Together, with a shared commitment







 

We are excited to announce that the holding companies of Peoples State Bank and Bank First have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger. This partnership unites two relationship-driven banks with deep community roots and a shared commitment to responsive, solutions-oriented service.

For full details, please refer to the official news release.

WHY WE'RE STRONGER TOGETHER

At their core, Peoples State Bank and Bank First share a common belief: banking is built on relationships. Both organizations have spent decades earning the trust of customers, supporting local businesses, and investing in the communities they call home. While each bank has its own unique history, the values that have guided their success are remarkably similar.
 
Most importantly, this partnership allows us to honor and build upon the legacy of Peoples State Bank while preserving the relationship-focused approach that customers know and trust. The history, relationships, and community commitment that have defined Peoples remain an important part of our future. While the name on our buildings may change, our commitment to the people and communities we serve remains as strong as ever. 
 

WHY BANK FIRST?

Bank First was chosen as our merger partner because of its scale, people-centered culture, commitment to community, and shared values. Together, this creates an opportunity to grow, better serve our customers, invest in and develop our team, and deliver value to shareholders. Most importantly, Bank First has built a culture that has remained nimble despite growth. They are committed to continuous improvement, actively seek feedback from both customers and employees, and use that input to shape strategic priorities and enhance the customer and employee experience.
 
Bank First's history and approach to community banking made it a natural fit for Peoples State Bank. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Wisconsin, Bank First has grown through strong partnerships while maintaining a commitment to responsive service, local decision-making, and long-term customer relationships. As the organization has expanded, it has continued to invest in its people, technology, and communities while staying true to the community banking principles that have guided its success. 
 
To learn more about Bank First, including its history, values, and commitment to community banking, visit About Bank First or explore their History page.
 

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT?

You will continue to receive the dependable, approachable service you have come to expect. While changes are ahead, our commitment to you remains the same, and many familiar faces will continue to be part of your banking experience.
 
Pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, the merger is expected to close on December 4, 2026. Before then, we'll share important information, key dates, and details about any steps that may be needed along the way. Our team is committed to making this transition as simple and seamless as possible.
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION IS ON THE WAY

Important materials, including welcome guides, debit cards, and account communications, will be arriving in the coming weeks. Make sure your contact information is up to date so everything reaches you.
 
Reviewing your information takes just a few minutes:
 
      1. Log in to online or mobile banking.
      2. Open your profile settings.
      3. Review your address, email, and phone number.
      4. Edit and Save any changes.
If you don’t have access to online or mobile banking, give us a call at (888) 929-9902.













FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No. Everything will continue to operate as usual under the Peoples State Bank name until the system conversion in the fourth quarter of 2026. If any changes are needed, we will communicate them clearly and well in advance.
Yes. You will continue to work with the same team members for now. Our commitment to personalized, relationship-based service remains unchanged. We’ll keep you informed of any future changes
Not immediately. You will continue using your current digital tools until the system conversion. We will provide updates and support to ensure a smooth transition. 

If any updates are needed during the conversion in the fourth quarter of 2026, we will guide you through them step by step.

In most cases, no. Customer account numbers will remain the same through the system conversion. The only exception will be rare instances in which a customer at Peoples and a customer at Bank First happen to have the same account number. In those situations, both accounts will be closed and reissued with a new, unique account number to avoid duplication. We’ll begin identifying duplicate account numbers in the coming weeks and work closely with affected customers to ensure a smooth, well-communicated transition. We’ll also enlist the support of Peoples’ frontline employees to guide customers through the process and provide hands-on assistance as needed.

The routing number will eventually change, but not right away. Peoples’ current routing number will continue to function for an extended period of time following systems conversion. Customers will have plenty of time to make the switch, and we’ll send out several communications in advance to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition. We encourage customers to begin updating their automatic payments (ACH transactions) to use Bank First’s routing number (075901134) after the December 2026 conversion or when the timing is appropriate (such as ordering new checks).

Customers can continue using their existing Peoples’ checks after the conversion. Once those checks run out, new checks can be ordered under the Bank First name and routing number.

Yes, we do. Bank First will provide customers with free checks at or shortly after conversion to help ensure a smooth transition. Additional details on timing and ordering will be shared as we get closer to the conversion date.

All current applications and loans will continue to be processed as agreed upon, and your service will not be disrupted.

Yes. As part of the integration, Bank First has made the decision to close three branches: downtown Milwaukee, West Allis, and Wausau Rib Mountain. These closures are expected to occur between December 7 and March 7, with specific dates to be shared as plans are finalized. Our priority is making this transition as smooth as possible for our customers. We will provide plenty of notice and support to help customers move to nearby Bank First locations or convenient digital banking options.

 
 

 

Yes. The merger expands our footprint with 38 additional offices across Wisconsin and the Stateline region of Illinois, giving you more options for in-person service following the conversion in December 2026.