As technology increasingly shrinks the distance between people and businesses, the United States commercial banking follows suit. While this makes global banking much easier, it adds to the complicated nature of United States banking institutions. A United States bank may now have assets gathered from every corner of the world in its accounts. This web of interconnectivity requires more education and training to understand the banks in the United States than ever before.

To obtain a wide range of banks in the United States education and training, you can use Internet tutorials, banking training courses and US banking associations. Each of these options has its advantages; it'll depend on your individual needs or that of your company. However, before you begin any educational endeavor here are few items, which can help:

1. Use Internet tutorials and seminars educational resources on corporate banking in the United States.

2. Register for business banking in the United States courses.

3. Contact a United States banking institution or association for training opportunities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review the tutorials and information available online about United States banks

Commercial banking in the United States can be difficult to understand without a review of the basics. Most traditional training courses assume a basic knowledge of just how the banking system in the United States works. Therefore, it's prudent to take a seminar or an online tutorial if you don't comprehend the structure of the banks in the United States.

I recommend: Take a bank training seminar at the Bank Training Center. Obtain certification in the United States banking terminology from Expert Rating. Use the educational resources at the Banker's Academy to improve your basic knowledge of the banking system. Review the banking system tutorial from William F Hummel.

Examine the United States commercial banks training resources

The United States banks fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Reserve and they establish many of the guidelines under which banks operate. This is why any regional branch of the Federal Reserve is an excellent educational resource. There are also the non-governmental entities that provide banking training.

I recommend: Assess the training programs at Learning Connect. Take the "Insight for Bank Directors" course from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Evaluate the training classes at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

Speak to a representative at a United States commercial bank association

The United States banking associations not only provide you educational opportunities, they're great resources for networking with other banking professional and staying current on the latest news and trends within the industry.

I recommend: Take a look at the training classes and information at the Consumer Bankers Association. The American Bankers Association is another institute that provides educational resources to help with your bank training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you enroll in any United States commercial banking education classes, be sure to verify that the company or institution is banking system-certified through a recognized regulatory agency.

Banking in the United States serves to help citizens and businesses alike manage their money, but banks also provide many other services. No matter what state you reside in, whether you own a big or small business, banks in the United States are crucial to the success and health of your business.

Several United States banking institutions exist, and some specialize in certain areas more than others. This is usually due to the fact that they employ people educated in many areas of business, require employees to learn about different aspects of business banking, or just offer many perks and benefits to businesses large and small. But how do you choose among them? The following is a list of what to look for when deciding on a bank to use for your business transactions:

1. Find a bank in the United States that offers convenience, such as multiple locations, ATMs, and both late closing times and early opening times.

2. Look for a bank that advertises several business services, such as business credit cards and small business advice.

3. Select a United States bank that has low fees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a United States banking institution that offers business credit cards

Many banks feature some kind of business card that carries helpful services for business owners, such as free cards for your employees to use, monthly spending reports, and low introductory rates. Just the ability to separate your business account from your personal one is a benefit.

I recommend: Bank of America allows you to compare business credit cards on their site, and this bank even has a special small business section. Citigroup also features a small business section on their site, and offers many rewards cards that give rebates or cash back on office supply purchases, gas, and restaurant expenses.

Simplify your business banking in the United States experience with a business checking account

Not every bank offers accounts just for businesses, but the larger ones do. If you would rather stick to a small local or regional bank, make sure they offer business checking. If you plan to get a business savings account, ask your bank if they offer that, as well, before signing up for checking. Having all your accounts at the same bank allows you to simplify your financial life, and makes online account management easier.

I recommend: Compass Bank is a smaller, less intimidating bank than many of the national banks. Located in only five states, this bank is not too big, but is savvy enough to offer free business checking. Another regional bank, Wachovia, also offers free business checking, along with more complex checking accounts to help you manage your money.

Select from among the United States banks offering an interest-bearing business savings account

If you want to earn some interest on your company's profits, you can open a business savings account and connect it to your business checking account, just like you would with a personal account. This makes it easy to move money around for free, should the need arise. Money market accounts are also often available, allowing you to earn higher interest.

I recommend: Wells Fargo offers both business savings accounts and money market accounts, allowing you to have access to your money while earning interest. Chase also offers business savings accounts with low monthly fees, high interest rates, and easy access to your money.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many United States commercial banking institutions offer counseling when it comes to forming a 401(k), discussing health benefits, or obtaining company credit cards. Just ask to speak to the business department when you visit the bank you are interested in.