It’s no secret that the banking options available to you are numerous. From big-name national institutions with fancy TV commercials to online-only banks promising speed and convenience, there’s no shortage of places to put your money. However, anyone who has tried to get a clear answer from a call center knows that not all banks are created equal.
At Minnesota First, we’ve never tried to be like large national institution banks; instead, we pride ourselves on being your smaller, more personal local bank. We opened our doors in 1956 as Minnesota Loan and Thrift in Rochester, and although our name has changed over the years, our mission remains the same. We’re still here to help people make informed financial decisions, navigate life’s ups and downs, and know they have someone in their corner.
Are you scratching your head and wondering if it matters who you bank with? We think it does. When you bank at Minnesota First, you’re working with people who live in your community, send their kids to the same schools, and care just as much about this place as you do.
Lending Decisions Made Close to Home
At large financial institutions, it’s common for loan applications to undergo a multi-step corporate process. That’s not how we operate. When you apply for a home loan, auto loan, or personal loan at Minnesota First, your request is reviewed by a representative from one of our southern Minnesota branches who understands your community.
We take the time to get to know you, listen to your goals, and offer solutions that actually fit your situation. Our decisions are made in-house, which often means faster answers and a greater level of flexibility than you’ll find elsewhere.
Real People, Real Conversations
When you call, we pick up. There are no phone trees and no long waits, just a real person ready to help you with your questions. That may seem small, but for many of our customers, it’s a big reason they’ve stayed with us over the years.
Whether you’re checking in about refinancing a loan, opening a savings account, or simply comparing CD rates, you’ll speak with someone who knows how to help and is eager to do so. We keep it personal because banking is personal.
Loan Options Built Around You
From day one, our job is to help you feel confident about your banking and finance choices. We work with customers across all stages of life, including first-time homebuyers, individuals looking to consolidate debt, and families financing a new vehicle or camper for summer road trips.
Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
- Competitive interest rates that help keep payments manageable
- No prepayment penalties: We believe that paying off debt early should never be punished
- Flexible payment schedules: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- DocuSign access so you can review and sign documents from home
Our banking professionals take the time to discuss your options. If something doesn’t make sense for you, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure you understand what’s happening.
Your Money Stays Local
One of the most significant differences between a community bank like ours and a national chain is where your money goes.
When you bank with Minnesota First, your dollars stay right here in the region, helping neighbors buy homes, support small businesses, and save for the future. We’re proud to serve southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and we have no plans to expand nationally. That’s intentional.
It lets us stay connected to the communities we serve and remain focused on what matters most: you.
Services That Support Your Everyday Life
Banking should make your life easier, not more complicated. That’s why we offer a full range of personal banking services, including:
- Savings accounts with no monthly fees and interest-earning benefits
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with short- and long-term options
- Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit to help with home projects or unexpected expenses
Are you unsure about what type of account or loan makes sense for you? That’s where we come in. We’ll walk you through your options and help you determine what fits your goals.
Let’s Talk
At Minnesota First, we’ve built something we’re proud of: a bank where people come first, decisions are made locally, and relationships matter.
If you’re looking for a banking experience that’s a little more personal and a lot more human, we’d love to hear from you.
- Stop by our branches in Rochester or Red Wing
- Give us a call at 507-289-0411
- Learn more at mnfirst.com
We’ll be here when you’re ready.