Firstar Bank, N.A., a National Banking Association v. Lawrence J. Faul and Faul Chevrolet, Incorporated, an Illinois Corporation

FLAUM, Chief Judge.

Firstar Bank (“Firstar”), aided by the Comptroller of the Currency (“Comptroller”) as amicus curiae, appeals the district court’s dismissal of its suit for lack of jurisdiction. Firstar argues that the district court incorrectly held that for purposes of diversity jurisdiction a national bank is a citizen of every state in which 'it has a branch. For the reasons stated herein, we reverse and remand.

I. Background

Firstar filed a breach of contract action naming Lawrence J. Faul and Faul Chevrolet (collectively, “Faul”) as defendants. Federal jurisdiction was alleged to be…