Online Banking

[The GIGGAS]

Long story short, I've basically gotten frustrated with SunTrust (after switching from a local bank I was frustrated with) and I am looking at new options. This time, I'm thinking about switching to an online banking institution, as I don't really go to branches all that often, and all I want is to have an ATM available to me if I need one. I already use SmartyPig as a goal-oriented savings account, and I've been nothing but happy with it thus far.

I've looked at PerkStreet but I've seen some negative comments about their online transaction system. I also don't think they offer savings accounts, which I'd like to keep at least one around (that isn't SmartyPig).

I've also looked at Ally and they seem to be better aligned with what I'm looking for. There's savings accounts and checking, and they both have few fees along with them, with interest for both checking and savings, along with some perks for their debit card.

Right now, Ally seems like a good bet for me. Has anyone taken the plunge with an online banking institution and enjoyed it? Hated it? I want to do my due diligence on this, as I made a relative snap judgement based on the fact that a branch was easier to come by, only to recognize I don't really use them very often.

EDIT: I've seen some baaad things about Ally too, but now I'm seeing some good things about EverBank. I'll keep everyone up with what I'm seeing.

[ESPNdeportes]

Re: Online Banking

We've got a savings (money market) account with Ally and I've been pleased so far. Had it about 1.5 years maybe. When I opened it it had they highest yield (other than smarty pig), no ATM fees, etc. It is nice to call and not have to wait through 5 minutes of computer answering machines before talking to someone. We use it as our emergency fund so we don't really touch it much.

[jeremym480]

Re: Online Banking

I'm interested in this as well. I've been with Regions for almost ten years, but they've finally pissed me off with the nickel and diming crap. Time to make a move.

[WTF]

Re: Online Banking

Not the same situation, but I'm looking to join my company's credit union, but it's based in Wisconsin, with no branches around here. I'll be doing everything electronically, and using direct deposit.

From everything I've heard, CU's are a lot better to deal with than banks, and I'm fed up with Chase.

I know I didn't help, just wanted to throw out that I'm in the same boat.

[Chrisksaint]

Re: Online Banking

I've been using Bank of America, haven't had many troubles other then when I first signed up they didn't tell me all the fees,etc so when I was putting my money into savings,etc I got charged for it after awhile.

No longer have a job with direct deposit right like I had when I opened so now I get charged $12 a month in maintence fees, got a student account with suntrust cause that's where I get my financial aid deposited to electronically so eventually I'll transfer my money over.

[C the Lyte]

Re: Online Banking

Not the same situation, but I'm looking to join my company's credit union, but it's based in Wisconsin, with no branches around here. I'll be doing everything electronically, and using direct deposit.

From everything I've heard, CU's are a lot better to deal with than banks, and I'm fed up with Chase.

I know I didn't help, just wanted to throw out that I'm in the same boat.

Credit unions are fantastic for a lot of reasons. Main one is, banks have to answer to stockholders and chair persons, etc.

With CU's, YOU own them. They do not have to answer to any shareholders, they answer to you.

I listen to Clark Howard quite often, and a lot of what he says makes sense. He HIGHLY recommends CU's, and I don't think you can go wrong with one. You might (sp.) not agree with every single thing a CU does, but they will definitely treat you a lot better than the larger banks.

However, with no local branch anywhere around you, I would look for a different CU somewhere; I prefer some human to human interaction-call me old-fashioned.