I am currently with a crappy bank, all the branches are out dated, and I don't recieve the level of customer service I deserve, for being a customer damn near 25 years. I am looking at other banks in the area, and I was wondering what banks you guys use and why?

My top 3 are:

1. Bank of America - They offer free checking, and was told they have more ATM's/locations than most other banks. They also will give you a $50 credit if you start a checking account. They also have the plan were they will round up every purchase and stick the extra in a savings account(I really like this).

2. Wachovia - There is one right next to my house, there are several locations close. They also offer free checking, plus for every dollar you spend they give you a point. These accruded points can be used in the future to buy various things.

3. Suntrust - They also have a very close location to my house, free checking, and I also have a loan with them. Other than that Im not too sure about them.

 

I don't think you can go wronmg with either the largest banks or the small local banks, so Wachovia/BoA are good for national coverage, but if you don't travel that much, try a smaller bank like Cardinal and get the smaller bank cust service and higher interest rates.

You should look for banks that will give you free checking, free checks, and high-interest bearing accounts.

 

Im thinking of opening a couple accounts. Im currently with First Citizens Bank, and have a 500 checkline reserve. I think I will leave a $100 in that account, but do the bulk of my checking at BOA, due to the national coverage, and free checking/checks.

 

I've been with wachovia since my freshman year of college and apart from the absolutely crappy interest rates they give in basic savings accounts, I have no complaints about them.

 

I have been with Wachovia for many years. Any problems I had were minor and resolved quickly.

 

Ok this question is for you guys who have lived a little longer than most, or for those of you who are very savy with money. Is there any benefit to banking with a couple banks, rather than just one?


The reason I ask is, I have an auto loan with Suntrust, and I spoke with a rep this morning indepth about their services. Since my loan is over 15K it qualifies me for a special account with special benefits. I also am thinking about doing the bulk of my checking with BOA and enroll in the program were they round up each purchase, and put the rest in a savings account. Plus I couold get the $50 credit for joining. Also I would like to start one with wachovia so I can use that check card like a credit card and get points to get free stuff. Are there any benefits to this other, than getting the opening freebies and have several atms at my disposal?

What about the cons, other than keeping up with 3-4 checking accounts

 

That's what would keep me from having 2 banks for regular use. One too many to keep track of. I prefer to keep things simple, although I don't always succeed at it.

 

Before I got a good rate on my car loan, I was highly considering taking my savings account from Wachovia to a Credit union. Something else to consider. . .having one of the big banks take care of checking so its easy to find ATM's anywhere, but having a CU do other accounts with better rates.

Of course, I'm only 23 and don't really know too much about money anyway. . .apart from how to spend it.

 

I'd go with a credit union! I've got both of my vehichles financed through Truliant FCU. I've got a bank account with a large bank and they couldn't beat the rates for car loans or savings! Totally Free Checking Also! Great Customer Service-Immediate Postings for Deposits! A++

 

Who do you have to be a member with to go through Trulient Credit Union?