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andrew · 02-01-2007, 08:05 AM

I would like to set up a business bank account, but would like some recommendations. I did a few searches on Google, but nothing really struck me.

It's a small business yes, but I want a global reach. I will be selling globally and will be also visiting other nations and would like a bank with ties around the world.

Should I start off with a small business type bank, then if I out grow it move on? Or start with a big one from the beginning? I hear bad stories of big banks that don't really care about small business. And does it really matter if they're big or not if I have to deal with foreign whatevers. I'm just trying to think ahead.

Suggestions, tips, reviews, experiences, etc welcomed!

-andrew

Baltar · 02-01-2007, 08:20 AM

I've had a business checking account with Commerce Bank for a few years now. It's a huge chain, often with multiple branches in one town around here. In my experience they're actually a lot better than one of the local banks where I have my personal checking. For instance they're open more days a week and for longer hours. The only drawback is that they have a $1,000 minimum balance for business accounts if you want to have no monthly fee, but that's probably common for business accounts in general.

ahimel · 02-04-2007, 02:17 AM

We always use TCF. Open 7 days a week, free checking, easy to deal with, few fees, nationwide.

da1prophet · 02-05-2007, 04:19 AM

I've heard good things about Commerce Bank, but they don't have a branch locally. Honestly, if some bank *did* do a good job serving small business they'd have a license to print money. I've been with at least a half dozen banks in the past 10 years and I've not been impressed with any of them. Bank of America (and Nationsbank before BOA bought them out) was perhaps the worst. I know at least a half dozen people right off the top of my head who have had miserable experiences with them in the past six months. One of my friends just switched to Wachovia and is pretty happy with them. The best experience I've had is with my current bank (First Citizens) but I think they just serve North and South Carolina so that probably won't help you much.

da1prophet · 02-05-2007, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew

I would like to set up a business bank account, but would like some recommendations. I did a few searches on Google, but nothing really struck me.

It's a small business yes, but I want a global reach. I will be selling globally and will be also visiting other nations and would like a bank with ties around the world.

Should I start off with a small business type bank, then if I out grow it move on? Or start with a big one from the beginning? I hear bad stories of big banks that don't really care about small business. And does it really matter if they're big or not if I have to deal with foreign whatevers. I'm just trying to think ahead.

Suggestions, tips, reviews, experiences, etc welcomed!

-andrew

Are you planning to target any specific countries/regions Internationally? I've got a lot of friends and contacts all over the world and I'd be happy to get their recommendations but I'm not sure if there is a "one size fits all" International banking solution...

andrew · 02-06-2007, 06:06 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Well, europe, usa, and japan are my primary targets, and I do NOT want horror stories.

I don't know, I guess I really don't need a bank that has locations in those areas, I suppose they all use credit cards anyways. Maybe a small bank will do for now, I was just trying to think ahead. I just figured if I had a global market, I should have a global bank. But I'm sure if I take back some euros or yen, they should be able to handle it.

Thoughts?

dgorila1 · 02-07-2007, 03:10 AM

Why do you need a bank with a "global" presence? Find a good bank or credit union you are comfortable with and that treats you right and stick with them. Since commerce is global nowdays anyways, it really doesn't matter where your account is. As long as you have the basics such as credit/debit cards, the ability to wire/transfer money if needed,internet access to your account and can get to know the staff/management at the bank personally so you can call or email them when needed for emergencies, "favors", etc you should be fine.

02-01-2007, 08:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
andrew Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California, USA Posts: 593	Best Business Banks I would like to set up a business bank account, but would like some recommendations. I did a few searches on Google, but nothing really struck me. It's a small business yes, but I want a global reach. I will be selling globally and will be also visiting other nations and would like a bank with ties around the world. Should I start off with a small business type bank, then if I out grow it move on? Or start with a big one from the beginning? I hear bad stories of big banks that don't really care about small business. And does it really matter if they're big or not if I have to deal with foreign whatevers. I'm just trying to think ahead. Suggestions, tips, reviews, experiences, etc welcomed! -andrew

02-07-2007, 03:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
dgorila1 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 61	Bank Why do you need a bank with a "global" presence? Find a good bank or credit union you are comfortable with and that treats you right and stick with them. Since commerce is global nowdays anyways, it really doesn't matter where your account is. As long as you have the basics such as credit/debit cards, the ability to wire/transfer money if needed,internet access to your account and can get to know the staff/management at the bank personally so you can call or email them when needed for emergencies, "favors", etc you should be fine.

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02-01-2007, 08:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Baltar Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 325	I've had a business checking account with Commerce Bank for a few years now. It's a huge chain, often with multiple branches in one town around here. In my experience they're actually a lot better than one of the local banks where I have my personal checking. For instance they're open more days a week and for longer hours. The only drawback is that they have a $1,000 minimum balance for business accounts if you want to have no monthly fee, but that's probably common for business accounts in general.

02-04-2007, 02:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
ahimel Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 398	We always use TCF. Open 7 days a week, free checking, easy to deal with, few fees, nationwide.

02-05-2007, 04:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
da1prophet Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 254	I've heard good things about Commerce Bank, but they don't have a branch locally. Honestly, if some bank did do a good job serving small business they'd have a license to print money. I've been with at least a half dozen banks in the past 10 years and I've not been impressed with any of them. Bank of America (and Nationsbank before BOA bought them out) was perhaps the worst. I know at least a half dozen people right off the top of my head who have had miserable experiences with them in the past six months. One of my friends just switched to Wachovia and is pretty happy with them. The best experience I've had is with my current bank (First Citizens) but I think they just serve North and South Carolina so that probably won't help you much.

02-06-2007, 06:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
andrew Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California, USA Posts: 593	Thanks for the replies. Well, europe, usa, and japan are my primary targets, and I do NOT want horror stories. I don't know, I guess I really don't need a bank that has locations in those areas, I suppose they all use credit cards anyways. Maybe a small bank will do for now, I was just trying to think ahead. I just figured if I had a global market, I should have a global bank. But I'm sure if I take back some euros or yen, they should be able to handle it. Thoughts?

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums