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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of national bank

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

Example Sentences

Revolut competes with traditional banks for retail and business customers and has recently applied for a national bank charter in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

British digital bank Revolut said it filed an application for a national bank charter in the U.S., joining a wave of fintech firms seeking to expand in the country under the Trump administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

It faces a slowing economy and modest growth, according to a Tuesday report from Denmark’s national bank External link.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 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