Posted on 12/28/2009 4:30:23 PM PST by Clique
I'm considering taking my checking account away from a U.S. bank that has given me poor service, and moving the checking account to a different bank.
At this time (end of Dec. 2009), what U.S. bank would you recommend as being the safest?
(I already have a credit union, too. I'll keep that account.)
Thank you for the information
What state do you live in? FWIW small local banks, will offer better service than chain banks.
Why not just take advantage of your credit union’s free checking?
USAA if you were, or are, Military.
DITTO re USAA
DO >NOT< pick Wells Fargo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s too bad. I have all my accounts as well as my Mom’s at our local US bank and we’ve never had a problem. They were really helpful when my Dad passed away...
Good luck, where ever you wind up....
The Bank of Sealy.
The interest rate is about the same, and you have the piece of mind knowing that you will always have access to your savings whenever you want it. No one will be tracking and flagging you for large transactions either. Just make sure your local branch has good fire and theft protection. :)
I have lots of things I don’t like about B of America, but I like that they have branches all over and are fairly save, as in not that likely to go under and they are reasonably helpful these days.
If you want to spread your risk, I would suggest B of A as primary, and put some money into Wells Fargo, also pretty stable.
But remember, FDIC only insures up to $100K per account (I think they raised it to $250K temporarily, but I don’t know for how long that is in effect, if it still is)
In these times, your best bank is under your mattress.
I moved to a local bank that didn’t take TARP funds: Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley.
So - depends on where you are and how much stability you want.
There was another larger bank in the West that didn’t take any funds either. Can’t think of the name: Here are 50 others though http://bailoutsleuth.com/2009/03/they-said-no-to-tarp/
Banks that refused TARP are generally considered to be in better shape than those that didn’t.
We do all of our banking through Hubby’s credit Union.
JPMorgan Chase if you live near one.
+1, Scooby....
stick with small, hometown banks. they are much better than the giants that suck off the govt.
I’d go with Chase if you’re looking for a large bank. Citizens bank is good also if you’re in the NE region.
Do not pick Ally. That one is operated by the finance arm of GE and went to bat for Van Jones.
The West Bank of the Mississippi.
I work part time as an accounting person for several companies, so I’ve experienced a few of the problems. Personally, I use B of A, and they are quite tolerable because I have a relationship with the asst. manager. I say hi to her every time I go in there. It’s the best way to get personal service. Wells Fargo charges you if you walk in the door and sneeze. Washington Mutual - now Chase - would not deal with a problem that was their fault, (many phone calls, faxes, letters...) and the company ended up taking their money out (and then they apologized). Citibank is changing their fees from no charge checking if you have direct deposit to no fees with $1500 minimum. (effective in Feb 2010) I suspect a lot of the other banks may follow suit, since I keep seeing how they have to charge here and charge there to try and make more money to pay back Obama. So, after all of that, I’m in the same dilemma. I wish I had an answer to your question also.
I just moved my stash of quarters to US Bank on the referral of a friend in the banking industry. I’m happy with them.
Frost Bank - TEXAS OWNED AND OPERATED
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