Moving to a new city comes with a never-ending to-do list. Yet, between unpacking boxes and learning the best places to eat, one choice that will affect your new life in St. Louis is where you put your money. The right local bank can make day-to-day life easier than a national chain, from better customer service to quicker decisions.
Learn what to look for when choosing a bank and why many St. Louis residents prefer a community bank when they want financial services that fit their lives.
The Advantages of a Community Bank
Community banks offer more than a place to stash your hard-earned cash — they give you people who know your name and care about the area. That kind of attention can provide the following benefits:
- Personalized relationships: You get direct access to branch staff and loan officers who understand how the city works and can solve problems faster. A Harris Poll found 74% of consumers want more personalized services. Local financial institutions can deliver that hands-on help.
- Community reinvestment: Community banks tend to put deposits back into the local economy by funding small business loans, mortgages and neighborhood projects. That means your assets are safe in your account and help fund restaurants and startups. Even taking a business loan from a local lender can maintain jobs and services you’ll rely on as you settle in.
- Flexible underwriting: Residential financial services often make lending decisions based on local knowledge and expertise. That can help first-time homebuyers and small-business owners who have strong reputations in the area but thin credit histories.
- Community programs and relationship pricing: These financial institutions frequently run financial-education workshops, sponsor neighborhood events and offer relationship pricing or fee waivers for loyal customers. Those perks add up to lower fees, easier access to help and free tools for money management.
What Is the Best Customer Service Bank in St. Louis?
Midland States Bank is a great example of a St. Louis-area financial institution that prioritizes customer service. With roots stretching back more than a century, it has established itself as a neighborhood partner that helps people solve everyday banking headaches. As a newcomer, this means you get conversations with real people who know the city.
That local knowledge shows up in how Midland States Bank handles lending and troubleshooting. Branch teams and local lenders can make more informed decisions because they understand the market and customer needs. That human approach often trumps a decision based solely on rules from a national call center. You’re more likely to get a concrete next step instead of being handed a generic script.
Midland States Bank’s focus on culture matters for service, too. The provider has received the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's award as a “Top Workplace” winner for two consecutive years. This type of recognition demonstrates that Midland States Bank's teams are engaged and supported.
The company has provided employees with professional development training and paid time off for team members to contribute their time to philanthropy. When institutions demonstrate that they care for their employees, it typically results in better customer service, as they tend to go the extra mile.
A Partner in Your Financial Future
As you settle into a new city, pick a bank that helps you move forward. Midland States Bank supports new residents with the following features.
Accounts and Digital Tools
Midland States Bank offers the core checking, savings and digital services you expect, including mobile deposits, online bill pay and account alerts. Such options enable day-to-day banking to fit your schedule as you settle into your new neighborhood. You can handle basic tasks on the go, while still having the option to visit a branch for more in-depth inquiries.
Mortgage Help for First-Time Buyers
When you’re ready to buy a home, Midland States Bank’s mortgage experts can be a real advantage. Its lenders understand local price trends and typical down-payment scenarios. This type of access can guide you through realistic options and expedite the approval process. The lender also provides access to FHA, USDA and VA loans, so you can gain access to low or no-down payment options, making the first-time homebuying process easy, affordable and accessible.
Financial Inclusion and Education
Midland States Bank runs community-facing programs and financial literacy seminars that help people build credit, budget and plan for the future. The institute even provides a year-long program that teaches high school students about entrepreneurship. Now, over 70 programs serve 330 schools and empower future business leaders. It bases these services on customer needs, whether you’re new to finances or want straightforward help setting financial goals.
Community Investment
Midland States Bank gives back to the region through loans and local initiatives. The Midland States Bank States Bank Foundation has contributed over $1.8 million to nonprofit organizations and community development projects, and it supports affordable housing and small-business lending that keep neighborhoods thriving. In fact, regional data show that small banks back a higher share of small-business applicants — with 82% receiving partial lender approval — helping local commerce obtain the funding it needs to get started.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Efforts
Midland States Bank’s ESG programs incorporate initiatives, such as solar installations and LEED-certified corporate headquarters. Additionally, it supports paper reduction efforts by encouraging the use of electronic statements. Those moves are critical because they show Midland States Bank thinks long-term about the communities where you’ll live and work.
Making the Switch to a Local Partner
Switching checking account providers can be the first step toward a more meaningful financial relationship. Keep the process simple by following a few easy steps:
- Open your new Midland States Bank account in-branch or online. Ask about any starter offers, relationship pricing and whether the branch can help move direct deposits and recurring payments.
- Fund the new account with a starter amount transfer so your debit card and online access are activated. Confirm that you can log in to the mobile app and enable alerts.
- Update direct deposit and automatic payments. Submit your new routing and account information to your employer, subscription services and automatic payees. Keep a running list so nothing gets missed.
- Move balances and transfer automatic bill payments tied to the old account. Double-check pending transactions and debit or credit holds.
- Close the old account after two statement cycles or when you’re sure no pending transactions remain. Request written confirmation of closure, and shred old checks or cards.
Improve Daily Life With Local Banking
Choosing a local St. Louis bank is a small decision that makes day-to-day life easier and puts more capital back into the neighborhoods you’re getting to know. Stop by a branch or compare a few accounts online. A brief conversation will reveal more about the service than any rate table. In short, pick a bank that wants to be part of your life here, not just a place to deposit money.
