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Ask HN: What Internet based checking account do you recommend?
I'm shopping for a new checking account. My only requirements are:
* Website with good UX and handy features like CSV exports
* I'd like to avoid ATM fees
* Accepts direct deposits - I imagine all banks do this
* Support outbound ACH transfers
* A US based call center - or at least a well trained offshore call center
* Paper checks
Not a factor
* I do not have to worry about maintaining a minimum balance
* I'd rather better service than a good interest rate on my deposits
Red Flags?
While shopping around, are there any red flag anti-features that I should try to avoid?
Are there any specific banks that I should avoid?
Final note:
I've done a bit of reading on sites like Nerd Wallet and Bankrate. But their reviews don't really provide the knowledge that I am looking for.
I'm looking for testimonials from actual customers. I am not looking for blog content written for the purpose of generating affiliate link revenue.
- chadash 6y agoI use Ally and i'm pretty happy. Don't know if it checks off the CSV exports but I believe it has all the others. The big thing that I like are alerts for charges over a certain amount. A few years back, I was using TD Bank and I happened to check my online account one day and noticed an $1800 withdrawal that I didn't make (I got lucky, because I don't check the account that often). I called them up and they said it was a mistake, but wouldn't explain how or why it happened. Well... no thanks... given that you pay me close to 0% interest anyway, I'll give someone else the privilege of holding my money. Since then, I maintain a minimal deposit at TD because I like having a bank with physical locations and moved the rest to Ally. Ally is nice, because anytime I have a transaction over $100 (which is an amount you can customize), I get a text message, so any funny transactions are noticeable right away (not that there have been any). This feature is a must-have for me now.
- sangli 6y agoI second ally. I have an account since 2016. They used to refund all the atm fees charged, not sure they still do it.
- waltbosz 6y agoI apologize for the strange formatting. I'm new to HN posts, I thought I added enough new-lines. I'll try again, since I can't edit the original post. ===== I'm shopping for a new checking account. My only requirements are * Website with good UX and handy features like CSV exports * I'd like to avoid ATM fees * Accepts direct deposits - I imagine all banks do this * Support outbound ACH transfers * A US based call center - or at least a well trained offshore call center * Paper checks Not a factor * I do not have to worry about maintaining a minimum balance * I'd rather better service than a good interest rate on my deposits Red Flags? While shopping around, are there any red flag anti-features that I should try to avoid? Are there any specific banks that I should avoid? Final note I've done a bit of reading on sites like Nerd Wallet and Bankrate. But their reviews don't really provide the knowledge that I am looking for. I'm looking for testimonials from actual customers. I am not looking for blog content written for the purpose of generating affiliate link revenue.
- d33lio 6y agoSchwab 1000%, care about the bank, their customer service and fees. Technical features should not be deciding factors in where you keep your $$$. I believe schwab might still let you request physical security tokens.
- fosco 6y ago+1 Schwab -I've had great customer service experience compared to competitors -also refunds ATM fees at end of month.
- mpc75 6y agoUSAA if you can get it. I’d check out BBVA they’re onto some real cool stuff in the future of fin. For fintechs, I’d check out Revolut.
- wprapido 6y agoWell, I'm European, so not sure if it helps, but might help someone else. TransferWise is what I'd highly recommend. They do have US presence. I'm just not sure which features are available to US customers. They got excellent customer service via mail, chat, social media and phone. Not outsourced to India
- baccredited 6y ago>Are there any specific banks that I should avoid? I like to avoid all of the bailout banks. These guys invested customer money irresponsibly and had to be rescued by the federal government: https://money.cnn.com/news/specials/storysupplement/bankbailout/ https://money.cnn.com/news/specials/storysupplement/bankbail... I ended up using schwab.com and have been happy with them so far. (Until recently I was with etrade, but they were bought out by Morgan Stanley.)