The things I look for in a bank are:
Reliability
Quick, efficient service
Branch and ATM network.
Hasslefree access on phone and net banking.
On these parameters. HDFC bank is a bank that I might use for my needs, but not a bank that will get my extra money or any value added service business. Their FDRs are legendary. I once created an FD online and got 8 copies of the receipt! All after 2 months of making the FD.
I personally prefer UTI bank because they are low on the hoopla but gud on basic service.
Also, the most ridiclus thing is that when I wanted to take a annual bank statement for filing my tax returns, I had to pay 50 rupees and this data was not available on the net. Nor was it available with my home branch. They had to get it from Mumbai.
Not to mention that there was a delay of 2 days and someone had to go to the bank physically to put a request and to collect the information.
Phonebanking is neither easy nor efficient. We promise, promise, promise, but do not deliver. They stink as badly as the Airtel call centers.
Internet banking is ok, provided u can get the password and then take care of it. If you lose the password, that will be another horror story.
Another thing that I don’t like is their ridiclus procedures. They have these rows of banking executives who just wait around doing nothing while you are expected to stand in one queue after another - Teller will tell you to please go to the 2nd counter etc. In these experiences, they beat any public sector bank hollow. If you can avoid going to a branch, you will be doing yourself a favor.
But the basic act of getting money, putting it into the bank etc. all work fine.