Money money money money....

[dtm]

So, we need a new bank. Anyone have any suggestions?

We're currently banking with Wachovia, but starting in April they're going to be deducting a $6/month fee if you use Quicken to get transactions automatically and manage your accounts. As this would, over the course of a year, be a visible percentage of our average checking account balance, we're thinking of jumping ship.

Given my history with big banks, I was looking at this extremely local bank, but their web site does not, alas, fill me with great confidence. Also, as our main reason for jumping is the end of free Quicken support, it would make little sense to jump to a bank with no Quicken support. (the list of Quicken-supporting banks)

So what do other people use that you're happy with? Any place in particular that we should avoid?

Comments

[joxn.livejournal.com]

I bank with USAA Federal Savings Bank (https://www.usaa.com) and recommend them strongly. The downside is going to be that they have no local branches, so you have to do checking deposits by mail (or use their "Deposit at Home" service which has you scan the check -- I'm not sure how it works, as I've never tried it).

If you're eligible to buy insurance through them, I recommend that too, but not many people are.

[dtm]

Nice, but from what I can tell, I'd have to join the military to get an account.

However, this brings up the point that I would be ale to join USA Federal Credit Union. That may be worth considering.

[joxn.livejournal.com]

Not true -- the bank is required to allow anyone to open an account. If you want to purchase insurance or use their non-bank financial services you have to join the military (or qualify as a member some other way).

[astrogeek01.livejournal.com]

well your link doesn't give me a list... I know people who have had good luck with BofA and Wells Fargo as big banks.

[tavella.livejournal.com]

I've been really happy with Washington Mutual. Free checking (I actually have two -- one main one attached to my savings, and one detached one that I use for Paypal and automatic withdrawals, aka "the account for people I don't trust"), free savings if you either have $300 dollars in the account or let them automatically transfer $25 a month from checking to savings (you can transfer it back again after.) Good web access to your account, competent phone support.