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I need to get rid of Wells Fargo since they will be charging $5 dollars for a checking account if you do not meet certain criteria.
I did a comparison and have my mind set on PNC free checking, which is indeed free. Originally, I was leaning towards State employee credit union of coast federal but decided against.
PNC's main website has several different options for banking. One in particular states: "If you exceed the 3 check per monthly statement cycle limit, you will be charged a fee of $.50 per check".
I'm assuming however you just want the very basics, which are VERY BASIC (since that is what you linked to). In this program, part of the fine print reads "There may be fees for certain optional services available through PNC Online Banking".
I'm with SECU and I happily pay the one dollar a month. The incredible and consistent excellent customer service, ease of use and perks make it worth every measly penny.
The Coastal thing applies to withdrawals outside their ATMs - not debits. I debit everything and I've not been charged any fees. In fact, I have to have 12 debits a month to keep my free checking.
SECU does offer on-line bill paying at no charge. They do pay higher interest rates than Coastal, but with today's low rates, it probably doesn't make much difference. The one thing SECU does not offer is electronic deposit where you take a picture of the check. I asked about that a month or so back and was told they do not currently have plans to offer that feature.
I have a basic checking account at Coastal. There are no fees. The ATM fee is using ATMS that aren't Coastal ATMs. I also use my debit card for everything, including getting cash back at the grocery store, so I rarely use my ATM card now. They also have free online banking, which I love. They also have mobile banking where you can take a picture of your check to deposit it. Its only a couple of months old, so I haven't tried depositing a check that way yet, although I've used the app to get my balance.
I will always choose a credit union over a traditional bank any day!
Even though I left my previous employer almost 6 years ago, I kept all my accounts at that credit union because nobody can compete with their rates and service.
I joined Coastal a few months ago as a secondary account in order to have something local and so far am very happy with them.
Last edited by fly_widget; 08-01-2012 at 01:35 PM..
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