Thinking about opening a new bank account..

[EricHill78]

I use chase. Used em for years. Havent had anyproblems but I also know the ppl at my local branch. I work in customer service and i know how to talk to ppl. Basically if your nice and dont get angry with the actual employee they can usually help you out alot. I have had a couple overdraft fees but they were cleared up. Basically it was my fault for not keeping track of spending. They reversed the fees all 3 times it happened. Lol. Also, free debit card. Free checking account. Free savings account. My savings account stays open unless it stays empty for 6 months.

I read on there tho if you don't have direct deposit you have to at least have 1,500 in checking thats nuts ha.

[Froofather]

I use chase. Used em for years. Havent had anyproblems but I also know the ppl at my local branch. I work in customer service and i know how to talk to ppl. Basically if your nice and dont get angry with the actual employee they can usually help you out alot. I have had a couple overdraft fees but they were cleared up. Basically it was my fault for not keeping track of spending. They reversed the fees all 3 times it happened. Lol. Also, free debit card. Free checking account. Free savings account. My savings account stays open unless it stays empty for 6 months.

[sgreger1]

Absolutely credit union only. But get a good one. Most credit unions now will let you use any ATM and will refund the $2 charge so I just go to 7-11 if I need money. If I need to deposit a check I just take a picture of it with my phone and it deposits into my account. Credit unions are infinitely better than banks,and you get better loans from them and often times other things like better car insurance etc.

[truthwolf1]

My old credit union would do that. They'd transfer money in $50 increments from your credit card. I think they may have charged $5 for that service, but I can't remember.

The union I go to is not that advanced yet but they are great for savings plans and loans.
If they do ever get to offering a reserve/checking I would make the switch without hesitation.

[lxskllr]

Credit Unions are great for savings and loans verses bigger banks. I use USBANK for my primary checking account because of the reserve line of credit. So, if you run out of money they just throw a couple of hundred in your account. It use to be FREE but since the economic collapse they charge $10. Pretty BS in my opinion but I dont believe any credit union is going to give you a reserve line which in my case comes in handy quite a bit.

My old credit union would do that. They'd transfer money in $50 increments from your credit card. I think they may have charged $5 for that service, but I can't remember.

[truthwolf1]

Credit Unions are great for savings and loans verses bigger banks. I use USBANK for my primary checking account because of the reserve line of credit. So, if you run out of money they just throw a couple of hundred in your account. It use to be FREE but since the economic collapse they charge $10. Pretty BS in my opinion but I dont believe any credit union is going to give you a reserve line which in my case comes in handy quite a bit.

[Snusdog]

I'd put my money under the mattress before I used a publicly traded bank.

That would put my net holdings at

2 playboy magazines and $15

I’m not sure personal checking accounts are where you would notice the infamy.

Banks don't generate their income from checking accounts (checking accounts account for a small % of their income generating potential). Banks make their money on loans

Thus, where you would see the difference is in the rates and condition on loans to individuals verses loans to corporations.

Bottom line: I'd go where the deal is best.

If there is a run on the banks the Credit Unions will falter as well (just as the fluctuation of the value in the dollar affects both).

Customer service will vary..............but how much CS is involved with a checking account.........I'd look more at the fees and charges.

The banking system as a whole has and will screw the public……………but it will not be via checking accounts ………………..rather it will be through their (Government endorsed, Wall Street backed) manipulation of markets

[precious007]

Keep your savings under the mattress

[snusjus]

Two words: CREDIT UNION. I've had way too many problems with for-profit banks.

[EricHill78]

Ha that's awesome.. when I was a teen I had an account with a credit union because my dad worked for southern bell. They were a lot stricter back in the day.

[thegameisover2k2]

A lot of credit unions have loosened their requirements, because they received bailout money too.

[thegameisover2k2]

There is always the option of opening two bank accounts...one that you want to keep, and the chase one. Do the minimun requirements to get the 150 bucks and cancel it asap after you get it...prolly have to make so many purchases or keep a minimun amount in it or chase will charge you a fee....depends on how much you want a free 150 bucks!

[EricHill78]

I think I found a decent credit union. No bank fees, only 5 dollars required in the savings. It was designed for cops and city workers but on their info page it states that anyone who lives or worships in my county qualify. I thought to be a member of a credit union you had to meet requirements more than simply live in a certain county?

[sandman1911]

I'd shop around for a credit union. I used a bank one time in my life and will never go back to one, they have no problem accepting your money but the second you need something from them they will make every excuse in the world. The credit union I am currently with is great, no B.S. fees as far as credit/debit and checking goes, all free. The interest rates at credit unions are usually lower as well.
I still kick myself for not sticking with a credit union even though it was only for a short time.

[texastorm]

I bank with Chase but have friends with horror stories about the credit card services. I too got a 150 free dollars, it was in my account in a week! Now I dont do much banking to be honest, but my account is free, my debit card is free (at chase) and I have had 0 issues banking with them, not to mention the 150 bucks was used to purchase snus. Their website is easy to navigate to find my balance. I love the fact the ATM's take stacks of cash as a deposit and shows you a picture of it all, and I can take a pic of a check and deposit it by phone. I have no issues with Chase, they have always been very helpful at my local branch. These are my opinions and your mileage may vary.

Having said all that I watched the horror a girlfriend went through with Chase credit card services. They were unhelpful, and downright rude to her on the phone. They didn't care if she took her ten year account somewhere else. So I would stay the hell away from Chase credit cards.