Banks in South Dakota can be found everywhere from the Black Hills to Mt. Rushmore, but finding South Dakota retail banks that fit your personal and business style and requirements takes some thought and research. If you're in Pierre, you have a lot more options than if you're in the hinterlands, but wherever you live, retail banking in South Dakota should satisfy your banking needs.

Retail banks in South Dakota come in many sizes, from national chains with South Dakota retail banks to local South Dakota retail banks with a mom-and-pop feel. They all typically offer checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, credit/debit cards and certificates of deposit. Select your bank with services, location and personal tastes in mind: Do small retail banks in South Dakota sound good, or do you prefer national chains that provide local retail banking services in South Dakota? Consider the following when looking at retail banking services for your business in South Dakota:

1. National banks offer retail banking services in South Dakota.

2. South Dakota-based banks may keep your money circulating close to your home and business.

3. Consider the banks' Internet services when selecting from among retail banks in South Dakota.

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

Do business with a nationwide chain that has local South Dakota banks

Some people want their South Dakota bank to have a presence in many states; if they move, they figure they can keep the same bank. A nationwide bank also boasts better name recognition and dozens or hundreds of branches throughout the country. If the entire range of retail services?ATMs, checking, loans, sweep accounts, CDs, online banking, locations throughout the country?that a big chain offers is what you want from retail banking in South Dakota, choose a national player with branches in your community.

I recommend: First National Bank and U.S. Bancorp are well-represented national banks with locations in numerous states.

Choose a local South Dakota bank for a local touch

If you like keeping your money local, or prefer smaller South Dakota banks to giant national chains, then consider smaller South Dakota retail banks. Don't sacrifice service or products for size, though. Make sure you find a South Dakota retail bank that has all the resources, products and services you need?checking accounts, loans, mortgages, credit/debit cards and CDs. There are many South Dakota-based choices for your South Dakota retail banking needs; do business with one of the larger ones to get all the services offered by national chains.

I recommend: BankWest, with their main location in Pierre, and several branches throughout the state and American State Bank are local South Dakota banks that provide a full range of services.

Compare the policies and services of top South Dakota banks

Find out how many local branches your top choices have, and compare interest rates and Internet offerings. Exploring South Dakota banks online also makes it possible to compare the Internet services your options provide and to compare policies and rates. Online tools can also help when selecting the perfect South Dakota bank to meet your business and personal retail banking needs.

I recommend: The South Dakota Bank Directory has a comprehensive list of South Dakota banking choices, although there’s a charge for the directory, the information is priceless. Check out the South Dakota Division of Banking website and follow the link for a free listing of all state banks licensed in South Dakota. Find branch numbers and availability at myBank.com and its searchable bank finder.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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