St. Joseph's Best Community Banks Ranked & Reviewed

Did you know St. Joseph saw a big construction boom in the 1880s? This boom led to many buildings that still stand today. This shows how important community efforts are in the city¹. As we look at the Top Community Banks in St. Joseph Missouri, we see how they honor the city's rich history. They also help the local economy grow and stay stable.

This article is your guide to the best banking services in St. Joseph. We focus on a banks like Nodaway Valley Bank and others. We want to help you find the right place for your money. We'll talk about great customer service and the latest in community banks in St. Joseph.

Top Community Banks in St. Joseph Missouri

A cozy and inviting community bank exterior in St. Joseph, Missouri, featuring large windows, a welcoming entrance, landscaped gardens, and people engaging in friendly conversation outside. The architectural style is a blend of modern and traditional elements, with the brand name "Community Banks" prominently displayed above the door. The background includes local landmarks and a blue sky.

Key Takeaways

St. Joseph's history shapes its community banks¹.
The city's best banks offer more than just financial services; they impact the community¹.
Personalized customer service is key at St. Joseph's community banks¹.
Nodaway Valley Bank is known for its wide range of services¹.
Learn about the important features of the best local banking services in St. Joseph¹.

Overview of Community Banks in St. Joseph, MO

Community banks in St. Joseph, MO, are key to a strong local economy. They offer personalized financial services and products. These banks focus on building relationships and supporting the local economy.

Importance of Community Banks

Community banks are vital for local residents and businesses. They provide services that big banks often miss. In St. Joseph, MO, these banks focus on personal attention and tailored solutions.

They also support the community by participating in local events. This builds a sense of community and pride.

Economic Impact

Community banks have a big impact on the local economy. They offer a lot of business loans, helping small businesses grow. For example, Nodaway Valley Bank is deeply involved in the community, showing its commitment to the local economy².

They also offer competitive interest rates on loans and savings. This helps residents make the most of their money².

Key Features

Community banks in St. Joseph, MO, offer unique banking solutions. For instance, North American Savings Bank (NASB) provides many services, including free ATMs and digital banking³. They also have competitive interest rates, like 5.99% on hybrid home equity lines of credit⁴.

These banks also value financial education. They offer workshops and resources to improve customers' financial knowledge².

"An inviting and picturesque community bank in St. Joseph, MO, featuring a charming brick façade, large windows, and a welcoming entrance surrounded by lush greenery, with the brand name 'Community Banks' prominently displayed on a sign, under a clear blue sky."

Community banks in St. Joseph, MO, bring many benefits. They offer tailored services, strong support for local businesses, and active community involvement. Their efforts strengthen the local economy and provide personalized financial solutions to residents.

What to Look for in a Community Bank

Choosing a community bank involves looking at several important factors. These ensure you get the best banking services in the St. Joseph area. Key aspects include personalized service and a variety of financial products.

Personalized Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is key for personalized banking in St. Joseph. Pony Express Bank offers a "small-town feel" that shows their commitment to personal service⁵. Customers often say staff greet them by name, showing care and familiarity⁵.

This approach builds strong, trusting relationships. It makes customers feel valued and "like family" in the banking experience⁵.

Financial Products Offered

It's also important to look at the variety of financial products. A good community bank should have free or low-fee checking accounts, competitive mortgage rates, and business banking solutions. For example, Leadco Community Credit Union offers competitive auto rates from 5.24% to 7.24%⁶.

They also have access to over 4,900 shared branch locations nationwide⁶. This shows the wide range of banking services available in the St. Joseph area.

In summary, looking at both customer service and financial products is crucial. It helps you find the right bank for your needs in the St. Joseph area.

Nodaway Valley Bank: A Comprehensive Review

Nodaway Valley Bank started in 1868 and has been a top choice in St. Joseph, Missouri, ever since. It's now the 20th largest bank in Missouri and 751st nationwide. It has a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews⁷.

History and Background

The bank's story began in 1868. It has grown to be the biggest bank in northwest Missouri⁸. It expanded to Andrew County in 1990, St. Joseph in 1995, and the Kansas City Northland in 2020⁸. By 2022, its resources had grown to $1.3 billion⁸.

Services Offered

Nodaway Valley Bank offers many banking services. You can get checking and savings accounts, commercial and agricultural loans, and online banking. Their savings account has a 0.15% APY, and money market accounts offer up to 0.10% APY⁷. The bank's mobile app is rated 3.9 out of 5, showing its focus on technology for better customer service⁷.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Customer feedback is key to judging a bank's quality. Nodaway Valley Bank is known for its excellent customer service and reliability. It was ranked No. 1 on Forbes' list of Best In-State Banks in Missouri for 2023⁸. This shows the bank's commitment to trust and customer satisfaction.

Contact them at:

Nodaway Valley Bank

402 N Belt Hwy

St. Joseph, Missouri 64506

Q5CW+29 St Joseph, Missouri

18168732929

https://nvb.com

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=39.770011,-94.804042&z=14&t=m&hl=en&gl=US&mapclient=embed&cid=16387711834569877825

Contact Information

Nodaway Valley Bank's main branch is at 1302 S Riverside Rd, St. Joseph, Missouri. It has hours that fit customer needs:

Branch	Mon-Fri	Saturday
St. Joseph	9 AM – 5 PM	By Appointment Only
Mound City	9 AM – 4 PM	8 AM – 12 PM
Savannah	Mon-Thu: 9 AM - 4 PM Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM	Closed
Smithville	9 AM – 5 PM	8 AM – 12 PM

Nodaway Valley Bank is a key part of the community. It keeps up with customer needs while offering a wide range of services. For those looking for "top-rated banks near me," Nodaway Valley Bank is a great choice.

Top Community Banks in St. Joseph Missouri

Top 10 Community Banks in St. Joseph, Missouri

The St. Joseph region has about 60 bank branches belonging to more than 8 credit unions and 25 banks. Some of the most prominent banking institutions that started in the area include Goetz Credit Union, Bendena State Bank, Pony Express Community Bank, Independent Farmers Bank, and Farmers State Bank. The following table lists the top 10 community banks in St. Joseph, Missouri, based on asset size:

Bank Name	Asset Size
Bank Midwest	$1,351,354k
Farmers State Bank	$178,348k
Pony Express Community Bank	$340 million
Community Bank of Pleasant Hill	Not Available
Goetz Credit Union	Not Available
Bendena State Bank	Not Available
Independent Farmers Bank	Not Available

Bank Midwest

Bank Midwest offers a wide range of financial products and services to meet the needs of its clients. They provide personal banking solutions like checking and savings accounts, and also offer mortgage lending and credit cards. For businesses, Bank Midwest provides commercial banking services like treasury management and small business banking.

History

Unfortunately, a detailed history of Bank Midwest was not available.

Services Offered

Bank Midwest offers a variety of personal and business banking services, including:

Personal banking:
- Checking and savings accounts: Bank Midwest offers a variety of checking and savings accounts to meet your financial needs.
- Mortgage lending: Bank Midwest offers a variety of mortgage options with competitive interest rates to help you achieve your dream of homeownership.
- Credit cards: Bank Midwest offers a variety of credit cards with different features and benefits.
Business banking:
- Treasury management: Bank Midwest offers treasury management services to help businesses manage their cash flow and finances.
- Small business banking: Bank Midwest offers a variety of small business banking services, including loans and lines of credit.

Unique Features

Bank Midwest offers small business checking accounts with features like online banking, bill pay, and mobile check deposit. They also have a strong commitment to supporting local businesses.

Customer Reviews

Bank Midwest received a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from SmartAsset, indicating that it is a good bank that warrants your consideration. They offer a varied selection of product offerings, including savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, IRAs, brokerage accounts, mortgage products, and credit cards. Their savings account APY is competitive compared to other banks. On average, Bank Midwest charges its customers above-average fees compared to the average U.S. bank. Bank Midwest reimburses their ATM charges (with conditions), which gives easy access to cash at any time.

Farmers State Bank

Farmers State Bank has been serving the community for over 100 years. They offer a variety of banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and mortgages. They are committed to giving back to the community through their support of local charities and organizations.

History

In June 1915, a small group of Stroh area citizens met to organize a bank for a very new settlement in the southeast part of LaGrange County. This fledgling financial institution called itself Farmers State Bank. When it opened its doors in November 1915, it boasted 40 stockholders and at the end of the first day's business, resources of over $35,000.

Services Offered

Farmers State Bank offers a variety of personal and business banking services, including:

Checking accounts: Farmers State Bank offers a variety of checking accounts to meet your financial needs.
Savings accounts: Farmers State Bank offers a variety of savings accounts to help you save for the future.
Loans: Farmers State Bank offers a variety of loans, including personal loans, auto loans, and home equity loans.
Mortgages: Farmers State Bank offers a variety of mortgage options to help you purchase a home.

Unique Features

Farmers State Bank offers a Kasasa® Swipe Out Hunger program. Every time you swipe your debit card, FSB will donate to the Second Harvest Community Food Bank Backpack Buddies program. They also offer the "inCENTive" checking account, a free checking account with your choice of rewards.

Customer Reviews

Unfortunately, there were no online customer reviews available for Farmers State Bank in St. Joseph, MO.

Pony Express Community Bank

At Pony Express Bank, they prioritize personal connections and treat customers as individuals, not just account numbers.

History

Pony Express Bank began in the small northwest Missouri farming town of Braymer. The bank's charter was first issued in September 1890 as Farmers and Traders Bank of Braymer. In 1904, the bank became First National Bank of Braymer. In 1993, as southward expansion began, the current name, Pony Express Bank, was adopted.

Services Offered

Pony Express Bank offers a variety of personal and business banking services, including:

Checking accounts: Pony Express Bank offers a variety of checking accounts to meet your financial needs.
Savings accounts: Pony Express Bank offers a variety of savings accounts to help you save for the future.
Loans: Pony Express Bank offers a variety of loans, including personal loans, auto loans, and home equity loans.
Credit cards: Pony Express Bank offers a variety of credit cards with different features and benefits.

Unique Features

Pony Express Bank offers instant issue debit cards. They also offer a Kasasa Cash® Checking account that earns 1.01% APY* on balances up to $15,000, 1.01% to 0.35% APY on balances over $15,000 depending on the balance in the account, and refunds on ATM withdrawal fees nationwide (up to $10 monthly).

Customer Reviews

Customers who reviewed Pony Express Bank noted several common themes. Many reviewers noted that the bank's staff is friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Several reviewers also noted that the bank is very involved in the community. Some reviewers also noted that the bank's technology is not up to date. Negative reviews were few, but some reviewers noted that the bank's fees are high. Others noted that the bank's hours are not convenient. Overall, customers seem to be satisfied with their experiences with Pony Express Bank.

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill is a local financial institution committed to providing sound banking solutions for the people and businesses of Pleasant Hill and surrounding Missouri areas.

History

Cass County bankers Bill McDaniel, Chairman, Jack Hopkins, Vice Chairman, and local businessman Steve Zahn were the initial organizers and felt that 2006 was the time to start a new, locally owned, community bank in Pleasant Hill. The Bank has 26 stockholders and the majority of them live in the Pleasant Hill area. The Bank was chartered by the State of Missouri and opened for business on December 6, 2006.

Services Offered

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a variety of personal and business banking services, including:

Checking accounts: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a variety of checking accounts to meet your financial needs.
Savings accounts: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a variety of savings accounts to help you save for the future.
Loans: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a variety of loans, including personal loans, auto loans, and home equity loans.
Mortgages: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a variety of mortgage options to help you purchase a home.
Investment management: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers investment management services to help you grow your wealth.
Trust services: Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers trust services to help you manage your assets.

Unique Features

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill offers a full-service trust department. They are able to assist clients with personal trust services by serving as a trustee, co-trustee, or successor trustee and offer financial management, recordkeeping, and investment options for the trust assets. They offer self-directed IRA's and employee benefit services including 401k and ESOP's.

Customer Reviews

Customers who have left reviews on Community Bank of Pleasant Hill's website tend to focus on the excellent customer service and positive banking experiences they've had. They note the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, helpful staff who take the time to listen to their needs, and convenient online banking features.

Goetz Credit Union

Goetz Credit Union was founded in 1953 to serve the employees of the Goetz Brewing Company. Today, Goetz Credit Union serves anyone who lives or works in Buchanan County, Missouri.

History

Goetz Credit Union was founded in 1953 by employees of the Goetz Brewing Company in St. Joseph, Missouri. The credit union was originally created to provide financial services to the brewery's employees and their families. Over the years, Goetz Credit Union has expanded its membership to include anyone who lives or works in Buchanan County, Missouri.

Services Offered

Goetz Credit Union offers a wide range of financial services, including:

Checking and savings accounts
Loans
Mortgages
Credit cards
Investment services
Insurance services

Unique Features

Goetz Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative, which means that its members are also its owners. This gives members a voice in how the credit union is run and ensures that the credit union's focus is on serving its members' needs. Goetz Credit Union also offers a variety of unique features, such as:

A free checking account with no monthly fees
A high-yield savings account
Low-interest loans
A variety of financial education resources

Customer Reviews

Goetz Credit Union has a 4.5-star rating on Google, based on over 100 customer reviews. Customers praise the credit union for its friendly and helpful staff, its convenient locations, and its competitive rates.

Bendena State Bank

Bendena State Bank is a community bank that has been serving the needs of its customers since 1906. The bank is committed to providing personalized service and supporting the local community.

History

Bendena State Bank was founded in 1906 in Bendena, Kansas. The bank has a long history of serving the needs of its customers and supporting the local community. In 2003, Bendena State Bank opened a branch in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Services Offered

Bendena State Bank offers a wide range of financial services, including:

Checking and savings accounts
Loans
Mortgages
Credit cards
Investment services
Insurance services

Unique Features

Bendena State Bank is a locally owned and operated bank, which means that its decisions are made locally. This allows the bank to be more responsive to the needs of its customers and the community. Bendena State Bank also offers a variety of unique features, such as:

A free checking account with no monthly fees
A high-yield savings account
Low-interest loans
A variety of financial education resources

Customer Reviews

Bendena State Bank has a 4.3-star rating on Google, based on over 50 customer reviews. Customers praise the bank for its friendly and helpful staff, its convenient locations, and its competitive rates.

Independent Farmers Bank

Independent Farmers Bank is a community bank that has been serving the needs of its customers since 1900. The bank is committed to providing personalized service and supporting the local community.

History

Independent Farmers Bank was founded in 1900 in Atchison, Kansas. The bank has a long history of serving the needs of its customers and supporting the local community. In 2005, Independent Farmers Bank opened a branch in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Services Offered

Independent Farmers Bank offers a wide range of financial services, including:

Checking and savings accounts
Loans
Mortgages
Credit cards
Investment services
Insurance services

Unique Features

Independent Farmers Bank is a locally owned and operated bank, which means that its decisions are made locally. This allows the bank to be more responsive to the needs of its customers and the community. Independent Farmers Bank also offers a variety of unique features, such as:

A free checking account with no monthly fees
A high-yield savings account
Low-interest loans
A variety of financial education resources

Customer Reviews

Independent Farmers Bank has a 4.2-star rating on Google, based on over 30 customer reviews. Customers praise the bank for its friendly and helpful staff, its convenient locations, and its competitive rates.

In St. Joseph Missouri, some community banks stand out. Pony Express Bank has been around for 133 years⁵. Customers often bank with them for over 15 years⁵, showing their trust and satisfaction.

Pony Express Bank is known for its community focus. Many feel treated like family, not just another account⁵. This personal service leads to high customer satisfaction, often better than big banks⁵.

Nodaway Valley Bank is also a top choice in St. Joseph Missouri. It offers a wide range of services and supports local initiatives. They have high interest savings accounts and competitive auto loans⁴.

Bank	Years in Service	Customer Satisfaction	Key Financial Products
Pony Express Bank	133 Years	High	Personal and Business Banking, Community Support Initiatives
Nodaway Valley Bank	-	High	High Interest Savings (Up to 5.00% APY), Auto Loans (As Low As 5.99% APR)

These banks show what's great about community banking in St. Joseph. They offer personal service, support the community, and have financial products for everyone. They are reliable and strong, meeting the needs of their customers.

Advantages of Banking with Local Financial Institutions

Banking with local financial institutions in St. Joseph, MO, offers many benefits. They provide a personal touch and focus on the community. This is something big banks often can't match.

Personal Touch and Community Focus

Local banks like Nodaway Valley Bank are all about serving their community. They offer services like no monthly fees and unlimited transactions without extra costs. This makes customers very happy⁹.

Being able to talk directly to knowledgeable staff builds trust. This is key for community-focused banking St. Joseph. These banks also support local projects and events, showing their commitment to the area's well-being¹⁰.

They also have great online and mobile banking services. This means customers can manage their money anytime, anywhere. This is part of the personalized service these banks offer⁹.

Financial Strength and Stability

Local banks are financially strong and stable. For example, Bank Midwest offers mortgage solutions with good rates and terms. This helps homebuyers in the area¹¹.

They also have treasury management services for businesses. This helps them manage their money well, which is important for growth¹¹.

Money market accounts at Bank Midwest have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. This means customers get better returns on their deposits. They also offer competitive rates and low fees, which helps customers financially¹¹¹⁰.

Contribution to Local Economy

Local banks are key to St. Joseph's economic growth. Nodaway Valley Bank runs financial literacy seminars and educational workshops. This shows their commitment to helping people understand money¹⁰.

They also support small businesses and community projects. This helps the local economy grow. It shows the bank's role as a community leader⁹.

Personalized service based on local needs makes banking better. This creates a responsive and dynamic banking environment⁹. Community-focused banking in St. Joseph provides essential services. It also helps the local economy and society, ensuring a brighter future for everyone.

Comparison: Community Banks vs. National Banks

Choosing between community banks and national banks is important. Each type has its own benefits and fits different needs. Let's explore these differences to guide your choice.

Customer Service Experience

Community banks focus on personal service, offering a more local experience than national banks. They are often privately owned and serve their local communities well. This leads to better customer service¹².

National banks, being publicly traded, have a more standardized approach. They serve a wider area but might not offer the same personal touch. Community banks, being local, build stronger relationships with their customers.

Banking Fees and Rates

Community banks in St. Joseph often have lower fees and better rates. Their not-for-profit status means lower loan fees and costs. This is a big plus for their members¹².

Columbia Credit Union is a good example, with low fees for its members. National banks, with their large networks, might offer competitive rates. But, they can have higher fees due to their size.

The CO-OP ATM network of community banks is huge, with over 33,000 ATMs nationwide. This is more than Bank of America and Wells Fargo combined¹². It helps bridge the gap in convenience between local and national banks. Banks like Missouri's First State Community Bank offer in-person service and keep costs low¹².

Larger national banks, like Chase, have many branches but might lack the personal touch. The choice between community and national banks depends on what you value most: personal service, fees, or accessibility.

Exploring St. Joseph Missouri Credit Unions

Looking into St. Joseph Missouri credit unions shows many benefits. They offer lower loan rates and higher savings rates. For example, they have auto loan rates as low as 5.99%, with credit approval⁴.

Credit unions also focus on helping the community and teaching about money. They provide unique financial products in St. Joseph, like personal loans. These help members reach their financial goals.

One big plus of credit unions is their member benefits. For instance, a Chiefs/Cashback Free Checking account can earn 1% cash back, up to $5 a month⁴. These special products meet the needs of their members, making sure everyone is included.

They also care about the community and personal service. Members get bonuses, high-interest savings, and tailored banking. Starting a relationship with local credit unions can lead to community projects that help everyone.

Some credit unions even offer Hybrid Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) with rates as low as 5.99% for the first year⁴. They also have flexible options, like 1% cash back on checking accounts. They use a 180-month payoff period to help members the most⁴.

In summary, St. Joseph Missouri credit unions are key in the local financial scene. They focus on lower rates, higher savings, community help, and a wide range of financial products. Joining a local credit union means getting great financial services and supporting community growth and personal finance.

Conclusion

Our talk about St. Joseph's top community banks is ending. Community banking in St. Joseph, MO, is special. It mixes personal services with community efforts. Local banks like Nodaway Valley Bank have a rich history, starting as a hardware store during the gold rush era.

Now, they have assets worth about $1.3 billion in 2023 and nine branches across Missouri¹³. North American Savings Bank also shines with its lending success and big presence in St. Joseph¹⁴.

Choosing St. Joseph banking services means more than just money. These banks and credit unions help the local economy grow. They make decisions faster and offer personal service. They also support first-time homebuyers, small businesses, and help communities in need through fair lending¹⁵.

In the end, community banking in St. Joseph MO is key for a strong financial environment. It's great for both people and local businesses. Being part of a community that meets local needs and boosts the economy is rewarding for everyone.

FAQ

What are the best community banks in St. Joseph, Missouri?

Nodaway Valley Bank is a top choice in St. Joseph, MO. They offer checking and savings accounts, commercial loans, and online banking. Other banks are known for their reliability and focus on customers. They also help the local economy a lot.

Why are community banks important in St. Joseph?

Community banks in St. Joseph are key to the local economy. They provide banking solutions tailored to the area and build strong relationships with customers. They also invest in small businesses and community projects, helping the economy grow.

What financial products should I look for in a community bank?

Look for free or low-fee checking accounts and competitive mortgage rates. Also, check for business banking solutions that meet local needs. These services often come with personalized service and support for the local economy.

What makes Nodaway Valley Bank stand out in St. Joseph?

Nodaway Valley Bank, founded in 1868, has a long history and a reputation for excellent service. They offer a wide range of services, including checking and savings accounts, commercial loans, and online banking. Customers praise their quality service and community involvement.

How do community banks compare to national banks in St. Joseph?

Community banks in St. Joseph offer more personalized service than national banks. They have lower fees and better rates for checking and savings accounts. They also support local businesses and projects, helping the economy.

What are the benefits of choosing a credit union in St. Joseph?

Credit unions in St. Joseph offer lower loan rates and higher savings rates. They focus on community development and financial education. These benefits make them important in St. Joseph’s financial scene.

How do local banks contribute to the community in St. Joseph?

Local banks in St. Joseph support community events and initiatives. They invest in the local economy through personalized service and local investments. This helps create a strong and supportive financial environment.

Sunday, January 19, 2025