Banking Suggestions?

[BobsAlias]

So how's this for a sandbox topic?

My current bank has started charging me fees for my "free" checking.

Has anyone tried one of those online banks like Ally?

Ally has the best rates on checking & savings, plus tons of other perks. But I've read that they have some customer service issues & they only have a C- from the BBB, again due to poor customer service. Anyone tried them?

What about Community America Credit Union or Bank of Kansas City?

I want free checking, no ATM fees from any ATM...or at least enough of a network that I don't have to worry about it, & free online & mobile banking.

Suggestions?

[Guest012814]

I'm a fan of Capitol Federal. No check acct fees - you do get charged for non-CapFed ATM usage, but every ATM in every Walgreens is a CapFed ATM so it's a moot point for me.

Community America is also good. Don't do regular banking there, I have other products thru them and they have great phone and in branch customer service.

Both are not banks which means much less bullshit with fees, better customer service and open on Sundays.

[JRLawrence]

Sounds like you are using Bank of America. They have increased fees a lot, and are having some financial problems that are too long to discuss here. But, I saved several thousand dollars in fees when I got rid of BOA. When I saw that, I told my friends. I have switched three companies away from BOA.

The best business bank, in my experience, is US Bank.
For personal accounts, Capital Federal is great.
There are a lot of good banks, and I tend not to change unless I find a problem.

JR

[BobsAlias]

I dropped BOA years ago & switched to the small bank I have now. But they too have started charging these fees.

So far...there appears to be no love for Ally.

Too bad. The perks sounded nice. Ally must have a BP ad. lol

[royamcr]

I have been thinking about changing to etrade checking but haven't yet. Commerce has free checking but charges fees for other banks atms. Etrade refunds all atm fees.

[BigDeal]

Metcalf Bank will reimburse you for atm fees outside their network just take in the receipt...free checking as well

[Guest031221]

I use Bank of KC. They reimburse all non bokc atm fees. My mortgage is with them so I have a free checking account. And they gave me a safe deposit box for free to sign up. Only like 3 locations. ..but if you bank online it's all good. Plus you can deposit checks with phone for free. Also...The tellers at the south location are hot

[Guest012814]

I used to work for a Bank. Used to - I left because of the bullshit predatory sales pitches you are required to give everyone while management gouges customers accounts with crazy high fees - most of which are not recouping any cost at all and are purely made up revenue raising scams.

I will never ever give a single cent to another bank. EVER. Credit unions are the way to go in my opinion. While still "for profit", they are governed by different rules and regulations than banks. Being a member of a credit union means you have financial interest in the credit union - you are a "member" meaning part owner - not just some customer name on a spreadsheet ready for the bank to steal from under the guise of "service fees".
Their code of ethics and regulations are designed to look out for the customers first, resulting in less bullshit fees and predatory practices.

Banks like BoA, JP Morgan, Chase , Wells Fargo etc are all getting investigated and sued for a reason. Put your money in these criminal enterprises at your own peril.

[Topgun007]

I have been using Commerce for years, no fees and a free BBBJ when you open a new account. You can pic a girl from their Calendar girls who are tellers!

[BobsAlias]

Free bbbj when you open an account? I'm sold!

lol

[algrace]

Navy Federal or CACU. I like the attitude adopted by credit unions in its similarities to early S&L's.
Members helping members. Must continue to watch for any likeness between NCUA and FSLIC as we should never forget the scandal of S&L's.

[kc-max]

I have been with Cap fed for over 25 years. Home loan, personal credit line, and checking. Never had a problem.

[lookintoo1]

Armed Forces Bank. No fees good service. You do not need to be a military member to join. They are also with Academy bank which is in ever other Wal-Mart in a America. super convenient

[green_betta]

if you are ok with strictly online banking, I'd go the brokerage route. that's what i do cuz i do everything electronic. a place like etrade, Scottrade, etc. should offer what you need. you have to set up a brokerage account but i know with Scottrade for example you get free checking, free checks, reimbursed atm fees, etc. there's a local office also depending on your location

[Unique_Carpenter]

Almost all banks, including the very large ones, waive fees if you have payroll direct deposit. And, as part of that, most employers that offer direct deposit, can actually split it up and have the paycheck go two two, or even more, accounts.
That said, for anyone travels a bit, having an ATM connected to a very large bank, or perhaps a couple large regional banks, is the way to go simply to avoid atm transaction fees. And with additional payroll direct deposit accounts (even for just a piece of payroll) the 2nd/3rd bank knows its a payroll deposit, and will offer, with minimum screening (pun intended) their branded visa as a 2nd/3rd card to fatten your wallet.

Think "hobby phone" and apply related concepts. Seriously, you take a gal (non-SO) to a nice dinner, you'll want the second card, the bill for which goes to a PO Box.