what bank to use? (Austin, Wells: credit, transfer, buy)

[readymade]

I have to change over my accounts to a Texas bank. Any suggestions on which to use? I've used Bank Of America in the past, and it was awful (I can't remember why... I just remember swearing never to use them again). I seem to recall Wells Fargo being not so great either (I remember them keeping an out-of-state check for over a month), but I'm willing to try them again.

I've been using Washington Mutual for the past 10 years or so and never had a problem until I moved to Austin. Big stuff like them not being able to give me a money order even though I had money in my account because their computers were down (caused HUGE problems). And recently I tried to open a joint account online (based in Texas), and instead it opened an individual one and when I tried to cancel it, it wouldn't let me. And then it wouldn't let me open another joint account because I'd just opened an account. Then it was opened. Then it was closed. Ugh.

Since I have to re-do all of my online billing (I can't transfer over all my payees from one account to another) anyway, I want to go with another bank. One that has online billing & free checking.

Any suggestions?

[twange]

Well, everyone's needs are different but try Compass Bank. It is a regional bank, so it isn't too big (which I like). For me, a fast, accurate online system is crucial. I can go buy a coffee AT a coffeehouse and by the time I get back to my laptop, it's posted on my account. That's REALLY important to me since I've gotten lazy with my actual receipts They're also very good about refunding non-Compass ATM transaction fees.

When we first moved here, we got an account with Wachovia(they gave us a gift card or something). Those people are customer service psychos. Cripes, you walk in the door and EVERYBODY in the room says "Hello, welcome to Wachovia" in a staggered congregational cadence. Kinda like a church thing. Creepy. Plus it took them DAYS to post transactions, which sucks for a household where two people are using the debit card. We still have the account but now it's just short-term savings, instead of a household account.

Oh and btw, Wachovia is merging with Wells Fargo.

[woodinvilleguy]

Try one of the local credit unions. They usually provide higher rates for cheaper fees.

[car957]

Velocity Credit Union or Frost Bank. The rest of them are all sucking on the bail out teet.

[neddy]

USAA if you can get in.

[centralaustinite]

Credit Union! No question, that is the only way to go!

[mark311]

Originally Posted by twange

When we first moved here, we got an account with Wachovia(they gave us a gift card or something). Those people are customer service psychos. Cripes, you walk in the door and EVERYBODY in the room says "Hello, welcome to Wachovia" in a staggered congregational cadence. Kinda like a church thing. Creepy.

Oh and btw, Wachovia is merging with Wells Fargo.

I worked in a bank for a short time in California while I was in college. The bank was very close to a major freeway, so it was a popular bank to rob. These were normally "note" at the teller window robberies. We actually were all instructed to greet everyone that walked in the door in that same manner to give the person a feeling of "we all noticed that you walked in and got a good look at you, so if you plan on robbing us, we can all identify you". It also makes all the employees look up to see if they recognize a threat at the door before he/she even gets to the teller window. It got so bad that the location started to only let people in the front door by getting buzzed in. It gave security time to get a good look at each person before entering the bank. This bank was in Solana Beach which isn't a shabby area either.

Back to the topic, I've used Wells Fargo for 10 years and it's fine. You just have to make sure that you don't screw up with your account balances as they'll hit you with overdraft fees, but I'm pretty sure that all banks do this. Their on-line banking interface is pretty nice. The merger with Wachovia has made my life easier as I now have a couple extra convenient ATM's that I can use for free.

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Credit Union! No question, that is the only way to go!

I third that! My CU has never given me an unhappy surprise in 10 years - I don't think a typical bank's business model would survive with such respect for their customers.

[achtungpv]

I use Randolph Brooks FCU and will never use a bank again. They actually give you cash back at the end of the year for every debit card purchase. I got over $300 back last year.

[twange]

Originally Posted by mark311

I worked in a bank for a short time in California while I was in college. The bank was very close to a major freeway, so it was a popular bank to rob. These were normally "note" at the teller window robberies. We actually were all instructed to greet everyone that walked in the door in that same manner to give the person a feeling of "we all noticed that you walked in and got a good look at you, so if you plan on robbing us, we can all identify you". It also makes all the employees look up to see if they recognize a threat at the door before he/she even gets to the teller window. It got so bad that the location started to only let people in the front door by getting buzzed in. It gave security time to get a good look at each person before entering the bank. This bank was in Solana Beach which isn't a shabby area either.

Interesting. Maybe that's why. But from everything I've heard, all of their branches are that way. It's part of their customer service model. I find it very annoying and fake but I'll get over it!


My wife just opened an account with a CU. I can't remember which one. She's always raved about them.