About First Interstate Bank

Right where we need to be.

First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana. With more than 300 branches across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, we’re dedicated to helping these diverse communities reach their greatest potential—answering the needs of residents and businesses with practical financial solutions while supporting communities through business development and philanthropy.

1968

First Interstate Bank was established on the principles and values of our founder, Homer Scott, Sr. In 1968, Mr. Scott purchased the Bank of Commerce in Sheridan, Wyoming, and began building his vision of a premier community bank committed to providing quality customer service, attracting high quality employees, and serving the local community with long-term perspective and discipline.

1970

Mr. Scott purchased the Security Trust and Savings Bank in Billings, Montana. These two bank acquisitions formed the foundation on which our company began its notable history of sustained growth and expansion.

1971

In 1971, Mr. Scott incorporated our company as a holding company and over the next 10 years acquired two more banks and established six de novo banks within various communities of Montana and Wyoming.

1981

By 1981, our company had grown to 10 branches.

1984

We entered into a franchise agreement with First Interstate Bancorp, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, in 1984 to use the "First Interstate" name in Montana and Wyoming.

1996

In 1996, Wells Fargo acquired First Interstate Bancorp, but not our bank. Instead, we obtained an exclusive license to use the “First Interstate” name and logo in Montana, Wyoming, and the neighboring states of Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. We also purchased six banking offices—previously owned by First Interstate Bancorp—in Montana and Wyoming, bringing our total number of branches to 27.

1999

By the end of 1999, First Interstate had grown to 42 branches through a combination of de novo start-ups and acquisitions. We also experienced significant organic growth with increases in total assets, deposits, and loans. This pattern of organic, de novo, and acquisition growth has since resulted in further expansion of our business and market areas.

2008

In January 2008, we expanded into South Dakota by acquiring 18 banking offices pursuant to the purchase of First Western Bank.

2014/15

First Interstate acquires Mountain West Financial Corp. and Absarokee Bancorporation, Inc.

2016

In August, First Interstate acquired Flathead Bank of Bigfork, expanding our presence in Montana. In November, First Interstate signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cascade Bancorp, parent company of Bank of the Cascades, a community bank based in Bend, Oregon.

2017

After years of using the First Interstate name through a franchise agreement, we retained the rights to use the First Interstate name and logo in all 50 states. In August, Bank of the Cascades officially became First Interstate Bank.

2018

In April, First Interstate signed a definitive agreement to acquire Northwest Bancorporation, Inc., parent company of Inland Northwest Bank, a community bank based in Spokane, Washington— completing the acquisition in August. In October, First Interstate signed a definitive agreement to acquire Idaho Independent Bank based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Community 1st Bank based in Post Falls, Idaho. In November, Inland Northwest Bank officially became First Interstate Bank.

2019

In April, Idaho Independent and Community 1st Banks joined the family, officially becoming First Interstate Bank in June. Today, we have over 150 branches throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Our history and market leadership is a result of our adherence to our company’s values and the alignment of these values among our management, directors, employees, and shareholders.

2021

First Interstate signed a definitive agreement to partner with Great Western Bank, expanding the First Interstate franchise into eight new states.

2022

In February, Great Western Bank joined the family, officially becoming First Interstate Bank in May.

2024

James A. Reuter became First Interstate’s President and CEO on November 1, 2024.

We’re here for you.