help me pick a bank!

[dpopiz]

I've never done much more with banks than keeping some money in a savings account. recently I got a visa card off my mom's account, but I forgot one of the bills so she canceled it, and then I got a visa buxx card, but it has huge drawbacks...very inconvenient and very expensive. so...I want to find a new bank and get a visa-logo debit card from them. since I'm a total bank n00b, please tell me if there are any tips I should know about the various ways they can rip me off. below are my requirements
- I need to keep between $300 and $2000 in it at any time
- I need to deposit checks into it
- I need to get a debit card on the account that I can use to withdraw from atms, and use like a visa for online stores and B&Ms
- (not really important) I'd like a bank that has a lot of atms at least in CA
- of course I want to get the best deal I can on an account with the above features

thanks a lot

 

[Rastus]

Try to become a member of a credit union. They have the best loan rates. Try not to use out of network ATM's though, because of the fees.

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: Rastus
Try to become a member of a credit union. They have the best loan rates. Try not to use out of network ATM's though, because of the fees.

 

[amdforever2]

Bank of America

 

[bleeb]

Washington Mutual.

This particular bank is located across the united states. free checking. not many service charges.

 

[jacob0401]

I personally have an account with Washington Mutual.

 

[her209]

Wasn't this asked a couple of days ago?

Anyways, my answer was Brianna.

 

[dpopiz]

thanks guys!
I just opened an account Free Checking account online with wamu. wow this account is so cool: it's all free and unlimited as far as the eye can see and comes with a visa/atm check card. and unlike every other bank I've looked into, they'll let you get a checking account if you're under 18

 

[Marauder-]

Wow - that was quick - I would've said WAMU as well - next to that would most likely be credit union. But *bank* wise, THEY ARE THE BOMB!

 

[woowoo]

Debit cards with visa logos are NOT protected like credit cards for online shopping.

 

[Sid59]

wamu .. they rock.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: woowoo
Debit cards with visa logos are NOT protected like credit cards for online shopping.

That's only partially true. BOFA is the only bank that I know of which touts $0 liability for fraudulent charges on their debit/check cards.

dpopiz - I would suggest a local credit union.

 

[ILikeStuff]

Netbank is the shiznit, free interest checking, free billpay, excellent customer service, and some of the best interest rates for your accounts.

 

[eklass]

not all banks are all over america (i assume this is where you are) i'm in the south east and washington mutual (affectionately known as wamu) is GREAT

thier online banking is great and all deposits are immediate (no after 2pm is deposited next day type thing)

 

[Miramonti]

I have bankone but hate it. They have way too many schemes to try to milk money out of you. Great online banking tho.

 

[dabuddha]

Is it worth applying for a checking account online? I mean has anyone ever done it? I don't have time to run to the BOFA branch because by the time I get out of work, they're closed.

 

[dakata24]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: woowoo
Debit cards with visa logos are NOT protected like credit cards for online shopping.

That's only partially true. BOFA is the only bank that I know of which touts $0 liability for fraudulent charges on their debit/check cards.

dpopiz - I would suggest a local credit union.

there is that Visa Zero liability protection.. though from reading previous threads, this can take FOREVER to recover your losses.

 

[ILikeStuff]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
Is it worth applying for a checking account online? I mean has anyone ever done it? I don't have time to run to the BOFA branch because by the time I get out of work, they're closed.

I use an Internet only bank Netbank, and I love it. only thing that sux is that if you don't have a affiliate's ATM near you or do not have direct deposit, you have to wait a week for your deposits to get delivered, but that is something I have gotten used to.