Drake Bank opened in May 2002 and was the first new bank chartered in St. Paul in 40 years. As an independent, locally-owned community bank, Drake Bank positions itself around relationship-driven banking rather than transactional services.
The bank operates with a mission to build authentic relationships with clients and contribute to community development, particularly by supporting small business growth. Drake Bank offers a comprehensive range of banking services including personal and business checking and savings accounts, deposit products with published rates, personal and business loans, mortgages for home purchase and refinance, treasury management services for businesses, online banking platforms for both personal and business customers, and credit card products through their Elan Credit Card program. They maintain physical branch locations with ATM networks and provide secure email and file sharing capabilities for clients.
The bank distinguishes itself through a stated commitment to personalized service and community focus. Their marketing emphasizes a three-step process of listening to client needs, customizing solutions, and providing hands-on support. Customer reviews highlight responsive mortgage teams, knowledgeable staff, fair loan terms, and strong community commitment to small business support.
The bank appears to compete on service quality and local experience context rather than product innovation or aggressive pricing. As a regional community bank, Drake Bank serves a limited geographic area (St. Paul/Minnesota focus) and likely cannot compete with national banks on product breadth, technology platforms, or interest rates.
Customers should expect higher fees and potentially less rate claims to verify compared to larger institutions or online-only banks. The strength lies in personal banking relationships and local decision-making, which appeals to small business owners and customers who prioritize service over price optimization.