Native American-owned banks make up the smallest category of minority depository institutions (MDI) in the United States. Even if you include all of the currently active Native American-owned credit unions, they are still less numerous than financial institutions owned by African Americans, Asian Americans, or Hispanic Americans.

Many Native American-owned financial institutions are the result of tribes and tribal members building their own banks and credit unions to serve the needs of their local communities. As such, these institutions provide a critical lifeline to traditionally underbanked Native American communities.

Key Takeaways

• Native American-owned banks are the smallest category of minority institutions in the U.S.
• There are 20 Native-owned banks with more than 51% of their voting stock owned by Native American or Native Alaskan individuals, as recognized by the FDIC.
• There are also 11 credit unions whose membership is majority Native American, Native Alaskan, or Native Hawaiian.
• These minority depository institutions provide essential services to people living in financial deserts.
• Oklahoma is the largest state for Native-owned banks, with nine separate institutions.

What Is a Minority Depository Institution?

There are currently 4,645 commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in the United States.

A financial institution is only considered an MDI by the FDIC if it is a federally “…insured depository institution for which (1) 51 percent or more of the voting stock is owned by minority individuals; or (2) a majority of the board of directors are a minority, and the community that the institution serves is predominantly minority. Ownership must be by U.S. citizens or permanent legal U.S. residents to be counted in determining minority ownership.” The Federal Reserve (Fed) expanded this definition in 2021 to include women-owned financial institutions.

Of the 20 Native American or Native Alaskan American-owned banks, all fall into the first category. There are also 11 Native American-owned credit unions. Some of these banks and credit unions are also categorized as community development financial institutions.

In order to provide the most complete picture of Native American financial institutions, this article covers the Native American-owned and -managed credit unions that serve the Native American community. The article uses the term “Native American-owned” in this broad sense, recognizing that stockholders own for-profit banks and member-owned credit unions.

Why Native American-Owned Banks Are Important

A good bank can provide vital financial services, such as checking and savings accounts, loans for individuals and businesses, mortgages, and credit cards. Unfortunately, Native Americans living on or near tribal reservations often have a much harder time accessing the services that many take for granted.

According to a 2017 report from the University of Arizona’s Native Nations Institute, the average distance from the center of a tribal reservation was approximately 12.2 miles to the nearest bank and 6.9 miles to the nearest automated teller machine (ATM). In the most extreme cases, banks and ATMs could be as far as 88.41 and 61.63 miles, respectively. Additionally, online banking isn’t a reliable solution to this issue, as tribal land residents have comparatively little access to broadband.

To make matters worse, research shows that individuals who grow up in these “financial deserts” have credit scores that are seven to 10 points lower than average. They also have 2% to 4% higher delinquency rates and are 20% less likely to have a credit report. The first point is particularly detrimental, having an effect similar to a $6,000 reduction in annual income.

These circumstances could negatively impact anyone’s financial health and have almost certainly contributed to the fact that one in four Native Americans lives in poverty and has a lower annual median income than other racial groups. However, with the help of these Native American-owned financial institutions, the creditworthiness of people on tribal territory is steadily improving.

Native American-Owned Financial Institutions Breakdown

Of the 20 Native American-owned banks, half are based primarily in Oklahoma. Below is a list of all the Native American-owned banks and credit unions in the United States.

Alaska

Tongass Federal Credit Union

Originally founded in 1963, Tongass Federal Credit Union is the product of a group of teachers and public workers whose financial needs weren’t being met by local banks. Membership is available to anyone living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Alaska’s Southeast Economic Region or Gulf Coast Economic Region.

• State: Alaska
• Assets: $220.1 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (checking, savings, and money market) accounts, personal (auto, mortgage, etc.) and business (real estate, lines of credit, etc.) loans, and business services (debit cards, merchant services, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Haines Branch (Haines, Alaska), Hoonah Microsite (Hoonah, Alaska), Hydaburg Microsite (Hydaburg, Alaska), Kake Microsite (Kake, Alaska), Main Branch (Ketchikan, Alaska), Klawock Branch (Klawock, Alaska), Metlakatla Branch (Metlakatla, Alaska), Thorne Bay Microsite (Thorne Bay, Alaska), and Wrangell Branch (Wrangell, Alaska), in addition to any branches in the CO-OP network.
• ATMs: Hoonah Microsite (Hoonah, Alaska), Hydaburg School (Hydaburg, Alaska), Kake Tribal Fuel (Kake, Alaska), Gilmore Hotel (Ketchikan, Alaska), Ketchikan High School (Ketchikan, Alaska), Ketchikan Rec Center (Ketchikan, Alaska), Lighthouse Grocery & Liquor (Ketchikan, Alaska), Loan Center (Ketchikan, Alaska), Main Branch (Ketchikan, Alaska), South Tongass (Ketchikan, Alaska), Tongass Trading (Ketchikan, Alaska), Black Bear Gas Station (Klawock, Alaska), Klawock Mall (Klawock, Alaska), The Log Cabin (Klawock, Alaska), Bingo Hall (Metlakatla, Alaska), Leask Mini Market (Metlakatla, Alaska), Metlakatla High School (Metlakatla, Alaska), Milton Street Branch (Metlakatla, Alaska), Thorne Bay Market (Thorne Bay, Alaska), and Stikine Inn (Wrangell, Alaska).

Arizona

First American Credit Union

First American Credit Union was originally founded as Navajo Land Credit Union in 1962. Membership in the credit union is available to anyone for an initial deposit of $25 in addition to a $10 nonrefundable membership fee. It is the only Native American-owned credit union to operate in more than one state.

• States: Arizona and New Mexico
• Assets: $109.6 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (checking, credit cards, etc.) banking, personal loans, and additional services (direct deposit, wire transfers, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Casa Grande Branch (Casa Grande, Arizona), Sells Branch (Sells, Arizona), and Tse Bonito Branch (Gallup, New Mexico), in addition to any branches in the CO-OP Network
• ATMs: Casa Grande Branch (Casa Grande, Arizona), Between Arizona @ Work and Food City (Casa Grande, Arizona), Sells Branch (Sells, Arizona), and Tse Bonito Branch (Tse Bonito, New Mexico), in addition to any ATMs in the Allpoint and CO-OP networks

Colorado

Native American Bank

In 2001, 20 Tribal nations and Alaska Native Corporations established Native American Bank, N.A. Today, it remains the only “national American Indian-owned community development bank” in the United States, as well as the only Native American-owned bank to operate in more than one state. Its holding company, Native American Bancorp., promotes economic development in financially underserved areas.

• States: Colorado and Montana
• Assets: $223.1 million
• Services: Personal accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, credit cards, and account management services (merchant services, lockbox services, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Blackfeet Nation Branch (Browning, Montana) and Corporate Office (Denver, Colorado)
• ATMs: Blackfeet Nation Branch (Browning, Montana) and Corporate Office (Denver, Colorado), in addition to any ATMs in the MoneyPass network

Hawaii

Hawaii First Federal Credit Union

In 1956, a group of 36 paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and farmers worked together to organize a federally chartered Kamuela Community FCU, which later became the Hawaii First Federal Credit Union.

Membership is available to residents of Hawaii in addition to anyone who regularly works, attends school, worships, performs volunteer services, or participates in associations; participates in programs to alleviate poverty or distress; maintains a facility; incorporated and unincorporated organizations; and the families of eligible people.

• State: Hawaii
• Assets: $38 million
• Services: Savings and investments accounts (IRA, share, etc.), checking accounts, loans (auto, construction, etc.), and a TruStage Insurance Program
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Hilo Main Branch (Hilo, Hawaii), Hilo Community Resource Center (Hilo, Hawaii), and Kamuela Main Branch (Kamuela, Hawaii)
• ATMs: Any ATMs within the First Hawaiian Bank network

Local Union 1186 IBEW Federal Credit Union

Local Union 1186 IBEW was founded in 1956 as part of the Hawaii branch of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which was itself chartered in 1940.

• State: Hawaii
• Assets: $14.4 million
• Services: Savings, checking, loans (signature, auto, etc.), and ATM cards
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar
• Branch: Main Office (Honolulu, Hawaii)
• ATMs: Any ATMs in the First Hawaiian Bank, as well as the Kalabash and CO-OP networks

Molokai Community Federal Credit Union

In 1951, nine individuals submitted an application to establish Molokai Community Federal Credit Union, which was approved less than a month later. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school on Molokai in addition to businesses and other legal entities located there, people retired as pensioners or annuitants from the above employment, the credit union’s employees, members of their immediate family or household (including spouses of people who died while within the field of membership), and organizations of such people.

• State: Hawaii
• Assets: $35.7 million
• Services: Accounts (share draft, IRA, etc.), loans (auto, signature, etc.), debt protection and TruStage insurance plans, and other services (wire transfers, money orders, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: First Hawaiian Homes Branch (Hoolehua, Hawaii) and Main Branch (Kaunakakai, Hawaii)
• ATMs: Any ATMs in the American Savings Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, or “participating” CO-OP networks

Native Hawaiians are sometimes categorized as Pacific Islanders in government statistics.

Iowa

Pinnacle Bank

Originally chartered as Tama State Bank in 1927, the charter was later moved to a new main office in Marshalltown in 1996. Iowa River Bancorp would then purchase Pinnacle Bank in 2009.

• State: Iowa
• Assets: $312.4 million
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and business (checking, savings, etc.) banking, personal (signature, auto/recreational vehicle, and mortgage) and business/agriculture loans, and Tribal Solutions trust and investment services
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Marshalltown Office (Marshalltown, Iowa) and Toledo Office (Toledo, Iowa)
• ATMs: Marshalltown Office (Marshalltown, Iowa) and Toledo Office (Toledo, Iowa), in addition to any ATMs in the SHAZAM Privileged Status network

Minnesota

Woodlands National Bank

Woodlands National Bank has been serving Minnesota for around 100 years. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe owns Woodlands National Bank as part of an economic diversification program.

• State: Minnesota
• Assets: $329.2 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings) and business (checking, cash management services, etc.) banking, as well as personal (vehicle, refinance, etc.) and small business loans
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Cloquet Branch (Cloquet, Minnesota), Grand Market Branch (Onamia, Minnesota), Hinckley Branch (Hinckley, Minnesota), Minneapolis Branch (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Onamia Branch (Onamia, Minnesota), Sturgeon Lake Branch (Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota), and Zimmerman Branch (Zimmerman, Minnesota)
• ATMs: N/A

Unlike banks, credit unions are owned by their members.

Missouri

People’s Bank of Seneca

People’s Bank of Seneca was originally founded in 1996. The institution regularly works alongside the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, its current majority shareholder, and numerous other sponsors to give back to the local community.

• State: Missouri
• Assets: $412.4 million
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and commercial (checking, savings, etc.) banking, as well as personal (consumer, home, and mortgage) and commercial lending
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: 32nd Street Mortgage Office (Joplin, Missouri), Joplin 20th Street Branch (Joplin, Missouri), Loma Linda Branch (Joplin, Missouri), Maiden Lane Branch (Joplin, Missouri), and Seneca Branch (Seneca, Missouri)
• ATMs: Any ATMs in the TransFund network

Mississippi

Choctaw Federal Credit Union

Choctaw Federal Credit Union has been open since 1976. Anyone living, working, or worshipping in the Choctaw area, as well as their immediate family members, may join the institution.

• State: Mississippi
• Assets: $3.2 million
• Services: Accounts (savings, share draft checking, and Club Accounts), loans (auto, signature, etc.), and other services (direct deposit, payroll deduction, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Main Office (Choctaw, Mississippi)
• ATMs: N/A

Montana

Eagle Bank

Eagle Bank is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and is the result of nearly two decades of research and development into the feasibility and potential for a tribally owned financial institution. Additionally, it’s the only bank whose holding company is organized under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

• State: Montana
• Assets: $125.5 million
• Services: Personal and business banking (checking, savings, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Main Office (Polson, Montana)
• ATMs: Evaro Grey Wolf Casino (Missoula, Montana), Pablo CSKT Tribal Complex (Pablo, Montana), Pablo Quicksilver Express (Pablo, Montana), Pablo S&K College Bookstore (Pablo, Montana), Polson Branch (Polson, Montana), Polson KwaTaqNuk Resort (Polson, Montana), and St. Ignatius (St. Ignatius, Montana)

Wolf Point Federal Credit Union

Wolf Point Federal Credit Union received its federal charter in 1963. Membership is limited to those who meet the following criteria: membership in Farmers Union Lumber Co. and The Farmers Union Oil Co. of Wolf Point, Montana, and owning at least one $25 share of stock; anyone who made purchases in the amount of at least $50 from one of the above cooperatives in the past 12 months and accumulated patronage refunds toward the purchase of a share of stock; employees of the above cooperatives working in Wolf Point, members of their immediate families (including spouses of people who died while within the field of membership), people retired from the above employment, and organizations of such people

• State: Montana
• Assets: $21.2 million
• Services: Savings (share, IRAs, etc.), share draft checking, loans (consumer, share secured, and vehicle), debit cards, and direct deposits
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branch: Main Office (Wolf Point, Montana)
• ATMs: Main Office (Wolf Point, Montana) and Horseshoe Bar (Oswego, Montana)

New Mexico

Four Corners Federal Credit Union

First chartered as Navajo Mine Federal Credit Union in 1965, the organization’s name was changed to Four Corners Federal Credit Union as part of a contest in 1994. The credit union is available to all residents of San Juan County, N.M.

• State: New Mexico
• Assets: $17.6 million
• Services: Accounts (CDs, IRAs, etc.) and loans (auto, signature, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branch: Home Office (Kirtland, New Mexico)
• ATMs: N/A

New York

Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union

Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union was first open for business in 2015. Membership is available to anyone who completes an application, has at least $5 to open a share account, and provides a Seneca Nation ID (for enrolled Senecas) or government-issued photo ID.

• State: New York
• Assets: $7.5 million
• Services: Checking (share draft and business draft), savings (share savings, share certificates, and money market), club accounts, VISA debit card, direct deposit, and loans (auto, personal, and share secured)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Irving Office (Irving, New York) and Salamanca Branch (Salamanca, New York)
• ATMs: Irving Office (Irving, New York), in addition to any ATMs in the Allpoint network

North Carolina

Lumbee Guaranty Bank

Lumbee Bank was both incorporated and opened its doors for the first time in 1971. Six years later, Larry Ray Chavis became—and continues to serve as—the bank’s president. By 1991, “Guaranty” was added to the name as a reflection of its growth and success.

• State: North Carolina
• Assets: $478.3 million
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and business (checking, savings, etc.) banking, loans (mortgage, lines of credit, etc.), and other services (safe deposit boxes, wire transfers, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Fairmont Office (Fairmont, North Carolina), Hay Street Office (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Lake Rim Office (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Hope Mills Office (Hope Mills, North Carolina), Fayetteville Road Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), Pine Street Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), West 5th Street Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), Maxton Office (Maxton, North Carolina), Main Office (Pembroke, North Carolina), University Plaza Branch (Pembroke, North Carolina), Raeford Office (Raeford, North Carolina), Red Springs Office (Red Springs, North Carolina), Rowland Office (Rowland, North Carolina), and St. Pauls Office (St. Pauls, North Carolina)
• ATMs: Fairmont Office (Fairmont, North Carolina), Hay Street Office (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Lake Rim Office (Fayetteville, North Carolina), Hope Mills Office (Hope Mills, North Carolina), Fayetteville Road Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), Pine Street Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), West 5th Street Branch (Lumberton, North Carolina), Maxton Office (Maxton, North Carolina), Main Office (Pembroke, North Carolina), University Plaza Branch (Pembroke, North Carolina), Raeford Office (Raeford, North Carolina), Red Springs Office (Red Springs, North Carolina), Rowland Office (Rowland, North Carolina), and St. Pauls Office (St. Pauls, North Carolina)

North Dakota

Turtle Mountain State Bank

First opening its doors in 2007, Turtle Mountain State Bank is the first privately owned Native American bank on a federally recognized Indian Reservation. The institution also has a local scholarship program and supports youth activities as well as multiple other community projects.

• State: North Dakota
• Assets: $163.3 million
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and business (checking, checking, etc.) banking, as well as consumer (CD & savings secured, checking reserve, etc.) and business (real estate, lines of credit, etc.) loans
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branch: Main Branch (Belcourt, North Dakota)
• ATMs: La Dots Convenience Store (Belcourt, North Dakota), La Dots Lounge (Belcourt, North Dakota), Jollies Mall (Belcourt, North Dakota), Turtle Mountain Community College (Belcourt, North Dakota), Turtle Mountain Community High School (Belcourt, North Dakota), Horseman’s Bar (Belcourt, North Dakota), Cenex (Rolla, North Dakota), Leevers Foods (Rolla, North Dakota), and Square Deal Store (St. John, North Dakota)

Oklahoma

AllNations Bank

Originally chartered as First National Bank of Calumet in 1901, the financial institution adopted its current name when it became a state-chartered bank in 2004. AllNations Bank is owned by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, one of three federally recognized Shawnee groups in Oklahoma. AllNations is the smallest Native American-owned bank in terms of total assets.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $50.3 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (commercial checking, merchant services, etc.) banking
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Calumet Branch (Calumet, Oklahoma) and Shawnee Branch (Shawnee, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: Calumet (Calumet, Oklahoma) and Shawnee (Shawnee, Oklahoma), in addition to any ATMs in the TransFund network

Local Bank

Local Bank, previously known as Bank of Cherokee County, was founded by several prominent members of the Cherokee Nation in 1907—the same year when the Oklahoma Territory and the Indian Territory united into a single state.

In 1996, the bank was acquired by a different group of Cherokee Nation members, led by Gary D. Chapman. His daughter, Susan Chapman Plumb, is the current chief executive officer (CEO), majority shareholder, and chairperson. The only bank in Hulbert, Oklahoma, Local Bank invests 95% of the deposits that it receives back into Cherokee County.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $319.2 million
• Services: Personal and business banking (deposits, loans, etc.), in addition to insurance (offered through partner Grandview Insurance)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Main Office and Bank (Hulbert, Oklahoma), Park Hill Branch (Tahlequah, Oklahoma), and Tahlequah Branch (Tahlequah, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: Any ATM in the Pulse network

Carson Community Bank

Bank of Commerce was founded by CJ Carson nearly a century ago, with his descendants continuing to own and operate the financial institution in the years since. Later, Bank of Commerce was merged with Peoples Bank, creating the modern Carson Community Bank.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $159.6 million
• Services: Banking accounts (checking, business, and interest-bearing), loans, credit cards, and safe deposit boxes
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: West Siloam Facility (Colcord, Oklahoma), Keys Facility (Park Hill, Oklahoma), Main Branch — Stilwell (Stilwell, Oklahoma), and Main Branch — Westville (Westville, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: Cookson (Cookson, Oklahoma), West Siloam Springs Branch (Colcord, Oklahoma), Keys Branch (Park Hill, Oklahoma), OK Station (Park Hill, Oklahoma), Murphy (Stilwell, Oklahoma), North (Stilwell, Oklahoma) Stilwell Branch (Stilwell, Oklahoma), Cherokee County Courthouse (Tahlequah, Oklahoma), Quick Stop (Westville, Oklahoma), and Westville Branch (Westville, Oklahoma), in addition to any ATMs in the Allpoint network

Chickasaw Community Bank

Bill Anoatubby, who is the governor of the Chickasaw Nation, had the vision of founding a tribally owned bank in the Oklahoma City metro area, which culminated in the establishment of Chickasaw Community Bank in 2002.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Chickasaw Banc Holding Co., the financial institution is rated as a five-star Bank by Bauer Financial and has been placed in the top 15% of all U.S. banks by Seifried & Brew LLC.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $493.5 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (checking and savings) banking, personal (consumer, home, etc.) and business (real estate, equipment, etc.) loans, and insurance
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Main Office (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: N/A

F&M Bank

F&M Bank has been owned and operated by the Anderson family across three generations, with the second and third generations active employees of the financial institution. F&M Bank is the second-largest Native American-owned bank by assets.

• States: Oklahoma
• Assets: $685.1 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (checking, merchant card services, etc.) banking, personal (mortgage, auto, etc.) and business (small business, agriculture, commercial/commercial real estate) loans, personal and business credit cards, and account and business services
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Crescent Branch (Crescent, Oklahoma), Rose Creek Branch (Edmond, Oklahoma), Waterloo Branch (Edmond, Oklahoma), East Guthrie Branch (Guthrie, Oklahoma), South Guthrie Branch (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Kingfisher Branch (Kingfisher, Oklahoma), Piedmont Branch (Piedmont, Oklahoma), and Surrey Hills Branch (Yukon, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: Crescent Branch (Crescent, Oklahoma), Rose Creek Branch (Edmond, Oklahoma), Waterloo Branch (Edmond, Oklahoma), East Guthrie Branch (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Guthrie Travel Center (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Lakeview (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Petty’s Pit Stop #1 (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Riverside Express Mart (Guthrie, Oklahoma), South Guthrie Branch (Guthrie, Oklahoma), Kingfisher Branch (Kingfisher, Oklahoma), City Stop (Piedmont, Oklahoma), Piedmont Branch (Piedmont, Oklahoma), and Surrey Hills Branch (Yukon, Oklahoma)

First National Bank & Trust Co.

Following the approval of the charter for First Oklahoma Bank, N.A., on June 30, 1983, the bank first opened its doors on Oct. 29 the next year. The Citizen Potawatomi Tribe would later purchase the bank in 1989. Finally, by 1995, the bank’s name had been changed to the more familiar First National Bank & Trust Co.

• States: Oklahoma
• Assets: $987.2 million
• Services: Personal (checking, savings, etc.) and business (checking, CDs, etc.) banking, in addition to loans (mortgage, line of credit, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Canute Office (Canute, Oklahoma), Edmond — LPO Office (Edmond, Oklahoma), Granite Office (Granite, Oklahoma), Holdenville Office (Holdenville, Oklahoma), Lawton — Quanah Parker Office (Lawton, Oklahoma), Lawton — Sheridan Office (Lawton, Oklahoma), Mangum Office (Mangum, Oklahoma), Midwest City Office (Midwest City, Oklahoma), Oklahoma City Office (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), and Shawnee Home Office (Shawnee, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: N/A

FirstBank

Originally chartered as Antlers National Bank in 1901, the bank’s name was changed to First National Bank in 1935. During that same year, depositors were often given stock in lieu of their money due to the Great Depression, the majority of which stock was spread throughout the local community. From 1992 to 2002, the Burrage family acquired all of the bank’s outstanding shares, which resulted in the nationally chartered First National Bank becoming the state-chartered FirstBank.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $590.41 million
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and business (checking, savings, etc.) banking, personal (home, auto, etc.) and business (commercial/business, equipment financing, etc.) loans, and selling assets (residential/commercial, auto, and recreational)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Antlers Branch (Antlers, Oklahoma), Atoka Branch (Atoka, Oklahoma), Broken Bow Branch (Broken Bow, Oklahoma), Hochatown Branch (Broken Bow, Oklahoma), Coalgate Branch (Coalgate, Oklahoma), Hugo Branch (Hugo, Oklahoma), Idabel Branch (Idabel, Oklahoma), Kiowa Branch (Kiowa, Oklahoma), and Wright City Branch (Wright City, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: Antlers Branch (Antlers, Oklahoma), Atoka Branch (Atoka, Oklahoma), Broken Bow Branch (Broken Bow, Oklahoma), Hochatown Branch (Broken Bow, Oklahoma), Coalgate Branch (Coalgate, Oklahoma), Hugo Branch (Hugo, Oklahoma), Idabel Branch (Idabel, Oklahoma), Kiowa Branch (Kiowa, Oklahoma), Rattan ATM (Rattan, Oklahoma), and Wright City Branch (Wright City, Oklahoma)

Gateway First Bank

Founded by Kevin Stitt in 2000, Gateway Mortgage Group became Gateway First Bank after merging with a 100-year-old community bank in 2019. This marked the first time in history that a mortgage company transformed itself into a bank.

A year prior to the merger, Gateway Mortgage Group announced its plan to invest $275 million of financing in underrepresented communities, low- to moderate-income communities, and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) that support community development through 2022 as part of its Gateway Gives Back program. It is also the largest Native American-owned bank in terms of total assets.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $2.07 billion
• Services: Personal (checking, CDs, etc.) and business (checking and business lending) banking
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Cherokee Branch (Cherokee, Oklahoma), Helena Branch (Helena, Oklahoma), Headquarters (Jenks, Oklahoma), Nash Branch (Nash, Oklahoma), Tonkawa Branch (Tonkawa, Oklahoma), and Wakita Branch (Wakita, Oklahoma)
• ATMs: N/A

The Pauls Valley National Bank

Founded in 1905, the Pauls Valley National Bank was acquired several years later by R.H. Grimmet. The bank remained within the Grimmet family for the next five generations, becoming a fixture in the Pauls Valley community. As the bank grew, it acquired additional branches and expanded to the towns of Elmore City and Davis.

• State: Oklahoma
• Assets: $307.7 million
• Services: Checking, savings, and retirement accounts; personal and business loans
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Paul's Valley, Elmore City, and Davis, Oklahoma
• ATMs: Pauls Valley, Elmore City, and Davis, Oklahoma

South Dakota

Lakota Federal Credit Union

Lakota Federal Credit Union was established in 2012 by multiple community leaders to provide banking services to the Oglala Lakota Oyate people. It was the first financial institution in the Pine Ridge Reservation since 1935.

Upon opening a $5 share deposit, membership will be available to those living, working, worshipping, volunteering, or attending school on the Pine Ridge Reservation (as well as their family members) and organizations located within Pine Ridge Reservation boundaries or organized to serve Pine Ridge Reservation residents. However, the organization does accept non-member deposits.

• State: South Dakota
• Assets: $11.5 million
• Services: Savings, checking, loans (auto, lines of credit, etc.), and other services (wire transfers, money orders, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branch: Main Office (Kyle, South Dakota)
• ATM: Cowboy Corner (Interior, South Dakota)

Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union

Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union has been active since 1979. The organization sponsors members of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe (living within the boundaries of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Reservation), as well as employees of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and school systems serving the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe.

• State: South Dakota
• Assets: $5.3 million
• Services: Loans (auto, secured, etc.), savings (CDs, direct deposits, etc.), and additional services (wire transfers, money orders, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branch: Main Office (Agency Village, South Dakota)
• ATMs: N/A

Texas

The First State Bank

The First State Bank originally opened for business on May 7, 1956, with $100,000 in initial capital. Over four months later, the “Friendliest Bank Anywhere” had made its first million in assets.

• State: Texas
• Assets: $87 million
• Services: Personal and business banking (checking, savings, etc.), as well as other services (wire transfers, safe deposit boxes, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Angleton Branch (Angleton, Texas), Bay City Branch (Bay City, Texas), Blessing Branch (Blessing, Texas), El Campo Branch (El Campo, Texas), El Campo Mortgage Loan Production Office (El Campo, Texas), Ganado Branch (Ganado, Texas), Louise Branch (Louise, Texas), Refugio Branch (Refugio, Texas), Sweeny Branch (Sweeny, Texas), Sugar Land Loan Production Office (Sugar Land, Texas), Victoria Branch (Victoria, Texas), Wharton Branch (Wharton, Texas), and Woodsboro Branch (Woodsboro, Texas)
• ATMs: Angleton Branch (Angleton, Texas), Bay City Branch (Bay City, Texas), El Campo Branch (El Campo, Texas), Ganado Branch (Ganado, Texas), Refugio Branch (Refugio, Texas), Sweeny Branch (Sweeny, Texas), Victoria Branch (Victoria, Texas), and Woodsboro Branch (Woodsboro, Texas)

Wisconsin

Bay Bank

Bay Bank was founded by the Oneida Nation alongside five local businessmen in 1995, with the former group becoming the sole owner five years later. Currently, it’s the only bank in Wisconsin’s Greater Green Bay area that offers the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program.

• State: Wisconsin
• Assets: $221.1 million
• Services: Personal (checking, IRAs, etc.) and business (checking, savings, etc.) banking, in addition to loans (mortgages, real estate, etc.)
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar and online
• Branches: Packerland (Green Bay, Wisconsin), West Mason (Green Bay, Wisconsin), and Keshena (Keshena, Wisconsin)
• ATMs/ITMs: Oneida One Stop E & EE (De Pere, Wisconsin), Bay Bank-Packerland (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Bay Bank-Mason Street (Green Bay, Wisconsin), El Dorado Liquor (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Four Paths (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Kress Center (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Mi Pueblo (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Oneida One Stop Larsen (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Oneida One Stop West Wind (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Radisson Hotel & Conference Center (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Skenandoah (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Wingate (Green Bay, Wisconsin), Bay Bank-Keshena (Keshena, Wisconsin), Anna John Nursing Home (Oneida, Wisconsin), Oneida Health Center (Oneida, Wisconsin), Oneida One Stop 54 (Oneida, Wisconsin), Norbert Hill Center (Oneida, Wisconsin), Thornberry @ Oneida (Oneida, Wisconsin), White Eagle Bar & Grill LLC (Oneida, Wisconsin), and Old 29 Café LLC (Pulaski, Wisconsin)

Lac Courte Oreilles Federal Credit Union

Lac Courte Oreilles Federal Credit Union was first opened for business in 2001. Membership is restricted to Lac Courte Oreilles tribal members and employees at a Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Entity.

• State: Wisconsin
• Assets: $2.5 million
• Services: Share draft checking and loans
• Availability: Brick-and-mortar
• Branch: Main Office (Hayward, Wisconsin)
• ATMs: N/A

What Is the Oldest Native American Bank?

The oldest Native-American-owned bank around today appears to be AllNations Bank, although it was not chartered until 2004. It was founded as the First National Bank of Calumet in 1901, and is owned by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.

What Is the Biggest Native American Bank?

Gateway First Bank is the largest Native-owned bank in terms of total assets, with $2.1 billion in deposits and assets, and works with individuals and Native American businesses.

How Many Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) Are There?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation recognizes 146 minority depository institutions. These are banks or savings and loan associations where a majority of stock is owned by members of minority ethnic groups, or where an ethnic minority comprises the majority of the bank's board of directors and customer base.

Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

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8. University of Arizona, Native Nations Institute. “Access to Capital and Credit in Native Communities: A Data Review,” Page 8.

9. U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs. "Expanding Broadband Access."

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14. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “TFCU Membership.”

15. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Branch, ATM and CO-OP Locations.”

16. Credit Unions Online. “Tongass Federal Credit Union.”

17. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Personal Accounts.”

18. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Business & Non-profit Accounts.”

19. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Personal Loans & Mortgages.”

20. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Business Loans.”

21. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Business & Non-profit Services.”

22. Tongass Federal Credit Union. “Sign In.”

23. First American Credit Union. “About First American.”

24. First American Credit Union. “Become a Member.”

25. First American Credit Union. “Locations & ATMs.”

26. Credit Unions Online. “First American Credit Union.”

27. First American Credit Union. “Compare Our Accounts.”

28. First American Credit Union. “Business Checking.”

29. First American Credit Union. “Personal/Lifestyle Loans.”

30. First American Credit Union. “Additional Services.”

31. First American Credit Union. “Activate Home Banking.”

32. First American Credit Union. “Nationwide Shared Branches.”

33. First American Credit Union. “Nationwide Free ATMs.”

34. Native American Bank. “About Us.”

35. Native American Bank. “Contact.”

36. Native American Bank. “Products and Services.”

37. Native American Bank. “Account Management Services.”

38. Native American Bank. “Login to Online eBanking.”

39. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “About Us.”

40. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “Membership.”

41. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “Contact Us.”

42. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “Savings and Investments.”

43. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “Checking.”

44. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “©TruStage Insurance.”

45. Hawaii First Federal Credit Union. “User Logon.”

46. Hawaii Electricians. “Federal Credit Union.”

47. Credit Unions Online. “Local Union 1186 IBEW Federal Credit Union.”

48. Local 1186 Hawaii. “About.”

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50. Molokai Community Federal Credit Union. “About Us.”

51. Molokai Community Federal Credit Union. “Contact Us.”

52. Credit Unions Online. “Molokai Community Federal Credit Union.”

53. Molokai Community Federal Credit Union. “Products.”

54. Pinnacle Bank. “About Us.”

55. Pinnacle Bank. “Locations, Hours & ATMs: Branch.”

56. Pinnacle Bank. “Personal Banking.”

57. Pinnacle Bank. “Business Deposit Accounts.”

58. Pinnacle Bank. “Personal Loans.”

59. Pinnacle Bank. “Business/AG Loans.”

60. Pinnacle Bank. “Tribal Solutions.”

61. Pinnacle Bank. “Registration.”

62. Woodlands National Bank. “About Woodlands National Bank.”

63. Woodlands National Bank. “Onamia (Main Street).”

64. Woodlands National Bank. “Business Services.”

65. Woodlands National Bank. “Your Lending Options.”

66. Woodlands National Bank. “Small Business Loans.”

67. Woodlands National Bank. “Log In.”

68. Woodlands National Bank. “Cloquet.”

69. Woodlands National Bank. “Hinckley.”

70. Woodlands National Bank. “Minneapolis.”

71. Woodlands National Bank. “Onamia (Grand Market).”

72. Woodlands National Bank. “Sturgeon Lake.”

73. Woodlands National Bank. “Zimmerman.”

74. People’s Bank of Seneca. “About Us.”

75. People’s Bank of Seneca. “People’s Bank Locations.”

76. People’s Bank of Seneca. “Checking Accounts.”

77. People’s Bank of Seneca. “Commercial Banking.”

78. People’s Bank of Seneca. “Online Banking.”

79. Credit Unions Online. “Choctaw Federal Credit Union.”

80. Choctaw Federal Credit Union. “Contact.”

81. Credit Unions Online. “Choctaw Federal Credit Union: Financial Information.”

82. Choctaw Federal Credit Union. “Accounts.”

83. Choctaw Federal Credit Union. “Choctaw Online.”

84. Eagle Bank. “About Us.”

85. Eagle Bank. “Locations & Hours.”

86. Eagle Bank. “Other Services.”

87. Eagle Bank. “Other Business Services.”

88. Wolf Point Federal Credit Union. “About Us.”

89. Wolf Point Federal Credit Union. “Contact Us.”

90. Credit Unions Online. “Wolf Point Federal Credit Union.”

91. Wolf Point Federal Credit Union. “Home Page.”

92. Wolf Point Federal Credit Union. “Online Enrollment — Getting Started.”

93. Wolf Point Federal Credit Union. “Fees.”

94. Four Corners Federal Credit Union. “About Us.”

95. Four Corners Federal Credit Union. “Locations & Hours.”

96. Credit Unions Online. “Four Corners Federal Credit Union.”

97. Four Corners Federal Credit Union. “Accounts.”

98. Four Corners Federal Credit Union. “Loans.”

99. Four Corners Federal Credit Union. “Sign Up for Home Banking.”

100. Credit Unions Online. “Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union.”

101. Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union. “Membership Eligibility.”

102. Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union. “About Us.”

103. Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union. “Products and Services.”

104. Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union. “Checking & Savings.”

105. Seneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union. “Loans.”

106. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Our History.”

107. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Hours, Locations & ATMs.”

108. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Personal Banking.”

109. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Business Banking.”

110. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Loans.”

111. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Other Services.”

112. Lumbee Guaranty Bank. “Online Banking.”

113. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “History.”

114. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Locations.”

115. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Personal Banking.”

116. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Business Banking.”

117. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Consumer Loans.”

118. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Business Loans.”

119. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “Online Banking.”

120. Turtle Mountain State Bank. “ATM Locations.”

121. AllNations Bank. “Our History.”

122. Oklahoma Historical Society. “Shawnee Tribe (Loyal Shawnee).”

123. AllNations Bank. “Locations & Hours.”

124. AllNations Bank. “Personal.”

125. AllNations Bank. “Business.”

126. AllNations Bank. “Online Banking Features.”

127. Bank of Cherokee County. “Our Story.”

128. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City via Internet Archive. “Meet the Directors: Susan Chapman Plumb.”

129. Bank of Cherokee County. “Locations.”

130. Bank of Cherokee County. “Other Services.”

131. Grandview Insurance. “Ensuring Your Trust.”

132. Bank of Cherokee County. “Online & Mobile.”

133. Carson Community Bank. “Frequently Asked Questions.”

134. Carson Community Bank. “About Us.”

135. Carson Community Bank. “Find a Location Near You.”

136. Carson Community Bank. “Services & Fees.”

137. Carson Community Bank. “Online Banking.”

138. The Chickasaw Nation. “Office of the Governor.”

139. Chickasaw Community Bank. “About Us: Who We Are.”

140. Chickasaw Community Bank. “About Us: Contact Us.”

141. Chickasaw Community Bank. “Personal Banking.”

142. Chickasaw Community Bank. “Commercial Banking.”

143. Chickasaw Community Bank Insurance Agency. “Coverage Comes in All Sizes.”

144. F&M Bank. “About F&M Bank.”

145. F&M Bank. “Locations & Hours.”

146. F&M Bank. “Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).”

147. F&M Bank. “Business Services.”

148. F&M Bank. “Account Services.”

149. F&M Bank. “Digital Banking.”

150. F&M Bank. “Surcharge-Free ATM Locations.”

151. First National Bank & Trust Co. “About Us.”

152. First National Bank & Trust Co. “Locations & Hours.”

153. First National Bank & Trust Co. “Home Page.”

154. First National Bank & Trust Co. “Personal Online Services.”

155. FirstBank. “Our History.”

156. FirstBank. “Locations & Hours.”

157. FirstBank. “Home Page.”

158. FirstBank. “Online Banking.”

159. Gateway First Bank. “About,” scroll down to “Our Legacy.”

160. Gateway First Bank via Internet Archive. “Modern Communities Deserve Modern Banking Solutions.”

161. Gateway First Bank. “Locations & ATMs.”

162. Gateway First Bank. “Home Page.”

163. Gateway First Bank via Internet Archive. “Online & Mobile Banking.”

164. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “About LFCU.”

165. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “Becoming a Member.”

166. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “Non-member Deposits.”

167. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “Contact.”

168. Credit Unions Online. “Lakota Federal Credit Union.”

169. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “Our Products & Services.”

170. Lakota Federal Credit Union. “New Benefits for Members.”

171. Credit Unions Online. “Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union.”

172. Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union. “Home Page.”

173. Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union. “Sign In.”

174. The First State Bank. “Our History.”

175. The First State Bank. “Hours & Locations.”

176. The First State Bank. “Personal Banking.”

177. The First State Bank. “Business Banking.”

178. The First State Bank. “Internet & Mobile.”

179. Bay Bank. “About Us.”

180. Bay Bank. “Locations and Hours.”

181. Bay Bank. “Other Services.”

182. Bay Bank. “Online Banking.”

183. Credit Unions Online. “Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Federal Credit Union.”

184. Lac Courte Oreilles Federal Credit Union. “Home Page.”

185. Credit Unions Online. “Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Federal Credit Union: Financial Information.”

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