Who do you bank with and why?

[Steve L.]

I am debating if I should change my primary bank but I am still unsure.

Currently, I bank with US Bank. They have a good online system, you can see scanned copies of the front & back for checks and the front & back of deposit slips.

There are two main reasons I am thinking of switching:

1. US Bank is a big bank and the local managers can make no decisions. They cannot improve me for lines of credit.

2. Wire transfer process sucks. I have to go in and spend 15 minutes waiting for the bankers to fill out the wire transfer form.

Does anyone get the love from smaller banks/credit unions? I usually have a decently sized operating account.

[Tadd Bennett]

Im a Personal Banker at a local Credit Union and tend to see a lot of "high rollers" that have accounts with us. Being Non-Profit and not a huge corporation, we are very lenient on exceptions. We usually can work out new rates for new members with new money and cater to them. Being local you have the advantage of actually being able to build relationships with Board Members, VPs and our CEO. Once that's done you pretty much own it. Only draw back for us is only being local, that's why its always good to have an account with a major bank. If your traveling, most of our Members simply phone in Wire Transfers and get help fairly quickly. You have to remember a Credit Union is run by its Members, they vote in Board Members, they have a say. Were local, small and would rather work with you and make you happy than you be angry and leave. Simply put..we cant afford to loose you like a Bank could, we actually need you. If we were to loose our top 20 members we would be bankrupt within a years time. If a member wants something done and its reasonable we make it happen. Try going to Wells Fargo and demand things, sure they will listen but defiantly have a laugh when you leave.

Remember, these are just my experiences. Take it with a grain of salt. Cheers!