I have banked with Washington Mutual for many years, never had any issues or bank fees and my money was posted same day, after I make a deposit (no PENDING for days)
Well unfortunately, WAMU is now CHASE bank, and I am not thrilled. I hate the thought of switching but we may have to.
What bank do you use and would you highly recommend them, if so why? Please NO Bank of America recommendations-had huge problems with them in the past.
Thank you
There was just another post about banking this morning. Here's basically what I wrote to her:
I'm pretty loyal to Wells Fargo. I've had business accounts with Chase and Compass, as well as manage the banking for my elderly Grandmother (she used a local bank up until recently). I used to work for Wells (7+ yrs) and know them intimately inside. FYI - I don't gain anything for this, I left 3 yrs ago to run my own company...
Determine what is important to you...for me it's ease of use with Online Banking. Wells has the best rated online banking sites nationally. It is very friendly and just easy to use. Compass is awful.
Also (this is just a quirky thing) I want to be able to bring my change jar into my bank and have them run it in their coin machine without charging me (I hate the grocery store coin machines). And, many banks just don't have coin machines anymore, but Wells puts them in all of their free standing locations.
Account types... I have had a Portfolio Management Account (PMA) for years. It's free and you get every one of their perks, provided you keep $5000 in combined accounts (I think it can include your credit card balance, and maybe Home Equity loans, but not Mortgage). They have all sorts of other accounts too. I used to know them all, but they've changed things around since I was there.
Last, but not least, WF is probably the most solvent institution out there right now. They have been around since 1862 and aren't going anywhere. They are very conservative. I've met former CEO and current CEO and they really know their stuff. I never got that slimy feeling being a part of their institution, and EVERY time I deal with BOA/CW I feel like they're out to get me (we negotiate with their mortgage servicing division). My husband worked for CW for a few years before WF, and he said it was a viper pit, and that corporate mentality can easily convey to the consumers.
Hope this helps!
Clair
Hi Aster,
Our family had an account with Washington Mutual for about 23 years. I also had a problem after Washington Mutual closed. We closed all of our accounts and now I am happy with American National Bank.
I hope you are able to find a bank that is a good one for you and your family.
We use American Bank of Texas and LOVE them. They are a large bank, but not one of the huge ones that keep getting bought out or that are in trouble. We have used them for 13 years and my husband's company used them even longer. They are a good local (Texas) bank run by good people.