banks

[pat_judy]

My bank is getting very greedy. Looking for a new one. Thinking about Ally, but have reservations about switching to an online bank. Would like some suggestions. Is online the way to go? If so, is Ally the only one available? What experiences have you had with online banks vs. brick-and-mortar banks?

[WA7NDD]

I changed to a credit union 35 years ago and never looked back. I felt like
a red piece of meat, a target, every time I went into the bank. If it were not for money they could care less if I was there. The credit union worked with me during hard times, and cared, and I never left. They were also way ahead of the banks when it came to electronic deposits, and online banking. Today their CD rates are better than the bank by a full percent.

[mikeleblanc413]

I LUV my credit union! I agree that big name banks are a no-no! The bigger the name, the bigger the NO-NO!!!

[dahkota]

Another credit union fan.
No bank fees, a rebate credit card, 5K network member branches in which to do business across the country, excellent online banking... The last bank account we had we were charged for ATM use, check writing, online use, and a $10 monthly account fee. Never again.

[bigorange]

I have not used a brick and mortar bank in over 10 years. Losing my payroll check that I deposited myself and then telling me it was my fault was the last straw. Then the competing brick and mortar bank in town didn't want to approve a new account for me (never found out why...just kept on shopping). Settled on an online bank and have never looked back.

I you qualify for membership (active duty, retired military, a few other possible qualifiers...) then USAA is top notch as far as online banks go.

[tatest]

For what services? I have accounts with two local banks and a credit union, none of which I can characterize as greedy, since I pay no fees to two of them, $50 a year to the CU for membership in a travel plus "free services" program.

That's not counting some credit cards with large banks operating across state lines, with no local presence. Those might be considered greedy if I ever let them charge me interest.

Banking climate could be very different, however, rural midwest vs east coast metropolis.

[Rolin]

Another vote for Credit Unions

You are a Member (owner) of the Credit Union...you get a vote in how it is run.

Use of Credit Union ATMs throughout USA and Canada are free, except for some very small ones which do not belong to the network.

You can do electronic banking and bill paying while on the road, they offer credit cards and loans and insurance and free checking and free ATM usage, and...........

Have not yet found any downside to use of Credit Union and (to me) there are many upsides.

As you can tell I am somewhat biased.

[darsben]

Ally offers the most convenience for getting cash on the road
If you use your present banks online presence then you should have no problem.
Ask yourself how often you actually go to your bank bet not to often.

It is a good deal

[WoodGlue]

Do yourself a favor and get involved with a good credit union!

WoodGlue

[M_GO_BLUE1]

CREDIT UNION

[Oldme]

Like others have said Credit Unions are the top of the list.
Our previous location had them conveniently located.
Great to work with.

Next would be a smaller local bank.
We moved to a country location and have found our local
community bank to be very Customer Orientated.

I would recommend staying away from the "Big Names".
They are only in to make themselves rich.

[old_guy]

we like you had to make the switch and we went to the credit unions, much easier to work with. once we were with both of the banks, both of my debit cards got hacked the same day, the bank had e write a letter and all this BS to get my money back, I even had to make calls to the companies the hackers ordered stuff through, the credit union, I had my money back the same day. no letters or phone calls needed.

[donn0128]

We have been spending a lot of time in our bank trying to settle the paper work for a home loan. I have to say, they have bent over backwards every time we walk in the door trying to make us feel comfortable. Personally I think no matter where we move we will keep this bank. Being a Vet we also get a free safe deposit box, free upgraded checking account. We were in the time frame for the Target hack and our bank has gone to great lengths to make sure we were protected and got us new cards quickly. Will an online bank do that for you?

[mlts22]

Credit unions are another alternative which might give you a better deal.