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for those asking about local community banks here...
Fidelity Bank is based here (started in fuquay) and has always been a local bank. I've never personally done business with them, but know several who do, and they seem pleased.
I bank with First Citizens as I wanted to avoid the 'big mega banks', and have been impressed with their customer service. However, everytime I read the paper I see they have purchased another 'failed bank' from the FDIC and I am thinking of moving to a Credit Union as First Citizens is probably expanding too fast in locations it doesn't understand and the management span of control will get diluted and the risks will increase. Not sure what their agenda is anymore as they move away from their roots and expand so raphidly across the nation in a random way depending on locations where banks go bust. I am sure I read they are the 50th largest bank in the country these days which surprized me.
I use Wachovia, do all my banking online, no fees....no problems. I even opened my account online. I have never even stepped foot inside a Wachovia Bank.
Similar experience, although we have been to the bank. Their investment advice has paid off well, although CD returns are low.
There are plenty of free CashPoint ATMs around, too.
I guess I should add one last item. If you are happy with TD Bank, and already have everything set up with them, why not just stay with them? That's sort of what we ended up doing. When we moved here, I opened an account with Wachovia and linked it to my TD Bank account. Direct deposit still goes into TD and that's how most bills still get paid, but I can use a Wachovia branch or ATM to deposit paper checks or do anything along those lines, and then just transfer to TD. As I'm now phasing out of Wachovia, I'm still leaving my TD account open and am linking it to my new account. No reason to keep all your eggs in one basket, and then you don't have the hassle of having to redo all of your online banking and billpay set-ups.
FORGET THE MEGABANKS!!! For the same reason I like dealing with locally owned businesses, so to do I like supporting locally headquartered banks, and I highly recommend Capital Bank. Their one of only 2 banks headquartered in Raleigh (I think) and they are a big supporter of our community. Their Smart Checking account pays 4.01% APY and gives you free access to every ATM in the world. Great service, great bank!!!
I used to consult with First Citizens and was quite impressed with their focus and leadership. I've also banked with them for years and have had nothing but positive retail experiences. Of course, they're not the lowest cost option in many service offerings... but I like the people and trust them (and BTW I've consulted with dozens of banks ranging from $1 trillion+ on down)...
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