Guide to Banks in California

You need a California bank to do your business, but trying to decide which of the many banks in California to use can be a tricky process.

California banks offer services that go beyond simply storing your money and allowing you to pay bills. A commercial bank in California should also offer credit card processing, which allows your customers to use credit cards to pay for their purchases. Their money will go directly into your account. CA banks may also be able to offer you a business loan to help get your business off the ground.

When trying to compare California banks, you should:

1. Know what types of services your business needs. When you choose a company for business banking in California, that one bank should be able to service all of your needs.
2. Know how you expect a bank to treat you as a customer. While all banks will treat you with the respect that you deserve, many smaller banks are able to offer a more personal approach to business.
3. Know where you will do business. Do you need your bank to have locations in places other than California?
   

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

Choose a local California bank for a high level of personal service

Small banks treat their customers like family. If you want to do most of your banking in person, and you won't often travel out of state, then choosing a small bank is a good option for you.

I recommend: Desert Community Bank is one of the Southern California banks that is local to California only. They offer commercial loans and business credit cards to their business customers. If you are looking for Northern California banks, look no further than West America Bank, which offers many business services.

Choose a nationwide bank if you will travel out of state

If you will travel out of state, then it is necessary to find a bank that has locations wherever you go. Many nationwide banks also have banks in California, as well as other states.

I recommend: Two popular California banks are Washington Mutual and Bank of America.

Bank online with your California bank to save time

When you do not have much time to go to the bank, online banking offers a convenient solution. Using online banking, you're able to view your accounts and transactions as well as pay bills. It 's easy to maintain your accounts.

I recommend: 1st Pacific Bank offers online banking for its business and consumer clients. Union Bank of California also has online service. Many banks do offer these services, so ask your bank if you can do your banking online.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Many southern California banks offer locations in northern California. Banks are easy to find throughout the state.
• Many banks charge different fees for their services. Make sure that you understand the fees associated with your account before signing up.
• Take advantage of automatic bill pay so that you will never have another late fee.

The official source of Banks in California is the Banks in California page at Business.com