Banking Recommendations

[avocado_tom]

I'm relatively new to the area and I need to open a new checking account as my bank doesn't have a local branch.

Can anyone tell me about their experiences (good or bad) with local banks? I like to be able to track my finances online too, so if you use those types of services, info on that would also be appreciated.

Cheers,
Avocado

Comments

[mannitheuncanny]

Since you mentioned you liked to use online banking, I'd recommend PNC's Digital Checking plan. You get an interest bearing checking account and a FREE Savings/Performance Money Market account and have no minimum balance to maintain. The only requirement to waive the monthly $11 fee is to have Direct Deposit and use the Web Bill Pay feature.

It really is neat. I have it and am very satisfied. You get a special check card instead of the normal blue one that lets you use foreign ATMs without a fee from PNC. Also, you get checks for free (sure, they only come in packs of 16 I believe, but the whole point of a DIGITAL checking plan is that you don't write very many checks!)

Also, you get an "E-spend card" for your online/telephone purchases. This card can ONLY be used through online/telephone merchants and has a low limit on it so in case it gets lost or your computer gets hijacked, they can't cause too much harm on your account ;)

Okay, sorry. I work for PNC so I just had to seize the opportunity. If you want more info or want to open a Digital Checking Plan, let me know =D