New York banks are as varied as the residents of New York. You're bound to find something for everyone when you do your banking in New York.

There are a number of services that banks in New York provide your business beyond acting as a place to store your money. New York banking institutions allow you to process customer credit cards, manage your wealth accumulation, and offer commercial loans to qualified business owners.

Before you compare New York banks:

1. Think about how you prefer to do business with a bank in New York. Do you like to do your banking in-person, online, or at ATM machines?

2. Map out all of your business' banking needs. When you choose a New York commercial bank, you want to be sure that particular bank offers all of the services you need.

3. Consider the convenience of locations. It is always best to choose business banking in New York that is convenient to use. If you do business in several states, you may want to choose a bank that has nationwide branches.

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

Select a local New York bank for small business needs

Local banks in New York get to know their customers on a personal level. This is ideal for small business owners--large New York banking institutions may turn down loan requests, but a small bank is more likely to work with you.

I recommend: Canandaigua National Bank, in western New York, prides itself on offering "Big Bank Resources. Community Bank Service." They have several New York commercial banking options for local business owners, such as business checking, cash management, and payroll services. Apple Bank, in New York City, offers free business checking and the option of a money market account which allows you to earn interest on your money.

Pick a popular nationwide bank for your banking in New York

A large nationwide bank is ideal for businesses that have out of state branches or employees who travel frequently. A nationwide bank will offer you all the services you need in New York commercial banking, with the added benefit of additional branch locations.

I recommend: New York business owners looking for large banking company should look at the services offered by Citibank and Bank of America. These nationwide companies are ideal choices for New York commercial banking.

Utilize the online banking services offered by New York banks

For busy business owners, online banking is the way to go. You can easily handle all of your banking needs from your office or home. If this is a feature that interests you, make sure that your bank offers it before signing up.

I recommend: Most New York commercial banks offer online banking. Emigrant Bank and Chase Manhattan are just a few of the New York banks that offer this service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are several fees associated with all banking accounts. Make sure that you choose the right account for your needs to avoid unnecessary fees. Your New York bank representative can help you choose.
• •  Set up automatic bill pay to handle most of your recurring expenses. This is a great way to save time.