One size does not fit all -- not when we're talking about banks. When moving to a new town or state, take time to find a bank that meets your needs. Experts say convenience is at the top of most lists, but that can include a lot of factors.

Fritz Elmendorf of the Consumer Bankers Association in Arlington, Va., says consumers should make a list of the convenience factors that are important to them

"Branch hours, ATM locations, 24-hour telephone access, Internet banking, supermarket access, do you need to visit branches, should the branch be near home or near work?"

Convenience and price paramount
Detroit-based Comerica Bank sees a lot of Big Three auto employees who relocate to metro Detroit. Assistant Vice President Kathleen Kenna says convenience and price are the top things they look for in a bank.

"They want to know the number of branches, where they are, the number of ATMs and their locations," she says. "Checking fees and minimum balances are always a concern."

Leverage competition
Competition between banks is fierce -- it's forced them to offer a wider variety of services. Make the most of it -- use your leverage as a potential customer to find what's best for you.

"I tell my customers we've been in business for 150 years. We're a long-term stable organization, we have a wide range of services, including investments and a private banking division," says Kenna. "We can provide a wide range of services so the customer will not outgrow Comerica Bank."

Elmendorf agrees.

"I think the banks are trying to provide the services the customer wants. That's the goal of banking today, as opposed to in the past when the customer pretty much took what the bank offered."

Specifics to consider
Here are other issues Elmendorf suggests considering when deciding where to bank.

• Online banking -- There are different levels. Ask if it includes bill paying, the option of using a personal finance program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money and the ability to download transaction information directly into the software program. To learn more about online banking, check out Bankrate.com's e-money guide.
• Direct deposit -- Most banks offer this. Ask if it includes free checking or a break on checking fees.
• Cash -- How much cash do you normally keep in a checking account? Will you need other bank services or do you just want a place to hold your cash?
• Relationship pricing -- If you have several accounts at one bank, does the bank combine all balances and give you better rates on CDs and loans?
• Overdraft protection --There's usually a fee for this protection, but will you also be charged interest on the amount of the overdraft?
• Nontraditional products -- Does the bank offer mutual funds, insurance?
• Customer service -- Visit the branch. Even if you don't normally go into the bank, make a visit part of your evaluation. If you have to wait a half hour or 15 minutes, you may have reason to suspect the bank "doesn't have its eye on the ball," says Elmendorf.
• Loans and credit lines --If you're in the market for these or think you'll need them in the near future, ask about guidelines. Find the best rates available nationally for home equity loans.

-- Updated: Aug. 3, 2001