Houston Banks (San Antonio, Humble, Howe: credit rating, house, closing)

[Texascrude]

So, I've done my primary banking with Schwab for years and have been more than happy. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the brick-and-mortar bank I use as my secondary account -- Chase.

I've been looking to replace my Chase account with another bank, but am less than impressed with the other options that I've seen out there. Does anyone have any experience with Capital One and would recommend them? Any 'local' banks that I should have a look at?

[nana053]

Can you do a credit union? They are often better than banks.

[houstonfan]

^^^Agree! Chase is always nickelling and diming with you, interest rates are low. Hate them. I have banked with Compassbank for about a decade, and used to love them b/c they gave 2-3x the national avg interest, free checks, no fees whatsoever during my 10yrs including ATM, cashiers cheques, etc. However, with recent take over by BBVA and with recent regulation changes, most banks, including Compass, are starting to charge fees for every little 'service'. Technically, I still get free checking because I meet the required minimum, but they have reduced alot of their perks and interest rates is low as any other banks. So now I'm looking at Capital One too. Anyone with experience with them? Their high interest account looks good even if that rate only lasts for 1yr.
Also, does closing one bank account and opening another affect your credit rating?

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by nana053

Can you do a credit union? They are often better than banks.

I've thought about a credit union -- guess I'm just not sure what the pros / cons are. My main criteria is that they have to have a branch close to my house (in Humble) and close to where I work.

As I mentioned, I do most of my banking through Schwab and am very happy with them. I just need a place to go when I need cashier's checks, more cash than the ATM will let me get, cash in my coins, etc. Sadly, I'm not even willing to give chase that much of my business anymore.

I guess the other item that brought this on is my credit card recently got 'acquired' by BofA (which I hate), so I cancelled it and signed up for a Capital One Ventures card. So far the customer service has been great (and American), so I was curious about their banks.

[astrohip]

I'm a big fan of Amegy. They are a Houston based, Houston founded bank, with branches all over the city. They were bought by Zion a few years ago (in UT), but kept all the local management.

They have some good, no-fee based accounts, including no-fee anywhere ATMs. And the people in the branches are always friendly.

[chris_ut]

If you do not need business banking and qualify I highly recommend USAA. You can scan your checks on your computer or phone to deposit them no need for branches.

[RedRage]

Credit Unions are great especially if you're in the military and join a military credit union otherwise Bank of Texas is another excellent banking institution.

They were the only one's I know of that offered free checking accounts with no strings attached and no minimum balance required, plus I got free checks as well.

[LilyLady]

I had wonderful experience with Frost Bank, both in San Antonio and later in Houston. It's a Texas bank, they never had to be bailed out, and their customer service was very good.