What the F**K!?!

[morgana]

That whole business about 'minimums' and 'can't have no-fee accounts' is a crock of shit. I have neither a minimum or a fee on my account. Your current bank is screwing you over.

[Aethian]

Okay because people still don't seem to believe me... on http://www.checkingfinder.com right now I can find a average of 3.35% interest on checking accounts if I have direct deposit and use the issued debit cards at least 5-9 times a month (depends on the bank/cu). So please people, check it out, you might find someplace new to love.

[lupo pazzesco]

I believe you, Aethian, but I searched and the banks are all outside of 10 miles of my zip code. I'm severely limited by distance, since I travel by bus or bike. and while some of them look attractive, I don't use my debit cared 20x a month, nor do I have 4 direct payments or deposits a month, so I'll still get hit with fees (from the 3 banks that were closest which I compared) It's a great site, and I'll keep it bookmarked, but I don't think I can utilize it right now. Thank you, though.


I called another branch of my bank and explained the situation. The woman on the line on this one swore up and down she'd reverse 1 month's fee, so I have until October 3rd to either keep 100 in my account, or find a new bank. I'm hoping to find a new bank and get everything set up and direct deposit set up by Sept 24th, my next paycheck. Only problem is, I don't know how long it will all take, and if my bills come due, I'm in big trouble, plus I need bus fare, laundry money and grocery money.

My life really sucks.

[Aethian]

The thing is Lupo they offer those because they want people to do all of their stuff online with them. I have my distance set to 500 and one with 3.25% just needs 2 direct deposits, 4 debit card transactions, 10 atm style transactions of which you can get back 30 dollars of fees you may get charged, and have two online bill pays set up.

[lupo pazzesco]

I don't use the atm that much, though, and I don't set up auto online bill pay, becuase my paychecks are so wonky, I can't risk the bills being pulled out at the same time every month. I'm intrigued, but at the same time, I still need to get my hands on paper checks for direct deposit for my job, and I can't afford to wait for them to be mailed to me.

I know, I know, I'm full of excuses, etc, etc.


ETA: Sorry, I'm bitchy and depressed and upset right now, I should probably stop typing. Right now I'm torn between Chase and Capital One banks for a new checking account, both have branches within biking distance, and both promise free checking. Literally free. Chase says it's free as long as I have direct deposit OR have 5 debit transactions per statement period. Capital one claims it's 100% free, plus some kind of rewards program. Neither require a minimum balance, though chase need s$25 for opening balance and Capital one needs $50. Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences?

I'm going to go crawl into bed now. I hate crying. It always gives me a wicked headache.

[csquared]

You don't need the checks for direct deposit. A lot of online banks will generate an online form with all the needed info. They understand that you may not need paper checks. I know ING Dirct does that.

As Midorikawa point out for USAA, you don't need direct deposit. Just scan your check.

The Credit Union I pointed out does the same thing (scanned checks). It does not pay the interest that some of the bank that Aethian pointed out. However, $5.00 minimum balance, no monthly fees, direct deposit not required, no minimum Debit Card usage, free online bill pay and a great Visa card.. I don't know if you live in one of the eligible counties, though.

Short term, you still need to do something about the fees the bank is charging. Can someone loan you $100.00 until your banking issues settle out?

[Aethian]

*snugs Lupo and offers some fresh still slightly warm sugar free hard candy*

It's okay I know I was being a bit pushy, so no worries on your end eh? I would stay far far far away from capitol One, chase might be your better option.

[Midorikawa]

I would stay far far far away from capitol One, chase might be your better option.

To be perfectly honest, I'd stay away from both unless you really want problems. If you can find a local bank, that's your best bet, saving a well known and trusted bank. I bank with a huge company like USAA only because they always have high marks in any consumer rated reports, and because they've pulled my nuts out of the fire more than once, and have proven themselves to be highly reliable over the years.

[Aethian]

I was just going to the lesser of two evils.

[csquared]

And I'll give you first dibs when I replenish the rum.

It is a pain in the @$$ to change banks, and the banks know this. Part of me says that we need to punish the big banks for the way they treat the small customer with ridiculous minimums and fees just to have an account. I won't complain about penalty fees, as it is my fault if I incur one. All that said... I still have my main account with Bank of the Northern Hemisphere. I should have dumped them when my Credit Union started offering online bill pay.

I like Credit Unions because the focus on people, not business accounts. You are part owner.

From what I have heard, USAA has a people focus also. They would be my second choice.

What I am kind of curious about is your fascination with brick & mortar. You are the internet generation. I'm twice your age. I am the one who should be saying "I want to see your vault!" I would think that you would be more willing to use a completely online bank more than I would. Care to tell?

[kpzra]

I use USAA for banking, plus insurance and stuff...and thought they charged me the minimum balance fee, but apparently, after checking I was mistaken. Their banking is open to anyone, but other services are still restricted to military and their families. They're headquartered out of San Antonio, but all their services are online. I can deposit the wife's paycheck (she works for a small business that doesn't offer direct deposit) from my home computer. All you need is a scanner that can do 200dpi, or to deposit from your cell phone, you need a blackberry, an iphone, or an android phone.

https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_utils/...Bckt2_checking

The online deposit is only available to military, not civilians. You have to be eligible to a property/auto insurance program which is only for military. You have to have a minimum amount to open an account (I think it was $50), but after than you can have as little or as much as you want in the account. Because civilians cannot use their scanner to deposit checks, they have to mail any that aren't direct deposit.

https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_utils/...lifying_member
Qualifying Member

In order to access USAA Deposit@Home and Deposit@Mobile you must meet all of the following criteria:

* You must be eligible for USAA property and casualty insurance.
* You must have a USAA checking or savings account.
* You must have a USAA credit card or loan, or qualify for one.

Sorry if I sound harsh, I just had someone on another forum bitching that someone told them about online check scanning which is what they wanted, but they were unable to use it. I just wanted to make sure you got correct information. FWIW, I've used them for years and haven't had any problems, but hubby was in the Army for 9 years before being med boarded out so we have full access.

[Midorikawa]

I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. I thought that bit was available to everyone. Teach me to not read before posting. :-P

[Whiskey]

Yeah you bank is completely bullshitting you. Like someone else said, the new bill is in regards to overdraft fees. My checking account is still free. I use US Bank if you have them.

[AdminAssistant]

I use the evil, dreaded BoA....but I've never had any problems. At all. Now, I have free student checking, so I don't know if they offer free checking to non-students. They require a minimum balance for savings, but not checking.

[Magpie]

Lupo, I can't offer any advice. I just agree that banks suck. I've had to call mine three times to explain that I'm still a student. We recently set me up on my husband's bank account, and it took an hour (I watched the clock).