Tennessee banking institutions provide a wide variety of services for business owners. There are banks in Tennessee that can handle any of your requests.

For those who do their banking in Tennessee, you will find that Tennessee banks do more than simply store your money for paying bills. A commercial bank in Tennessee will be able to process credit card payments from your customers, offer business loans, and provide advice on wealth accumulation. Before you compare Tennessee banks:

1. Think about the quality of service that you desire in a Tennessee bank. Many people find that local small town banks offer more personalized solutions than national banks are able to.

2. Decide whether you need easy access to a branch location. If you prefer to do most of your banking online, this is not an issue. However, business owners that do banking in person should make sure that banks are readily available wherever they travel.

3. Understand what your banking needs are. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Tennessee banking institution you choose offers all the services you need.

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

Apply for a loan from local Tennessee banks

Receiving a loan from a bank may be just what you need to get your business off the ground. Small local banks may be more likely to help Tennessee small business owners by offering them a loan.

I recommend: First Tennessee Bank offers real estate loans up to $1 million to small business owners. Bank Tennessee can give you a term loan in order to finance the equipment you need to run your business.

Choose nationwide banks in Tennessee for business checking

Business checking is an important aspect of any business. When you choose a nationwide bank for your business checking, you can be sure that there are branches available when you travel out of state.

I recommend: Citibank and Bank of America both offer business checking services for those who do banking in Tennessee.

Use the online services offered by Tennessee banks

You may not have the time necessary to make frequent trips to your bank in order to do business. Fortunately, you can take care of most of your Tennessee commercial banking needs online.

I recommend: First Community Bank offers free Internet banking. Bank of Tennessee also provides this convenient service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Tennessee banking institutions have many fees associated with their accounts. A good way to avoid unnecessary fees is to select the account that best matches your activity level. If you are not sure what account is best for you, make sure to discuss your options with your account representative when you open the account.
• •  Do not forget that most Tennessee commercial banks also offer business credit cards to their customers. This can be an easy way to pay for and keep track of your company purchases.