Community bank headquartered in Wisconsin offering personal banking, business banking, home lending, and investment services across three local locations.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Cleveland State Bank is a Wisconsin-based community bank that positions itself as a locally-focused financial institution dedicated to nurturing the financial well-being of its community. The bank operates three physical locations, including branches in Elkhart Lake and Howards Grove, and emphasizes personal relationships and local decision-making as core to its business model. Founded on principles of accessibility and community engagement, the bank has maintained long-standing customer relationships, as evidenced by testimonials from clients with multi-year histories and multiple product usage.
The bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services across four main categories: personal banking (checking, savings, and personal accounts), business banking (cash management solutions and business accounts), home and lending (mortgages, home equity lines of credit, refinancing, bridge loans, and auto financing), and investment services through its Cleveland State Bank Investment Center (investment management, savings planning, and financial planning). Their website emphasizes convenience through both in-person and online banking capabilities.
Cleveland State Bank distinguishes itself through emphasis on personalized service, naming specific loan officers in customer testimonials and highlighting staff tenure (noting employees with 10 and 45 years of service). The bank markets itself as offering a banking experience "like banking back in the day" with helpful staff willing to accommodate customer needs. They provide transition support through a formal "5-Step Switch Kit" for customers switching from other financial institutions, and they host community events like document shred days.
As a regional community bank, Cleveland State Bank's primary limitation is geographic—service is restricted to Wisconsin locations. Customers outside the three branch areas would be unable to access in-person banking services. The website provides limited detail on specific product features, rates, fees, or competitive positioning relative to larger regional or national banks. No information is available regarding FDIC insurance limits, specific lending criteria, investment product details, or digital banking capabilities beyond mention of online account access.
Yes. Cleveland State Bank is a registered company headquartered in Cleveland, WI, founded in 1907. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Cleveland State Bank is best for Wisconsin residents within its three-location service area who prioritize personalized relationship banking and comprehensive lending services over digital convenience and competitive rate shopping. The main caveat is geographic limitation—this bank only serves customers who can visit physical branches in Wisconsin, making it unsuitable for customers outside those areas or those requiring 24/7 digital-first banking.
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