Ever wonder why the Treasure State keeps drawing new entrepreneurs? Secretary of State Christy Jacobson reports over 63,000 newly registered companies in 2024 alone—a new record. Business is booming! From one-cattle ranches to downtown startups, these ventures need accessible tools and guidance that fit Montana’s independent spirit. The right small business bank in Montana can be the difference between surviving and thriving in this fast-growing economy.

The Top Small Business Banks in Montana in 2025

The nine institutions below have earned their rank in the top small business banks in Montana for 2025, offering everything from streamlined online platforms to expert local guidance that suits the state’s independent spirit.

1. North One

In a state of wide open spaces—where the nearest branch might be hours away from your business home—North One stands out by eliminating the need for any physical location altogether. Designed to run purely online, North One lets owners manage their entire financial needs—expense tracking, automated bill pay, same-day ACH transfers—through a single interface. This is especially useful for businesses like ranchers who spend days in the field or family-owned motels that see fluctuating guest arrivals, because they can monitor accounts and settle transactions anytime, from anywhere.

Instead of waiting in line at a branch or contending with limited Saturday hours, you can open an account digitally and get going immediately. The platform’s sub-account feature (often called “envelopes”) allows for precise fund allocation. Planning to replace an aging tractor next spring or stock up on feed? Mark those budgets in separate folders and keep your primary checking from getting depleted. Business owners can also earn up to 3.00% APY on their balance and up to 4.00% cashback on select purchases—making your money work as hard as you do. Integrations with software like QuickBooks or Square also reduce time spent manually reconciling sales, a huge plus for proprietors who’d rather be out on the range than hunched over a ledger.

2. Bank of Montana

Established to meet the evolving financial demands of Montanans, Bank of Montana focuses on personalized service and lending solutions crafted for agricultural, commercial, and service-based ventures. Whether you need a line of credit for livestock feed or a checking account that handles a moderate flow of tourist bookings each summer, the bank sets out to be flexible. Staff members pride themselves on knowing local markets intimately, which can help entrepreneurs deal with the unpredictability of weather, pricing swings, or just the everyday challenges of rural business.

Business checking accounts at Bank of Montana often come with tiered transaction limits, so you won’t pay for capacity you don’t need. Online banking tools streamline tasks like paying bills or checking daily balances, but if you prefer stopping by a branch, you’ll typically find a friendly handshake and immediate assistance—one of the perks of a smaller institution. The bank also provides specialized financing for expansions or equipment upgrades, guided by the belief that supporting local enterprises helps entire communities thrive.

3. Opportunity Bank of Montana

Opportunity Bank of Montana combines convenience with an awareness of the state’s wide-ranging enterprise types, from boutique shops in bustling Bozeman to contractor services in remote corners of the Big Belt Mountains. Their checking products vary by transaction volume, letting small outfits maintain minimal fees while larger ones secure unlimited deposit allowances and advanced treasury options.

Even though personal relationships remain a priority, the bank’s digital suite covers the basics—like scanning checks through a mobile app or setting up automatic payroll. This combination of modern technology and a Montana-based support network resonates with owners who juggle multiple responsibilities. Whether you run a roadside diner popular with cross-country travelers or an outdoor gear rental service near the national forests, the bank’s flexible approach can keep your finances in check.

4. Stockman Bank

Founded with farmers and ranchers in mind, Stockman Bank brings together agricultural know-how and commercial banking for an expanding range of local businesses. Checking accounts frequently include free or reduced-fee digital banking, saving time on day-to-day chores like reconciling feed invoices or lodging reservations. With branches across Montana, Stockman can also be a lifesaver when you need in-person advice for gear financing or seasonal adjustments in cash flow.

Many Montanans appreciate Stockman’s continuity: it’s a locally owned entity that invests in rural communities through sponsorships, education, and active lending. The bank’s staff come from similar backgrounds as their customers—some grew up on ranches, others in logging or small retail—giving them a personal understanding of the unpredictability that can define a business year. Paired with online bill pay, e-statements, and scheduling tools, the bank’s approach to bridging old-school reliability with technology suits the daily hustle unique to the Treasure State.

5. Bank of Bozeman

Bozeman has become one of Montana’s liveliest towns, attracting visitors and new residents who admire the blend of outdoor adventure and cultural activities. Bank of Bozeman leverages this growth by offering business checking accounts designed to adapt to shifting economic tides—like surges in short-term rental bookings or seasonal tourism peaks. The bank’s local ownership and relatively small scale mean you can often build a rapport with bankers who know the area’s patterns firsthand.

For some businesses, Bank of Bozeman’s entry-level checking might be enough, keeping fees low if you don’t exceed a certain number of monthly transactions. But if your company sees heavier deposit or withdrawal volumes, specialized tiers offer more robust capacity without piling on every possible fee. Online access includes mobile deposit and real-time balances, so you’re always up to date, whether you’re at the store counter or scouting new vendor relationships. The personal approach—where staff listen rather than push one-size-fits-all packages—makes this bank a comfortable choice for business owners wanting a local voice.

6. Rocky Mountain Credit Union

Rooted in the idea that banking should serve the community, Rocky Mountain Credit Union extends membership to small businesses looking for favorable rates and fewer transaction fees. Because it’s a not-for-profit, revenues cycle back into improving member services—leading to more competitive checking options, better digital tools, or lower-cost loans. If you value cooperative ethics where each member has a stake, Rocky Mountain might suit your principles and your budget.

The credit union’s online banking platform handles your day-to-day financial chores, including automated payments and deposit tracking. Staff are inclined to coach owners on fundamental issues like reconciling irregular cash flow or preparing for a big festival crowd in town. By merging credit union ideals with Montana practicality, Rocky Mountain enables small operators—like a mom-and-pop shop in a mountain village or a local adventure guide company—to thrive with minimal overhead.

7. Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Though carrying a name referencing the Black Hills region further east, Black Hills Federal Credit Union has extended services into Montana, offering an array of small business accounts. Being a credit union, BHFCU prioritizes member benefits, so fees often remain modest and interest rates on loans can be more forgiving. This can help entrepreneurs on tight margins or those who want to allocate resources toward expansion or capital improvements.

BHFCU’s online interface packages remote deposit, bill pay, and expense categorization in a clean, easy-to-learn setup. For sole operators or small teams juggling multiple roles, that efficiency is golden. Meanwhile, the credit union environment fosters a sense of equality—each member matters. Staff trained in regional commerce step in with guidance on everything from credit lines to merchant payment solutions, aiming to cut complexities from daily money management.

8. Three Rivers Bank of Montana

Located in Kalispell, the heart of Flathead Valley, Three Rivers Bank of Montana serves a community characterized by a mix of tourism, agriculture, and small manufacturing. The bank’s commercial checking accounts are set up to be accessible for local owners who might deposit only a few checks a month or handle a steady stream of summer tourist revenue. And while the accounts come with typical features like e-statements and mobile deposits, it’s the personal angle that consistently draws praise.

Owners of local shops or small restaurants often mention how Three Rivers’ staff know them by name, asking about upcoming events or expansions in a way that feels genuinely supportive. Yet the bank doesn’t slack on modern tools: a reliable online system lets you pay suppliers or transfer funds after closing time. Balancing tradition and technology, Three Rivers stands as a friendly resource for those operating in the scenic, tourism-heavy corridor near Glacier National Park.

9. Glacier Bank

Anchored in the northwestern region, Glacier Bank spans multiple communities across Montana, aiming to offer comprehensive coverage for businesses large and small. Checking and savings tiers have clear fee structures, often waivable by meeting certain balance or transaction thresholds. While in-person visits remain an option, Glacier also invests in digital convenience—from scanning checks on a smartphone to setting up user permissions for employees handling different tasks.

Glacier Bank’s network of branches means owners can often find support whether they’re in a bigger city or a remote corner closer to Canada. Additionally, the bank invests in local partnerships—sometimes sponsoring local events or participating in county fairs, fostering deeper relationships in the community. For a business whose success might hinge on forging local trust, Glacier Bank’s consistent presence across the state can be a big plus.

Find the Right Small Business Bank in Montana in 2025

Whether your operation centers on handcrafted products in Great Falls or a modest farm near Billings, the right financial partner can help sustain growth in Montana’s rapidly evolving economy. 

Traditional banks, credit unions, and online options each provide varying degrees of convenience, personal service, and adaptability. North One, with its fully digital structure, highlights the power of remote-friendly banking—especially when long drives and unconventional work hours can hold back in-person tasks. 

Remember: Every business has its unique pace, so finding a bank that fits your stride is the secret to thriving under Montana’s endless sky.