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Frontier Credit Union Brings Their Community-Focused Service to Montana With Acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte

Posted by on February 4, 2026

Frontier Credit Union, Idaho’s oldest credit union, announced its acquisition of First Citizens Bank of Butte, marking a significant milestone in both institutions’ commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused financial services. With this, Frontier Credit Union becomes the first credit union to fully acquire a bank in the state of Montana, combining First Citizens trusted, local service with Frontier’s expanded resources, technology and 90-year legacy and commitment to building better lives.

This transaction closed on Feb. 1, 2026, with account conversions and full systems integration anticipated to be completed by August 2026.

A Stronger, Unified Institution for Members and Communities

With this transition, First Citizens Bank of Butte customers will become members of Frontier Credit Union, gaining access to Frontier’s wide range of financial products and services, including expanded mortgage and auto lending options, credit cards, and enhanced digital banking tools.

“Having grown up in Dillon, bringing Frontier home to Montana is something I’m deeply proud of,” said Dan Thurman, President and CEO of Frontier Credit Union. “For over 90 years, Frontier has been dedicated to building better lives through trusted, community-first financial services. Welcoming First Citizens Bank into our family is a natural next step, and we’re excited to support the Butte community with the same commitment and care that’s guided us from the start.”

“We’re excited to welcome the Butte Branch team and community into the Frontier Credit Union family,” said Cindy High, Chief Operations Officer at Frontier Credit Union. “This transition reflects our shared commitment to community-focused service while expanding access to a broader range of financial products, enhanced digital tools, and the same friendly, local experience members value. We’re proud to strengthen our presence in Butte and look forward to supporting individuals, families, and businesses here for many years to come.”

What Customers Can Expect 

  • No immediate changes to accounts: Customers can continue to access their current accounts, checks, debit/credit cards, and online banking services as usual. Account numbers and services will remain the same until the conversion is complete in August 2026. Customers are encouraged to transition their accounts to Frontier before that date.
  • Branch access expands: Customers now have access to all of Frontier’s 15 branch locations throughout Idaho, in addition to the Butte branch, which will remain open and continue operations as part of Frontier.
  • Enhanced service offerings: Customers will benefit from an expanded suite of products and access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through the Credit Union CO-OP network.
  • Continued federal insurance coverage: Deposits will remain federally insured, transitioning from FDIC to coverage under the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), administered by the NCUA, with the same $250,000 per account category insurance limit.

A Commitment to Building Better Lives

There are no anticipated changes to current hours at the Butte location. Frontier’s headquarters will remain in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the Butte branch will become the 16th location in Frontier’s growing regional footprint.

“Our top priority is making this transition as seamless as possible for our new members in Butte,” said Angie Hyatt, VP of Branch Operations at Frontier Credit Union. “Behind the scenes, our teams are working closely together to keep everything running smoothly while giving members access to more services and improved digital tools. We’re excited to welcome Butte to Frontier.”

For More Information: Customers and community members can visit frontiercreditunion.com/welcome/ for updates and FAQs regarding the transaction.

Posted in Idaho, Regional Member News.

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