Things are changing out on South Broadway. If you’ve driven past the U.S. Bank branch in Minot lately, you might have noticed the vibe is a little different than it was a few years ago. It’s not just your imagination.
U.S. Bank Minot operations changes are officially in motion, and honestly, it’s a mix of "out with the old" and a very specific "in with the new."
For a long time, the Minot hub was a massive pillar for the bank’s back-end work. We are talking hundreds of employees handling everything from credit card customer service to complex fraud detection. But as we move into 2026, the strategy has shifted from "big physical footprints" to "streamlined digital support."
Basically, the bank is doubling down on its "Auto Bank" concept while quietly scaling back the massive service center operations that once defined its presence in North Dakota.
The Shift at the South Broadway Hub
Back in late 2025, word started trickling out through local channels like the Minot Daily News that the bank was re-evaluating how it uses its space. Caitlin Hurley, a spokesperson for the bank, confirmed that they are reinvesting in the Minot South Auto Bank at 1925 S. Broadway.
But what does "reinvesting" actually look like?
It's a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the physical branch is getting tech upgrades. They want the in-person experience to be fast. Think better ATMs, smarter kiosks, and a focus on "relationship banking" rather than just cashing checks. On the other hand, the massive office space that used to house the service center isn't the buzzing beehive it used to be.
You've probably seen this trend elsewhere, but in a town like Minot, every job counts.
Why the Service Center scaled back
Let’s be real: AI is the elephant in the room. In December 2025, U.S. Bank executives were pretty transparent about the fact that GenAI has essentially doubled productivity in some of their units. When one person—or one algorithm—can do the work of two, the need for a 500-person call center in a specific zip code starts to look different to the folks in Minneapolis.
- Automation: Simple tasks like password resets or balance inquiries are now almost 100% handled by "Smart Assistants."
- Remote Work: A lot of the staff that used to commute to the South Broadway office are now working from home permanently.
- Consolidation: U.S. Bank has been folding smaller regional hubs into larger "centers of excellence."
What’s Staying and What’s Going?
If you’re a customer, don’t panic. The branch isn't disappearing. In fact, U.S. Bank remains one of the few major national players with a solid foothold in North Dakota, alongside the state-owned Bank of North Dakota.
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The "Auto Bank" at the South Broadway location is actually the focal point of the new strategy. They are leaning into the "Minot South" identity because it handles a high volume of local traffic. They aren't closing the doors; they are just changing who is behind them.
Instead of a floor full of data entry clerks, you’re more likely to find "Client Relationship Consultants." These are the folks who help you with the big stuff—mortgages, small business loans, and wealth management. The "grunt work" of banking has largely been moved to digital platforms or centralized offshore/near-shore hubs.
The Impact on Minot Jobs
It’s tough to get an exact headcount on the layoffs because the bank often does them in "waves" rather than one big announcement. However, throughout 2025, U.S. Bank has been part of a broader industry trend of trimming about 2% of its total workforce annually.
In a city like Minot, where U.S. Bank has historically been a top-ten employer, even a "small" trim of 50 or 60 jobs is felt at the grocery store and the car dealership.
The Bigger Picture: Banking in 2026
You have to look at what’s happening globally to understand why Minot is changing. U.S. Bancorp just announced a massive acquisition of BTIG in early 2026. They are spending money on institutional trading and high-end tech.
To pay for those multi-billion dollar moves, they have to find "efficiencies." Often, those efficiencies come from reducing the overhead of large regional service centers.
Also, the regulatory environment is shifting. With the "Basel III" capital requirements being a hot topic in North Dakota banking circles, large banks are under pressure to keep their "cost-to-income" ratios low. Closing a few floors of an office building in Minot and moving those operations to a cloud-based AI system is an easy win for the balance sheet.
What should you do if you're a local?
Honestly, if you work there, the writing is on the wall: specialize. The bank is still hiring for roles that require a human touch. If you’re in "back-office processing," your job is at risk. If you’re in "business development" or "private wealth," you’re likely safe.
For customers, the transition might feel a bit cold. You’ll be pushed toward the app more than ever. But the physical branch at 1925 S. Broadway is staying put for the foreseeable future—it’ll just look more like a high-tech lounge than a traditional bank.
Actionable Insights for Minot Residents:
- Update your skills: If you're a current employee, look into the bank's internal "training and development drive." They are paying for staff to learn new digital-first roles.
- Check your local branch hours: While the Auto Bank is "24 hours" for ATMs, the lobby hours have become more restricted. Call 701-852-3374 before heading in for a complex meeting.
- Leverage the "Auto Bank": If you just need a quick deposit, use the updated South Broadway kiosks; they are significantly faster than the old-school teller lines.
- Watch the WARN notices: If you're worried about further job cuts, North Dakota’s Job Service website tracks "WARN" notices, which the bank is legally required to file for large-scale layoffs.
The era of Minot being a "back-office powerhouse" for U.S. Bank is winding down. It's becoming a "service-first" satellite instead. It's a smaller footprint, but hopefully, a more stable one for the long haul.