not happy with Wells Fargo

[danchez]

So, I am sure like a lot of you, your banks have started adding fees, and Wells Fargo is no different. So, I am looking to change banks, personal and business. Are you with a bank? or with a Credit Union? Are you happy with their service/s?

[mooshu2]

So far my credit union has not charge...yet.

Corporate America Family Credit Union (Home/Home)

Originally Posted by danchez

So, I am sure like a lot of you, your banks have started adding fees, and Wells Fargo is no different. So, I am looking to change banks, personal and business. Are you with a bank? or with a Credit Union? Are you happy with their service/s?

[jeeper]

I'm with a local credit union (Service 1st - Hunt County). This year (starting Jan. 1) they added a $3/mo. fee. Prior to that it was entirely free.

I wasn't happy, but $3/mo. is pretty damn cheap, so I'm not complaining. I fear that it will go up soon though - they already had to close a branch...


I've been with a lot of different banks over the years, and the credit unions always treated me the best. They are typically easier to get a loan with too, if that matters.


The only real downside I can see to credit unions is that if you travel a lot, you will end up paying ATM fees if you take cash out.

[Dobick]

I'm with a local bank -- Lubbock National Bank

The only reason that I mention this is that there is a branch in Austin called Commerce National Bank.

They do not charge fees for regular checking.

If you are over on the West Side, the branch is located on Bee Caves Road.

[Kalrog]

Credit union all the way. Amplify (formerly IBM FCU) and USAA. I think USAA is the way to go with the exception of not having ATM machines everywhere.

[Arcusmedia]

I got Screwed over by Wells Fargo and Bank Of America... In 2007 I switched to Capital one Bank and LOVE them... I do not know if there is one in Austin Though...

[TheFantasticG]

Originally Posted by Arcusmedia

... In 2007 I switched to Capital one Bank and LOVE them...

Ha. I got screwed by Capital One in 2008 and switched to BoA. Luckily, I fall in the bracket that most of my accounts won't get hit by the uptick in fees.

[Nikonfan]

I have worked for a brokerage firm for the last 7 years. Prior to that I worked for a few of the major banks including Wells. The major banks are all identical and all charge horrible fees that should be outlawed. None of them treat their customers well, even if you have six figures with them. Credit unions are a LITTLE better, but not that much. Also, you may run into the situation I had with Omni when I was younger. They were a CU and then changed to a bank. It required a vote by the "member" which I voted against, but it still passed.

I would highly recommend that you look at some of the brokerage firms. I am only familiar with the fee structure at mine, which is pretty much, NO FEES. No overdraft fees, no maintenance fees, no check fees, no Debit Card fee, you get the idea... Oh not to mention you can actually earn interest. Rates are ridiculously low right now, but historically interest in the brokerage accounts have been way higher than what you would get in a savings account. I still keep a chase account because it's fee since I have my mortgage through them and it includes a free safe deposit box. I store a hard drive there. Other than that I do all my banking through my firm. I have a cash management account that is basically the same as a checking account and I can us any ATM. They will reimburse that ATMs fee that same night. I'm not allowed to say the name of my firm on forums, but you can PM me if you want more info.

[Cajungaltx]

USAA - only way to go if you qualify...

[auddii]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

USAA - only way to go if you qualify...

Heard they're awesome, unfortunately I don't qualify. Also love that the military is all "don't ask, don't tell", but my friends that are gay and "married" can get joint accounts and insurance and everything.

[r0xikat]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

USAA - only way to go if you qualify...

so I've heard.. hope I do!

[Steelsun]

I use WF for my personal account, but I've been with them for about 30 years (originally Allied bank, bought out by First Interstate, which got bought out by WF). I've got some grandfathered accounts so I get no fees (it's a weird thing).

But all my business accounts are with a credit union. I use FCCU.org for my photog business (small now), and my PI business (real active). Also moving a consultancy business I am part of to them also.
Best thing about their basic business account is that it is FREE. (for up to I think 200 transactions a month, then like 25 cents a transaction afterwards - so even if you do a deposit every day, and 5 withdrawal/Debit charges a day, you still only have 180 transactions). You also get a free endorsement stamp and your first set of business checks free.
I actually make money from them because of the interest(dividends) on the balances in my accounts and also I use them quite often for free notary services (many banks are starting to charge) - which I need about 5-6 times a month, saving me $30+ a month.

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by Nikonfan

I would highly recommend that you look at some of the brokerage firms. I am only familiar with the fee structure at mine, which is pretty much, NO FEES. No overdraft fees, no maintenance fees, no check fees, no Debit Card fee, you get the idea... Oh not to mention you can actually earn interest. Rates are ridiculously low right now, but historically interest in the brokerage accounts have been way higher than what you would get in a savings account.

I recently switched to BoA, I had been with Guaranty Fed for over 20 years and was generally happy with them until they were aquirred by BBVA Compass, suddenly my free checking became $9 a month. This month it went to $12 so I bailed to BoA, as I have my mortgage with them and I'm on several other BoA accounts. I would not recommend brokerage accounts for banking puposes, I had accounts with AG Edwards which became Wachovia and then Wells Fargo Advisors. With AG/ Wachovia I was limited to transactions that were a minimum of $250 and when they were aquirred by WF Advisors they tack a $60 yearly fee if you don't maintain a minium $250k balance.

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by ka5txl

I recently switched to BoA, I had been with Guaranty Fed for over 20 years and was generally happy with them until they were aquirred by BBVA Compass, suddenly my free checking became $9 a month. This month it went to $12 so I bailed to BoA, as I have my mortgage with them and I'm on several other BoA accounts. I would not recommend brokerage accounts for banking puposes, I had accounts with AG Edwards which became Wachovia and then Wells Fargo Advisors. With AG/ Wachovia I was limited to transactions that were a minimum of $250 and when they were aquirred by WF Advisors they tack a $60 yearly fee if you don't maintain a minium $250k balance.

It's always a good idea to read the terms when you sign up. I can't speak for other firms, but the brokerage account I use has no fee's or limits on transaction. You can use your Visa checkcard to buy a $.01 item if you want. Ther is also no minimum balance. There is a minimum of $2,500 to open the account, but you don't have to maintain it. I also have never seen the minimum inforced. About the only downside is that checks deposits take four business days to become available. Luckily, I don't deposit many checks. I do almost everything electronically.

[jerrykr]

to avoid ATM fees go to the grocery store and buy a pack of gum, and get a cash advance. no fee, and you have a pack of gum.