Better Online Bank

January 13, 2008 1:16 PM

I'm wanting to move to a bank with a better online experience (and solid features). I'm currently in Tampa, FL though I'm hoping to move to Orlando in the near future. I like my current back, but the online experience is... lacking. Anyone really like their bank and it's online interface?
posted by Ikazuchi to work & money (28 comments total)

I've had Bank of America for a few years. Couldn't be more pleased with their online interface for checking/savings/investing/bill pay. They go out of their way to make it really user friendly in my opinion.

(Of course it makes fiscal sense for them to do that, because less calls to customer service = less customer service reps = less salaries for them to pay).
posted by jourman2 at 1:24 PM on January 13

+1 for BoA's online features. I've used their online bill pay services for years and have always liked it.

Looking at the BoA site, I see that there are a few branches in and around Orlando. Same for Tampa. So if you need offline service, you shouldn't be stuck.
posted by iwhitney at 1:49 PM on January 13

USAA. I haven't tried any other bank's online features, so maybe USAA's are actually awful compared to what they could be, but I'm happy with them.
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:53 PM on January 13

I have had no issues with Citibank's online features. I do everything online, pay bills, transfer money between accounts.

Looks like there are no actual branches in Orlando though. Just ATMs. That's the other thing I like about Citibank. Their ATMs are in 7-11 stores. Easy to get cash without fees.
posted by clh at 1:56 PM on January 13

I haven't used Bank of America, so I can't really say, but there have been several stories on consumerist that would give me pause (1, 2).
posted by sharkfu at 2:14 PM on January 13

Bank of America's online interface does rock.
posted by limeonaire at 2:16 PM on January 13

I'm really happy with Bank of America, which I've been using for 4.5 years now. The bill pay service is great (you can add your own payees, so you're not limited to their list; I don't know if that's a limitation of some banks online services or not, but it's convenient as hell). And I like being able to move money between my checking and savings accounts (and make payments on my BoA Visa) whenever I want. The interface is very quick and easy to use. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't had to go inside a BoA branch since I set up my checking/savings accounts 4.5 years ago.
posted by korres at 2:21 PM on January 13

Umpteenthing Bank of America. You can even do your budget and assess your net worth right on the site. It completely eliminates the need for financial software (if you're the kind of person who uses such things).
posted by Jess the Mess at 2:26 PM on January 13

Having used USAA, BoA, and Citibank, I'd have to give the nod to BoA for its web interface. I've read some of the ugly stories about BoA (apart from its website), so I'm not necessarily endorsing their service overall.
posted by adamrice at 2:40 PM on January 13

+1 on USAA. They just upgraded their billpay interface. And they pay you back all those ATM fees.
posted by matty at 3:02 PM on January 13

It should be noted that you need to be affiliated with the military to use USAA.
posted by megatherium at 3:14 PM on January 13

BofA has a great Web site, it is true. However they can be colossal jerks too. I've talked to some people who shared my jerky experience and some who have been very satisfied.

I am considering a move to USAA, for the ATM fee reason and all the positive things I've heard about them. Keep in mind that you have to qualify for USAA--you or a family member need to have been in the military. My dad swears by them for insurance.
posted by lackutrol at 3:16 PM on January 13

I've only banked online with Wachovia, but I've never had a problem with them. I really don't have any complaints, although I wouldn't be surprised if Bank of America was better. I just went with Wachovia because they own all the ATMs at my school.
posted by mccarty.tim at 3:18 PM on January 13

Nthing Bank of America.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 3:21 PM on January 13

Bank of America's website is pretty awesome, the only time I go into a branch is when I need to do a very large transfer to a friend or relative. As far as horror stories go - Bank of America is like any other extremely large company: probability dictates that sometimes a jerk slips through the hiring process and creates a few dustups before they're culled. I've had a lot of stellar experiences, and one moderately unpleasant one - as far as I can tell their issues are generally not systemic.
posted by Ryvar at 3:37 PM on January 13

Bank of America, Citibank, Chase, and Wachovia are among the best bets for Florida in terms of their websites. Personally, I think BoA is in another tier than the other three--it really is that good.
posted by phoenixy at 3:38 PM on January 13

I had Bank of America and although their web interface IS great, they also had a lot of stupid fees that were always driving me into negative numbers (i was a broke college student at the time). So that's something to consider.

I use Washington Mutual and their interface is very nice, especially compared to Commerce and the local credit union i have also used which were annoying.
posted by amethysts at 3:39 PM on January 13

Umpteenth kudos for the Spank of America online interface. Have used Sun Trust as well, and for it pretty easy to use.
posted by NikitaNikita at 3:53 PM on January 13 [1 favorite]

I, too, have read the horror stories about BoA on Consumerist, but I've never had a problem with them so far. So nthing BoA.
posted by spec80 at 4:03 PM on January 13

I've been using Wachovia online banking for years. I like it a lot, because it's easy to use and has lots of features. Last year they updated it to be 100% Firefox/Opera friendly - which is a plus for me.
posted by gemmy at 5:14 PM on January 13

Once they decided to start charging to cash checks drawn on their fine institution at their own branches, I decided I wouldn't consider dealing with them for demand deposit accounts. I do have a credit card with them and their website is just fine.

My SO used Suntrust before she moved away and liked them a lot. She still has a few bucks in an account with them, in fact.
posted by wierdo at 5:16 PM on January 13

I really like USBank for a number of reasons, including their free, guaranteed online banking and customer service (my bank calls me to let me know if I'm ever overdrawn). I would recommend them to anybody.

Also, if you're able to get a student account, you should do so because it comes with a $700 reserve line, free checking, and debit credit card. They also offer really good loan rates and other services.
posted by mynameismandab at 5:32 PM on January 13

Wachovia has been very serviceable for me.
posted by smoothhickory at 5:41 PM on January 13

Uh, my first couple of sentences were referring to Bank of America. Sorry for being such a doofus.
posted by wierdo at 6:23 PM on January 13

"I have both ING Direct (savings (4.5%), checking (4%), and CDs (5.35%)) and HSBC (savings (5.05%)). HSBC pays more interest, but I hate its interface. I keep most of my liquid money in HSBC because of the rate, but I regularly transfer money from HSBC to ING for paying bills because the ING interface is great." (Posted July 16, 2007. The rates may have changed.)
posted by iviken at 6:37 PM on January 13

USAA. Awesome features, better customer service.
posted by ewkpates at 7:48 AM on January 14

I can second ING Direct as the way to go. I was a Bank of America Customer who, while satisfied with their online interface, was very unsatisfied with fees and interest rates. My ING savings currently offers 4.10%. Moreover throughout the entire account opening with ING I was impressed by the utility and ease of the interface - clearly an internet bank has to have a strong internet presence, but the whole thing has been set up flawlessly and is really above board. Heartily recommended!
posted by elks at 9:08 AM on January 14

NikitaNikita: Thanks for brightening my day.
<snort>Spank of America</snort>
posted by Arthur Dent at 12:23 PM on January 14