I Need A New Bank

[whirlybirds]

I just recently moved to the Urbandale area and I'm in need of a new bank. I don't really care where the bank is located, just as long as the bank is located somewhere around the Des Moines and surrounding areas. Online banking is a huge plus, btw. Any horror stories out there? What banks should I avoid? Anyone have any advice?

 

[Tre4ISU]

I am a fan of smaller banks myself. I had bad experiences with US Bank and Wells Fargo and the situations were things that shouldn't have happened on their end at all. My preference has always been the local "state bank" type of place. They will know who you are eventually and in the future it will make things easier as far as borrowing money, getting advice, etc. That's just my experience anyway.

 

[whirlybirds]

I am a fan of smaller banks myself. I had bad experiences with US Bank and Wells Fargo and the situations were things that shouldn't have happened on their end at all. My preference has always been the local "state bank" type of place. They will know who you are eventually and in the future it will make things easier as far as borrowing money, getting advice, etc. That's just my experience anyway.

That's what I'm doing right now. I'm still banking with a small bank out of Knoxville called Iowa State (Go Cyclones!) My parents bank with Wells Fargo and I've heard some bad stories about them.

 

[Cyclonepride]

WF cashed a check I wrote for $400 for $700, and then tried to charge me overdraft fees on it.

 

[ianoconnor]

I don't remember ever having a bad experience with US Bank.

 

[cylifelounge]

WF cashed a check I wrote for $400 for $700, and then tried to charge me overdraft fees on it.

First American Bank does a great job, also has lot's of I.S.U. connections

 

[Cy4Patriots]

River Valley Credit Union in Ames.

 

[ornryactor]

I've been a US Bank customer since 1999, and have been thoroughly pleased with them. I've stuck with them because of their outstanding customer service- they bend over backwards to give you what you need. They have more locations than a local/state bank, but they're still a Midwestern company (based in Minneapolis) with the values and work ethic you'd expect out of any Midwesterner.

 

[SwirlingFloater]

The owner of First American Bank is one of Iowa State's largest athletic supporters.

 

[illinoiscyclone]

one time us bank changed the order of my transactions to cause me to overdraft, then the lady told me they always did that to get you to get their credit card for overdraft protection. That cost me about 85 bucks in overdraft fees.

 

[CyCrazy]

I am a fan of smaller banks myself. I had bad experiences with US Bank and Wells Fargo and the situations were things that shouldn't have happened on their end at all. My preference has always been the local "state bank" type of place. They will know who you are eventually and in the future it will make things easier as far as borrowing money, getting advice, etc. That's just my experience anyway.

I totally agree, got sick and tired of US Bank a couple of years ago and switched to Ames Community bank. Couldn't be more pleased.

 

[Three4Cy]

MetaBank has been great for me. At the branch I go to, they know me on a first name basis, which I appreciate. I went to them after dumping Bank of America.

My question would be - if your bank is part of the preferred status for ATM's why do you need to switch? You should be able to do everything through the ATM and online, unless you are wanting a branch to go in and cash a check.

 

[Three4Cy]

I've been a US Bank customer since 1999, and have been thoroughly pleased with them. I've stuck with them because of their outstanding customer service- they bend over backwards to give you what you need. They have more locations than a local/state bank, but they're still a Midwestern company (based in Minneapolis) with the values and work ethic you'd expect out of any Midwesterner.

My kids money is in US Bank and I have never had a problem. They have a great rewards program, just ordered a $100 gift card and used my reward points to pay for it.

 

[terryk]

I don't remember ever having a bad experience with US Bank.

+1 been there a long time

 

[iowaboy]

I just recently moved to the Urbandale area and I'm in need of a new bank. I don't really care where the bank is located, just as long as the bank is located somewhere around the Des Moines and surrounding areas. Online banking is a huge plus, btw. Any horror stories out there? What banks should I avoid? Anyone have any advice?

Stay with local credit unions. Less fees, better rates,

 

[isuno1fan]

Never had a problem at WF and been there 15yrs.

 

[cyfreddy]

Stay with local credit unions. Less fees, better rates,

Agree, with credit unions. Community Choice or John Deere Credit come to mine.

 

[dmclone]

I'm kind of torn on banks. I prefer my Credit Union for about everything but usually the CU's have crappy web sites. On the other band the big boys have good web sites but everything else is terrible.

I would say the one pre-requisite is that the bank has "prefered status" with ATM's. I would pay a ton if i didn't go this route.

 

[isu_oak]

All negativity about UI aside, I would suggest UICCU. You can get 4.25% interest on up to 25K in your checking account with no fees. All you need to do is direct deposit your paychecks and use your bank issued debit card 12 times month. If you use a credit card at all, this shouldn't be an issue.

You have to drive to Grinnell to set up the account, but everything can be done remotely after that. All ATM fees are reimbursed at the end of the month, so that isn't an issue. I live in Nebraska and use them as my main bank. I would suggest also setting up a free checking account with a bank close to your house or work that you only use to cash checks.

Personal Rewards Checking | Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty | IA | University of Iowa Community Credit Union

 

[Cy's Taxi]

As someone who works in banking, I'd say it really depends on what you're looking for. Small and large are comparable when it comes to the benefits of a bank (i.e. free checking, assorted accounts, trust - not sure if you're looking for that, but hey, thought i'd throw it in). You may get a higher interest rate with a larger bank, but where they really differ is connivence and customer service. Smaller banks, in my opinion tend to have better service and are far more personable. For that I'd say go with a bank like Regions, Metabank I believe is quite popular, or any of the other small banks. The larger banks, you may run into some problems with service and if there is an issue with one of your accounts, it could end up being a huge headache. That being said, before I had my job, I used US Bank for 6 years without an issue. I've also heard a lot of good things about the service of Wells Fargo, but I haven't been a customer of them, so I can't really speak from experience.

Short version: I'd say pick a large bank, either US Bank or WF. To me, the benefits far outweigh the potential costs.