Start with operating behavior
Map monthly transaction volume, cash deposits, wires, ACH, card settlement, payroll, branch visits and user count before comparing account names. The same account can be inexpensive for one business and costly for another.
Compare total relationship cost
Look beyond the monthly maintenance fee. Include excess-transaction charges, cash-processing fees, outgoing wires, ACH origination, stop payments, paper services and treasury modules.
Test access and controls
Evaluate branch geography, ATM access, mobile deposit, remote deposit capture, user permissions, dual approval, positive pay and fraud alerts. Controls matter more as staff and payment volume grow.
Plan for the next two years
Consider whether the bank can support credit, merchant services, higher payment limits, treasury APIs or multiple entities later. Switching banks is possible, but it is operationally expensive.
Primary sources and reference material
Choose for operating fit, not for marketing.
Good business banking decisions come from matching account structure, controls, insurance, service and payment workflows to how the company actually operates.