Banking Local????

I find the opposite to typically be the case. IMO starting out with having to call a different time zone and navigate multiple computerized phone menus is a sure sign that I am about to get very frustrated and spend a lot of time on the phone repeating myself.

There are some big companies that provide good customer service, but I find them to be in the minority. The bigger the company, the less they care about my business - and the less the person I am talking to is paid and given incentives to care about it. Same is true of the government.

Actually prefer getting an Indian person on the phone as they usually speak better and can resolve my issue for me.

I find the opposite to typically be the case. IMO starting out with having to call a different time zone and navigate multiple computerized phone menus is a sure sign that I am about to get very frustrated and spend a lot of time on the phone repeating myself.

There are some big companies that provide good customer service, but I find them to be in the minority. The bigger the company, the less they care about my business - and the less the person I am talking to is paid and given incentives to care about it. Same is true of the government.

Actually prefer getting an Indian person on the phone as they usually speak better and can resolve my issue for me.

Maybe I'm just good at that sort of thing?? I know I've had a lot of practice.

Bill Maher on Moving your Money...

Bill Maher Explains Why You Should Move Your Money (VIDEO)

I think its all in what you need from a bank. I'm with 30AShopper - the small local banks just don't offer the kind of online services I need - which is total online everything (bill pay, direct deposit, QB & Quicken compabibility - seamless downloading etc, transfers, and everything automated in the most efficient way for both personal and business banking. A larger bank (such as Wachovia/Wells Fargo) provides a comprehensive range of banking services, but mostly it offers what I need - the local office branches are very tiny and the folks there definitely know me and take care of whatever I need. I've worked with the same folks for several years. They totally go out of their way to provide the services I need. but the main thing is that due to online services I hardly ever have to enter the bank for any reason -which is key for me.

But, I can see how each person has different needs so you just have to go do your research! as in any other kind of financial decision.

Full, reliable online services for both personal and business banking is really necessary for most folks these days I do believe. Many smaller banks may offer online services but they may be limited in ways that really matter to your needs (this is what happened in my case with a local bank). check it all out.

Tootsie, if you ever need another financial institution, or want to change, I highly recommend the local credit union Army Aviation Center on Mack Bayou Rd.
they are open to all of Walton County. Until I moved to South Walton, I had never had a bank account--used credit unions all the time--since there was no convenient credit union when I moved here, I had to open a bank account; but kept my account in the credit union in Tallahassee and once the AA opened a convenient office, I opened an account. They do all the things you listed and more...and they definitely know your name. Rates are usually better too on almost everything.

We bank locally, at two different banks, plus also at Eglin Federal Credit Union. We don't have enough in liquid funds to utilize many of the services touted by the big banks. Plus, if we accidentally run out of liquid funds, they call us. They all offer direct deposit and online banking, I pay most of my bills online, though I do visit one of my local branches in order to talk up my Noles with the branch manager.

On the other hand, Bank of America has swallowed up the company with which we are carrying an uncomfortably significant credit card balance PLUS they bought out Countrywide, so BOA carries most of my debt. Would be nice if they stimulated my economy by forgetting about some of it, but noooo...

We bank locally, at two different banks, plus also at Eglin Federal Credit Union. We don't have enough in liquid funds to utilize many of the services touted by the big banks. Plus, if we accidentally run out of liquid funds, they call us. They all offer direct deposit and online banking, I pay most of my bills online, though I do visit one of my local branches in order to talk up my Noles with the branch manager.

On the other hand, Bank of America has swallowed up the company with which we are carrying an uncomfortably significant credit card balance PLUS they bought out Countrywide, so BOA carries most of my debt. Would be nice if they stimulated my economy by forgetting about some of it, but noooo...

Not really related to your issues, but they did just come out with a brand new cash back rewards Visa this January. 1% on all purchases, 3% for the first six months, and they have this Add It Up rewards program with various retailers, up to 30% cash back on purchases!

https://additup.bankofamerica.com/jsp/01.0-welcome.jsp

A friend sent me this Blog " Move Your Money Campaign"and it's also a Fan page on FB.

Thousands of people have pledged to move their money away from the casino-style Too Big To Fail banks and give their money to community banks and credit unions. The media has picked up on the campaign and bloggers have added their two cents — most of them praising the effort, some critical. Read about what people are saying at Time, the Nation, Newsweek, Salon and all around the web. This site was set up as a modest home for the effort. A seed. But the idea will only have an impact if others keep it going from here.

My opinion...I think eventually if enough people move their funds out of big Banks, the credit unions and community Banks will become overwhelmed and not be able to provide the level of service people expect from small town Banking.

I think there is quite a bit of leeway before the small banks get bogged down and overloaded - especially given how many transactions do not require a human from the bank.

And if they do get overwhelmed - I am sure they can find someone who needs a job these days!

Tootsie, if you ever need another financial institution, or want to change, I highly recommend the local credit union Army Aviation Center on Mack Bayou Rd.
they are open to all of Walton County. Until I moved to South Walton, I had never had a bank account--used credit unions all the time--since there was no convenient credit union when I moved here, I had to open a bank account; but kept my account in the credit union in Tallahassee and once the AA opened a convenient office, I opened an account. They do all the things you listed and more...and they definitely know your name. Rates are usually better too on almost everything.

thanks GW. I have used credit unions in the past and certainly enjoyed the experience. but since I do 100% everything online - I have not found a local bank that truly allows for all I need (they offer online services but they are almost always limited in ways that are really important to personal and business accounts), unless it was a larger institution. and in my experience in SoWal, the larger institution doesn't matter because the local office knows me and my needs well. they are always responsive and go out of their way to keep my business. so, for now, I'm very satisfied. but, I know what you are saying and would definitely consider doing business with a credit union in the future. it makes sense to evaluate your situation from time to time, and be willing to make changes that will improve your banking regarding rates, online services, customer service and all the rest!

Moving money is catching on:

New Mexico State Rep wants to move state's money out of BOA:
KOB.com - New bill would distribute state?s funds into community banks

NYC is moving part of their money into local banks:
Amy Traub: New York City Moves the Money

I've been with a credit union in Atlanta for 15 years, and have absolutely no complaints. Their online banking is quite sophisticated, includes Quicken.

Jim Wallis was on the Daily show the other night and had a great quote "They say the banks are too big to fail - so let's make them smaller!"