Decide whether to go national or stay with Louisiana retail banks

Weigh the pros and cons of your 2 banking choices: large banking chains and local retail banking services in Louisiana.

I recommend: Check out a retail bank in Louisiana that offers the same services as larger chains, like the Bank of Louisiana. If you have business concerns internationally or in other states, a major institution like Capital One can give you more choices with payroll and other commercial options. Bank of America also has many location and ATMs in New Orleans and elsewhere in Louisiana.

Choose retail banks in Louisiana that combine tradition and special services

Cajuns are especially proud of their heritage and they can remain loyal to institutions that served their father's and grandfather's businesses and still receive top-flight online banking and merchant services.

I recommend: Open an account with Whitney Bank. This regional bank has offered retail banking services in Louisiana and other states in the Deep South since 1883. Whitney offers treasury management, trust and wealth management a "Points Plus" reward plan for credit card holders and other services that cater to "old" and "new" wealth. Also check out Liberty Bank and Trust, which focuses on business and institutional services such as lines of credit, merchant services and corporate savings.

Look into retail banking in Louisiana that caters to local business

For small retail or online business that operate within the community, a long-standing local bank can fit the bill.

I recommend: Use a small local institution like Dryades Bank, which offers a small business checking account for a minimum deposit of $100.00. With banks in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, this business can help fledging entrepreneurs get their start. Check out Iberville Bank if you run your small business in Baton Rouge, Iberville Parish or one of the small parishes in Louisiana.