American State Bank logo

American State Bank

3.5/5

Regional bank operating in Iowa and South Dakota since 1913, offering checking, savings, mortgages, investments, and insurance through its parent company Ambank Company.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: Free Consultation Visit Website

American State Bank Review

American State Bank was originally chartered as Hospers Savings Bank in 1913 and became FDIC-insured in 1934. Today it operates as part of Ambank Company, a financial services holding company that also includes American Bank, American Investment & Trust, and Perspective Insurance. The bank serves 12 communities and surrounding areas across Iowa and South Dakota, positioning itself as a regional community bank with a 50+ year commitment to customer service.

The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial products including free checking accounts with interest-earning capability, home mortgage loans for purchases and refinances, online and mobile banking with bill pay and mobile check deposit, credit cards with online card management, and financial goal-setting tools. Through its investment and trust division, it provides wealth management services via platforms like Black Diamond and Adviceworks. Perspective Insurance offers insurance products, and the bank provides financial education resources including first-time homebuyer programs.

American State Bank differentiates itself through its emphasis on community involvement and local decision-making, with leadership explicitly stating that the bank charter is a privilege requiring service to stockholders, customers, and community alike. The company highlights digital convenience through mobile banking while maintaining a community-focused approach. It offers free access to credit scores and provides financial health guidance through advisory services.

The bank operates primarily in a limited geographic footprint (Iowa and South Dakota only) and shows characteristics typical of regional community banks. Their recent platform migration (as of 1/1/26) for investment services suggests ongoing technology updates. No specific information about APRs, fees beyond "no monthly fees" on checking, or detailed loan terms is available on the website, which limits transparency on pricing competitiveness.

Services & Features

Free checking accounts with interest earnings
Home mortgage loans (purchase and refinance)
Online and mobile banking with bill pay
Mobile check deposit
Credit cards with online card management
Wealth management and investment services through American Investment & Trust
Trust and estate planning services
Insurance products through Perspective Insurance
Business banking and business credit cards
Financial goal-setting and budget management tools
Free credit score access
First-time homebuyer programs

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No monthly fees on checking accounts with interest-earning capability
  • Free access to credit score monitoring through digital banking
  • Integrated financial services including banking, investments, insurance, and trust services under one parent company
  • Mobile banking with mobile check deposit, bill pay, and budget/goal-setting tools
  • Community-focused lending with local decision-making and active community involvement programs
  • Online and mobile card management through integrated ASB Online Banking platform
  • Financial education resources including homebuyer programs and mortgage rate relief programs

Cons

  • Limited geographic footprint restricted to 12 communities in Iowa and South Dakota only
  • No specific APR, rate, or detailed fee information disclosed on website
  • Recent platform migration (1/1/26) for investment services may indicate ongoing technical stability issues
  • Website content does not clearly specify FDIC insurance coverage limits or other regulatory protections
  • Limited information about business banking features, SBA loans, or commercial lending products

Rating Breakdown

Value
3.8
Effectiveness
3.5
Customer Service
3.7
Transparency
3.6
Ease of Use
3.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American State Bank legitimate?

Yes. American State Bank is a registered company headquartered in Sioux Center, IA, founded in 1913. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How long does American State Bank take to show results?

Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.

Quick Facts

Founded
1913
Headquarters
Sioux Center, IA
BBB Rating
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #228
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit American State Bank

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on American State Bank

American State Bank is best for customers in its 12-community Iowa and South Dakota footprint who value community-focused banking, integrated financial services, and local decision-making. The main caveat is its strictly limited geographic service area and lack of transparent pricing information on rates and fees compared to larger regional or national banks.

CFPB Transparency Report

Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Issues Resolved
99.3%
Timely Responses
97.5%

Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-24

Best For

  • Residents of Iowa and South Dakota communities served by American State Bank seeking full-service regional banking
  • Customers wanting integrated banking, investment, and insurance services from a single institution
  • First-time homebuyers in South Dakota seeking mortgage origination and financial education
  • Small business owners in served areas needing business banking and local relationship management
Updated 2026-03-24

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