Cara B.
Yelp
Service has always been friendly and expedient, but it doesn't begin to make up for how this bank has changed since Chase took over! I chose WAMU for its solid reputation, and for the fact that they didn't nickle and dime their patrons for every single fee imaginable.
So here's my list of grievances since Chase took over, and why I will be changing banks after I research my options this weekend:
1. Checks: I've never had an issue with my addresses, regardless of bank. If an error was made, it was corrected quickly and with apology. Chase not only got my new address wrong, but refused to help me at the branch to correct it because 'this issue is no longer handled on the branch level.' Although I did manage to sweet talk them into helping me in person, 3 times, the other 4 times I had to deal with a phone banker. That's right, 7 times total to correct my address. Each time the same exact issue was reprinted without correction. I gave up. That 6 month period taught me that I truly don't even need to live with physical checks, and at least I'm saving postage now. So my checks are still wrong, but thankfully it has never been mentioned the few times I did use them since.
2. ATM fees: Let's face it, convenience is important in this day and age. I simply don't feel I should be charged for not being able to drive an extra 20 minutes just to find a Chase ATM. I actually get it, that bank wants to charge me 'cuz I'm not their customer. But what ticks me off is when I want to take out $20, and I actually lose $25 from my bank account because MY bank charged me a penalty on TOP of the $3 fee from the other bank! It's a nuisance, but not enough to tip the scales.
3. Debit Card fees: An annual fee for a credit card... I may not like it, but I can accept it. I had a free debit card. Now all of a sudden, I have to pay annually for a debit card unless I choose some stupid Disney Rewards card. I'm sorry, I have no children & have never found Disney to be 'all that'. Those rewards are meaningless. Lame, but fine, I can deal.
4. Penalty Fees: Yes, they went up... by several dollars. Ouch. Ok, so it's more incentive to be good and stay aware of what's happening in my account =p
5. No More Free Checking: Unless you keep a minimum of $5,000 in the checking account, or have direct deposit, or whatever. Ok, so this doesn't really change anything since I have direct deposit. But these unannounced changes in policy are really starting to tick me off!
6. Cashier's Check Fees: This is the one that broke the deal for me. The rule of thumb has always been, if you need a cashier's check, go to your bank. Don't get it from anywhere else, 'cuz you'll have to pay for it and lose more $ than you're already taking out. In my life, I've only heard of one other bank that dared to charge for these. Today, suddenly, a cashier's check is $8. I'm sorry, but that's freaking ridiculous, and the end of the line for this banker. The only way to get out of that fee, according to the teller, is to upgrade to a different account and maintain $15,000 with Chase.
Sorry, no dice. I'll never get to $15,000 if I keep having my hard-earned $ taken away by the institution that's supposed to help me protect it. They already earn enough money by the interest they get from lending my $ out to other patrons.