There are fees and surcharges associated with checking accounts which didn't exist 10-15 years ago, but which are now commonplace.
Washington Mutual is a bank that has been advertizing quite a bit (around here, at least) about how they don't charge those fees. They claim that this makes them the rebellious upstarts who are revolutionizing banking. That they're looking out for the little guy, etc.
Thing is, my bank, USAA, not only doesn't charge those fees, it gives me money in their place. (Refunding the fees other banks may charge me, and giving me interest on what I have in the account.)
So...
Most banks, especially the big ones, are evil money-grubbing institutions more concerned with squeezing every penny they can out of whatever they can get away with squeezing.
Washington Mutual is slightly less evil, but not nearly as revolutionary as they claim.
USAA, though, was created by army officers to help out people in the military. They're most concerned with doing well by their members. If you can qualify for membership (i.e. if you or your parents are or ever were in the armed forces), they're really cool.
no subject
There are fees and surcharges associated with checking accounts which didn't exist 10-15 years ago, but which are now commonplace.
Washington Mutual is a bank that has been advertizing quite a bit (around here, at least) about how they don't charge those fees. They claim that this makes them the rebellious upstarts who are revolutionizing banking. That they're looking out for the little guy, etc.
Thing is, my bank, USAA, not only doesn't charge those fees, it gives me money in their place. (Refunding the fees other banks may charge me, and giving me interest on what I have in the account.)
So...
Most banks, especially the big ones, are evil money-grubbing institutions more concerned with squeezing every penny they can out of whatever they can get away with squeezing.
Washington Mutual is slightly less evil, but not nearly as revolutionary as they claim.
USAA, though, was created by army officers to help out people in the military. They're most concerned with doing well by their members. If you can qualify for membership (i.e. if you or your parents are or ever were in the armed forces), they're really cool.