I know it's not exactly a child rearing question, but more of a family financial health (and my sanity!) question. I'm looking to switch banks, as the bank I've been with for 20+ years has completely disappointed me in their ability to provide great customer service. Moms, are there favorites that you can suggest? I'm just so fed up with being just known as a bank acct number, and not as a customer.
I second the recommendation for Bremer. Rebecca Koosman (Becky) is great! She is a personal banker at the Minnetonka branch. Her # is ###-###-#### and her email is ____@____.com
They also do a TON of community support stuff by reinvesting into local charities and I believe they are actually a non-profit bank.
Good luck.
D. J.
We had a similar problem and changed to Unity Bank, which is a fantastic bank and the people are so very helpful and knowledgeable. It is great and such an improvement over the other bank where we were just a number.
Good luck
I had the same problem so I switched to a small just a couple branches bank rather than the large chains. I don't think you have one but I switched to Northern Star. I highly suggest avoiding TCF. They were an absolute joke. My husband has an account through affinity plus and loves them.
Small. Local. Bank.
Check out Bremer. I don't have an account there myself, but I work with a small nonprofit that does. We were shopping around for banks and Bremer was the only bank we found that seemed to really want our business and to learn about us. They have taken the time to get to know us.
My first two thoughts are Lake Elmo Bank (although they have gotten bigger, maybe they are not as "friendly" as they used to be) and HiWay Federal Credit Union. The credit union has restrictions as to who can and cannot join, but it is pretty "loose" so you very well may qualify. I still bank at HiWay even though I now live in Southern MN and it is because they are so helpful :) I also bank at First Bank of Blue Earth, which is too far for you, but they know every customer on sight and who my kids are and the whole nine yards! I love it :)
Good luck :)
Just keep in mind it will effect your credit rating by switching. You have built up a long-term relationship with your current bank and this helps your credit rating quite a bit. Starting fresh with a new bank will affect that.
Credit unions are the way to go. Personally, we have really liked TopLine Federal Credit Union.
I don't know of any banks in your area but what I do recommend is finding a local credit union. The service between a bank and a credit union is night and day. You are just a number at most banks (unless you can find a small community bank). Credit unions care about their members and build relationships with their members if you frequent the same branches. We have been credit union members for 12 years now and love the service.
My hubby and I just switched to Compass Bank. Very sweet, open people who are always friendly and attentive. I have been with them now for nearly a year, and I don't plan on switching banks anytime soon.
Hi J.,
I am from the Milwaukee area and twice in my life I have been with credit unions. I have always been pleased with the service - and the knowledge of the tellers...they always call me by name when I walk in, and greet my kids as well. My husband commented that when I sent him through the drive-thru one time, the teller asked if he wanted to take suckers home to the kids. It is nice to get friendly service!
J.
Join a Credit Union. They have better rates and treat you better than banks.
i've been happy with us bank and anchor. everybody knows my name.
Hi J.,
Find the small bank in your area, even if it's a little drive and go and talk to them. We actually banked with a bank for two years that was 45 minutes away because they treated us with so much respect and actually understood we are human! Polite, kind, and efficient as well. Never demanding or rude.
Our bank put a location in our home town a year ago and it has been the same pleasant experience, only not having to deal with the drive. Last week they asked my daughter when she was going to open her account because they knew she was creeping up on 18. She opened it today and got a maternal lecture from the bank officer about responsibility and how people can take advantage of her young age. I've already told her that but it was refreshing to hear it at the bank and I'm sure my daughter was more attentive there as well.
Sorry, but my bank is only in South GA. If you ever move to this neck of the woods let me know!
God bless,
M.
You didn't say where you lived so my recommendations are in my neighborhood, Apple Valley. I would highly recommend any of these three:
Eagle Valley Bank - talk to Joanne
American Bank -
Bremer Bank - talk to Arthur
You will get great service from all of these banks plus that "Cheers" like atmosphere - they know your name when you walk in the door. I moved from the large, uncaring, fee driven bank a while ago and have been very happy that I did!
Good luck
Credit Union!! They are so much better than banks. And around here anyway, you can go to any credit union ATM and not get charged on either side for using it.
Spire Federal Credit Union! They know me by name there, and when I've had to meet with someone for a longer period of time, they have been so helpful with my son, giving him toys to play with or entertaining him while I filled out paperwork.
Their criteria is just that you have to be a MN resident, I believe. I'm not sure if there is one near you or not -- you'd have to check their website. But I highly recommend them. We've been banking there for 10 years. They always have the lowest rates, too, and give you an extra fractional % off if you do direct deposit with some loans.
In our area all the small friendly banks are being bought out by the large corporate ones and getting good service is almost impossible. You may find that you'll have much better luck with a credit union.
Have you tried a local credit union. When I got discouraged with the bank I had been with for years (mainly because of fees adding up and increasing) I switched to a credit union that at the time was for my company, however in the last few years like other credit union they have opened up to all people regardless of where they lived and or worked. May want to check into to one if available. I and my family have always been treated well.
Thrivent Financial is anti-nickel-n-dime (i.e. doesn't charge for any ATM use anywhere). But you have to be comfortable with online banking since they only have a couple branches in the Twin Cities.
Our family has had a very good experience with Wells Fargo the last 2 years.
Good luck,
S.
Not sure where u live but we have an amazing bank which are so great with my little girl. She will not let me go without her. It is baylake bank in northeast wisconsin. Hope u find a new bank your family loves.
I agree with other posts on switching to a credit union. I use Oak Trust Credit Union, but they may only be in the south metro. We've experienced excellent customer service and are known by face and name, not account number!
Not sure if you have this one or not. I love the one in Wal-Marts. I use it and they are really nice because it is a smaller place with few people working at a time.
