Hills Bank and Trust Company logo

Hills Bank and Trust Company in Hills, IA

4.2/5

FDIC-insured community bank offering checking, savings, mortgages, and wealth management services with a focus on local banking relationships and agricultural lending in Eastern Iowa.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Hills Bank and Trust Company Review

Hills Bank and Trust Company is a traditional community bank serving Eastern Iowa with FDIC insurance backing all deposit accounts. The bank has established itself as a relationship-focused financial institution, emphasizing personalized service through in-person appointments and local branch locations. Based on their website content, they maintain a strong commitment to agricultural and small business lending, as evidenced by their educational content addressing farm family planning and beginning farmer growth strategies.

The bank offers a comprehensive suite of retail banking services including free checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and personal loan products. Their mortgage division provides home purchase and refinancing services with a dedicated local lending team. Hills Bank also operates a Wealth Management division handling investment advisory and retirement planning services.

Additional services include online and mobile banking with features like mobile check deposit, card controls, and digital wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). What distinguishes Hills Bank is their emphasis on community education and local relationship banking. They host free seminars on first-time homebuying, budgeting, and debt management.

Their content demonstrates specialized knowledge in agricultural finance and farm family economics. The bank also emphasizes fraud awareness education and provides tools like card controls for lost cards managed through their online banking platform. Routing number 073913755 is prominently displayed, indicating established banking infrastructure.

Hills Bank is best suited for customers prioritizing traditional banking relationships, local service, and community connections over fintech innovation. However, the website provides no information about mobile app sophistication, interest rate competitiveness, or fees for specific services beyond free checking. No details are disclosed about business account minimums, loan terms, or investment product specifics.

For consumers seeking high-yield savings or cutting-edge digital banking, alternative options may warrant comparison. Their strength lies in personalized service and agricultural/small business lending rather than technology-first banking.

Services & Features

401(k) retirement plan services
Card controls for lost/compromised debit cards
Commercial accounts and business services
Fraud awareness and prevention education
Free checking accounts with no minimum balance
Home purchase and refinance mortgages
Mobile check deposit feature
Mobile wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
Online and mobile banking with 24/7 account access
Personal loans and home equity loans/lines of credit
Savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)
Wealth Management and investment advisory services

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
  • Free checking with no minimum balance requirements and unlimited debit card transactions
  • Free educational seminars on first-time homebuying, budgeting, and debt management
  • Local mortgage team providing in-person guidance for home purchase and refinance
  • Specialized agricultural lending expertise demonstrated through farm family content
  • Mobile banking with check deposit, card controls, and mobile wallet support
  • 24/7 online account access through Hills Bank Online platform

Cons

  • Website does not disclose interest rates for checking, savings, or CD products
  • No information about account fees, overdraft policies, or service charges beyond free checking
  • Limited transparency on mortgage rates and personal loan terms; must contact for pricing
  • No clear information about minimum balances for savings accounts, CDs, or business accounts
  • Website does not indicate digital banking innovation or competitive positioning versus regional/national banks

Rating Breakdown

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

Mortgage Lending Transparency

Hills Bank and Trust Company processed 3,255 mortgage applications in 2023, approving 97.1% of applicants across 4 states.

3,255

Applications

97.1%

Approval Rate

$194K

Avg Loan

4

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
92.8%
$50K–$100K
96.4%
$100K–$200K
98.3%
Over $200K
97.5%

Based on 3,255 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

Top Lending States

Iowa 3,249 apps · 92.8%
Florida 3 apps · 100%
Missouri 2 apps · 100%
Arizona 1 apps · 100%

Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hills Bank and Trust Company legitimate?

Yes. Hills Bank and Trust Company is a registered company, headquartered in Hills, IA, founded in 1904.

How long does Hills Bank and Trust Company take to show results?

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

Quick Facts

Founded
1904
Headquarters
Hills, IA
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #14650
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Hills Bank and Trust Company

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Hills Bank and Trust Company

Hills Bank is best for Eastern Iowa residents and agricultural business owners seeking personalized, relationship-based banking with strong local expertise. The primary caveat is that the website lacks transparency on interest rates, fees, and competitive product terms—requiring direct contact with the bank for pricing decisions and detailed account comparisons.

Best For

  • Iowa farmers and agricultural business owners seeking specialized lending expertise
  • First-time homebuyers wanting local mortgage guidance and free educational seminars
  • Small business owners in Eastern Iowa prioritizing relationship-based banking
  • Customers seeking traditional community banking with in-person branch relationships
Updated 2026-05-08

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