Delaware banks aren't hard to find; the challenge is finding Delaware retail banks that can meet your personal and business needs. If you're in Wilmington or Dover, you'll have more options than if you're in Clayton, but wherever you live in Delaware, there are plenty of options for retail banking in Delaware.

Narrowing your choices of retail banks in Delaware, from state or local banks to national chains with Delaware retail bank branches, requires a little thought. Choose your bank with branch location, services and style in mind. Decide if small retail banks in Delaware appeal to you, or if you prefer a national chain that provides retail banking services in Delaware. If you like online banking, compare Internet fees and services once you've narrowed the field by locations and other services. When looking at retail banking services in Delaware consider:

1. Large national banking chains that offer retail banking in Delaware.

2. Local, regional or Delaware-based banks if you like doing business close to home.

3. Delaware retail banks that offer the online banking and Internet services you need

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

Do business with a nationwide chain that has local Delaware banks

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

I recommend: Wachovia Bank has a large national presence and branches in many Delaware cities, including Wilmington, Newark, Rehoboth Beach and New Castle. Delaware locations include Wilmington, New Castle and Newark. Commerce Bancorp also has branches in Florida and around the mid-Atlantic states.

Choose a local Delaware bank for a local touch

Do you like keeping your money local, or just prefer smaller Delaware banks to giant national chains? Then consider smaller Delaware retail banks. Don't sacrifice service or products for size, though. Make sure you find a Delaware retail bank that has all the resources, products and services you need. There are many choices for your Delaware retail banking needs; consider choosing one of the larger ones to get all the services offered by national chains.

I recommend: Artisans' Bank features merchant, payroll and other business services with locations throughout the state. Wilmington Savings Fund Society offers business banking plus cash management and lines of credit that will help your business grow. They have branches in such locales as Dover, Rehoboth and Wilmington.

Bank online using Delaware retail banks

Online banking has come a long way. Many Delaware banks let you do much of your banking from the comfort of your desk chair. Accessing Delaware banks online lets you select the perfect bank to meet your business and personal retail banking needs.

I recommend: In addition to having multiple locations in the state, Delaware National Bank offers a full array of banking services online. First Bank of Delaware has locations in Wilmington and Lewes as well as extensive online offerings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not every retail bank in Delaware offers sweep accounts; if it's important to your business, verify the service is available before you open an account.