Changing banks in Louisville, KY
August 31, 2010 3:29 PM Subscribe
Fed up with current bank, would very much like to find a new one.
This morning, I found out about a new policy at my bank that's got me rather annoyed*. Need suggestions on finding a new bank/CU to move to. I live in Louisville, KY, but don't object to the idea of a remote/online bank. All I've got is a single checking account that I've held for 4-5 years, and besides refunding all ATM fees, has no special qualities whatsoever.
*Feel free to tell me if I should really be annoyed.
This morning, I found out about a new policy at my bank that's got me rather annoyed*. Need suggestions on finding a new bank/CU to move to. I live in Louisville, KY, but don't object to the idea of a remote/online bank. All I've got is a single checking account that I've held for 4-5 years, and besides refunding all ATM fees, has no special qualities whatsoever.
*Feel free to tell me if I should really be annoyed.
Don't know if you care to have a go at the larger national banks, but I've never had a problem with US Bank, and they have a huge presence in Louisville.
posted by deezil at 3:39 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by deezil at 3:39 PM on August 31, 2010
As far as online banks go Ally Bank is pretty great. I have a joint checking and savings account there, and they've been wonderful to deal with.
posted by bibliogrrl at 3:44 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by bibliogrrl at 3:44 PM on August 31, 2010
Response by poster: I've actually been rather interested in USAA ever since I heard of it a year or two ago. I'm not fully eligible though, due to my lack of desire to get shot at :). Re: checking accounts, is the digital deposit the only thing you miss out on if you're civilian?
I'm sorta leery of the big-league banks, but that could just be my inner hipster.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 3:47 PM on August 31, 2010
I'm sorta leery of the big-league banks, but that could just be my inner hipster.
posted by ConstantineXVI at 3:47 PM on August 31, 2010
I don't know what the story is if you join as a civilian... however, I do know that you can join if someone in your family is eligible (my dad was in the military, which is how I got in), and once you're a member, you're a member for life. I would call them though and see what they can do for you. They're so nice!
Sorry for the gushing, but I just love them. They're millions of years better than my former bank, Bank of America! Sorry, BoA!
posted by hansbrough at 3:53 PM on August 31, 2010
Sorry for the gushing, but I just love them. They're millions of years better than my former bank, Bank of America! Sorry, BoA!
posted by hansbrough at 3:53 PM on August 31, 2010
You just said you're leery of the big-league folks, but I wanted to put my two cents in (pun intended-ish?) for Fifth-Third bank. Stupid name, fantastic bank.
I'd been jerked around by Chase for a while trying to get the right kind of account/cards opened and working for me, and finally gave up on them and went to 5/3. Everyone I've ever worked with there has been fantastic and clearly had my best interests in mind, even going so far as to suggest that I ignore one of their standing promotions to open a different kind of savings account more suited to me. I've dealt with them in a bunch of branches across several states, now, and couldn't be happier. Knowing that there's a 5/3 branch/ATM almost anywhere I go is nice, too, on the off chance I need quick-and-in-person financial assistance of some kind. Online banking is also top notch.
I feel like a shill, but I have no attachment other than banking with them.
posted by Rallon at 3:53 PM on August 31, 2010
I'd been jerked around by Chase for a while trying to get the right kind of account/cards opened and working for me, and finally gave up on them and went to 5/3. Everyone I've ever worked with there has been fantastic and clearly had my best interests in mind, even going so far as to suggest that I ignore one of their standing promotions to open a different kind of savings account more suited to me. I've dealt with them in a bunch of branches across several states, now, and couldn't be happier. Knowing that there's a 5/3 branch/ATM almost anywhere I go is nice, too, on the off chance I need quick-and-in-person financial assistance of some kind. Online banking is also top notch.
I feel like a shill, but I have no attachment other than banking with them.
posted by Rallon at 3:53 PM on August 31, 2010
I'm not sure how annoyed you should be. I do research at a bank, and we occasionally get an insane amount a fraud charges from a certain country, state or business that we have to shut down and block. Brazil is definitely one we've had problems with, with multiple accounts charged thousands of dollars in a weekend. Or we'll get a rash of out of state Wal-mart purchases of people buying up gift cards. Actually, I think your bank is doing a good job by being upfront about the problem so that you can find work a around if you travel. I think this is a better approach than letting fishy charges go through, and suddenly the account is $2000 overdrawn and the rent check bounces. Customers always get their losses refunded, but often it's after other payments have bounced or debit card charges are denied.
posted by saffry at 3:54 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by saffry at 3:54 PM on August 31, 2010
USAA is a good outfit based on my experience with them, also via my dad.
I'm going to put in a plug for gigantic B of A here, though, even though they can be quite bureaucratic and I think their online banking is a little clunky. They came through like superstars when we were pick pocketed in Madrid. I mean, they were fantastic.
I have become quite loyal to them now.
posted by bearwife at 3:59 PM on August 31, 2010
I'm going to put in a plug for gigantic B of A here, though, even though they can be quite bureaucratic and I think their online banking is a little clunky. They came through like superstars when we were pick pocketed in Madrid. I mean, they were fantastic.
I have become quite loyal to them now.
posted by bearwife at 3:59 PM on August 31, 2010
I've been with Citibank for four years and have never had any problems. Which is to say, any time I have had problems, they've been resolved quickly and easily. I pay all of my bills (even my rent) through their online check-writing/sending whatsit. I have a Citi credit card and can pay that from the same place I sign in to see my savings/checking account because you can link accounts. I can transfer money into my account from any account for free in case of emergencies. Their website is intuitive, I've never had to wait more than a minute on hold if I've had to call them, and they have ATM locations in every 7-11.
posted by phunniemee at 4:21 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by phunniemee at 4:21 PM on August 31, 2010
I don't think you should be really annoyed. That looks like perfectly sound security policy to me. The blacklist is maintained per-customer rather than universally applied, so there's very little convenience downside. What's to annoy?
That said: credit unions > banks.
posted by flabdablet at 4:22 PM on August 31, 2010
That said: credit unions > banks.
posted by flabdablet at 4:22 PM on August 31, 2010
We just organized a conference in Brazil and I can tell you that several people has problems with unauthorized charges on their accounts. And many of them were seasoned international traveler's already aware of the high rates fraud in Brazil.
posted by tuxster at 4:31 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by tuxster at 4:31 PM on August 31, 2010
My favorite bank is ING Direct. No fees, good customer service, decent rates.
My second favorite bank is Bank of America. Their ATMs are amazingly convenient; they can handle cash and check deposits in a completely automated way. The only time I've ever needed to talk to an actual person was to open the account.
I like them over ING Direct for their ATM presence, the ability to find a Real Person if necessary, and the ability to have all credit cards / savings accounts / checking accounts / investment accounts with the same company. Very convenient.
I like ING Direct better for their historical rates (they are not great right now) and for the no nonsense approach. No fees, no person trying to sell you something every time you call them or walk into a branch. (Fifth Third is the absolute worst in this respect. Every single time I walk in, they tried to sell me something. "Move your investment account to us!" "Get another credit card." "Are you sure you don't want to buy a house today!?")
Disclaimer: I work for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. So conflict of interest and all that, but I've had a lot of bank accounts and BofA has been the best.
posted by jrockway at 4:35 PM on August 31, 2010
My second favorite bank is Bank of America. Their ATMs are amazingly convenient; they can handle cash and check deposits in a completely automated way. The only time I've ever needed to talk to an actual person was to open the account.
I like them over ING Direct for their ATM presence, the ability to find a Real Person if necessary, and the ability to have all credit cards / savings accounts / checking accounts / investment accounts with the same company. Very convenient.
I like ING Direct better for their historical rates (they are not great right now) and for the no nonsense approach. No fees, no person trying to sell you something every time you call them or walk into a branch. (Fifth Third is the absolute worst in this respect. Every single time I walk in, they tried to sell me something. "Move your investment account to us!" "Get another credit card." "Are you sure you don't want to buy a house today!?")
Disclaimer: I work for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. So conflict of interest and all that, but I've had a lot of bank accounts and BofA has been the best.
posted by jrockway at 4:35 PM on August 31, 2010
Another vote for USAA. My dad was a Naval officer - that's how I got in. We went through a short sale with them about a year ago. It sucked, but not as bad as it could have sucked. They were pretty fast and responsive even in that very negative situation.
I still use them for checking, savings, and auto and renter's insurance. Good service and I really like their online services.
posted by jeoc at 5:04 PM on August 31, 2010
I still use them for checking, savings, and auto and renter's insurance. Good service and I really like their online services.
posted by jeoc at 5:04 PM on August 31, 2010
I have banked at PNC for seven years and have nothing but wonderful things to say about them. Love their online system; love the help I've gotten when I needed it (i.e. once I got tripled charged for lunch and the restaurant was being a pain in the ass about it; PNC refunded the extra charges no questions asked); we have a second mortgage with them, etc etc. I'm sure there are plenty of PNCs in your area.
I also use ING direct because I like how easy it is to create sub accounts and whatnot.
posted by dpx.mfx at 5:54 PM on August 31, 2010
I also use ING direct because I like how easy it is to create sub accounts and whatnot.
posted by dpx.mfx at 5:54 PM on August 31, 2010
I've been with USAA for over 15 years now. Can't imagine having a different or better bank. If you meet the eligibility requirements, it's a no-brainer!
posted by matty at 6:50 PM on August 31, 2010
posted by matty at 6:50 PM on August 31, 2010
Credit unions are not > banks. Some are, some aren't. There is nothing inherently different about them that makes them better. When the people in charge care about the product, either will give you fine service.
A friend of mine raves about BB&T. They are a "big" bank, but they are focused on the business of banking, not on all the other things that got all the other clowns in trouble.
posted by gjc at 4:23 AM on September 1, 2010
A friend of mine raves about BB&T. They are a "big" bank, but they are focused on the business of banking, not on all the other things that got all the other clowns in trouble.
posted by gjc at 4:23 AM on September 1, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by hansbrough at 3:38 PM on August 31, 2010 [3 favorites]