Earlham Savings Bank logo

Earlham Savings Bank in West Des Moines, IA

4.2/5

Community bank with 9 branches across Central Iowa offering checking, savings, loans, and agricultural banking since 1931, FDIC-insured.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Earlham Savings Bank Review

" The bank operates as a traditional community financial institution rooted in Central Iowa, maintaining a strong commitment to customer-first service and fair treatment. Over nearly a century, Earlham has grown from a single location to nine branches serving communities including Bevington, De Soto, Des Moines (two locations), Earlham, Granger, Van Meter, West Des Moines, and Woodward. The bank offers a comprehensive range of consumer and business banking services including checking and savings accounts, online banking, e-statements, personal loans, business loans, and specialized agricultural banking services.

Customers can access accounts through multiple channels: physical branch visits, online banking platforms, ATM networks, and after-hours banking options. The bank also provides loan officer consultations and an online account application process for both deposit accounts and consumer loans. Earlham Savings Bank distinguishes itself through its community-focused positioning and agricultural banking heritage.

The institution emphasizes its deep roots in Central Iowa and commitment to personalized service at a local level. S. Government.

The bank actively engages in community programs such as customer shred days for document destruction and provides fraud prevention education to customers. As a regional community bank, Earlham serves customers who value local banking relationships and personalized service over digital-first platforms. The nine-branch footprint provides reasonable accessibility within Central Iowa, though customers outside this geographic region would need to bank remotely.

The bank maintains standard community bank operations without offering the extensive product variety or technology innovation of larger national institutions.

Services & Features

ATM access and locator service
After-hours banking options
Agricultural banking and farm loans
Business banking services
Check reordering
Checking and savings accounts
E-statements
Fraud prevention resources and scam alerts
Loan officer consultation services
Online account applications
Online banking platform
Personal consumer loans

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • FDIC-insured deposits backed by full faith and credit of U.S. Government
  • Nine branch locations across Central Iowa for in-person service
  • 90+ years of operational history since 1931
  • Specialized agricultural banking services for farm customers
  • Multiple account access channels including online banking, ATMs, and after-hours options
  • Free community services like customer shred days for document destruction
  • Proactive fraud prevention education and scam alerts
  • Fast and secure online account application process

Cons

  • Limited geographic footprint restricted to Central Iowa with no out-of-state branches
  • No mention of competitive interest rates, promotional offers, or rate comparisons on website
  • Limited transparency on fee structures, minimum balance requirements, or account features
  • No mention of mobile app or digital-first banking capabilities beyond basic online banking
  • No information about business banking product details, credit card offerings, or investment services

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.7
Customer Service
3.8
Transparency
4.0
Ease of Use
4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Earlham Savings Bank legitimate?

Yes. Earlham Savings Bank is a registered company, headquartered in West Des Moines, IA, founded in 1931.

How long does Earlham Savings Bank take to show results?

Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.

Quick Facts

Founded
1931
Headquarters
West Des Moines, IA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #5796
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Earlham Savings Bank

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Earlham Savings Bank

Earlham Savings Bank is best for Central Iowa residents and agricultural business owners seeking community-focused banking with local branch relationships and FDIC insurance. The main caveat is geographic limitation—the bank operates only nine branches in Central Iowa with no national presence, making it unsuitable for customers outside this region or those requiring extensive digital banking capabilities.

Best For

  • Central Iowa residents seeking personalized community banking with local branch access
  • Agricultural business owners needing farm-specific lending and banking services
  • Customers who prefer face-to-face relationships with bank staff over digital-only banking
  • Depositors prioritizing FDIC insurance and traditional bank stability over fintech features
Updated 2026-04-29

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