national bank

American  

noun

1. a bank chartered by the U.S. government and formerly authorized to issue notes that served as money.

2. a bank owned and administered by the government, as in some European countries.

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national bank British  

noun

1. (in the US) a commercial bank incorporated under a Federal charter and legally required to be a member of the Federal Reserve System Compare state bank

2. a bank owned and operated by a government

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Etymology

Origin of national bank

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

The national bank charter, approved by U.S. regulators Friday, should help the Swiss bank expand beyond its traditional clientele of the superrich into a pool of affluent and not-quite-ultrawealthy clients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The bank says a national bank charter will let it significantly expand its banking services, including taking more deposits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The French finance ministry announced on February 18 that a hacker had gained access to a national bank database and consulted information on 1.2 million accounts.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Denmark’s national bank reported Greenland faces a slowing economy, skilled worker shortages, and rising healthcare costs leading to a 2025 deficit.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

His model was England, with its national bank, regulated commerce, and powerful finance ministers.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis