Banking opinions, anyone?
 

So good news! Things have started to stabilize in my new life in Southern California. I got a job, bought a car, have a more or less fully furnished apartment, found my alumnae association, etc. Now I need to decide if I want to open up a bank account locally, or just leave my bank account in Kansas City, where it's been for 15 years, including throughout our Dubai stay.

With direct deposits, ATM's, online banking, etc., how important do you think it is to have a local bank?

Also, I was doing a little research online and I think if I do open up a local account it will be with a credit union. I'm absolutely opposed to banking with one of the behemoths (BofA, Citi, Chase, etc.), and figuring out who owns a bank is tedious. The bank I thought I wanted turns out to be owned by a Japanese company. I don't have a problem with international companies in general, but I want a bank that is about more than just the bottom line. Any reason to NOT bank with a credit union these days?

I'm pro-credit union.
Our account at work is through one of the big banks and I hate going there for business. They always try to talk me into opening a personal account there and I finally came out and said "No. I will stick with my credit union. Thank you." Boy did I get some glares!!

Credit Union. Most of them have Shared Services, so even if they only have one branch, you can bank at other credit unions nationally.

Agree ... I've been with a credit union for over 30 years and I'll never go back to a bank. With the shared banking you have lots of options for in person service.

Credit union or local bank. I hate paying ATM fees to other banks....otherwise I also do everything vis online banking or with a debit card....but sometimes you just need cash...and I don't want to pay to get my cash...

Welcome to SoCal DubaiSis!! Is you or your husband a school employee? If you were then you could go with Schools First credit union. I have been with them since college and love them!

I'm in SoCal and I've tried everything - BofA, smaller regional banks, online banking (USAA), and credit unions. Love the credit unions for a few reasons:

1. Shared services so you can go to other Credit Unions, not just yours, and not get charged a fee.

2. Customer service, customer service, customer service.

3. Not supporting the big banks which I don't necessarily feel look out for its customers.

My membership requirement to join the CU near my work - I worked in the area. A lot of the CUs are making membership requirements easier and easier.

Great to hear you're settled in! Wasn't it just last week you were talking about getting ready to move?!?
I always think it's a good idea to have a local account. If you ever need to borrow money, you'll have to go look them in the eye.

Mevara, Schools First is the one I had decided on, but they apparently really do stick with their membership criteria, so we can't go there. The bank that was recommended to us was Union Bank, but I don't like that their parent company is Japanese. Then I came across One West Bank which sounded good, but they were part of the whole bank disaster and I don't know if they've just slapped lipstick on a pig. I won't bank of BofA because I used to do their travel and they're huge money wasters. I guess I'll see what other credit unions are in the area, unless anyone has any input on One West or Union. The gal who recommended Union is very nice, but she's a gazillionaire and I don't think her banking experience is exactly the same as mine - ie. she's probably never paid a bank fee in her life.

eta/oh and Anchor, we have been here 4 weeks today! We've been in our apartment for about 2 1/2 weeks, and our shipment should arrive in the next couple weeks.

Try Nuvision FCU. They started out as a CU for the aerospace industry (which I'm not part of). They have a list of Selected Employer Groups, again none I'm employed with, but I was easily able to become a member. We have a few accounts with them and signed my daughter up for her own savings/checking.

Here's a link to their branches to see if one fits your location.

https://nuvisionfederal.com/branches-atms/

Hmmm that's odd because neither me or my husband fit into their membership criteria but we both got accounts.

Thanks Socalparent. I went with Nuvision. So I'll either be thanking you in a month or cursing you. We'll see!

Haha this is funny because one of my Brothers was just hired today as the spokesperson for a local credit union here.

Anyway, from all of the research I did while he was a candidate for the position (and through working with his video blogging), it sounds like banks and CU's are the same. CU's are more likely to treat you friendlier (they have a reputation for it), especially since every member has equal ownership. A bank, on the other hand, loves customers with thousands and millions in their account, naturally.

I've noticed that the local CU has fewer hidden fees and more incentive programs just for opening an account. Also, "oops" forgiveness based on what type of account you have. The same CU that works with my school has different accounts geared towards different individuals.

If I weren't so happy with Chase, I'd definitely consider a CU.

No pressure.... I can be a picky customer (I admit it) but I've been happy overall with Nuvision. Doesn't hurt my branch is 5 minutes from work. Plus I like the shared CU branch options.

The closest branch to me isn't super close, but if there's some reason I actually need to go to a branch (how often does that happen these days?) I can make the drive up Harbor Blvd. And there are several 7-11's nearby with free ATMs, so I'll be fine.

I'm with Navy Federal, and I'm hard pressed to actually go to a branch. I can scan checks I would need to deposit into my account (every once in awhile) on my phone by taking a picture and uploading it. So many ATMs are free. Free checking. Hours are even longer than Bank of America's, even on Saturdays. I love it.

Since Boeing has facilities in California, I think you may be elligible to join BECU. I've been with them since I was 17. They have a huge proportion of the banking in Washington state for a reason - terrific, local customer service, and no fees for anything. Low rates on credit cards and loans, too. As others have said, you can do local banking at any CU if you need it, though I can't remember the last time I needed to go to a branch. If I ever need to pull out cash, I usually do it at a grocery store checkout, and my CU doesn't charge me a penny to do so.

Hypo and I are trying to figure out what to do about a bank account for her once she's away at school. I was hoping for a bank that had branches in both locations and I can't find any. This is very frustrating!

ETA: Haha, after looking for a few weeks, I think I just found one. Chase is probably our best bet.

Glad things are going well for you, DS!

Do you or your husband qualify for USAA? I love, love, love them. I deposit checks via my scanner, and all ATM fees from outside banks are refunded.

I was going to use USAA, but you can't have a business account. I have an open account with $100 sitting in it. I guess I should close it, because closing my BofA account at this point is a nonstarter.