Farmers State Bank (MT) is headquartered in Victor and is the 11th largest bank in the state of Montana. It is also the 1,653rd largest bank in the nation. It was established in 1907 and as of December of 2019, it had grown to 127 employees at 10 locations. Farmers State Bank (MT)'s money market rates are 14% higher than the national average, and it boasts an A+ health rating.
Great Hometown Bank
When my husband and I moved from southern California, we always thought that we would continue using a national bank. We both grew up in California and had never experienced what it is like to live in a small town. When we moved to Montana, we discovered that due to our rural area, our national bank did not have a branch located in our small town. We had many new friends that encouraged us to open an account with our local Farmers State Bank branch. Both my husband and I have been extremely happy with the service of our little home town bank. We have all the conveniences of a national branch, (i.e. internet banking, online bill pay, etc.) but we it was an unexpected joy to have such personalized service. Before moving our accounts to Farmers State Bank, I had never called the bank branch and immediately spoken to an agent. I had always had to go through phone prompts (i.e. dialing one to get to customer service, dial one for English) that I was happily surprised! Not only did the banker answer the phone in person, she knew who I was! She was able to assist me quickly and offered very personalized service. My husband and I have all our checking accounts (personal and business), savings accounts, and even a CD at this bank. We got a construction loan through them and then converted it to a conventional loan. They are very friendly, unhurried and helpful at every turn.
Online Banking
Trying to access online banking (DPA for parents) has been frustrating to say the least. It worked one time. Two step authentication is great, works perfect with my bank. Today, the default cell isn't working and sending the phone code to my Mom's number won't work because of her dementia (she lives in a different town). Too bad, I thought the staff were nice to work with in Lolo.
Bad Business Practice
This bank really messed up my life. My family and I were selling our home to move overseas to work as missionaries in South America. With just 3 hours to go before our departure, all we had to do was to go to closing and sign the paperwork. We went and signed the paperwork. As soon as we finished, we learned that Farmers State Bank had changed their mind and decided not to fund the buyer's loan. I had quit my job, moved out of my house, purchased plane tickets and shelled out thousands of dollars in fees to meet the requirements in the home inspection that was paid for by the former PREAPPROVED buyers. Thankfully, my former employers were glad to have me come back to my job to work.
When confronted, Farmers State Bank did not accept responsibility for the actions that they took that ruined my life. I tried to recoup some of my losses from them to no avail. Unfortunately, this whole process has left us broke and unable to sue them. My hope is that you will not fall victim to the same tactics that they used to ruin our lives.
Data as of Q4 2019
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| FDIC Certificate # | 342 |
| Year Established | 1907 |
| Employees | 127 |
| Primary Regulator | FED |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 1.19% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 11.79% |
| Annual Interest Income | $18.3MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $436.5MM$395.6MM |
| Loans | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $285.2MM$252.1MM |
| Deposits | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $382.9MM$338.5MM |
| Equity Capital | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $44.7MM$38.9MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $4.3MM$3.9MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $1.4MM$2.0MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q4 2019vs Q4 2018 | $469.00K$750.00K |