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Ask HN: Recommendations for a bank?
First, some background: For as long as I've had a bank account it's been with a credit union in my hometown. I loved being able to call back and hear the local Midwest accent and know the names and faces of people I was talking to. However, my credit union recently merged with a larger entity, and their support for my lifestyle and needs is marginal.
So, what do you recommend? I love the credit union model but fear it can't provide everything I'm looking for. Ideally the features I'm looking for:
- easy access to local branches (in San Francisco now, but maybe elsewhere)
- awesome online interface; bill-payment is a must
- good service with good rates and low fees
- easy to transfer money in and out
I hope BankSimple will do all this, but what do you recommend until then?
- code 15y agoHere are some recommendations from True Ventures: http://www.trueventures.com/recommendations/ http://www.trueventures.com/recommendations/ Disclaimer: I am not associated with True Ventures in any way. However, I have been a long time customer of Wells Fargo and would vouch for them. I love their customer service and have done both personal and business banking with them. They're headquartered in San Francisco as well and are available almost everywhere nationwide. Hope this helps.
- m0nastic 15y agoI can sympathize, as I'm in a similar boat. I love the CIA credit union, but their branches are all around DC, and I'm planning on moving soon. I keep checking the BankSimple web site to see if they're any closer to launching, as I'm hoping to avoid having to open an account with Citi or Wachovia after I move.
- peng 15y agoI like USAA. It's ostensibly a bank for those employed by the US armed forces (or related to someone in the service), but any American can freely open checking and savings accounts. If you qualify for a credit card and insurance, you can cash checks by taking a picture with your cellphone. Amazing online interface (I design interfaces professionally, and theirs is one of the best I've used), iPhone/Android apps, online bill pay, no minimum balance required, free overdraft protection, and a refreshing lack of random fees like those I've encountered at Chase. The only local USAA branch is in Texas, but they reimburse ATM fees (up to $15 a month, I think). I've been traveling around the world for an entire year and have had no problems. Customer service is fantastic.
- bricestacey 15y agoING has good rates, really low fees if at all, good website, bill-pay, easy in and out. There are no local branches, but ATMs abound. My favorite though is their checking accounts can have a line of credit with super competitive rates (7.25% right now). And even if you don't go for a credit line they don't charge overdraft fees.