business account....which bank?

[stargal01]

i need to setup an account, but i don't have a preference for banks just yet. i was wondering if anyone feels they've chosen a great bank to setup their account with and why (lower fees, no fees, etc.)

[veritus]

Originally Posted by stargal01

i need to setup an account, but i don't have a preference for banks just yet. i was wondering if anyone feels they've chosen a great bank to setup their account with and why (lower fees, no fees, etc.)

Washington Mutual has no fees and free checks for business. I've had them since 1999 for business and personal and have been happy.

[ndsimm]

Most banks have free basic checking for small business - I had one with Compass and currently have one with Chase - they both gave me free checks, no monthly fees, free checkcard with Visa MC logo, etc....
I stuck with Chase because I use the Continental Airlines miles and Compass didn't have that with the Visa Checkcard

[stacie]

Avoid Compass. I've had constant problems with them.

[DeLeon]

Not that it will make a difference to you, but I use a bank based in Happy, TX. Happy State Bank has been nothing but great for my business. They are small and any branch I walk into they know who I am and what im doing there. Its like banking in the 50's, but with all the perks of todays technology (online banking, MC check card). Like I said, I doubt that you are going to use a bank all the way up in Happy, but there may be a small local bank near you.

[adirty1]

I have had great luck with compass...

[boxofrocks]

Capital one has some great deals, since they are new to TX and growing like crazy. I have my accounts and merchant services stuff through them. If you're looking to take credit cards, they have an incredible deal now.

[esi7esi7]

I use Amegy's free business checking with interest. (The interest is a typical ridiculously low rate but I figure it's better than nothing.)

FYI - Don't pay any fees for a business checking account. You don't necessarily need an official "business" checking account. The purpose of the account is to separate your personal/business transacations, and that can actually be done with just a normal separate checking account.

[stargal01]

thanks everyone for your input.
so far, we have:
yes-washington mutual
yes-chase
no-compass
yes-local bank in Happy
yes-compass
yes-capital
yes-amegy

so there is more support for compass so far. yes, i realize this is only out of about seven responses, so feel free to throw out more thoughts.

(corrected, thanks!)

[stargal01]

any thoughts on wellsfargo or bank of america?

[mike_sax]

I have had an account with Compass for nearly 2 years. They have no fees and give you free checks and deposit slips to start with. I haven't used any of the checks and very few of the deposit slips. You don't have to use the deposit slips, you can use the ones they have at the bank, you just have to put your account number on them manually. I just recently opened a Merchant Account with them and got the card swipe machine for free, no lease, no rental charges and a very good rate for VISA/MC. I can also call in the charges if I am away from my office when I make the sale.

[Steelsun]

Actually reread the first few posts. It should be a yes for Chase, and a no for Compass.

[kachina]

Frost Bank - nice perks for small business (free checking) and they treat you like they actually need customers.

[sbp]

Consider on-line bill pay as well. Wamu is free, Bank of America is free. I don't know about other.

[raevyncent]

I've had BOA for a year now for personal accounts, and anytime I've had a problem (small hiccups) they've been more than happy to fix it. Just a quick hint, use the personal bankers at their branches, they can work wonders for you, rather than the 24 hr call center.