Anyone have a bank they like?

[scottmandue]

After using Washington Mutual and Citibank I have come to the conclusion that they are either in league with satan or run by complete morons.

There seem to be more than a few "bread heads" lurking here anyone have a bank the actually like doing business with, or am I just dreaming here?

Or maybe just a bank that is reasonably competent and not excruciatingly slow.

I'm In S. Calif.
Thanks,
Scott

[Dantilla]

Try a small, local bank. I have a great relationship with two local banks.

The big national banks are too big for anybody at the local level to make a decision about anything. I used to do business with WA MU back when they were local, but things changed drastically for the worse as they got too big. Not helpful, fees for every little thing. No thanks.

[RANDY P]

Funny you mention it I just yanked all my accounts from Wells Fargo (of 15 years) after their debit card operations dept. decided to favor a sheisty online company that double billed me. That's right, I got double billed, and for the sake of being Politically Correct and not wanting to offend the sheisty online company they declined my dispute. That, and they have snot nosed kids with bad attitudes as cust. service, and they only help they offer these days are the typical "I feel your pain" form letter response - and nothing else. Figured it was good time to exit since they obviously don't have my best interests in mind anymore.

They weren't like this 5 years ago when I had a similar situation pop up with a gym membership that someone decided I needed two of, they got my money back after a brief interview. No more questions, and the next day it was back in my account.

They are expensive in all regards as well, I should've done this much earlier.


Stay away from Wells Fargo.


rjp

[Cdnone1]

I've gone through bank h@ll here in LA over the last 20 years.
A few years ago I switched to City National Bank on the recomend of my business partner when we set up a new Corp. and it's been like a honeymoon ever since. I had no idea banks could be helpful and friendly. I moved all my personal, business and out of country banking to them and (I can't believe I'm saying this) love working with them.
Steve

[boston95]

If you're prior military, there is only one option: USAA.

[scottmandue]

Thanks,
I'll check City National Bank, my dad was AF so I got in on USAA for my car insurance. I'll check them out also.
Only downside to those two is it it nice if they have a office nearby, every now and then I do need to deposite cash.

[tabs]

Try Citizens Business Bank....my neighbor in Alta Loma was the daughter of the Chairman of the Board....or maybe Pomona First Federal....I have had a long term relationship with them..

Also for the most part I like WAMU....

I think part of the the deal is having a long term relationship with the people who work in your local Branch, they can get things done for you...

[Drago]

Boeing Employees Credit Union...but of course that doesn't help you now, does it?

[Eric Coffey]

I am happy with WAMU too. Now, if you want to experience true bank hell, open an account with US Bank.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I like my credit union also. My dad was a state employee back in Massachusetts so I got to join their credit union about 20 years ago. I still have my account with them and although it's a bit inconvenient at times dealing with a small-ish credit union 3,000 miles away, they are better and treat me better than any of the crap-ass banks out here have. I'm stickin' with 'em.

I'd say find a C.U. of some sort - they're generally better than banks 11 times out of 10. Good luck.

[Dantilla]

I had a very long term relationship with my local Wa Mu. The people were very nice, and just as frustrated when control was taken away from them. Try to get a commercial loan from them today. Sorry, but it's not what it used to be.

When dealing with the two small banks I work with now, I get to sit down with a true decision maker. Not somebody who has to go submit my proposals to the comittee. We get along. I am pretty conservative with my money, so I'll ask to borrow only for a "no-brainer" type of deal. The small banks never turn me down. Don't even send me back for more information. I am well prepared when I go in, and am told yes before I leave. Try that at a big national bank. Ain't gonna happen!

[campbellcj]

I switched to City National a couple years ago as well, after experiencing banking hell first with BofA, Wells Fargo and US Bank. Have been VERY happy with CNB and we now have multiple personal and business acounts with them. I can call my branch manager/VP any time on a first name basis if needed.

It used to be that the big retail banks merely treated customers like a "number"; now, they treat you like a suspected criminal! On top of that, the fee structures are really outrageous.

The only major downside with the local/boutique banks is that they do not have the tremendous branch and ATM presence of the giants. But for me, driving an extra 5 minutes is a worthwhile tradeoff.

[tabs]

The key people is that the smaller instution gets to know you and your not so much of a number tio them....thats why even with a larger instution that you get to know your local branch people...they can really be of a help....

[tabs]

My GAWD did Tabs really say that!!!!!

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by Dantilla
Try a small, local bank. I have a great relationship with two local banks.

The big national banks are too big for anybody at the local level to make a decision about anything. I used to do business with WA MU back when they were local, but things changed drastically for the worse as they got too big. Not helpful, fees for every little thing. No thanks.

I agree. Cindy & I use a small local bank. Along with lots of freebies (free checking, free cashier's checks) because we're official oldies, we're known there...tellers speak to us by name, letting us know that we're not just account numbers.

[Superman]

Credit Union. Unless you hate liberals and their naughty idea that you can pool your resources with those of other people and get a better deal than if you had to pay profits on top of the cost of services. In that case, banks are for you. For me, that'd be silly.

Oh, and AAA. Another socialist organization.

[Dantilla]

Credit unions are a great idea. Pooling resources with others is a great idea. Me having a choice where to do business is a great idea. Having the government say "This is the way you will do business", not such a great idea.

Credit unions are not set up for commercial lending, otherwise I would probably take a closer look. I will borrow money only to make money.

I used to be a member of AAA. Got tired of all the communist propaganda. Just kidding. AAA is a private organiztion, and I can choose wheather the benefits are worth the cost. After several years of paying, I never once used the benefits, so I dropped the membership. If I had a choice, I would drop out of social security. Keep the money I have paid so far, and give me no benefits whatsoever. My choice.

Sorry for the psudo-hijack.

[legion]

Credit Union. I belong to IAACU (Illinois Agricultural Association Credit Union). You have to be a member of IAA to be a member of the credit union. Funny thing is, if you have Country Companies insurance (owned by IAA), you are a member, and elgible for the credit union.

[wludavid]

Originally posted by boston95
If you're prior military, there is only one option: USAA.

I'll second that. Car insurance, banking, credit cards, etc. Their reps on the phone are great, and the web banking interface is top notch.

If that's not an option, try a local credit union or bank. Large national banks would be my last choice unless I had lots of funds to manage or were running a business.