Welcome to the Family

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Billings, Montana. It is the parent company of First Interstate Bank, a community bank offering a full range of online, mobile, and other banking and financial services. When Great Western converts to First Interstate Bank on May 23, 2022, you will have access to more than 300 banking offices across 14 states.

First Interstate’s course was set by its founder, Homer Scott, Sr., who believed that people and organizations are not known by what they say, but by what they do. From the time Mr. Scott purchased his first bank in 1968, through our growth over five decades, First Interstate has always adhered to a strong set of guiding principles and values.

No—what is now First Interstate Bank was originally a family of community banks operating under separate names. We started using the First Interstate Bank name in 1984 as part of a franchise agreement with First Interstate Bancorp, headquartered in California. In 1996, Wells Fargo acquired First Interstate Bancorp, but not this bank. Instead, we created the First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. holding company and obtained an exclusive license to use the “First Interstate” name and logo.

The combination of GWB and First Interstate will create a premier banking franchise in the West and allows us to focus on what we do best: taking outstanding care of our clients and creating long-term relationships. Like GWB, First Interstate has a proud history of delivering quality, competitive financial services to clients and of making a positive difference in our communities. It is this similar culture and shared community banking philosophy that makes the blending of our companies exciting for both our employees and our clients.

Yes, when GWB officially converts to First Interstate on Monday, May 23, 2022, it will operate under the First Interstate Bank name with First Interstate branding and logos.

Yes! Please continue your normal banking activities with the same bank staff you’ve come to know and trust in the same communities where you live and work.

No, not at this time. Great Western clients will be able to conduct business at First Interstate branches beginning Monday, May 23, 2022.

There will be no immediate changes to your accounts, and no action on your part is necessary at this time. Over the coming weeks, you will receive mailings from First Interstate regarding the transition. You’ll also learn more about the benefits of being a First Interstate client.

The majority of Great Western account numbers will remain the same as they transition to First Interstate account numbers on May 23, 2022. A small number of GWB accounts that do not meet the requirements for an account number in First Interstate’s system will need to be changed. If your account is impacted in any way, we will contact you individually.

There will be no changes to your Great Western debit card at this time. Please continue to use your Great Western debit card until receiving your new First Interstate debit card in late June-July, at which time you may begin using it.

The deposits and withdrawals that post automatically to your checking or savings account will continue to be processed in the same way after conversion on May 23, 2022. In rare cases of renumbered accounts requiring an account number change, Social Security or other entities that process automatic deposits or withdrawals from an account may need to be notified. If needed, First Interstate will make the initial contact with these entities on your behalf.

Unless we communicate otherwise, the terms and conditions of your loan contract at GWB will remain as stated after it transfers to First Interstate. There is no need for you to do anything with your loan; however, if you have questions about your loan, please contact your banker.

There is limited geographic overlap between GWB and First Interstate, and our teams carefully considered the branch footprint and the business needs of the combined company to ensure we are offering the right amount of branch locations to meet client needs. With that in mind, we will be closing the following GWB branch locations on May 20, 2022:

• Holdrege Downtown at 424 West Ave. in Holdrege, NE
• Lexington West at 511 N. Lincoln St. in Lexington, NE
• Missouri Valley at 205 E. Erie St. in Missouri Valley, IA
• Eldora at 1402 Washington St. in Eldora, IA
• Canton at 102 W. 5th St. in Canton, SD
• Ftc East; Rapid City Family Thrift at 1516 E. Saint Patrick St. in Rapid City, SD
• Columbus Downtown at 1464 26th Ave. in Columbus, NE
• Lincoln Havelock at 6424 Havelock in Lincoln, NE
• Lincoln Edgewood at 5300 S. 56th St. in Lincoln, NE
• Spearfish at 526 N. Main in Spearfish, SD

If you have additional questions after reviewing these answers, please contact your local banker. You may also call First Interstate’s Client Contact Center at 855-342-3400; representatives are available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT.