What Bank do you recommend? (Atlanta, Kennesaw: mortgages, credit card, how much)

[derekgreer17]

I will be moving to Atlanta next week and will have to change banks. I am currently banking at chase but it seems there are no chase branches in Atlanta. I will be living in the Virginia Highland area. What choices do I have? Which do you recommend?

[BobKovacs]

I'd look at either SunTrust, Bank of America, or Wachovia. They all have numerous branches, and likely have one close to where you live and work. The best thing to do would be to use the "branch locator" functions on their websites to see who has branches that are convenient to your home, work, or wherever you'd be when you need to do your banking.

Bob

[JPD]

I like Suntrust because they have ATMs at Publix and at various other places that I find convenient.

[jxu66]

I use Suntrust as well. They have ATMs inside Super Walmart as well. Many of them open on Saturday.

[backfist]

Washington Mutual is my choice. Opened up three accounts in 15 minutes--no hassle.

Be careful with Wachovia and Sun Trust if you use Microsoft Money or Quicken. Those banks, and some others, are going to start hitting customers with a $5 - $6 monthly charge for downloading your transactions to your computer.

[xxman777]

I'm with backfist. I've used Washington Mutual for a couple of years now and haven't had any complaints. The really nice thing about them is there are pretty much no fees. I don't pay for anything.

[ready2move]

Bank of America...They had our accounts in FL and there is a branch right down the street from my house here.

[Georgia]

And with the South mostly, is the amount of smaller banks.

The larger banks. SunTrust, BofA, BB&T, etc., are known for their amount of ATM's, branches, and ease, ease, ease, but you are the one who pays. Pay out the nose. Hardly zip in returns from CD's, IRA's, etc. They are also known for teaser rates. Start at 3-5% then in 30 days your kicking a high .5% on the same amount of cash. One of the worst offenders is BofA. Then again, they are in such a rush to offer credit cards and mortgages to illegal aliens they need to reserve cash for possible P&L.

The smaller banks in GA are your best bet. For example GeorgiaTrust, this bank is located in Kennesaw and Buford. Easy to average over 5% APR (most fund companies don't offer 5% on market accounts) on your checking alone, plus you can use their ATM card at any machine and they pick up the cost.
"The" Peoples Bank, based in Winder. Good Southern down home bank with good returns on your money.

Banks like Backfist stated, etc., they are out there and all over the metro area.
Remember, nothing is FREE. You pay for all the goodies that you find the majority of time you either don't need or use.

5 Rules of Banking:

What are your Rates and how are they measured (example: +/- basis points off what treasury)
What is the compounding method?
Do you offer online FREE banking?
ATM rules and reg's
FEES! for what and how much.

Signed
Georgia "Your friendly poster with 20+ years in the finance business"

[kwiley1221]

Originally Posted by backfist

Washington Mutual is my choice. Opened up three accounts in 15 minutes--no hassle.

Be careful with Wachovia and Sun Trust if you use Microsoft Money or Quicken. Those banks, and some others, are going to start hitting customers with a $5 - $6 monthly charge for downloading your transactions to your computer.

I'd go with Washington Mutual as well. Not as many fees as the bigger banks. Enough locations around to be convenient. wamu.com has a good deal (5% interest/free checking, etc) on their website.

[dens]

Wachovia is my choice because of ATMS at the Atlanta airport and QT gas stations...we all have our preferences.