This Bank is Incredible!

[Bonanza]

Most of us have done business with many banks in our lifetime, but I have never heard of a bank doing what this bank does.

First Avenue National Bank is one of the new banks on "bank row" in front of the new Pinellas shopping center that fronts 466A.

First Avenue National Bank is a small, local bank that offers services the likes of which I have never heard. Erin Peterson, a Villages resident who is located at that branch, offers Concierge Services. I was shocked when she told me exactly what some of the services are.

If you have an account with them, and need to make a deposit and aren't able to get to the bank, they will come and pick up your deposit.

If you are ill and need to get your prescription filled or pick one up, they will do it for you.

If for some reason you aren't able to get your dog out, she will take your dog for a walk! Yes. Honest. These things aren't the extent of what they will do for you, but Erin can tell you all about her bank's services to their customers.

I have never heard of a bank giving this kind of personal attention to their customers. This bank is a 'WOW!" The "big guys" could offer this kind of service . . . but they don't!

[bonrich]

We use Citizens when in Florida as our bank of choice. Just kinda happened.... Overall are happy with the service except for one thing. We still have a bank we do business with up North. At times I need to do a transfer of funds from one bank to another. I can transfer from my bank up North to Citizens, but Citizens does not have the service to transfer from them to my Northern bank. Have asked each time we come down for the winter and answer is still the same, can't do it.

[ljones190]

We use Citizens when in Florida as our bank of choice. Just kinda happened.... Overall are happy with the service except for one thing. We still have a bank we do business with up North. At times I need to do a transfer of funds from one bank to another. I can transfer from my bank up North to Citizens, but Citizens does not have the service to transfer from them to my Northern bank. Have asked each time we come down for the winter and answer is still the same, can't do it.


We have a Capital 360 account and we transfer money from Capital 360 to Citiiznes First and also transfer money from Cap 360 to our major bank .
Capital 360 pays .75% interest and they normally have sign up bonus of up to 100.00. You can also take money from either Ciitizens first or our major bank it just needs to go thru Capital 360.

[FlamingoFlo]

Regarding transfer from Citizens: are you able to do online check deposits with your northern bank? If yes then just transfer money that way. Write the check from Citizens and do the online deposit at your other bank. I do it all the time.

[Cisco Kid]

Most of us have done business with many banks in our lifetime, but I have never heard of a bank doing what this bank does.

First Avenue National Bank is one of the new banks on "bank row" in front of the new Pinellas shopping center that fronts 466A.

First Avenue National Bank is a small, local bank that offers services the likes of which I have never heard. Erin Peterson, a Villages resident who is located at that branch, offers Concierge Services. I was shocked when she told me exactly what some of the services are.

If you have an account with them, and need to make a deposit and aren't able to get to the bank, they will come and pick up your deposit.

If you are ill and need to get your prescription filled or pick one up, they will do it for you.

If for some reason you aren't able to get your dog out, she will take your dog for a walk! Yes. Honest. These things aren't the extent of what they will do for you, but Erin can tell you all about her bank's services to their customers.

I have never heard of a bank giving this kind of personal attention to their customers. This bank is a 'WOW!" The "big guys" could offer this kind of service . . . but they don't!


Let your dog out ?

[redwitch]

And what is the cost for all if these services and their fees?

[graciegirl]

I will stick with Citizens. I like the fresh popcorn, but I will ask them if they would consider on site pedicures.

[dbussone]

And what is the cost for all if these services and their fees?


Excellent question.

[Down Sized]

Regarding transfer from Citizens: are you able to do online check deposits with your northern bank? If yes then just transfer money that way. Write the check from Citizens and do the online deposit at your other bank. I do it all the time.

This is the way to teransifer money from Citizens. :agree:

[Bonanza]

We use Citizens when in Florida as our bank of choice. Just kinda happened.... Overall are happy with the service except for one thing. We still have a bank we do business with up North. At times I need to do a transfer of funds from one bank to another. I can transfer from my bank up North to Citizens, but Citizens does not have the service to transfer from them to my Northern bank. Have asked each time we come down for the winter and answer is still the same, can't do it.

You never know when you might need to make a transfer of funds from your bank to another bank and time could really be of the essence.
That would be enough for me to make a change.
There's something to be said for a "full service bank!"


Let your dog out ?


Yes, they will let your dog out and even take him for a short walk.
Yes, that what Erin Peterson told me and she is the one who will do it.


And what is the cost for all if these services and their fees?

There is no cost for their Concierge Services.
No cost.
FREE!


I will stick with Citizens. I like the fresh popcorn, but I will ask them if they would consider on site pedicures.

Oh, Gracie -- First National National Bank also has popcorn.
As soon as you walk in the front door the aroma beckons you!
Smelly feet will never be on their agenda.

[Villages PL]

When I first became aware of this bank, they had a special offer for anyone who would open a new account. They offered a sum of money.

I called to find out exactly where they were located and talked to someone on the phone. I later decided that the $100 or $150 wouldn't be worth the trouble because the location was not convenient to where I live.

No mention was made of free dog-walking services etc.. Are these services guaranteed in writing? Of course I have no dog and no prescriptions but I might have some other odd jobs that need tending.

This, in my opinion, is actually very sad as it indicates a certain level of desperation on behalf of the bank.

[Bonnevie]

but to get that service do you have to maintain a certain minimum amount in your accounts?

[newguyintv]

Most of us have done business with many banks in our lifetime, but I have never heard of a bank doing what this bank does.

First Avenue National Bank is one of the new banks on "bank row" in front of the new Pinellas shopping center that fronts 466A.

First Avenue National Bank is a small, local bank that offers services the likes of which I have never heard. Erin Peterson, a Villages resident who is located at that branch, offers Concierge Services. I was shocked when she told me exactly what some of the services are.

If you have an account with them, and need to make a deposit and aren't able to get to the bank, they will come and pick up your deposit.

If you are ill and need to get your prescription filled or pick one up, they will do it for you.

If for some reason you aren't able to get your dog out, she will take your dog for a walk! Yes. Honest. These things aren't the extent of what they will do for you, but Erin can tell you all about her bank's services to their customers.

I have never heard of a bank giving this kind of personal attention to their customers. This bank is a 'WOW!" The "big guys" could offer this kind of service . . . but they don't!

Kind sets ones heart a flutter to realize we've got all this new fangled criteria to aid in the selection of a Financial institution.

[justjim]

With all the dogs in TV, the lady will certainly have job security! Popcorn sells too! That being said, this is certainly an unusual bank----an understatement.

[Bonanza]

When I first became aware of this bank, they had a special offer for anyone who would open a new account. They offered a sum of money.

I called to find out exactly where they were located and talked to someone on the phone. I later decided that the $100 or $150 wouldn't be worth the trouble because the location was not convenient to where I live.

No mention was made of free dog-walking services etc.. Are these services guaranteed in writing? Of course I have no dog and no prescriptions but I might have some other odd jobs that need tending.

This, in my opinion, is actually very sad as it indicates a certain level of desperation on behalf of the bank.

I find your post offensive. There is no way to know if any bank is "desperate" until they go out of business and close. If you knew the location was not convenient for you, why did you continue with any conversation (you decided the $100 or $150 wasn't worth it!) instead of simply thanking them and hanging up???

They are offering "Concierge Service" to their customers as a way to thank them for their business and as a way, perhaps, of attracting new customers. Instead of dissing them as desperate, I find them refreshing and innovative by offering things which no other banks do!

No, their services are not in writing. Do you have a problem with that? Do you really think as a professional business they would offer something to you and then renege on their offer which was made in good faith? Why would you even think that? Is that something you would do?

And lastly, you "might have some other odd jobs that need tending." Are you serious? Do you think they are running a handiman or housekeeping business?

Frankly, I cannot believe what you have said in your post! Whew!

[Bonanza]

but to get that service do you have to maintain a certain minimum amount in your accounts?

No, surprisingly, you only have to be a customer. That's it. No strings!

[Bonanza]

With all the dogs in TV, the lady will certainly have job security! Popcorn sells too! That being said, this is certainly an unusual bank----an understatement.

Of course they aren't interested in becoming a dog walking business, but according to some of the things they will do, they will help a customer when necessary.

I believe part of the reason they are doing this is because they aren't one of the biggies. They are small and local and yes -- they want to attract new customers.

I hope they are successful here. I am a believer in doing business with "down home" businesses and hope they do well and continue to grow in this area.

[njbchbum]

When I first became aware of this bank, they had a special offer for anyone who would open a new account. They offered a sum of money.

I called to find out exactly where they were located and talked to someone on the phone. I later decided that the $100 or $150 wouldn't be worth the trouble because the location was not convenient to where I live.

No mention was made of free dog-walking services etc.. Are these services guaranteed in writing? Of course I have no dog and no prescriptions but I might have some other odd jobs that need tending.

This, in my opinion, is actually very sad as it indicates a certain level of desperation on behalf of the bank.


I tend to agree with you, VP. Read that post and thought "If it seems too good to be true - it probably is". Then I remembered the disappointment so many folks here felt when the terms of the $20 "Loyal Tee" card agreement was changed. And then I recalled the instances where folk's homes were broken into when they weren't home. Sometimes allowing people to know too much about oneself can be a not-so-good thing. I think I would prefer to rely on the friendship of the people I know before I would rely on strangers for assistance; and will rely on the concierge services of Atlantic City, Vegas and other high end hotels for my temporary needs.

[graciegirl]

...

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I will stick with Citizens. I like the fresh popcorn, but I will ask them if they would consider on site pedicures.

LOL... please keep us posted!

[SouthOfTheBorder]

I find your post offensive. There is no way to know if any bank is "desperate" until they go out of business and close. If you knew the location was not convenient for you, why did you continue with any conversation (you decided the $100 or $150 wasn't worth it!) instead of simply thanking them and hanging up???

They are offering "Concierge Service" to their customers as a way to thank them for their business and as a way, perhaps, of attracting new customers. Instead of dissing them as desperate, I find them refreshing and innovative by offering things which no other banks do!

No, their services are not in writing. Do you have a problem with that? Do you really think as a professional business they would offer something to you and then renege on their offer which was made in good faith? Why would you even think that? Is that something you would do?

And lastly, you "might have some other odd jobs that need tending." Are you serious? Do you think they are running a handiman or housekeeping business?

Frankly, I cannot believe what you have said in your post! Whew!


Wow!

[sunnyatlast]

All our neighbors use internet and email, and probably 90% have iPhones they use with proficiency. With the smartphone, we no longer go to the bank to deposit checks.

The mobile deposit using the banks' phone app with the camera shot of the check front and endorsed back, and then the system reading the bank routing number and account number directly from the photo gets the deposit in, 24/7, and is done in about a minute.

The new bank offers these hospitality services knowing that the number of people who go to a bank in person is dwindling.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

If I can go in and get a massage before or after doing my banking I am all in!

[billethkid]

I tend to agree with you, VP. Read that post and thought "If it seems too good to be true - it probably is". Then I remembered the disappointment so many folks here felt when the terms of the $20 "Loyal Tee" card agreement was changed. And then I recalled the instances where folk's homes were broken into when they weren't home. Sometimes allowing people to know too much about oneself can be a not-so-good thing. I think I would prefer to rely on the friendship of the people I know before I would rely on strangers for assistance; and will rely on the concierge services of Atlantic City, Vegas and other high end hotels for my temporary needs.

That works for me....friends to take care of the dog and strangers to take care of my money:D

[SALYBOW]

I will stick with Citizens. I like the fresh popcorn, but I will ask them if they would consider on site pedicures.

they would have a good rate for mani pedis.

[rubicon]

Well base on the feedback I assume the OP is sorry undertaking the thread. Geeezzz it was informational only

[Jejuca]

We bank at First Avenue and love it! They know our name and actually greet us when we enter the bank.
The level of personalized service is unbeatable.
I'm surprised that some people feel that because the bank offers additional services it must be too good to be true. Isn't that how the small business guys survive - by offering sonething big business can not?

[Barefoot]

They are offering "Concierge Service" to their customers as a way to thank them for their business and as a way, perhaps, of attracting new customers. Instead of dissing them as desperate, I find them refreshing and innovative by offering things which no other banks do!

We bank at First Avenue and love it! They know our name and actually greet us when we enter the bank.
The level of personalized service is unbeatable.
I'm surprised that some people feel that because the bank offers additional services it must be too good to be true. Isn't that how the small business guys survive - by offering something big business can not?

I applaud this new Bank for being innovative and thinking outside the box. It's a very competitive industry.
Obviously this Bank wants people to talk about them and their new creative vision, and here we are .... talking about them.
Don't we all applaud Gary Morse for being innovative, creative, and a real visionary when he created the plan for the expansion of The Villages?
Good Luck to First Avenue National Bank!

[graciegirl]

I applaud this new Bank for being innovative and thinking outside the box. It's a very competitive industry.
Obviously this Bank wants people to talk about them and their new creative vision, and here we are .... talking about them.
Don't we all applaud Gary Morse for being innovative, creative, and a real visionary when he created the plan for the expansion of The Villages?


Bare. Now YOU are talking louder.

[Barefoot]

Bare. Now YOU are talking louder.

Point well taken. I fixed it. :ho:

[graciegirl]

Point well taken. I fixed it. :ho:
Bare. You are good people. .

[Villageswimmer]

I like to see businesses go over and above what is expected. I hope they do well.

[jbfleck]

Bonanza, thanks for sharing this info
Always nice to hear from HAPPY customers

[Bonanza]

[QUOTE=sunnyatlast;1002018]All our neighbors use internet and email, and probably 90% have iPhones they use with proficiency. With the smartphone, we no longer go to the bank to deposit checks.

The mobile deposit using the banks' phone app with the camera shot of the check front and endorsed back, and then the system reading the bank routing number and account number directly from the photo gets the deposit in, 24/7, and is done in about a minute.

The new bank offers these hospitality services knowing that the number of people who go to a bank in person is dwindling.

Yes, most people today do use the Internet for many things, but the 90% of which you speak is an exaggeration. While many do have an iphone, many older people do not even have an android phone and don't want to be bothered with learning how to use one. It's more than they need and more than they want. They don't want one because many only have a phone for a safety or emergency reason.

While some people are using their phone to make a deposit, those who do are still very much in the minority. The fact that it may be done in a minute, is beside the point (and it takes more than a minute). The fact that you may do it is beside the point. Most people don't and if you stand in a bank for a few minutes, you will see customers standing in line and at the drive-up window making a deposit.

Furthermore, your statement that "the new bank offers these hospitality services knowing that the number of people who go to a bank in person is dwindling." is absolutely 100% not true. The bank is offering their customers a service --a service which no other bank has or offers. Banks may be seeing a slight decline in persons going to a bank, but by the sheer fact that their tellers and bank representatives haven't decreased blies that statement.

[CFrance]

Most of us have done business with many banks in our lifetime, but I have never heard of a bank doing what this bank does.

First Avenue National Bank is one of the new banks on "bank row" in front of the new Pinellas shopping center that fronts 466A.

First Avenue National Bank is a small, local bank that offers services the likes of which I have never heard. Erin Peterson, a Villages resident who is located at that branch, offers Concierge Services. I was shocked when she told me exactly what some of the services are.

If you have an account with them, and need to make a deposit and aren't able to get to the bank, they will come and pick up your deposit.

If you are ill and need to get your prescription filled or pick one up, they will do it for you.

If for some reason you aren't able to get your dog out, she will take your dog for a walk! Yes. Honest. These things aren't the extent of what they will do for you, but Erin can tell you all about her bank's services to their customers.

I have never heard of a bank giving this kind of personal attention to their customers. This bank is a 'WOW!" The "big guys" could offer this kind of service . . . but they don't!
I am glad you found out about this bank's services, and thanks for letting the rest of us know about it. So many of us bemoan the loss of personal dealings with businesses in this modern day and age, and praise those parts of The Villages who still provide those kinds of services. So here is another example of that hometown kind of service--and a bank, to boot--and people are slamming it?

[mtdjed]

I wonder if they have time to be around to service my banking needs?

Nope , all hands are out getting drugs, scooping dog poo etc.

Guess I'll stick with a bank that does banking things.

[sunnyatlast]

If the bank wants to offer services like house calls for a deposit or pick up a prescription or walk your dog, that's their decision and it's a friendly gesture.

But I can't imagine calling them to come and do something for me that's not banking.

[Barefoot]

I am glad you found out about this bank's services, and thanks for letting the rest of us know about it. So many of us bemoan the loss of personal dealings with businesses in this modern day and age, and praise those parts of The Villages who still provide those kinds of services. So here is another example of that hometown kind of service--and a bank, to boot--and people are slamming it?

Exactly.

If the bank wants to offer services like house calls for a deposit or pick up a prescription or walk your dog, that's their decision and it's a friendly gesture.
But I can't imagine calling them to come and do something for me that's not banking.

I can't imagine calling them to come and do something for me either.
But I think it's a great innovative idea.
It certainly feels like a Bank that really cares about its customers.
Thanks to Bonanza for starting this thread.

[Bonanza]

I wonder if they have time to be around to service my banking needs?
Nope , all hands are out getting drugs, scooping dog poo etc.
Guess I'll stick with a bank that does banking things.

One person is in charge of their Concierge Service.

You're either trying to be funny or being sarcastic.

Neither one works.

[CFrance]

I wonder if they have time to be around to service my banking needs?

Nope , all hands are out getting drugs, scooping dog poo etc.

Guess I'll stick with a bank that does banking things.
Holy smokes. I just don't get the sarcasm this thread/bank has brought out.

[Wandatime]

Bonanza likes the bank and thought she'd tell everyone. What is up with the sarcasm/negativity?