Looking to change banks this new year?

Many people and businesses switch banks this time of year. What is important to me if I switch banks, what am I looking for when I make the switch?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you are contemplating a move to a new bank.

• How do I feel when I walk into my branch? Do I feel like this bank appreciates my business?
  

• Is the bank convenient and close to where I work or live?
  

Don't think that larger banks are better only because they have tons of branches.

• Am I going to pay fees for my checking account?
  

If you are looking for a personal checking account, you should not be paying fees, regardless of the amounts you keep in your account. Many banks offer totally free checking accounts now so look for the ones that do not have requirements like direct deposit because let's face it, not everyone is fortunate to get direct deposit from their employer. There are different types of checking accounts and your banker should ask the proper questions to help you avoid maintenance fees.

If you are looking for a business checking account, make sure that the banker takes the time to ask you what types of services you use, like wire transfers, ACH payments and credits, on line banking, etc. This is especially important because the balances you maintain in your account can help you offset some of the fees that you would incur if and only if you are placed in the proper type of account. Again, your banker should pay special attention to the types of transactions you perform.

• What are the fees for ATM withdrawals?

If you are lucky you will find a bank that does not charge you for making ATM withdrawals at other ATM's that do not pertain to your bank. Banks will charge you for making an ATM withdrawal at another bank. So not only will you pay the corresponding bank's fee but your bank will charge a transaction fee as well. So you pay two fees for that one withdrawal. There are banks out there that reimburse ATM fees regardless of which bank or ATM you use and do not charge you a transaction fee. You could save a significant amount of money per month if you avoid other banks ATM or if you are fortunate to have a free ATM type of checking account.

• How is the customer service?

I like....no, let me rephrase that, I love great customer service. I like being acknowledged at a place where I am giving them my business and why shouldn't I? I am spending my money, I am contributing to the success of that store or restaurant or any other type of business and it is no different for a bank. It's because of you that the bank is in business. Are the branch employees welcoming and courteous? Do the tellers greet you and use your name during a transaction? Will a banker go out of his way to satisfy my request or need?

These are some of the things that I would consider before switching banks, of course everyone has different needs, if you have some of your own, please share.