Military Service Banking Program
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The FNB Military Service Banking Program is First National Bank's commitment to and steadfast support for those who serve… from deployment to transitioning from military service and beyond, we are by your side so you can focus on what’s important to you and the country.
This program provides unparalleled benefits, exclusive offers, and support for Iowa's military service members and veterans. Discover more about the FNB Military Service Banking Program below and download the program’s flyer. Thank you for your service.

Personal Banking
Becoming a client of the Military Service Banking Program starts with the opening a personal checking account with First National Bank and setting up a direct deposit, which provides access to the program’s benefits. All regular account opening procedures apply.
If you are making a switch from another bank’s checking account to a First National Bank checking account, you are eligible for a $100 Simple Switch Plan Bonus1, which will be deposited into your new checking account 30 days after your first direct deposit.
We offer three Relationship Checking options. Many servicemembers start with the basic Simple Cash Back account, which rewards you for using your debit card and has no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees, as long as you sign up for online statements. The Simple Cash Back account includes all of the services listed below that make it easy and convenient to access your account and make purchases and pay bills, even when you are out of the country.
Use promotional code - MILITARY - when you apply for a checking account.
Open a Checking Account
Convenient Access to Your Accounts
Wherever you set up base, First National Bank’s Online Banking and the FNB Mobile App help you conveniently access your funds. We also offer:
Manage Your Money Your Way
When it comes to managing your money, we make it easy to do it the way you prefer to bank. Money management tools include:
- Bill Pay
- Electronic funds transfer
- Send money from your bank account using peer-to-peer payment systems like Venmo, Google Pay, and PayPal
- Mobile payments, including the capability to add your First National Bank debit card to your digital wallet
- Direct deposit for your military or civilian income, VA benefits or stipends
- Make mobile deposits using the FNB Mobile App
- First National Bank credit card for military members with good credit

Mortgage Loans
Whether you need a home loan, home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC), or assistance with your down payment, we offer discounts and mortgage lending services tailored for our military service clients.
- $200 Discount on Home Loan Closing Costs. Program clients are eligible to receive $200 off their loan closing costs for any approved mortgage loan offered by First National Bank through the VA Home Loan program or other mortgage loan programs. With a VA Home Loan, you can buy a home or refinance with little or no down payment. VA Home Loans are available for service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses.
- $100 Discount on Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit Closing Costs. Program clients are also eligible for a $100 discount on the closing costs of an approved home equity loan or line of credit.
- Down Payment Assistance. Our mortgage lenders can assist eligible military members access the Military Homeownership Assistance program, which provides a $5,000 grant to eligible service members and veterans for down payments and closing costs on qualifying homes. In addition, our mortgage lenders can assist active-duty military and veterans apply for grants and loans through the Historic West Des Moines Housing Fund.
Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice.
Learn More
Vehicle Loans
All First National Bank customers with active personal checking accounts and direct deposit are eligible for the Special Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on new and used vehicle loans. Loans are available for qualified applicants. See current special discounted rate information.
See Current Rates or Apply
Business Loans
- All program clients are eligible for up to $300 off First National Bank’s loan closing costs for any approved commercial loan. Our lenders will assist in identifying the loan program that is a good fit for your business. Discount cannot exceed borrower's actual out-of-pocket costs.
- Veterans may also apply for small business loans through the Small Business Administration loan program, administered through First National Bank. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides flexible funding from $20,000 up to $5 million for a wide range of business purposes, including working capital, expansion, and equipment purchases.
Learn More
Other Special Benefits
Military Service Banking Program clients are also eligible to receive a wide range of other special financial benefits, including:
- Complimentary outgoing domestic wires (one per statement cycle).
- No foreign currency exchange fees.
- No fee for cashier’s checks.
- Preferred rate on certificates of deposit (0.10% increase).
- First National Bank customers may receive a no-obligation, complimentary consultation with a Financial Management & Trust Services advisor to become acquainted with how the bank can assist customers with the administration of their trust, coordinate with your attorney on estate planning issues, and assist with management of your finances and investments if desired.
- Waiver of the minimum balance requirement on one personal Standard Savings account.
- Veteran-owned businesses with a Clover Point-of-Sale system and Merchant Services through First National Bank receive a rebate for processing fees on Independence Day and Veterans Day. Get Details.
Military Mission Money
Boost your financial IQ with Military Mission Money, a FREE online financial education resource tailored just for servicemembers about to deploy, reservists, and veterans. This website includes links to financial education resources also offered by the DoD, the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, Veterans Affairs, and other organizations serving the military.
Check Out the Free Resources
Recognition & Appreciation
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To express our appreciation for your service, all new checking account customers who join the Military Service Banking Program will receive a complimentary American Flag lapel pin, a symbol of patriotism and pride that embodies the very qualities that make our military extraordinary.
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First National Bank also invites program clients to join us at any of our bank locations each November to enjoy refreshments in honor of Veterans Day. Date, time, and specifics are announced closer to the events.
Contact Us to Join or Learn More
First National Bank is a proud participant of the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP).
First National Bank is committed to helping Veterans, beneficiaries, survivors, and caregivers gain access to the financial products, services, and support they need. We are committed to ensure all VA beneficiaries are able to open a low-to-no-cost checking account when they bring a direct deposit to First National Bank.
VBBP - You've earned it. Let's secure it.
VBBP offers free financial or credit counseling through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE) in addition to the following programs:
- VetCents. A financial educational program created specifically for Veterans and beneficiaries.
- Veteran Saves. A program aimed at helping Veterans save money, reduce debit, and build wealth.
- Financial education resources to help Veterans and their families with budgeting and saving.
- VA Benefits Payment Options. VA beneficiaries choose among the three available options for receiving VA monetary benefits. Among those options is a Direct Deposit into your existing First National Bank account or a new First National Bank account.
Association of Military Banks of America
First National Bank is also a member of the Association of Military Banks of America. Founded in 1959, AMBA is the only trade association representing banking institutions specializing in providing banking services for military personnel and their families around the world. AMBA has a long history of partnering with the Department of Defense for the benefit of military members and their dependents. AMBA's mission is to lead and support its members to enhance the financial wellness of U.S. military and veteran communities by building strategic partnerships and promoting financial products, services, and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I need to do to join?
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There are several ways for qualified individuals to enroll in the program.
- Complete the online form and a Customer Service Center representative or Relationship Banker will contact you to discuss enrollment and help you get a checking account.
- Stop by any of our bank locations and a Relationship Banker will assist you. We have branches in Ames, Ankeny, Osceola, Valley Junction, and West Des Moines, Iowa.
- Call the Customer Service Center at 515-232-5561.
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What do I need to do to take advantage of the program's benefits?
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Speak to a First National Bank Relationship Banker, mortgage lender, or commercial lender. The program is accessible through any of First National Bank’s locations.
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Do I need to verify my military status each time I want to use the program's benefits?
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Once you join the program, the bank will retain information associated with your bank account that lets our employees know that you are eligible for the program’s benefits. There will be no further verification required, unless you are being deployed and want to take advantage of the added benefits for active duty deployed individuals.
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Does a spouse of a Military Service Banking Program member also receive the program's benefits?
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The Military Service Banking Program benefits are extended to the eligible program member.
However, there ae instances where a spouse may benefit from the program indirectly. For example:
- When the minimum balance requirement is waived on a jointly owned Standard Savings account, both owners benefit from the waiver.
- If a member and their spouse apply jointing for a mortgage loan, the member would be eligible for a discount on the loan's closing costs, which benefits both parties to the loan.
On the other hand, a spouse cannot exercise the benefits of the program independently. For example, an applicant for an SBA loan would not be able to use the benefits extended to their miliary member spouse if they are not co-applicants on the loan.
If you have any questions about benefit eligibility, please speak with a Relationship Banker or loan officer.
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What will I need to join the program?
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When you’re ready to join, you will need:
- Two forms of identification: A valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID (such as a state ID or passport). For secondary identification, you can use an employee ID, student Idd, or credit card.
- Physical address: Current physical residential address.
- Personal information: Legal name, date of birth, country of citizenship.
- Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification number.
- Contact information: A phone number and email address.
- Military verification: Proof of military service.
- Deposit: Minimum checking account opening deposit of $10.
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What are other ways is First National Bank a military friendly place to bank?
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- Veterans Benefits Banking Program member: First National Bank is a member of the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) that provides veterans and beneficiaries a safe, reliable, and inexpensive way to receive and manage their VA monetary benefits.
- Partner with military organizations: We partner with military and veteran organizations to support their community engagement endeavors.
- Employment opportunities: First National Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants, including service members and veterans.
- Give back to military and veterans groups: We make charitable donations directly to nonprofit military associated organizations. For example, in the past the bank has sponsored the American Legion, National Wreaths Across America Day, Military Care Packages, the West Des Moines VFW Anniversary Fair, American flag retirement and replacements, Blue Star Mothers of Iowa, and local food pantries serving the homeless and food insecure, and more.
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How can I benefit from the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act?
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- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides financial relief and protections to eligible service members and their dependents. First National Bank will apply benefits and protections on eligible accounts, including: auto loans, mortgage and home equity secured loans, commercial assets, equipment loans and leases, and deposit accounts and safe deposit boxes (in limited situations).
- SCRA provides servicemembers a number of other protections, including: credit protection; auto lease termination; termination of apartment leases; a landlord may not evict a service member, spouse or their dependents from their primary residence; and real or property owned before active military service that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or similar security interest cannot be sold, foreclosed upon, or seized during the period of active military service or for one year immediately after such service without a court order.
- If you have orders or other documentation reflecting your service commitment, please send a request for SCRA protection to Customer Service using the link below.
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What protections are provided to active-duty service members under the Military Lending Act?
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The Military Lending ACT (MLA) gives protections to active-duty service members. The MLA limits the interest rates that can be charged on many consumer loans to no more than 36%. The 36% cap includes costs like finance charges, credit insurance premiums, applications fees, and credit-related add-on products sold in connection with the credit. The MLA also prohibits lenders from charging prepayment penalties and requiring service members to submit to mandatory arbitration or waive their SCRA rights. The types of loans covered by the MLA include vehicle title loans, overdraft lines of credit, and certain installment loans given to active-duty service members, spouses, and certain dependents.