ISO Feedback: Sovereign Bank (Manchester, Nashua: real estate, credit, home)

[NH2008]

After the horrible customer service we've had from Bank of America, we're considering switching to Sovereign. All we need is a traditional bank: ATM, checking, etc, but we want a bank that will clear our deposits quickly and have responsive and reliable customer service (again, we have had HORRIBLE service from Bank of America!). Any experiences, good or bad?

If bad, is there another local bank you recommend (Citizens or other?)

Thanks!

[dubthang]

I've always had good luck with T D Banknorth. I have been with them through all the mergers and name changes. I'm sure there are smaller banks that offer better services and less fees, but I really like the fact that T D Banknorth is all over New England.

[Yankeehombre]

A number of years ago I dumped Netbank due to excessive time required to credit deposits. I find Dover Federal Savings to be quite responsive to customer issues owing to the face-to-face nature of a smaller local bank. Internet access and even telephone access your account is available. Pocket picking fee schemes are kept at a minimum. It really makes allot of sense to keep your money into the local economy, rether than exporting profits offshore to the U.K. as in Baknorth does.

[Valerie C]

I've been with TD BankNorth with no problems (but another member here had horrible experiences). BankNorth is growing to gargantuan proportions, and I'm looking at alternatives myself in anticipation of eventual lousy customer service and typical BIG BUSINESS practices. In my experience, BIG BUSINESS doesn't try harder, and this seems to be true for banks, real estate brokerages and home improvement stores.

You ended up buying in either Bedford or Hollis if I remember right? If a local bank will serve your needs, consider St. Mary's Bank. Here are their branches:

• Manchester - McGregor Street
• Manchester - Elm Street
• Manchester - D.W. Highway
• Manchester - Hanover Street
• Hudson - Winnhaven Drive
• Londonderry - Nashua Road
• Milford - Nashua Street
• Nashua - Spruce Str

[seamusnh]

Sovreign was terrible. TD Banknorth has been excellent

[lisa g]

If you are thinking of Sovereign in Hollis, they are not a 'live' branch - meaning their transactions DO NOT clear quickly, not even between Sovereign accounts. All their transactions go to a Mass. branch with that capability. Think of the Hollis Sovereign as a post office where you drop off intentions to use your money, and expect it to take several days.

Also, they have recently been purchased by Banko Santando, a big bank in Spain which owned a third of Sovereign before the purchase.

[NH2008]

Argh, it doesn't sound like Sovereign will work for us either. I'm not sure there is a TD Banknorth nearby. I pass Citizen's a lot - have people have good experiences with them?

Thanks!

[lisa g]

There is a TD Banknorth on Rte 130 by the Kohl's/Christmas Tree Shop/LL Bean, I am pretty sure.