Banks in Kentucky aren't hard to find, but finding Kentucky retail banks that fit your particular business and personal needs takes a little effort. If you're in Louisville or Frankfort you have more choices than if you're in Hobson, but wherever you live in the state, there's ample retail banking in Kentucky to satisfy everyone's banking needs.

Retail banks in Kentucky range in size from giant national chains with multiple Kentucky retail banks to tiny local Kentucky retail banks. When you choose your Kentucky retail bank, keep location, services and personal style in mind. Do small retail banks in Kentucky appeal to you, or do you prefer doing business with national chains with retail banking services in Kentucky? If you like banking online, don't forget to compare online fees and services. Consider the following when looking at retail banking services in Kentucky:

1. National banking chains offer retail banking in Kentucky.

2. Local or regional Kentucky-based banks may fit the bill if you like doing business in the local community.

3. If online banking and Internet options are important, confirm that the KY retail banking institution you select provides the services you need.

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

Bank with a nationwide chain that has retail banks in KY

Some people want their Kentucky bank to have a presence in many states. They want to know that if they move, they can likely keep the same bank. A nationwide bank also has the advantage of better name recognition and dozens or hundreds of branches across the country. If you need the full range of services including checking, ATMs, online banking and nationwide locations, when banking retail in Kentucky, choose a national bank that has branches in your backyard.

I recommend: Chase Manhattan Bank has locations on every corner and PNC Financial Services Group are well-represented multi-state banks with branches in most decent-sized cities.

Choose a neighborhood bank to keep your money at home

If you like keeping your money close to home, or prefer smaller Kentucky consumer banks to giant national chains, consider going local for your banking and financial needs. You don't have to sacrifice service or products for size, though. Select one of the community banks in Kentucky that has all the resources, products and services you need. There are many state or regional choices for your Kentucky retail banking needs -- consider choosing one of the larger ones to get all the services offered by national chains.

I recommend: The Bank of Kentucky has several locations and offers businesses full banking services, including handling 401(k) services and payroll cards for your employees. First Capital Bank of Kentucky has multiple branches in Louisville.

Find KY banks that offer online banking

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

I recommend: National City Bank offers extensive online banking services as well as local branches in cities like Frankfort and Lexington. First Federal Bank has online services and four branches in Lexington.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not every retail bank in Kentucky offers sweep accounts; if it's important to your business, ask before you sign up.