 65 and over, or military members (must self-disclose).

Additionally, the fee can be waived with monthly deposits of $1,000+, an average balance of $1,500+, or holding an eligible U.S. Bank credit card. Qualifying for any Smart Rewards® tier (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle) also waives the fee.

2. SoFi

SoFi has gained popularity in South Dakota for its high-yield online banking.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% on checking balances, all with no monthly fees.

New customers can earn a $50 to $300 bonus based on their initial deposit.

SoFi also offers early direct deposit, which can get your paycheck up to two days sooner.

You’ll also get up to $50 in no-fee overdraft coverage with qualifying activity.

With FDIC insurance up to $2 million and access to more than 55,000 Allpoint® ATMs, SoFi combines strong rates with nationwide convenience.

3. Minnwest Bank

Minnwest Bank is a family-owned community bank with over 30 locations, including branches in Madison, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Watertown.

Known for strong customer service, it offers a full suite of personal and business banking products.

Checking accounts start with a $100 opening deposit, and some offer interest up to 0.50% APY. Monthly fees are either low or can be waived.

Minnwest also offers savings accounts, CDs, HSAs, IRAs, mortgages, and auto loans.

For businesses, Minnwest provides SBA loans, lines of credit, equipment leasing, payroll services, and commercial insurance.

With local support and comprehensive services, it’s a dependable choice among South Dakota banks.

4. Current

Current is a fintech that offers an easy-to-use online banking platform, especially appealing for those with poor or limited credit history.

It doesn’t use ChexSystems and doesn’t run a credit check, making it easier to get approved.

With the Current debit card, you can build credit by using your own money—no borrowing required.

The account also includes perks like fee-free overdraft protection up to $100, early direct deposit, and access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.

If you’re saving, Current offers a high-yield savings option with 4.00% APY on balances up to $6,000. Your money is FDIC-insured through partner banks, making it a secure and accessible choice for modern banking.

5. Dacotah Bank

Dacotah Bank is a state-chartered bank headquartered in Aberdeen, with 23 branches across 18 cities in South Dakota.

You’ll find locations in Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and more.

The bank offers a wide range of personal banking services, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, loans, and money market accounts.

Customers can also take advantage of online and mobile banking tools. For businesses, Dacotah Bank provides SBA loans, cash management, payroll services, and commercial insurance.

It also serves the agricultural community with farm loans, insurance products, and ranch management services, making it a versatile choice for both personal and business banking needs.

6. First Dakota National Bank

First Dakota National Bank (FDNB) has served South Dakota since 1872.

It now operates 18 locations across the state, with branches in cities like Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, and Yankton.

FDNB offers a full suite of financial services, including personal banking, business accounts, agricultural loans, investment services, and trust management.

Checking options range from the no-fee FREE Checking account to the interest-bearing ClassicChoice account, which waives fees with a $1,000 balance.

The FirstPartners Checking account offers added benefits but requires a combined $25,000 balance to avoid fees, while the FirstChoice account is designed for students and comes with no monthly charges.

The bank also partners with Raymond James Financial Services to offer investment support, making it a well-rounded option for both everyday banking and long-term financial planning.

7. First Interstate Bank

Having recently expanded its reach through the acquisition of Great Western Bank, First Interstate Bank is a community-oriented institution headquartered in Billings, Montana.

In South Dakota, the bank has a robust presence with 46 branches scattered across the state, including locations in the top five populated cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, and Watertown.

First Interstate Bank offers a comprehensive range of deposit options, such as checking, savings, and CDs.

For those looking to manage their wealth more comprehensively, the bank’s wealth management team can assist with everything from short-term investments to IRAs.

Additionally, experts at the bank are available for trust and estate planning, as well as tax-related concerns.

8. Wells Fargo

Established in 1852 and now a national banking giant, Wells Fargo boasts an extensive network of over 4,700 branches, 30 of which are in South Dakota.

This makes it the bank with the second-largest footprint in the state, just behind First Interstate Bank.

If you’re in the market for a personal checking account, Wells Fargo offers four different options, each requiring just a $25 minimum deposit to get started.

The bank also has two savings account types, which come with monthly service fees that can be waived if you meet minimum balance criteria or opt for digital statements.

Wells Fargo isn’t just about personal banking; they also offer a wide array of other products, like credit cards, various types of loans, and business checking accounts.

With the convenience of the Wells Fargo mobile app, managing your finances becomes an easy task, allowing you to do everything from checking your account balance to tracking your investments.

9. First National Bank of Sioux Falls

With a strong local presence, First National Bank of Sioux Falls has built a strong reputation by providing various financial services tailored to the community.

Offering everything from personal checking and savings accounts to mortgages, this bank serves as a one-stop-shop for all your banking needs.

Not limited to personal finance, First National Bank of Sioux Falls also has a strong suite of business services, as well as specialized offerings for the agribusiness sector.

This wide range of services positions the bank as a versatile financial institution, ready to meet the unique needs of South Dakota residents and business owners alike.

Whether you’re looking to manage your personal wealth or need specialized financial services for your business or agribusiness, First National Bank of Sioux Falls is equipped to assist.

10. First Bank & Trust

Founded in 1880 and headquartered in Brookings, First Bank & Trust is a small-town bank with a big heart, boasting 15 branches across South Dakota and seven more in Minnesota.

Known for its customer-centric approach, the bank offers four distinct checking accounts, two of which don’t require a minimum balance or opening deposit, making it accessible for everyone.

First Bank & Trust doesn’t stop at checking accounts; it also offers three types of savings accounts, catering to various age groups, from teens to younger children.

Whether you’re interested in mortgages, credit cards, HSAs, or home loans, this bank has you covered. Additional offerings like CDs and estate planning services make First Bank & Trust a comprehensive financial institution.

To top it off, First Bank & Trust also provides modern amenities such as a Mobile Wallet and identity theft protection, ensuring both convenience and security for its customers.

How to Choose the Best Bank in South Dakota

Finding the right bank depends on how you manage money, what services matter most, and how much access you want to in-person branches or digital tools. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you compare the best banks in South Dakota.

  • Location and access: Even if you use mobile banking, it’s still helpful to have a branch or ATM nearby. Look for banks with locations close to home, work, or school—and make sure their hours work for your schedule.
  • Account options and fees: Compare checking, savings, and CD options to make sure the bank offers what you need. Watch out for monthly maintenance fees, ATM charges, or overdraft fees, and see if there are easy ways to avoid them.
  • Interest rates: Not all banks offer strong returns. Check the APY on savings accounts, money markets, and CDs, especially if growing your balance is a priority.
  • Mobile and online features: A good app makes it easy to deposit checks, pay bills, and transfer money. Look for banks with reliable digital tools and responsive customer support.
  • Other services: If you’re also in the market for a credit card, auto loan, or small business account, check that your bank offers competitive rates and a full range of services under one roof.

Taking the time to evaluate these factors can help you choose a bank that supports your day-to-day banking and long-term financial goals.

Final Thoughts

The best banks in South Dakota combine convenience, low fees, and the services you actually use—whether that’s mobile check deposit, strong CD rates, or friendly help at a nearby branch. The right fit depends on how you bank and what matters most to you.

Take the time to compare options based on your daily habits and future plans. Whether you prefer a community-focused bank or a digital-first platform, there’s a solid choice out there to help you manage your money with confidence.

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Dawn Allcot
Meet the author

Dawn is a personal finance writer with extensive experience in finance, technology, real estate, and small business. She specializes in making complex financial topics easy to understand.