Full featured business bank with branches and low min checking

[Anonymous]

NYC sure has loads of competition from small to big, with all banks competing against each other with Chase definitely being the big money bank here.  As this is for a business relationship, quality online banking tools, decent branch network and access to financing and quality service are essential.

All banks are seeking business relationships,  but I don’t know where I will wind up yet.  Perhaps things will fall into place.  

[fixinup]

Hey Adam,

If your looking for a business account with a national foot print and no monthly fees don't discount credit unions with Business Checking Accounts.  A lot of credit unions are part of national Shared Branching where you can walk into one the over 5000 shared branches and conduct business with your preferred credit union.  In the NYC area you have Bethpage FCU ( Forbes #1 credit union in New York) and on the Jersey side you have Affinity FCU (Forbes #1 CU in Jersey).  Both credit unions are open for membership: Bethpage doesnt require any special organazition to join, you just go online or in a branch and open an account;  as far as Affinity you can bcome a member by making a $5 donation to New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education.  Of the 2 banks I find that Affinity has more products to offer businesses but in the end they should be able to handle your business needs.

[Anonymous]

Credit unions tend to be stricter on documentation requirements and are localized in nature.  I am not sure if there are any features missing compared to the big banks.    

With that being said Bethpage Credit Union is a totally free checking account with interest and unlimited transactions.  Popular Bank was offering a decent number of transactions with no interest or minimums but is known to have a bad reputation amongst depositors including freezing accounts on the personal side.  Iberia Bank, another no minimum fee business checking bank also has a poor reputation.  So, yes, the Credit Union seems to be a better place to bank if you are looking for an alternative to the banks.