From the rolling prairies to the bustling streets of Sioux Falls, South Dakota entrepreneurs are building diverse businesses that contribute significantly to the state’s economic vitality. In 2025, these business owners face unique challenges—from navigating seasonal revenue fluctuations to managing operations across vast rural distances. Finding the right small business banking partner isn’t just about financial transactions; it’s about securing an ally who understands the distinctive rhythm of doing business in the Mount Rushmore State. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best small business banks South Dakota has to offer—institutions that combine practical tools with a deep understanding of local needs.

The Top Small Business Banks in South Dakota

These banks stand out for combining digital convenience with personal service, offering tools that save time and real relationships when you need them. They also help business owners keep more money in their pockets—with fewer fees, better rates, and smarter budgeting tools that make every dollar go further.

1. North One

Some business owners in the Mount Rushmore State juggle unpredictable hours—ranchers who start at dawn, bakery owners prepping before the sun’s up, or local event planners booking gigs well into the evening. North One recognizes this reality by removing branch visits from the equation altogether. It offers an online-only platform where tasks like same-day ACH payments, invoice generation, and budget tracking merge into one streamlined interface. No more rearranging your schedule to accommodate a teller’s hours or driving miles across the prairie just to deposit a check.

North One’s system lets owners create sub-accounts (or “envelopes”) to earmark funds for taxes, expansions, or seasonal slowdowns—each dollar gets a predefined purpose. Real-time alerts notify you of every transaction, reducing the chance of surprises when it’s time to settle monthly bills. Integrations with QuickBooks and similar platforms also free up hours otherwise spent on data entry. 

On top of that, North One helps your money go further. Earn up to 3.00% APY on your business checking balance and get 4% cash back at restaurants and hotels with the North One Mastercard® Small Business Debit Card—plus 1% back at gas stations. It’s a smart way to turn everyday expenses into rewards that support your bottom line.

North One’s online-first approach works well in a state like this one, where entrepreneurs might be miles away from the nearest town, let alone the nearest bank. If time is your most precious resource, a remote-first way of banking saves you from routine errands so you can focus on growth.

2. First Dakota National Bank

Established in a time when South Dakota’s economy revolved almost entirely around agriculture and ranching, First Dakota National Bank has grown into a multifaceted institution serving modern small enterprises. Its business banking lineup offers different tiers based on your monthly deposit and transaction counts, helping entrepreneurs avoid paying for features they don’t need. The staff’s deep familiarity with local cycles—like elevated tourism in the Black Hills region or the cyclical demands of agriculture—makes it easier to discuss short-term loans or lines of credit that fit your revenue patterns.

While First Dakota invests heavily in mobile banking and remote deposit features, it hasn’t lost sight of the genuine community relationships that built its name. If you run a small machine shop or a downtown café, you can expect a local banker to sit down with you to discuss expansions or ways to manage labor costs—especially relevant if the NFIB data holds true about rising optimism and potential hiring sprees. It’s all great news for potential business owners. Combining new technology with a community-first way of business, First Dakota offers a real sense of stability that small business owners in the Dakotas appreciate.

3. BankWest

BankWest focuses on helping local ventures adapt to shifting conditions—whether it’s a dry spell affecting ranchers or a short tourist rush around big events in Pierre. Business checking accounts are structured to keep monthly fees low for smaller operations while scaling up for mid-sized outfits that process heavier transaction volumes. Business owners can plan their finances without worrying about hidden charges each month.

While BankWest encourages owners to use online banking for daily chores—like scanning checks or automated bill pay—it also maintains a strong face-to-face service model. Need advice on bridging a short-term gap in revenue or planning for a better marketing campaign? Local teams share insights shaped by years of experience in central and western South Dakota. This dual approach meets a variety of needs: you can lean on the convenience of remote deposit while still having the option of personal mentorship for big decisions.

4. Plains Commerce Bank

For operations spanning multiple industries—like a single entity that includes a retail store plus a separate distribution wing—Plains Commerce Bank wants to help you keep your finances manageable. Business owners can sign up for accounts that match low or moderate transaction levels, so fees stay predictable. The bank’s teams know that a rancher or small-town grocer might have a far different schedule than, say, a real estate brokerage in Sioux Falls. By providing direct solutions tailored to each scenario, Plains Commerce fosters trust with entrepreneurs who’d rather spend time running their enterprises than dealing with complex fee structures.

Because many clients reside in rural settings, Plains Commerce invests in digital tools that reduce the need for in-person visits. From remote deposit capture to scheduled vendor payments, owners can handle most tasks from a home office. Also, if expansions or equipment upgrades loom on the horizon—like adding a second greenhouse or upgrading a cattle operation—loan officers can propose flexible financing. Their local vantage point often means more understanding of the state’s weather-driven challenges or market fluctuations, turning them into a practical ally for day-to-day survival and long-term advancement.

5. Black Hills Federal Credit Union

Although it carries the Black Hills name, Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) welcomes members from a wide range, offering an alternative to traditional banks for entrepreneurs big and small. As a non-profit, BHFCU channels any surplus into member benefits—like reduced fees or better lending rates—making it an attractive option if you want to avoid being nickeled and dimed. This model resonates with the collaborative spirit often found in smaller South Dakota towns, where personal rapport can be a bigger factor than brand recognition.

For those who dread driving multiple counties to make a deposit, BHFCU’s mobile solutions streamline the basics. E-statements, remote deposits, and real-time transaction alerts cut out routine inefficiencies. Owners who prefer face-to-face check-ins can still enjoy a local atmosphere, discussing expansions or marketing budgets with a staff that actually recognizes them. Coupled with the credit union’s focus on fair rates, BHFCU stands as a reliable partner for ventures that prize cost savings and community values in equal measure.

6. Security Savings Bank

Security Savings Bank is known in the southeastern corner of the state for fostering personal relationships with local outfits, from feed supply stores to specialized repair shops. Its business checking accounts maintain relatively minimal monthly fees with a straightforward approach to deposit limits and transaction counts. If your business calls a smaller town home, the bank’s local orientation can help you understand the specifics of the local economy—like how to budget around a once-a-year festival or adjust to the aftermath of a regional weather event.

Despite the emphasis on local connections, Security Savings invests in user-friendly online banking, giving owners the convenience of remote deposit, bill pay, and immediate balance updates. That synergy appeals to entrepreneurs who relish the personal side of banking but still rely on modern tools to keep pace. Should you decide to expand product lines or add a location, the staff’s localized knowledge can guide you toward financing arrangements that reflect the real-world cycles of your area rather than a generic formula.

7. The First National Bank in Sioux Falls

Located in South Dakota’s largest city, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls offers an urban vantage while acknowledging that many clients hail from smaller nearby communities. Checking accounts are tiered by activity, letting micro-businesses skip higher monthly charges. Meanwhile, owners handling larger volumes of deposits or daily transactions can opt for advanced tiers, reaping benefits like extra free cash deposits or multiple user permissions—handy if different employees share financial duties.

Clients regularly cite the bank’s robust mobile platform for depositing checks, reconciling balances, and automating bill payments. Beyond that, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls invests in staff training to make sure an owner who needs a short-term loan or wants to plan out next year’s budget can talk to someone who’s genuinely informed on local business trends. If you find comfort in a combination of city-savvy insights and a friendly approach, this might be your pick—especially if your business bounces between urban customers and rural suppliers.

8. Dacotah Bank

Operating across parts of the Dakotas, Dacotah Bank blends broad coverage with a local’s sense of what works. For small business owners, the bank’s commercial checking tiers keep monthly charges aligned with your transaction count, so you’re not overspending if your business runs lean. The institution’s staff are recognized for stepping beyond conventional checklists, helping owners adapt when a sudden opportunity arises—like snagging a prime location near a busy highway or investing in advanced machinery to outpace the competition.

Dacotah Bank’s approach stands out in how it seamlessly merges digital solutions—like deposit scanning and e-statements—with staff who remain available for old-school conversations about expansions or bridging seasonal revenue gaps. South Dakota’s weather patterns, commodity price shifts, and even variable tourist flows can upend a small enterprise’s assumptions in a heartbeat. Offering both modern convenience and grounded advice, Dacotah Bank can keep owners confident, even when external forces shift without warning.

Find a South Dakota Small Business Bank That Supports You

Banking with a financial partner that offers streamlined, customer-centric tools can make the daily juggle of finances far simpler. In a state where covering long distances isn’t uncommon, a small business bank in South Dakota can keep overhead low and remote deposits at your fingertips. You stay focused on what matters most: running and expanding your business. A good banking partner will help you take care of the rest. 

Pair your venture’s ambitions with a banking platform built for speed and ease, and transform this upswing in confidence into enduring success under wide-open skies.