Security State Bank logo

Security State Bank

4.2/5

Security State Bank Alexandria, SD — Community bank in South Dakota offering checking, savings, CDs, money market accounts, and loan products with three...

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: Free Consultation Visit Website

Security State Bank Review

Security State Bank was originally established on July 1st, 1940, in Alexandria, South Dakota, and has operated as a four-generation family-owned institution. The bank has survived significant challenges, including a complete building fire in 1964 and a tornado that destroyed the Spencer branch in 1998, demonstrating operational resilience and commitment to community service. Today, the bank operates 17 employees across three South Dakota locations with the Arend family continuing leadership as current and second-generation owners.

Security State Bank offers a comprehensive range of retail banking products including demand deposit accounts, Now Checking, savings accounts, Super Now Checking, money market accounts, and Certificates of Deposit (CDs). On the lending side, they provide mortgage loans with competitive rates and flexible terms, vehicle financing, home renovation loans, and agricultural lending for farm operations. The bank emphasizes personalized service and local decision-making rather than centralized underwriting processes.

The bank distinguishes itself through genuine community integration spanning four generations, local ownership, and relationship-based banking. Their mortgage program specifically highlights competitive rates, flexible terms, fast local decision-making, and personalized service. They are FDIC-insured and an Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 561305), providing regulatory protection for deposits.

As a small regional bank, Security State Bank is best suited for customers prioritizing personal relationships and local decision-making over digital-first banking experiences. The limited branch network restricts accessibility for those outside the Alexandria, Spencer, and Montrose areas. While specific rates and fees are not detailed on their website, their emphasis on competitive offerings and personalized service suggests they compete actively with regional institutions. Many banks offer installment loans with fixed monthly payments, giving borrowers a clear payoff timeline.

Services & Features

Demand Deposit Accounts
Now Checking accounts
Savings Accounts
Super Now Checking
Money Market Accounts
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Mortgage Loans with flexible terms and competitive rates
Vehicle/Auto Loans
Home Renovation/Improvement Loans
Agricultural/Farm Operation Loans
Online Banking with username/password enrollment
FDIC deposit insurance coverage

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Four-generation family ownership provides institutional continuity and genuine community commitment
  • FDIC-insured deposits with Member FDIC status offering standard deposit protection
  • Local decision-making on mortgages and loans rather than centralized processing
  • Diverse account options including money market accounts combining interest rates with check-writing flexibility
  • Multiple loan products tailored to life stages (home purchase, vehicle, renovations, farm operations)
  • Survived and rebuilt from catastrophic events (1964 fire, 1998 tornado), demonstrating operational stability
  • Online banking available with enrollment option for account management

Cons

  • Limited geographic reach with only three branch locations in small South Dakota towns, excluding most customers
  • No specific interest rates, APYs, or fee schedules disclosed on website for account comparison
  • Small institution may lack digital banking features and mobile app capabilities of larger banks
  • Limited product details on loan terms, rates, or qualification requirements for mortgages and other loans
  • Three-location footprint makes in-person service inaccessible to customers outside Alexandria, Spencer, and Montrose areas

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.7
Customer Service
3.8
Transparency
4.0
Ease of Use
4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Security State Bank legitimate?

Yes. Security State Bank is a registered company headquartered in Alexandria, SD, founded in 1946. They hold a rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How long does Security State Bank take to show results?

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

Quick Facts

Founded
1946
Headquarters
Alexandria, SD
BBB Rating
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #16448
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Security State Bank

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Security State Bank

Security State Bank is best for rural South Dakota residents within its three-location service area who value personal relationships, local decision-making, and community-rooted banking over digital convenience and extensive branch networks. The primary caveat is severe geographic limitation—customers outside Alexandria, Spencer, and Montrose have no practical access to in-person services, and the bank's website does not provide online account opening, specific rates, or detailed lending terms for remote evaluation.

Best For

  • Rural South Dakota residents in Alexandria, Spencer, or Montrose seeking relationship-based banking
  • Customers prioritizing local ownership and community ties over convenience and digital features
  • Agricultural borrowers and farm operations needing flexible, relationship-driven lending
  • Homebuyers in the three-county service area seeking local mortgage decisions and personalized service
Updated 2026-03-21

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