The main difference is whether the permit to do business as a bank was granted by the state government or the federal government.  Whenever a new bank organization is started, the owners apply for either a state or national (federal) bank charter.  Both types of banks offer FDIC insured deposits and both are regulated in much the same manner.  The important difference for bank customers and other consumers is where they should go for regulatory assistance.  Because Arizona state-chartered banks are the only banks supervised by the DIFI, concerns and complaints received about national banks or banks chartered in other states must be forwarded to the appropriate regulator.  A list of state and federal agencies that govern banks located in Arizona but not chartered as an Arizona state-chartered bank is included in the Arizona_Trade_Association_Contact_List and Other Regulator Referral List.