Do business with a nationwide chain that has local Oregon banks

Some people like knowing that their Oregon bank has a presence in many states; if they move, they figure they can probably keep the same bank. A nationwide bank also has bigger name recognition and dozens or hundreds of branches throughout the country. If the full range of retail services -- checking, online banking, ATMs, locations throughout the state and country -- that a big chain offers is what you desire from retail banking in Oregon, choose a national player that has branches in your community.

I recommend: Wells Fargo and Washington Mutual are well-represented multi-state banks with branches in most Oregon cities of reasonable size, including Portland, Salem, and Lincoln City.

Keep your money close to home in a local Oregon bank

Do you like keeping your money local, or prefer smaller Oregon banks to giant national chains? Then consider smaller Oregon retail banks. Don't sacrifice service or products for size, though. Make sure you find an Oregon retail bank that has all the resources, products and services you need. There are many Oregon-based choices for your banking needs; consider choosing one of the larger ones to get all the services offered by national chains.

I recommend: Umpqua and First Independent Banks are local/regional banks with many branches in the state.

Bank online with Oregon retail banks

Online banking has come a long way. These days many Oregon banks let you do much of your banking from the comfort of your desk chair. Access Oregon banks online to select the perfect bank to meet your business and personal retail banking needs.

I recommend: In addition to having multiple locations in Oregon, Bank of America offers a full array of banking services online. Bank of the West has locations in Portland, Salem and Newport among other places as well as extensive online offerings.