I think its time to break up with my bank.

[Rising Phoenix]

We've been together for a long time, since I was 18. But you know I think its gotten to the point where I am just COMFORTABLE there, not satisfied. Its always take take take with them, you know?

For real, dumping my bank, have any good MA recommendations. Something statewide. Bank of America is PISSING me off.

[kentauros]

1. Although credit unions don't usually have many branches

they do sometimes get into networks of other credit unions. Look around and see what you can find. They are the best banking experience you'll find and worth the inconvenience of fewer branches.

[phasma ex machina]

2. US Bank may rank as the healthiest big bank. Credit Unions act very hospitable to average people. nt

[Orrex]

3. +1

FWIW, I've been with my credit union since I was 16, and I've never had any trouble with them at all, despite the fact that I never keep more than seven or eight million dollars in my account.

[HopeHoops]

4. Go with something small and local and most importantly....

DO NOT BE SEDUCED BY THE DARK SIDE OF THE FREE PENS!

[Rising Phoenix]

5. thanks everyone

There is one right down the street from me, I'll look into this week

[HopeHoops]

6. Remember to watch out for the free pen thing!

Take the refrigerator magnet and the calendar.

[Rising Phoenix]

7. lol

but I really need pens more than magnets and a calender.....really....

[HopeHoops]

8. Oh, they're evil I tell you. Once you get one, you'll want more.

Next thing you know, your friends will be calling you a bank pen whore and it only gets worse from there.

[Rising Phoenix]

10. Are you speaking from experience with the "bank whore" thing. lol

How the hell am I supposed to get pens then?

[HopeHoops]

15. Experience is a powerful tool. As for the pens...

your best bet is to wait for a really good sale at Office Max.

Consider yourself warned about the bank pens. If I read a headline like "DU User Found Dead In Apartment Filled With Bank Pens", I'll feel like my effort to warn you failed.

[Rising Phoenix]

20. what if I am found dead with the Office Max pens

you could be held responsible.....heheheh

[HopeHoops]

21. Then I get the pens!

I hope that doesn't happen, but just in case, put a sticky note on the pen box with my name on it.

[Rising Phoenix]

22. haha....your master plan is revealed! And all I wanted was banking advice!

Pen master :bounce:

[HopeHoops]

26. E-GADS MAN! My secret identity has been revealed!

:yoiks:

[Mutley]

28. You steal them. Duh.

Every time someone hands you a pen to use, slip it in your pocket.

How do you think I got my impressive pen collection?

:P

[MissMillie]

9. I've been with Sovereign... and they're pretty good

but I still say there's nothing better than a good credit union.

[Rising Phoenix]

11. My only issue with a credit union

is I will be moving in about a year and will have to change banks then too. Is a credit union worth it?

[gmoney]

12. well, there's no reason you can't switch to another credit union

You'd have to get new checks printed either way.

[MissMillie]

14. not if you're moving out of the area of your credit union

there are some credit unions that will have several branches locally, but if you're moving 20 or 30 or more miles away, that may not be very convenient.

[SoxFan]

13. Citizens, believe it or not

I use Citizens for my personal, business, and campaign accounts, and I've had a good experience. When my debit card was stolen last year, they shut it down immediately and reimbursed me for a loss within a couple of days.

There are tons of branches and ATMs around eastern Mass and southern NH, which helps, too.

[quakerboy]

16. I second the Credit Union idea

all the ones around here have mobbed up.. er... joined a credit union group, which allows use of the atms and also strangely includes locations at every 7-Eleven, which makes them just as convenient as any bank.

And yeah. BOA sucks. Been there, done that, they stole my money(not fee's mind you, stole as in Cash going missing out of deposits. On several occasions and several locations)

[jotsy]

17. Big banks need to be boycotted!

I say break away.

[bikebloke]

18. Watch out for those small local bank, too.

I was leaning towards a small local bank. So I kept a eye on its rating through BankRate.com. It started with the highest rating with some reservations. Then the rating plummeted. So I'm looking again, and hoping my current bank doesn't go under before I can change.

[Rising Phoenix]

19. hmmm....Citizens sounds good to me

only because I will be moving and don't want to change again. Perhaps when I am situated in one place I will look into a local credit union.

[valerief]

23. I plan to change to a credit union shortly, too. nt

[trof]

24. They say that breaking up is hard to do.

That's what they say.
;-)
Good luck.

[elifino]

25. If you are going to change banks check out these sites

http://www.bankrate.com/rates/safe-sound/bank-ratings-search.aspx?t=cb

http://banktracker.investigativereportingworkshop.org/banks/?q=state+farm

http://cr4re.com/PBLNov2709.html

These may help in your decision.

[Mutley]

27. Ew, I hate Bank of America.

I don't know about local MA banks, but I agree with some posters above. If you can get into a credit union, then go for it. I <3 my credit union.