Banks

Ally is the new name of GMAC bank after it was bailed out. Ally is still owned by the federal treasury, which is good or bad depending on how you view it.

We use 2 "no fee" banks. One online and one brick and mortar. Just in case one ATM card is compromised, we have access to a 2nd. Smartphones are more secure than ATM's.

We never deposit cash, we use it at CG's that give us a discount for Cash vs CC. Checks deposit easily through iPhone apps. Online bank has been doing it for a couple of years and B&M bank just added that feature.

The online bank makes it easy to transfer money from different banks automatically. Last year, I was able to set up an automatic transfer for payments on an RV Lot that we bought from a private party and they are carrying the contract. The elderly couple really like that feature because the money is always in their bank account before the first of the month.

I kept my home town bank. I can do everything on-line and I like that I am banking where they personally knew me. (small town!) In case I needed help from on the road.

ATM's are all over the country when cash is needed. Many grocery stores allow you to write a check for more money than the grocery bill for no charge if you need some extra cash.

Deposits of cash are turned into Post Office money orders and mailed.
Deposits of checks can now be done by scanning and from smart phones.
Personally I do not put anything related to my personal info or banking info on a smart phone, ever!

Just a note, Don't attach ANY personal bank accounts to paypal. Those of us who use paypal for purchases, selling, business etc., open a "Separate" account at a 'completely different bank' from where all your money is. Paypal has had many many security issues and bad business practices.

Chase, they are everywhere I go. Very convenient.

Not sure what you mean with, "With Ally I read you can be paid using an email address like using Paypal?" If you are meaning get cash from your account, then any bank that offers a ATM card can do that. Just stick your card in any ATM anywhere in the world, and out pops the currency of that country! just like magic!

Still use our local credit union...there are fmaily service centers all across the US and they belong to the Co-Op Services crecit unions which are available all across the country (i.e. 7-11, etc.)...

I use Capital One 360, formerly ING Direct. Thankfully, as of now, they have kept what ING had going. But, if they start being greedy, Ally bank will be my next move. Haven't heard anything bad about them.

The only thing about online banks is the inability to deposit cash. Before, it was also difficult for checks, but now, you can take a picture or scan a check, what do you need a physical bank for.