Checking Accounts That Fit Your Everyday Life
Simple, convenient banking backed by hometown service.
Whether you're opening your first checking account, switching banks, or looking for an account that works harder for you, The First State Bank has options designed to fit your lifestyle. From earning annual percentage yield on your balance with First Rate Checking to managing everyday expenses with confidence, our checking accounts combine modern banking conveniences with the personal service only a community bank can provide.
With local bankers serving Norton, Plainville, Hill City, Hoxie, and Holdrege, you'll always have a trusted team ready to answer questions and help you choose the account that's right for you.
Find the Right Checking Account
First Rate Checking
Make the most of your everyday balance.
Put your money to work with a First Rate Checking account. Enjoy all of the conveniences of everyday banking while earning 4.00% APY* on balances up to $25,000 and 0.01% APY* on balances over $25,000. With no hidden fees and easy access to your funds, it’s the smarter way to bank.
Benefits:
- no minimum balance
- no monthly service charge
- unlimited check writing
- digital banking
- free bill pay
- support your local school with a mascot debit card
- digital banking convenience
Eligibility Requirements:
- $100 minimum to open
- monthly electronic statements
- 12 debit card transactions per month
- One ACH transaction per month
Regular Checking Account
Everyday banking made simple.
Looking for a dependable personal checking account without unnecessary complexity? Our traditional free checking account offers convenient access to your money with the hometown service you’ve come to expect from The First State Bank.
Benefits of Free Checking:
- no monthly maintenance fees
- no minimum balance requirements
- free digital banking, including online and mobile
- unlimited check writing
- free debit card
- school mascot debit card eligible
School Mascot Debit Card Program
Support your school with every swipe. Choose a school mascot from one of our five communities in Norton, Plainville, Hill City, Hoxie or Holdrege, and give back to your local school district every time you make a purchase.
There’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the students, teachers and programs that make our communities strong. Every time you use your School Mascot Debit Card, The First State Bank donates to your participating local school district, helping invest in the future for students of Norton, Plainville, Hill City, Hoxie and Holdrege.
In 2025, The First State Bank donated $5,966.86 to participating school districts through our School Mascot Debit Card program. It’s just one more way we’re helping strengthen the communities we proudly serve.
Benefits of Participating in the School Mascot Debit Card Program:
- give back with every swipe to your participating local school district
- instant access to your funds for everyday purchases
- convenient ATM access worldwide (ATMs not owned by The First State Bank may result in additional fees)
- skip the hassle of writing checks with fast, secure debit card payments
- enhanced security with EMV chip technology and fraud monitoring
- compatible with digital wallets for easy contactless payments
Banking Wherever Life Takes You
Life doesn’t stop when the bank closes, and neither do your banking needs.
Manage your account anytime with secure digital banking tools that make it easy to:
- check balances
- deposit checks from your phone
- transfer funds
- pay bills
- monitor debit care activity
- receive account alerts
- access electronic statements
Why choose The First State Bank?
Instead of being just another account number, you’ll work with local bankers who know your name and understand the communities they serve.
Whether you’re opening an account in Norton, managing your family’s accounts in Plainville, paying bills in Hill City, running a business in Hoxie or balancing everyday life in Holdrege, you’ll experience the same friendly service and local decision-making at every one of The First State Bank locations.
Benefits of The First State Bank:
- local, relationship-focused service
- convenient digital banking
- five full-service locations in Nebraska and Kansas
- competitive checking options
- trusted community banking since 1902
- keep your money close to home
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a personal checking account?
Visit any location of The First State Bank in Nebraska and Kansas to get started. Our teammates in Norton, Plainville, Hill City, Hoxie and Holdrege are ready to help you choose the account that best fits your personal needs.
Can I manage my personal account online?
Yes. Every checking account includes secure access to online banking and mobile banking so you can bank anytime, anywhere.
Do checking accounts include a debit card?
Yes. Eligible checking accounts include a free debit card that can be used for everyday purchases and ATM access. Plus, our customers can also participate in our school mascot debit card program.
What is the school mascot debit card program?
Paragraph: All of our checking accounts are eligible to participate in the School Mascot Debit Card program. Choose from one of our five communities: Norton, Plainville, Hill City, Hoxie and Holdrege. Every time you use your School Mascot Debit Card, The First State Bank donates to your participating local school district, helping invest in the future for students.
*APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Account has a minimum opening balance of $100. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 8/25/2025. For balances up to $25,000.00 earn 4.00% APY. For balances over $25,000.00 earn 0.01% APY. Rates are variable and subject to change at any time. To qualify for interest, each monthly statement cycle you must: Conduct at least twelve (12) settled and posted debit card transactions, excluding ATM transactions; AND have at least one (1) settled and posted Automated Clearing House (ACH) credit or debit; AND receive an Electronic Statement (eStatement). Online Banking with eStatement enrollment is required. Fees could reduce the earning on the account.
