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The List has little interest in interest rates, account fees, or ATM accessibility when it comes to choosing a bank. The List cares about candy dishes. No one wants to be stuck with a stale old off-brand sucker when depositing checks. The List investigates what's in stock in candy dishes in bank branches across northern Virginia.

1. Best seasonal touch: Cardinal Bank, 8270 Greensboro Dr., McLean

   Two small dishes remain stocked at this Cardinal Bank branch: one of classic Dum Dums (not generic, an employee promises), and one of Hershey's Kisses in honor of Valentine's Day.

2. Best chocolate selection: Chain Bridge Bank, 1445-A Laughlin Ave., McLean

   An employee says she stocks up on chocolate variety packs: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Heath Bars, Tootsie Rolls, and Mr. Goodbars populate the dish presently.

3. Least inspiring: Bank of America, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

   Currently the branch is out of its candy of choice, lollipops, and waiting for an order to come in. Asked to describe the treats, an employee could only describe them as "just regular," "flat," and "on a stick."

4. Most austere: Wachovia, 2026 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

   A branch employee says there is no candy dish at the Wilson branch and that there never has been.

5. Least offensive: BB&T, 2926 Columbia Pike, Arlington

   Innocuous peppermints and BB&T-brand lollipops fill the dish at this Columbia Pike branch. Asked which BB&T lollipop is best, and employee answered, "They're all good."

6. Most offensive to dentists: PNC, 2601 N. Clarendon Blvd., Arlington

   The dish at PNC in Arlington is long on sticky and sweet: Jolly Ranchers and lollipops.

7. Most paternalistic: Wachovia, 2200 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington

   One bank employee says that the branch does indeed have a candy dish, but it is not open to the public. Parents have to request access to the Dum Dums and Wachovia-brand lollipops, which are kept safe behind the tellers, on behalf of their children because the kids were eating too much.

8. Best variety: First Virginia Community Bank, 11325 Random Hills Road, Fairfax

   The dish at First Virginia Community Bank in Fairfax keeps customers guessing with a mixture of fun-size candy bars (including Snickers and Milky Way), Jolly Ranchers, and peppermints.

9. Most practical: MainStreet Bank, 727 Elden St., Herndon

   According to one branch employee, the dishes at MainStreet in Herndon are stocked according to the season (candy canes at Christmas) and to price (whatever's on sale at Walgreens).