Picking a Biznik-frendly Bank

Following up on this discussion of finding a small business friendly bank, WaMy now Chase will allow you access up to seven years of banking records online.

I believe that this includes the ability to download your transactions into your financial management software such as QuickBooks, Quicken, Money, Excel, etc.

Useful if you are like some of my clients who finally decide to get organized and want to be ablet to start 2009 fresh.

I have to agree with Keith -- WaMu, now Chase, is possibly the best bank I've had for my business accounts. Most of the larger banks have integration into financial software, which makes it easier for my CPA. There's always a personal touch from my PB (looked up her personal banker salary, and it's very low for what she does for me). Their hours are convenient -- open til 6 pm. I'll change if someone has better ideas or if Chase comes in and messes everything up, but I'm with them until then.

I just recently opened a business checking account with Chase (I was a former WAMU customer). I have a meeting today to discuss in detail how to use online banking for business accounts and other options that may be available (free safe deposit box, business credit card, points awarded for debit cared use, etc.).

My account has no monthly service fee which could be because I already have a personal account with direct deposit.

The most important thing to me is the personail touch and the ease of use. When I go into the bank, they know my name, know my accounts, and if I have an issue it's taken care of right away. It's also important for them to understand that I am a small and growing business and that we are growing and sometimes we will encounter an issue. If they can take care of this in a timily manner and resolve it to my expectations then they are a good bank. But if they come back with, "That's the contract, abide by it or else, not butts." Thats when I walk, we all have issues sometimes and its when the issues arise and how they handle them is what makes a bank a good bank.

That said...i recommend Wells fargo or BOA for business.

I look for multiple sign on capability with the online banking module. I want to be able to access a client's account without having signing authority. I don't need to sign a check or make a withdrawal for a client. I only need to know the activity in the account.

I looked for this one thing when I opened my own corporate account this year. There was only one bank in a 6 mile radius of my home office where I could get this service.

Ask for "Accountant's Access" This is a function found at Wells Fargo.