
Central State Bank Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about banking with Central State Bank. Explore information about accounts, digital banking, loans, business services, fraud prevention, locations, and more.
General Banking & Locations
What services does Central State Bank offer?
Central State Bank provides personal banking, business banking, lending, and digital banking services for customers in central Iowa.
Personal services include checking and savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, debit cards, and online and mobile banking.
Lending options include personal, auto, mortgage, agricultural, home equity, and commercial loans.
Business customers can also access checking accounts, cash management, remote deposit, merchant card services, business credit cards, and other financial tools.
Where are Central State Bank branches located?
Central State Bank has locations in State Center, Ames, and West Des Moines, Iowa. The State Center branch is located at 109 West Main Street, and the Ames branch is at 2709 Northridge Parkway. The West Des Moines branch is located at 140 S 68th Street, Suite 1100. Visit our Locations & Hours page for directions, phone numbers, and other branch information.
What are Central State Bank's hours?
Central State Bank's State Center lobby is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ames branch is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The West Des Moines branch is also open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Check our Locations & Hours page before your visit for the most current information.
How can I access my Central State Bank accounts outside of normal banking hours?
Central State Bank offers several ways to manage your accounts outside of regular branch hours.
- Online and mobile banking let you check balances, review transactions, transfer funds, and complete other everyday banking tasks.
- Free telephone banking is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- You can also use an ATM for convenient access to cash and other services.
How do I contact Central State Bank?
You can contact Central State Bank by calling or visiting your nearest branch. You can reach our State Center office at 641-219-7535, our Ames office at 515-445-1889, or our West Des Moines office at 515-644-3050. You can also send a general message through the Contact Us form on our website.
Please do not send account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information through unencrypted email.
Checking, Savings & Account Information
How do I open a bank account?
Start by choosing the Central State Bank checking or savings account that best fits your needs. A member of our banking team can explain account features, minimum deposits, fees, and other requirements before you open the account.
You can contact or visit one of our State Center, Ames, or West Des Moines locations to get started. If you are switching banks, our Switch Kit can also help you move direct deposits and automatic payments to your new account.
What do I need to open a bank account?
Federal law requires Central State Bank to verify your identity when you open an account. For a personal checking account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your physical and mailing addresses, and an opening deposit.
You may also need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Depending on the account, we may ask for additional forms of identification or other personal information.
Having these items ready can help make the account-opening process smoother. If you have questions about what to bring, contact Central State Bank.
What checking accounts does Central State Bank offer?
Central State Bank offers Free Checking, NOW Checking, and NOW Elite Checking accounts.
Once opened, Free Checking accounts provide everyday banking features with no maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement.
NOW and NOW Elite accounts allow eligible balances to earn interest and may be a better fit for customers who keep more money in checking.
Compare our checking account options to find the features and balance requirements that fit the way you bank.
What savings accounts does Central State Bank offer?
Central State Bank offers Regular Savings, Freedom 250 Savings, Youth Savings, and the Lil Trojan Club account for younger savers.
Customers can also explore money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for other savings goals.
Each account has its own balance requirements, interest rates, and features. Review our savings options or connect with our banking team to find an account that matches your goals.
What are Central State Bank's current rates?
Central State Bank publishes current rates for CDs, savings accounts, NOW checking accounts, and money market accounts on our Rates page.
Rates and annual percentage yields (APY) can change, so checking the current rate sheet is the best way to get accurate information. Minimum opening deposits and balance requirements also vary by account.
Review the account disclosures or contact Central State Bank if you have questions about a specific rate or account.
Online & Mobile Banking
How do I enroll in online banking?
You can begin enrollment through the Central State Bank online banking login area by selecting Enroll. Follow the prompts to set up secure access to your eligible Central State Bank accounts. Once enrolled, you can use online banking to check balances, review transactions, transfer funds, pay bills, and access other account tools. Contact your local Central State Bank branch if you need help getting started.
What can I do with Central State Bank mobile banking?
Central State Bank's mobile banking app gives you secure access to your accounts using a compatible smartphone or mobile device. You can check balances, view recent transactions, transfer money between Central State Bank accounts, pay bills, and set account alerts. The app also allows eligible customers to deposit checks using mobile check deposit.
You can find the Central State Bank mobile banking app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
How do I deposit a check with my phone?
Central State Bank's mobile banking app offers mobile check deposit for eligible customers and accounts. Sign in to the app and follow the mobile deposit instructions to submit your check using your phone's camera. Make sure the check information and images are clear before completing the deposit. Keep the original check until you are sure the deposit has been accepted and processed.
What should I do if I forgot my online banking password?
Select Forgot Password in the Banking Online login area if you cannot remember your online banking password. Follow the instructions provided to verify your information and reset your access. For your security, never share your online banking password or verification information with another person.
Contact Central State Bank if you cannot regain access or think someone else has accessed your account.
How do I sign up for e-statements?
You can sign up for free e-statements through your Central State Bank online banking account. E-statements provide electronic access to your account statements instead of sending a paper copy through the mail. You will receive an email notification when a new statement is available. You can save electronic statements to your device for easy access later.
Does Central State Bank offer online bill pay?
Yes. Central State Bank offers free bill pay through online and mobile banking. You can make one-time or recurring payments, schedule payments in advance, set reminders, and review your payment history. Bill pay works with multiple eligible Central State Bank checking accounts, allowing you to manage regular payments in one place.
Can I transfer money between my Central State Bank accounts?
Yes. Online and mobile banking allow you to transfer money between eligible Central State Bank accounts. This can make it easier to move money between checking and savings or manage funds as your needs change. You can also review your account activity and balances before making a transfer.
Debit Cards, ATMs & Account Security
What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Contact Central State Bank as soon as possible if your debit card is lost or stolen. Acting quickly can help protect your account and prevent unauthorized transactions. Review your recent account activity and report any charges you do not recognize. A Central State Bank team member can explain the steps needed to protect your account and replace your card.
How can I monitor my debit card for suspicious activity?
Central State Bank customers can use the Brella™ app to monitor debit card activity and receive transaction alerts. You can customize alerts for certain types of purchases or transactions over a selected amount. These notifications can help you spot unusual activity sooner.
What should I do if I see a transaction I don't recognize?
Review the transaction carefully to confirm whether you recognize the merchant, amount, and purchase. If you still believe the transaction may be unauthorized, call Central State Bank promptly.
Continue reviewing your account for other unusual activity and keep any information that may help identify the transaction. Taking action quickly can help the bank investigate the issue and explain your next steps.
How do I report suspected fraud?
If you believe your account, debit card, or personal banking information has been compromised, call Central State Bank promptly. Provide as much information as you can about the suspicious activity, but do not send confidential account information through unencrypted email. You should also change compromised passwords and continue monitoring your accounts for unusual activity.
Central State Bank provides additional fraud and scam prevention tips to help customers recognize and avoid common threats.
Where can I find a Central State Bank ATM?
Central State Bank offers full-service depository ATMs at its State Center and Ames locations. These ATMs can be used to withdraw cash, check balances, transfer funds, and make deposits, and are accessible 24 hours a day.
Central State Bank cardholders can also use surcharge-free ATMs through the SHAZAM® Privileged Status™ network. Use the ATM Locator to find a convenient participating ATM near you.
Personal, Mortgage & Agricultural Loans
What types of personal loans does Central State Bank offer?
Central State Bank offers personal financing for a variety of needs. Personal loans can help cover debt consolidation, refinancing, vehicles, recreational vehicles, mobile homes, vacations, and other eligible expenses.
The loan amount, interest rate, repayment term, and approval depend on your financial situation and how you plan to use the funds. A Central State Bank lender can help you review available options and find financing that fits your needs.
Does Central State Bank offer mortgage loans?
Yes. Central State Bank offers mortgage financing for Iowa homebuyers and homeowners. Options include conventional mortgages, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, first-time homebuyer financing, VA loans, USDA loans, FHA loans, and mortgage refinancing.
The best mortgage depends on factors such as your finances, down payment, property, and long-term plans. Our local mortgage lenders can help you compare your options and understand each step of the home loan process.
Does Central State Bank offer home equity financing?
Yes. Central State Bank offers home equity financing that can help eligible homeowners borrow against the equity they have built in their homes. Funds may be useful for home improvements, major expenses, or other qualifying needs.
Your available financing will depend on factors such as your home equity, finances, and ability to repay the loan. A Central State Bank lender can help you understand your options and requirements.
Does Central State Bank offer agricultural loans?
Yes. Central State Bank provides agricultural financing for Iowa farmers and agricultural operations. Options include farm real estate loans, farm equipment financing, livestock loans, and operating lines of credit. Agricultural loans can help finance land, machinery, livestock, crop inputs, operating expenses, and other farm needs. Our local ag lenders can help you explore financing that fits your operation and cash flow.
Business Banking
What business banking services does Central State Bank offer?
Central State Bank offers banking tools designed to help Iowa businesses manage their everyday finances. Services include commercial checking, business analysis accounts, business money market accounts, remote deposit capture, online cash management, business credit cards, and merchant card services. These tools can help businesses manage payments, deposits, cash flow, and everyday account activity.
Our business banking team can help you choose services that fit your company’s size and financial needs.
Does Central State Bank offer business loans?
Yes. Central State Bank offers several commercial financing options for businesses in Iowa. Available options include revolving lines of credit, short- and long-term loans, and Small Business Administration loans. Financing can help cover working capital, equipment, inventory, business expansion, commercial real estate, and other eligible business expenses.
A local commercial lender will review your goals and help you find the loan option that best fits your needs.
What is Online Cash Management?
Online Cash Management is a secure digital banking tool that helps businesses manage their accounts and transactions online. Businesses can use it to view balances and transactions, transfer funds, make loan payments, use remote deposit, and pay bills.
Depending on your setup, it can also support ACH payments, wire transfers, stop payments, check orders, and different user permissions. These tools give business owners more control over cash flow and everyday financial tasks.
Does Central State Bank offer remote deposit for businesses?
Yes. Central State Bank offers remote deposit services to help businesses deposit checks without making a trip to the bank. Businesses can scan eligible checks and securely submit deposits electronically. This can save time and make everyday cash management more convenient.
Our business banking team can explain how remote deposit works and help determine if it is a good fit for your company.
Friendly Hometown Banking for Every Need
Still have questions? Contact the Central State Bank team for personal help with your accounts, banking services, or financial goals. Visit or contact one of our locations in State Center, Ames, or West Des Moines.