Do you really like your bank?(Birmingham/Hoover area) (credit, loans)

[circusmom3]

I am moving from Dallas, Tx to Hoover/Birmingham area. Our current bank does not have locations there. So this means we have to pick a new one. Any recommendations. Are credit unions a better option than banks in the area? Any suggestions are appreciated!!

[cpg35223]

Here's my take.

Credit unions are always good, but you run into the issue of limited numbers of locations. They have better interest rates but, considering how rock-bottom interest rates are at the moment, it might not be that much of a factor at the moment.

While Regions, Wells Fargo, and Compass are the large national banks in Birmingham, they tend to be very retail in approach, which means their customer service is not as good as I would like (Regions, to me, is just terrible in that regard, while Compass is best. It also depends a lot on the branch), there are also plenty of smaller, mid-sized banks that offer better service.

As someone who has both personal and business banking, my personal favorite in the market is First Commercial, which offers a good combination of services you'd expect from a larger bank (They are part of Synovus, which is in reality a large holding company of 40 or so smaller, regional banks) but good personal service. I have banked with them for fifteen years now and have had nothing but superior service. Their locations are clustered South of the mountain and downtown, so if you live outside that footprint, you might want to consider another.

Obviously, a lot depends on your needs. If you just require standard banking services, then just about anyone can help. But if you anticipate more of a relationship-driven approach, then I think you're smart to really pick and choose.

[Tourian]

We have accounts with Regions and Wells Fargo and I believe Wells Fargo has better customer service. However, while I do hear people complain about Regions a lot - I've never had any issues with them or any sub par service. Plus, they have branches everywhere around here. I've used America's First for loans and they too also provide great service and many convenient locations.

[circusmom3]

Thanks everyone! Great advice. You have helped plenty!

[Caligula1]

Wells Fargo has pretty darned good security...For me anyway, Regions is pretty laid back and still good there...not as strict.

I like my Regions bank..

One is for savings I guess...