There are a lot of things to consider when starting a business.  Probably one of the most pressing considerations is where you are going to entrust your money.  While just about any bank will work fine for your personal accounts, not every bank is equipped to address the needs of a small business.  Not only will you need to open a business checking account, but, odds are, you will need a small business loan at some point as well. 

Entrepreneur magazine has conducted a survey and has ranked some of the top small-business friendly banks both on a local and national level, which takes the guesswork out of figuring out which bank will be able to serve your needs.  Entrepreneur has taken some statistical data from the Small Business Association’s latest study on small business lending.  Each bank is ranked on the ratio of small and micro business loans made versus total assets, the ratio between small/micro business loans to total business loans and the dollar value of the small/micro business loans. 

Here is a quick rundown of the top five small-business friendly banks as ranked by Entrepreneur magazine:

Coming in at the number one spot on the national list is American Express Bank.  This result really isn’t surprising considering the amount of airtime they spend on promoting their small business sector.  What’s nice about American Express Bank is that you can open a business checking account, get a small business or micro loan and carry an American Express business credit card without ever having to look elsewhere. 

The fact that this institution made it on the list shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.  Capital One Bank has quickly become a banking force to be reckoned with, offering its business customers much more than a Visa card. 

Based on Columbus GA, BB&T Bank is another great choice for business banking.  It’s a large bank with a small bank feel.  Their dedication to customer service is second to none.

Yes, this is the little company that could.  Discover got its start as the financial services arm of Sears, but several years and plenty of smart moves later, Discover shows its business customers why It Pays to Discover by offering business checking accounts, loans of all shapes and sizes and a business credit card to match.

Wells Fargo Bank is another large bank that truly values good customer service.  By having your accounts with Wells Fargo Bank, you can rest assured that your money and your business are in good hands.

While these banks are not the only good banks for small businesses, they do rank highly with financial experts.  However, if you find that working with a smaller community bank or credit union is better for your situation, it is important for you to ensure that they offer the services you need to grow your business.  Find out about their small business loan program, how their business checking, savings and credit card accounts work and what fees are associated with each product.  Always comparison shop rates in order to ensure that you are receiving the best deal possible without sacrificing service.