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Curious if Bank of Hawaii is still considered one of the best banks? What do you like most about the bank you currently use? What do you consider the drawback or advantages? Is there a bank that is more favored by people on Maui? I have noticed that BOH and First Hawaiian come up in threads, what about the others like American Savings, Central Pacific, Hawaii National? Any input would be appreciated, mahalo!
Define "best bank". Only you know what services you use, and you can then look at each bank's web site to see if those services are available, or what they cost. I would not choose a bank based on what is popular in this forum. And if you do everything electronically you don't even need to use a Hawaii based bank.
I work in the banking industry and can tell you that, that for the most part, banks are banks and don't differ to much in what products and services they offer. (The biggest exception to this is there can be a pretty big chasm between online and mobile services between banks.)
I'd suggest visiting whatever banks are most convenient to you, location-wise and see how welcome they make you feel and how interested they are in your needs. A good rule of thumb: If whoever you talk to starts by asking you lots of questions to understand your financial needs and then makes suggestions based on your answers (as opposed to just rattling off what they offer), you just found yourself a good bank/banker.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, saying 'best' is very generalized and dependent on needs. I researched most banks and have narrowed my decision and I was just curious. I do most of my banking online, so I do not necessarily need a local bank, but am not happy with my current big name bank. Occasionally I have the need to go to an actual branch for some services and also wanted to open my account prior to arrival. Since I can't visit a branch currently to get a feel, I was interested in some opinions. Thanks for the advice!
Curious if Bank of Hawaii is still considered one of the best banks
FWIW, it's been rated best bank customer service in the country by J.D. Powers two years running. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. I cannot say the same of any others. And BOH hase the most locations, the most ATMs, the best mobile apps, etc.
I recommend opening your account in advance, which you can do online with BOH, because there are limitations on the amounts you can cash, long holds on new deposits, etc. for the first 30 days by all the banks here.
We have an account at a bank as well as a credit union and I must admit I really prefer the credit union. They are just nicer to work with. BOH is a good bank although they always seem to have fees for everything. Little ones, but they add up after awhile.
Yes, I have a lot of miscommunication with Bank of Hawaii. I have a checking account with them and had a savings with them.
I went to close my branch in December. I filled out all the paperwork, got the cashier's check, and closed the account. They kept sending me overdraft letters saying the account was never closed. I called them and was told that the branch that I closed it at would call me within 2 days. Think they called me? Nope. I called every 2 days and still got they will call me within 48 hours. Still have yet to hear from them.
Also when I went to check their online website for my account info, it said I had problems with my password. When I called for assistance I was told "Oh yeah people have been having trouble the last month with it so I can help you with what you need to do".
Yes, definitely would like a local bank. I did notice that First Hawaiian is a foreign owned bank. As for, BOH, their free checking charges for online bill pay.
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