Best checking accounts?

[Drakkon]

Recently I was screwed over by my credit union in another state - they decided to cancel my debit card and issue a new one for no particular reason. I called them up and they were really rude on the phone saying it was my fault that i didn't know about the card and I would have to return to AZ to get a new one or wait 3 weeks to get one by mail. Well being in NV i say screw that and frankly there are better offers out here but not sure how long I'll be here so looking for a national branch. I'm just looking for a checking account to pay bills/cash checks/have a debit card - no savings (unless it is required), free checking, free ATM would be nice...

Options that i have around me are:
Bank of America
WaMu
Wells Fargo

any other ideas? comments on particular banks?

 

[Nitemare]

Credit Union...

Interest bearing checking accounts...

 

[Vette73]

Wachovia has been decent.

 

[Dacalo]

I use Fidelity's mySmart Cash account. No fees, ATM fee reimbursement, ~3.5% in core account, ~4.75% yield money market fund. Great customer service and good web interface.

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: Nitemare
Credit Union...

Interest bearing checking accounts...

I prefer not to keep large amounts of money linked to a debit card...so I'll stick with the old CU savings account i have in AZ + ING. I seem to be pretty well covered there. Really just looking for the ability to pay bills + cash checks + get cash - not earn interest as keep a very low balance on checking.

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: Drakkon

Originally posted by: Nitemare
Credit Union...

Interest bearing checking accounts...

I prefer not to keep large amounts of money linked to a debit card...so I'll stick with the old CU savings account i have in AZ + ING. I seem to be pretty well covered there. Really just looking for the ability to pay bills + cash checks + get cash - not earn interest as keep a very low balance on checking.

You can have it setup so that x dollars is automatically transferred to another account at a given time period. Just look to see what bank has the most ATM's and can give you free checking(most banks will with direct deposit). BofA used to charge for automatic billpay, not sure if they do anymore.

 

[Slick5150]

Schwab has a 4% interest bearing checking account with ATM reimbursement, etc...

 

[Metron]

USAA for the win!

- No monthly fees
- No ATM fees
- Free checks
- Interest bearing
- Other banks' ATM fees are refunded monthly
- Web bill payment
- Direct deposits are credited at the initial notification of incoming funds. My paycheck is credited on Thursday, not Friday.

But the real killer feature IMHO...
- Deposit@Home
You can scan and immediately deposit checks at home through a web application. The deposit is immediately credited.

How's that for customer service?

The catch... you must be active duty military, or children of active or ex-military who are current USAA members in order to join.

I started with my auto insurance at USAA. I was a 16 year Geico customer, and I cut my rate AND got an annual rebate at USAA. I have gradually moved all of my financial affairs there (mortgage, auto loan, insurance, banking, investments). Awesome customer service.

Get in if you qualify...

 

[polarmystery]

Originally posted by: Metron
USAA for the win!

- No monthly fees
- No ATM fees
- Free checks
- Interest bearing
- Other banks' ATM fees are refunded monthly
- Web bill payment
- Direct deposits are credited at the initial notification of incoming funds. My paycheck is credited on Thursday, not Friday.

But the real killer feature IMHO...
- Deposit@Home
You can scan and immediately deposit checks at home through a web application. The deposit is immediately credited.

How's that for customer service?

The catch... you must be active duty military, or children of active or ex-military who are current USAA members in order to join.

I started with my auto insurance at USAA. I was a 16 year Geico customer, and I cut my rate AND got an annual rebate at USAA. I have gradually moved all of my financial affairs there (mortgage, auto loan, insurance, banking, investments). Awesome customer service.

Get in if you qualify...

I have them also. They rock