Tellers in crappy polos and aprons need not apply.

November 13, 2009 10:45 AM

Help me find a good credit union or small bank around Milwaukee, WI.

I recently opened a business account with Guardian Credit Union but have had nothing but trouble and terribly unprofessional service. I need to move, and soon. I've had experience with other banks in the Wisconsin area, such as US Bank, Wells Fargo (though the closest one I've seen was Madison), and Associated Bank. I will not do business with any of them every again. I would think my requirements are simple, but apparently not:

• Professionalism. I am never doing business with a bank where the teller is not wearing at least a button down shirt or blouse ever again. If someone is handling several thousand dollars of my money, I want them to dress like it.
• Payroll for me, and my partner.
• Online banking, including electronic transfers (not that many, just need to be able to do them).
• Decent interest rates on savings, and checking if possible.
• Responsive customer service. If I call and leave a voicemail, I expect to get a response in one business day.

Things such as being able to have a relationship with my banker, is a big plus.

posted by thebestsophist to Work & Money (8 answers total)

Milwaukee appears to have two branches of the UW Credit Union. (see here) If either of the branches are convenient for you, I suggest them very strongly. I have been with them since college and couldn't be happier.
posted by mjcon at 11:05 AM on November 13, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, sadly I am just outside of their service area, I live (and work) in South Milwaukee, and went to Beloit College, which means, sadly, I don't qualify for membership.
posted by thebestsophist at 11:40 AM on November 13, 2009

Best answer: I've used Landmark Credit Union for about 15 years now (both the ones in Waukesha and New Berlin). I've been very happy with them; insofar as they are just a place where I keep my money. I do all my banking electronically and their site is simple and always works (even on a BlackBerry) and when I got my first mortgage with them it was pretty painless.

I've never had anyone be anything less than completely professional but I'm pretty low maintenance in that regard. As long as they keep doing what they are doing, I don't ever see changing institutions.
posted by quin at 2:56 PM on November 13, 2009

I belong to Educators Credit Union and UWCU. Of the two, I prefer ECU. They have more branches even in the Milwaukee area than ECU (East Side, New Berlin, Greenfield) and a bunch in Racine, but noting your location, I'm not sure they'll work for you.

They pay interest on their checking, allow electronic transfers and their customer service has been great. You can earn points on debit card purchases and they pay out a yearly reward to members based on certain criteria.

I can't recall how the people dress because I only go in when I need to cash a check, but otherwise I give them two thumbs up.
posted by drezdn at 3:27 PM on November 13, 2009

IIRC to join Educators, you either have to be an educator or have been educated in Southeastern Wisconsin, or be a nurse, or be a member of a catholic church.
posted by drezdn at 3:30 PM on November 13, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks, I got other recommendations about Educators, as well. However, I think I don't qualify. I called the customer service line, but they weren't sure I qualified. I'll try to check with Landmark and Educators on Monday. Keep the recommendations coming!
posted by thebestsophist at 3:49 PM on November 13, 2009

Best answer: I honestly don't know if they meet all your requirements, and may not in terms of dress code, but Racine-based Johnson Bank has a Franklin location that might be convenient to you. It's a well-run bank that isn't on any troubled lists and they've been nothing but very helpful.
posted by dhartung at 2:54 PM on November 14, 2009

Response by poster: I visited Landmark CU, and Johnson Bank. Both impressed me a bit with their service and professionalism. I asked, but ECU does not do business accounts (apparently neither does Guardian, huh). I think I will be going to Landmark since their rates were a smidgen better. Thanks, again for the help.
posted by thebestsophist at 3:22 PM on November 16, 2009