Banking in Louisville (mortgages, credit, home)

[tobinw]

As I'm moving to Louisville in a few weeks (see here), I'm looking for a new bank. I've used Arvest the past several years (the largest bank in Arkansas-Oklahoma) and LOVED them, so I have high expectations for whoever I go with next.

Do you have any recommendations for or against any certain bank? Based on my preliminary online research, my top three are PNC, U.S. Bank (seems to be the only one with branches in both KY and AR), and Fifth Third, but I'm definitely open-minded.

I travel a lot, so free ATM usage is one of my two main concerns (the other is free internet banking).

Thanks in advance for your help.

[lou_slugger]

I have banked with Stock Yards Bank (local) for about four years and it has been the best banking experience by far. I had to use them because of my employer, prior to that I used National City and US Bank...I thought National City had poor cust svc.. US Bank would be 2nd to Stock Yards..never had any problems with them only switched b/c of job...US Banks are open on Sundays and some holidays which is a plus. Stock Yards has a branch that is open late during the week and 8-430 on sat (in the highlands)...I would recommend either...have heard good things about PNC, no exp. w/fifth third..U of L used to bank with US Bank when I attended, not sure if they do now

[lou_slugger]

Forgot to mention, Stock Yards allows 4 foreign atm transactions per month at no charge and free internet banking.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by tobinw

As I'm moving to Louisville in a few weeks (see here), I'm looking for a new bank. I've used Arvest the past several years (the largest bank in Arkansas-Oklahoma) and LOVED them, so I have high expectations for whoever I go with next.

Do you have any recommendations for or against any certain bank? Based on my preliminary online research, my top three are PNC, U.S. Bank (seems to be the only one with branches in both KY and AR), and Fifth Third, but I'm definitely open-minded.

I travel a lot, so free ATM usage is one of my two main concerns (the other is free internet banking).

Thanks in advance for your help.

Republic is actually your best bet. For around 10 bucks or less sign up fee, you get a checking account, free checks, and UNLIMITED FREE ATM usage at any ATM in the US no matter what the bank. They are based out of Louisville and pay all ATM fees for you and of course internet banking for free.


www.republicbank.com

SYB is the second largest locally based bank.

The largest bank in Louisville is actually PNC, which just aquired National City, the city's former largest bank. Fifth Third is number two and I believe US Bank and BB&T come next.

[missymomof3]

I prefer credit unions and L&N is very nice

[missymomof3]

Oh and I have noticed that some stores can't use 5th third debit cards for some reason

[Off Topic]

I'm not a fan of Fifth Third at all. PNC is OK for a national bank, but I agree the regional banks like Republic and Stock Yards do a better job and seem very stable.

[honesty1022]

Originally Posted by missymomof3

I prefer credit unions and L&N is very nice

Same here, and I joined L&N two months ago. Very happy with them.

[kingcopper]

go with U.S. bank. Republic sux. U.S. bank is actually ranked fairly high by the FDIC as PNC was before purchasing the floundering National City.

Stock Yards and some of the smaller banks are great but maybe too small for your intentions.

[tomocox]

What do you expect out of a bank? Some are better at home mortgages, while others offer better customer service, etc. Right now, I wouldn't put a dollar in a large bank such as PNC, 5th/3rd, etc.