Banks (Seattle, Tukwila: mortgage, credit, moving to)

[metrode]

As I wrote before in an earlier post, I'm moving to Seattle and am not familiar with it. My current bank, which I really like, is not an option there, so I'll need to switch. I've done a small amount of research online, but basically I've not heard of any of the banks listed for Seattle, with the exceptions of Bank of America, and Washington Mutual. I'm not particularly interested in Bank of America (unless does anyone love it?), and I've read pretty negative reviews on Washington Mutual.

Anyone recommend their bank? I just need something basic, of course I'd prefer no fees, and I'd be looking for good access to branches and ATMs in the city and the surrounding areas. I've really appreciated the good customer service of my current bank, so that would be a plus, too.

Ps I do plan on actually knowing things once I move there For now, thank you for your information.

[allforcats]

I've had checking and savings accounts with BOA for several years, only because they had a branch inside the building where my office was. BOA is spectacularly convenient, with branches every time you blink your eyes (because of their history of acquisitions in WA). My accounts are both no fees and earn interest.

I also have checking/savings with WaMu, and they held my mortgage for 18 years, and I was an employee of a thrift they acquired many years ago. WaMu is spectacularly convenient, with branches every time you blink your eyes (because ... etc.). Both accounts are no fees and earn interest.

You can see that convenience is what matters to me. I think that having to pay fees at ATMs that are not operated by MY bank are outrageous and immoral.

I remember when banking personnel were part of the community, and service therefore really mattered. That's no longer the case, except at credit unions. What is it specifically you like about your current bank, and what good/bad things, exactly, have you read/heard about BOA or WaMu?

[wannabeaTexan]

I'm at Boeing Employees' Credit Union and wouldn't switch for nothin'. There's only two real branches where you can do cash transactions, but you can also use many of the other credit unions here to do business w/ no extra fees, including ATM's. They do not charge fees for using non-BECU ATMs and I think their customer service is excellent.

I had my purse stolen a few years ago...someone papered the city with checks forged with my name. I made a trip to the main branch in Tukwila and received an immediate credit all of the cashed checks that were not mine.

Don't have any fees either. You only need to be a WA state resident to open an account...not sure what the criteria is for establishing that. But I think it's worth checking out. Don't know if it's ok to post their link here, but it is www.becu.org

[metrode]

I have Wachovia right now, and I guess its really just their prevalence in the Washington D.C. area, as well as their consistent excellent customer service in their branches and on the phone that makes me like them so much.

Washington Mutual had a bunch of negative reviews on a reviewing site I found, with many issues listed. Their star rankings (I believe it was out of five) were all about 2 for their phone banking, internet banking, and overall customer service. There were various specific stories of dissatisfaction, generally saying that their main problem is incompetence.

I shouldn't really have a problem with Bank of America. I read something about monthly fees from them, and then besides that, for whatever reason, I just don't feel that excited about them. I should do more research on them though as my current misgivings are almost entirely unfounded.

[allforcats]

Hahahaha! :-) I love doing things blindly, too :-) Yes, you're right, research helps.

I've done phone and online banking with both BOA and WaMu since those services began, and I love it -- except when the services are down for posting, of course, usually around 2:00 or 3:00 AM.

I lost a Visa card once, and over the phone BOA made the card disappear from the universe even BEFORE anyone could start using it! I had similar perfect service from WaMu when I checks vanished once from my mailbox. Something interesting: I was in Peru earlier this year. I wanted $100 cash from an ATM there and used my BOA Visa card. PERU, right? BOA charged me 23 CENTS for that transaction! Turned out the ATM was operated in Lima by ScotiaBank, a Canadian bank, which is an affiliate of BOA!!!!! Hahahahahaha!!! Sometimes big isn't so bad, eh?!

Whenever I travel, on the advice of a BOA phone rep I notify them by phone two days before I leave, whether I go to another state, another country, or another continent, and tell them my dates of travel to safeguard the card I'll take with me. They are always efficient, intelligent and friendly and get the info right.

I've always found WaMu and BOA branch staff lovely. I've also heard that what WannabeaTexan says is quite true -- that BECU is just a delight to work with.

[metrode]

Ok, thanks for all that. I've heard some more good things about Bank of America, so I'll probably check it out.

[scirocco22]

Although many have a problem with Bank of America's management policies, I've had very good customer service from not only from those who work at the brick-and-mortar facilities but also from their internet and phone representatives.

And yes, I agree that BECU is very good too.

[woodinvilleguy]

Check out if your employer has an agreement with a credit union. They usually have great service and good rates.

[malarkey]

Originally Posted by wannabeaTexan

I'm at Boeing Employees' Credit Union and wouldn't switch for nothin'.

Ditto, ditto and ditto again. Credit Unions ROCK compared to for-profit banks, ALWAYS.

Both WaMu and BoA will ********* 9 ways from Tuesday.

[jwb123]

DON'T go with WAMU!! Horrible customer service! We stayed with them way too long.