Banks in Washington, DC, are numerous, despite the District's size, and choosing a bank for your business can potentially be overwhelming. Simplify your Washington, DC commercial banking choices by deciding which features and services are most important for your business.

Your business situation will determine what specifics to look for in Washington, DC banks. If you are starting a sole-proprietor business or have a small business, banks in DC will be able to give you the personal attention you'll need. A national commercial bank in Washington, DC, will appeal to larger businesses and corporations.

When considering Washington, DC, banks, keep these points in mind:

1. Decide which amenities and services you would most like to have and choose among business banks in Washington, DC, accordingly.

2. Talk to representatives of local and national banks about your businesses' banking needs.

3. Compare fees charged by banks in DC. You may be able to ask your bank to lower or eliminate some fees.

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

Open a small business account at a bank in Washington DC

Banking in Washington, DC, has advantages for small businesses as most local and national banks are willing to work with new or existing small businesses.

I recommend: The Community Banker delivers information on smaller banks in Washington, DC. A link is included for each listed bank. Some well-known banks in Washington, DC are BB&T, Chase and Bank of America.

Compare banking in Washington, DC

Decide which amenities from Washington, DC banking institutions are most important to your business. Do you need several locations or one nearby your home or office? What types of accounts are available? What are the interest rates and fees associated with business accounts? Does the bank you are considering offer online banking? Is there a fee involved?

I recommend: Bankrate compares Washington, DC banking institutions side-by-side. Select "District of Columbia" to quickly get details on banks in Washington, DC. Compare fees, interest rates and services. Get an extensive listing of Washington, DC banking institutions at DCpages.com. Links to each bank's website are included, as are details like hours of operation, amenities, and areas around Washington, DC the bank serves.

Get a loan from a Washington DC bank

If you are just starting a business, expanding an existing business, or upgrading your equipment, you have several loan options: Lines of credit, credit cards, and equipment finance loans.

I recommend: Enter basic information about the type of loan you need at B2B-Exchange to find Washington, DC commercial banking resources. Well-known banks in Washington, DC are SunTrust, PNC and Wachovia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need a loan from a commercial bank in Washington, DC, make sure you have all necessary documents before you contact the bank. You'll need a well-written business plan with earning projections. The most recent financial statements should be included and you should have a repayment plan developed.