What banks would you recommend? Checking and/or Savings?

Question

SunTrust has exhausted me and no, it's not the fees. I have been waiting for a 5day reg cc check to clear for 2wks. First mistake, the guy deposited a finaid check into my account but somehow made the mistake of putting it in like a withdrawal, therefore having my balance be negative thousands, with them charging me hundreds in fees. Luckily, after going to 3 different branches and speaking with 4 diff. ppl, I talked to a guy who went through it with me and we got that fixed.

Then, when that is fixed, this guy accidently changes the hold and has it clear on a weekend (a Sunday), when there is no one to release it, so now I have to wait even longer for that to be fixed. I'm exhausted and I have school fees/rent nipping at my heels.

I have had problems with them before but just kinda' went with it, but with grad school coming up, I need to remove as many unnecessary stressors as possible:-)

Answer 1

First of all, no savings accounts  today save your enough, so don't bother.

Secondly, all banks have problems here and there, and varies city to city (branch to branch). So don't expect to be 100% satisfied with whatever people recommend here.

I treat all banks the same, give them the benefit of doubt and always be careful.

Thirdly, how do I select banks? Easy : close to where I live or work, FREE, and good customer service (which you'll see soon as you step in the door). Other than that, there's nothing to recommend. Get a checking account, no reason to pay any fees, and no reason to get a savings acct.

Answer 2

My preference is Wachovia.  The stock isn't doing very good, but the customer service is excellent.  26 years with no complaints!

However, it is possible that banks in your area may be different.  Check out a few different banks that are near you.   Visit them and ask for information on their accounts.  See how they treat you when you walk in.  How courteous is the new accounts person and do they explain things to your satisfaction.  That will give you a good idea of what type of people work there.