CorTrust Bank has a way of feeling both established and personal at the same time—the kind of place where you can walk in with a big-life question, and you’re met with steady guidance instead of a sales pitch. That’s not an accident. CorTrust is a fourth-generation, family-owned community bank with roots that go back to 1930, when it was founded in Artesian, South Dakota. 

Hillary McQuade, Director of Marketing, describes the “why” behind the bank in a way that’s simple and clear: “As a community bank, we aren’t driven by profits; we’re driven by the desire to see our customers thrive.” It’s a sentence that fits CorTrust’s history—and it also fits the way they show up in towns like Arlington.

Built on relationships, grown with purpose

CorTrust started as a small operation serving the needs of local farming families, and over the decades it’s grown into a bank serving communities across South Dakota and Minnesota, with 37 locations today.  But the growth hasn’t changed the feel. CorTrust still leans into what a community bank does best: knowing people by name, understanding local needs, and staying invested in the places they serve—not just financially, but personally.

Here in Arlington, CorTrust opened its local branch in 2000, and it’s become one of those cornerstones you’re glad to have in town: consistent, friendly, and genuinely helpful.  Whether you’re stopping in for a routine transaction or you’re sitting down to talk through a major decision, the experience is meant to feel grounded—neighbors helping neighbors, with the resources to back it up.

Everything you need—without losing the personal touch

CorTrust offers a wide range of services designed to meet people where they are. That includes everyday essentials like checking and savings, and bigger-life milestones like mortgages. It also includes tools that make banking easier to manage day-to-day—digital banking features like mobile deposit and Bill Pay—alongside support for the folks who power our local economy through business and ag lending. 

But what stands out isn’t just the list of services—it’s how CorTrust approaches the relationship. Hillary says, “When you bank with CorTrust, you’re working with neighbors and fellow community members.” In a world that can feel increasingly automated, CorTrust leans into the human side of banking: taking time, listening closely, and offering help that actually matches the person sitting across the desk.

“A personalized experience, custom to their unique needs”

If there’s a single theme Hillary returns to, it’s personalization. “When a customer visits CorTrust Bank, we want them to have a personalized experience, custom to their unique needs and stage of life.” That might look like walking someone through the steps of buying their first home, or helping a growing family figure out the smartest next move. It might look like a business owner exploring financing options, or a farmer mapping out a plan that fits the season and the long-term picture.

CorTrust focuses on quality the old-fashioned way: they listen first. Hillary explains that the team takes time to truly understand what a customer needs, then recommends products and services based on those needs—not based on a one-size-fits-all playbook. That approach tends to build trust quickly, because customers can feel the difference between being “processed” and being cared for.

The most rewarding part: seeing goals become real

For CorTrust, the win isn’t a transaction—it’s the moment someone reaches the goal that brought them in. Hillary puts it plainly: “Seeing our customers accomplish their goals and dreams is the most rewarding part.” Whether it’s helping someone finance a dream home, or assisting in uncovering sources of funding that help a business take the next step, CorTrust takes pride in being a steady partner in the background—helping make big moments possible.

That’s one of the reasons CorTrust fits so naturally in a place like Arlington. We’re a community that values progress, but we also value relationships. And CorTrust has built a reputation around both.

Community involvement that shows up where it matters

CorTrust’s commitment doesn’t stop at the front door of the bank. As Hillary says, “As a community bank, we work hard to invest our time and financial resources in causes that make the places we call home even better.” From sponsorships to volunteering, CorTrust believes in showing up—and in Arlington, they do.

Locally, CorTrust helps facilitate the Chamber Bucks program, keeping dollars circulating with our local businesses. They’ve also supported community gatherings like Picnic in the Park during Arlington Days by donating desserts—one of those small-but-meaningful touches that adds up to a stronger event experience for everyone. And in many ways, that’s the CorTrust pattern: not just saying they support community, but backing it up in visible, practical ways.

Stop in and learn more

You can learn more about CorTrust at CorTrustBank.com, or visit the Arlington branch at 114 S Main Street. The lobby is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.