I need to open an account with a bank locally for direct deposit, ATM access, etc. I've had an account with my credit union for almost 30 years, but the problem is they're a Philadelphia-only outfit and I've finally decided to open an account with local branches out here in CA. Are there any decent banks left after the whole bailout mess? I was thinking of Wells Fargo due to their market presence but I haven't heard a lot of good things about them. Any experiences with any banks woul be much appreciated.

 

i hated wellsfargo when i had them...

have you looked at a fidelity mysmart cash account? i think they are open to the public now...

 

What about Wells didn't you like? I like the Fidelity account, but it doesn't look like there are any locations within 20 miles of me.

Edit: I see they have reimbursed ATM fees...

 

yea automatic ATM fee reimbursements and you can make deposits at any fidelity branch.

with wells fargo, if you have a problem, you can't go talk to a person at the branch, they would always (in the latter years) make me call the call center, and each call to the phone reps would cost me $2, not very good service

 

I have Bank of America. I also went with them for my mortgage. I like free online billplay and iphone account access etc. Plus in cali then have TONS of atm's

 

Thanks. Was looking for feedback on B of A. They're in the mix.

 

Wells. I've worked for them... and that was eh. But I love them as a banking service. Is there a lot of fees involved? Yeah if you don't a) have the right accounts or b) abuse them. But for the most part, it's a very good company. And they do a lot for you with problems like if money is taken from your account and stuff like that.

But B of A is good as well. I would only put my money in one of those two banks. But I refuse to use B of A because of personal reasons. I haven't had a bad experience with them.. I just don't like them; never have

 

or c) have a problem and want to get it resolved, in which case you have to pay them to tell them about the problem?

They thought I made enough money that they offered me a lot of things, but from my bad experiences with them in college, I will never do business with them (wells fargo).



Most people I know that have BofA are happy with BofA, but they are happier with their Fidelity accounts.

 

oh Fidelity also has this cool feature called "FullView" which lets you view all your accounts (email, investments, insurance, banking accounts, credit cards) on one page.

and of course you can access it from an iphone

 

I don't have an iPhone, so that aspect of Fidelity doesn't do much for me. As far as my goals, I just want an account that has local access to ATM's and branches that won't screw around with holds on payroll checks or ridiculous fees (I've seen these complaints on the internet with all major banks). I will keep my credit union account back east and I'm going to deposit at least $1K into my new account with whatever bank I choose. I'm not a delinquent, nor do I write bounceable checks so I assume that I'll avoid the issues I've seen most customers have with the big banks.