Banks in Arizona are spread far and wide across the desert, but finding Arizona retail banks that fit your business and personal needs takes some thought -- and a little work. If you're in Phoenix you have more options than if you're in the desert, but wherever you are, retail banking in Arizona has enough options to satisfy anyone's banking needs.

Retail banks in Arizona range from leading national chains with Arizona retail bank branches to local Arizona retail banks. Choose your Arizona retail bank with location, services and personal preferences in mind. Do small retail banks in Arizona appeal to you, or are you more interested in large national chains that provide retail banking services in Arizona? If you like banking online, compare online fees and Arizona retail bank services once you've narrowed the field by locations and other services. Consider the following when looking at retail banking services in Arizona:

1. National chains offer retail banking in Arizona.

2. Arizona-based banks may appeal to you if you like doing business close to home.

3. Keep Internet options in mind when seeking information about retail banks in Arizona.

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

Do business with a nationwide chain that provides Arizona retail banking

Some people choose an Arizona bank that has a presence in many states. That way, if they move, they figure they can probably keep the same bank. A nationwide bank also has bigger name recognition and dozens or hundreds of branches throughout the country. If the full range of retail services -- checking, online banking, ATMs, locations throughout the state and country -- that a big chain offers is what you desire from retail banking in Arizona, choose a national player that has branches in your community.

I recommend: Wells Fargo and Chase Bank are well-represented multi-state banks with multiple branches in many cities, including Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.

Choose a local or regional Arizona bank

If you like keeping your money in the neighborhood, or prefer smaller Arizona banks to ginormous national chains, consider smaller Arizona retail banks. Don't sacrifice service for size, though. Make sure you find an Arizona retail bank that has all the resources, products and services you need. There are many Arizona-based choices for your Arizona retail banking needs; consider choosing one of the larger ones to get all the services offered by national chains.

I recommend: National Bank of Arizona is a local bank with full branches in major cities as well as smaller places like Dolan Springs and Gila Bend. Bank of Arizona has branches in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson.

Consider online bank services in Arizona

In addition to the number of local branches your top choices have, consider their Internet offerings and online account tools. Exploring Arizona banks online makes it possible to compare the Internet services your options provide and to compare policies and rates.

I recommend: Bank of America has multiple locations in the state (including more than half a dozen in Phoenix) and extensive online offerings. Washington Mutual Bank also has great online banking options, though it offers fewer Arizona banking locations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not all retail banks in AZ offer sweep accounts; if that service is important to your business, ask before you sign up.