A lot has changed in the banking world since we first opened our doors in 1956, but one thing has stayed the same at Minnesota First. People deserve personal service from a bank that knows them, understands their goals, and treats every question with care. That mindset has shaped our work for nearly seventy years, and it continues to guide every customer interaction today.
Our story began in Rochester as Minnesota Loan and Thrift Company. Expansion into Winona, Owatonna, and later Red Wing came naturally because our customers trusted us and shared their experiences with others. When we became Minnesota First Credit and Savings, Inc. in 1993, it wasn’t a shift in who we were. It simply gave us room to grow while keeping our values firmly in place: honesty, accessibility, and service centered around genuine relationships.
Today, we serve southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin through our Rochester and Red Wing branches. Our banking tools have expanded, but our approach remains as personal as ever.
Banking Built on Relationships
At Minnesota First, you are treated like an individual, not a number. We take the time to understand your situation, your goals, and the questions that matter most to you. Whether it’s your first home, a family savings plan, or the next step for your business, our goal is to make the process clear and comfortable.
Because we are a locally owned bank, we have the flexibility to be responsive. Decisions happen in-house, which means fewer delays and answers that reflect your real circumstances. Customers often tell us it’s the personal attention that sets us apart, and we work hard to honor that trust every day.
A Full Range of Services, All Centered Around You
Good customer service starts with listening. That principle shapes the way we guide customers through their financial decisions and the products we recommend.
If you are building your savings, we offer dependable tools, such as our Premium High Yield Savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit. These options provide strong, predictable ways to grow your money, and our team helps you choose the option that fits your circumstances. Families also appreciate our Little Savers program, which encourages healthy saving habits for kids in a fun, practical way.
When borrowing is part of your plan, we take an equally personal approach. Our home loans, second mortgages, and home equity lines of credit are supported by in-house decision-making, which means faster responses and more transparent communication. We take time to walk through each option so you can move forward with confidence.
We also offer personal loans and financing solutions for larger purchases, as well as refinancing support when it may improve your financial picture. Every product comes with real guidance from staff who genuinely want to help you find the right path.
Local businesses rely on us for the same reason individuals do. Strong products matter, but the real difference is in the support. Whether a company needs help managing cash flow, exploring financing opportunities, or planning for growth, our team provides practical, flexible guidance rooted in an understanding of the local economy.
No matter the goal, our commitment is consistent. The tools are strong. The service is personal. And we’re here to help make your financial decisions feel more manageable and less stressful.
Nearly Seventy Years of Putting People First
Since 1956, our work has been shaped by the belief that banking should feel approachable and grounded in trust. People deserve clear information, friendly support, and a bank that shows up for them when they need it.
Those are the values we started with, and we carry them forward. When you choose Minnesota First, you choose a team that takes the time to know you and takes pride in helping you move toward your goals.
Banking has changed; our commitment to you has not, and that is something we are proud to continue for many years to come.