Farm Bureau Bank is your asterisk-free bank—loyal, hardworking, and your family’s go-to source for the services you need to keep more of what you make from grounded banking direct to your phone, so you can keep tabs on your spending, wherever you are. Let’s dig in!
It’s all about money, whether you are living on a big farm, in a small town, or in the heart of a bustling city. You want a secure place to store your money, pay your bills, take out loans, and manage your money. That’s where banks come in.
But not all banks are created equally. Some are big and corporate. Others are tiny and personal. One bank that’s a bit of an odd duck is Farm Bureau Bank.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Farm Bureau Bank unique, what it provides, and whether it may be a good option for you. We’re going to use very simple words so everyone can understand — even if you’ve never used a bank.
What is Farm Bureau Bank?
Farm Bureau Bank is a full-service bank that provides many of the same things that big banks offer — checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and credit cards.
This is an organization of farmers, ranchers, and rural families. It has been around for more than 100 years, solving problems for people in agriculture, insurance, and now banking.
So Farm Bureau Bank was founded to cater to these people, but any Farm Bureau member, even city-dwellers, can open an account.
Why Was It Created?
Farm Bureau Bank was established in 1999 to provide members of the Farm Bureau with reliable banking options.
Small-town banks across the country were closing or merging, and it was proving increasingly difficult for rural customers to obtain good banking services. Farm Bureau was on a mission to change that by providing
- Better customer service
- Lower fees
- Banking tools adapted for life in the country
- Members-first services
Thus was born Farm Bureau Bank.
Who Can Use Farm Bureau Bank?
To access Farm Bureau Bank, you must be a member of Farm Bureau. But have no fear: It’s easy to be like one. Relatively speaking, joining your state’s Farm Bureau is easy.
You simply pay a membership fee yearly (which is typically very low), and that automatically opens up a new world and all the perks that come with it, including Farm Bureau Bank.
So, as long as you’re not a farmer, you can still join and use the bank. Lots of people sign up just for the freebies, including discounts and banking services.
Is It a Real Bank?
Yes! Farm Bureau Bank is an actual bank, similar to Chase or Wells Fargo. It’s a federally chartered savings bank, so it’s government-approved and government-watched.
It’s also an FDIC-insured account. So, your money is insured up to $250,000, the same as it is at any U.S. bank. Here’s a new one for you: Farm Bureau Bank is largely online. It doesn’t have branches in every city.
Rather, it collaborates directly with your state Farm Bureau office and provides most services online or over the phone. So if you’re comfortable banking from your phone or your computer, you’ll be a fan of this bank.
What Services Does It Offer?
Farm Bureau Bank is Everything You Need to Manage Your Money:
1. Checking Accounts
- For everyday spending
- Debit card included
- Online bill pay
- Mobile check deposit
2. Savings Accounts
- For saving money over time
- Earn interest on your balance
- No monthly fees if you maintain a low balance
3. Credit Cards
- Low rates for members
- Cash back and rewards options
- Good for establishing or responsible use of credit
4. Loans
- Low rates for members
- Cash back and rewards options
- Good for establishing or responsible use of credit
5. CD’s (Certificate’s of Deposit)
- Save money for a fixed time
- Get a guaranteed return
- Interest is higher than on savings accounts
What’s Special About It?
Farm Bureau Bank is not a run-of-the-mill bank — it puts members first. That means:
1. Low Fees
They don’t nickel and dime you
2. Friendly Service
You’ll deal with humans, not robots
3. Made for the Country Life
They know the concerns of people who are not in big cities. Help that’s good across the country, so no matter how much you move around, you can continue to use it
How Do You Access Your Money?
Other ways you can access your money:
- Online banking (24/7)
- Mobile app (iPhone and Android)
- Debit card at nationwide ATMs
- Phonebanking with the nicest staff.
Even if it has no big branches, you’re not out of the mix. Almost anything can be done from home or your phone.
Is the Mobile App Good?
Yes! The Farm Bureau Bank app is very user-friendly. With it, you can:
- Check your balance
- Transfer money
- Pay bills
- Deposit checks
- See your transactions
Clean, simple, and reliable are some of the things that many users say about the app.
Is It Safe?
Absolutely. Farm Bureau Bank employs robust security measures to safeguard your money.
- FDIC-insured
- Secure logins
- Fraud monitoring
- Notification of suspicious activity
You can feel comfortable putting your money there.
What About Customer Service?
The best part about Farm Bureau Bank is the way customers are treated; given that it’s a member-focused organization, they work hard to be helpful.
You can contact them by
- Phone
- Online chat
They are known for being polite, patient, and crisp in answering questions.
Can You Get a Loan?
Yes! They have great loan options, particularly for cars, homes, and personal needs, available at Farm Bureau Bank.
Auto loans typically carry low interest rates, and even loans offered include purchasing a home, refinancing, and new construction.
Personal loans for whatever major life moment you can throw at it. You can apply online, and if you’re accepted, the process is pretty seamless.
What About Business Services?
Although Farm Bureau Bank primarily caters to individuals, some of its offerings are available for small farms and small businesses, particularly those run by members.
If you are a smallholder or work in a rural business, it’s worth seeing what they can provide. Most Farm Bureau Bank accounts charge low or no fees — particularly if you meet easy-to-achieve conditions, such as:
- Keeping a minimum balance
- Using online statements
- Setting up direct deposit
They’re not fee-crazy like some huge banks are.
Pros and Cons
Let’s simplify this even further:
1. Pros
- Member-focused
- Low fees
- Easy online banking
- Good mobile app
- Friendly service
- A win for the rurals and small-towners
2. Cons
- Must be a Farm Bureau member.
- Few physical branches
- Not great for those reliant on face-to-face assistance
Joining and How to Create An Account
It’s easy! You only have to
- Join Farm Bureau (from home or at your local office) or go to www.farmbureaubank.com
- Select the account or service you’d like to use, then complete online application.
- Fund your account (add money), and you’re done!
It’s also best if you like doing things online or prefer a low fee and more personal service. But if you want lots of branches and need in-person service often, and don’t want to be a Farm Bureau member, then you might be a better fit for a different bank.
Conclusion
Farm Bureau Bank is designed with care for people who want a better way to bank. It could be a good fit for you, especially when you live in a rural area or happen to be looking for a bank that can work around your lifestyle
Whether you are a farmer in the countryside or a city boy looking for great rates and service, it may have something in store for you.
By becoming a part of Farm Bureau and banking with them, you’re not just getting a bank; you’re getting a partner who is as invested as you are in helping you grow.
