recommend me a financial inst. for checking and CC

[dpopiz]

currently I have an e-checking acct at golden1. I HATE golden1 so much. but that's another story. anyway, I'll be glad to leave them when I turn 18 in about a week.
as soon as I do, I want to get a good checking acct and a credit card.

what's a good financial institution for cheap/free checking, a first time credit card, and FRIENDLY, HELPFUL SERVICE?

 

[Legendary]

Washington Mutual, if available.

 

[dionx]

a credit union. they wont nickel-and-dime you to bankruptcy

 

[Dulanic]

I have BoA and am happy with them.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: dpopiz
currently I have an e-checking acct at golden1. I HATE golden1 so much. but that's another story. anyway, I'll be glad to leave them when I turn 18 in about a week.
as soon as I do, I want to get a good checking acct and a credit card.

what's a good financial institution for cheap/free checking, a first time credit card, and FRIENDLY, HELPFUL SERVICE?

A local credit union.

For your first credit card, I would recommend a SECURED CREDIT CARD.

 

[Kishan]

wamu

 

[dpopiz]

so what about getting a CC?.......there are a million options right? what bank to get it from, what brand, what rewards come with it etc

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: dpopiz
so what about getting a CC?.......there are a million options right? what bank to get it from, what brand, what rewards come with it etc

Usually you don't get rewards/perks with your FIRST CC. First you have to get a cc, prove yourself that you're "worthy".

Then you get the nice cc's with perks and benefits.

CapitalOne.com is good if you are desperate.

 

[Garion]

When looking for a bank, figure out what you want first, then start looking.

If you do a lot of in-person banking and use your ATM card a lot, there's no substitute for a big bank like Washington Mutual. They have a lot of locations (especially in CA!) and some very good products. I'm a bit biased towards them, considering that I work there, so take my endorsement with a grain of salt. I am, however, a wamu customer and like their services and offerings plus they have some good public programs like WaMoola for Schools.

If you're looking for simple, easy, basic services a local credit union is great. It's likely that they won't have as many product offerings and you definitely won't have as many options for branches, free ATM machines, etc. but you can't beat the individual attention you get there and the not-for-profit, owned-by-the members business model.

- G