Banking

[silver.bullet]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

[retiredguy123]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?
Not sure what you mean. I have had BB&T accounts for more than 20 years, and never pay any fees for the accounts. I have a free senior checking account that even provides free checks. I also have a BB&T rewards VISA credit card with no annual fee. It is very convenient to pay the credit card bill by just transferring money between two BB&T accounts online.

[Stu from NYC]

We get a better deal with our old bank in Virginia so plan to stay with them for now.

With remote deposits and everything being paid with CC have not found a need for a local bank.

[retiredguy123]

If you are going to change banks, I think the most accessible bank is Citizens First. They seem to have the most branches, and they also have ATM machines at some of The Villages mail pickup stations. I cannot imagine having to pay $20 per month for a checking account. Not me.

[vintageogauge]

We get a better deal with our old bank in Virginia so plan to stay with them for now.

With remote deposits and everything being paid with CC have not found a need for a local bank.

It's nice to have a banking relationship locally if for no other reason easy wire transfers as they are hard to initiate out of town, no charge bank checks, free fax service, free notary public service, easy to cash a check if the need arises, lots of little things like that.

[Velvet]

I like Citizens First, myself. They call me if a large check is written, make sure I was OK with it. They keep fraud as much at bay as possible. They always answer the phone in person even during Covid. Because I travel extensively I have 3 US banks at present and 5 foreign banks but I like Citizen’s service best and Wells Fargo the absolute least.

[CWGUY]

:clap2: At one time free apples! :icon_wink: Now just :popcorn:

[retiredguy123]

I once got a set of Corningware to buy a CD. Those days are gone.

[Stu from NYC]

It's nice to have a banking relationship locally if for no other reason easy wire transfers as they are hard to initiate out of town, no charge bank checks, free fax service, free notary public service, easy to cash a check if the need arises, lots of little things like that.

Thanks have considered most of that.

Easy to do wire transfers with them from here, no cost for checks and can easily transfer funds electronically.

Can fax by computer using an interesting service called efax. Allows me to send and receive faxes anywhere in the world.

The only thing we are missing is safe deposit box and we are considering purchasing a safe.

[davem4616]

Our primary banking institution down here in TV is the Campus USA Credit Union. We use this bank for all of our incoming direct deposits and for our 'bill payer' activity. There's a branch near Brownwood on Rt 44 and another just over the line in Summerfield on Rt 441/27.
We still maintain accounts with a Credit Union up north, as that's were my business accounts are and this makes it easy to transfer $$$ when needed between them.

When we first relocated full time to FL we only had the credit union up north...once and awhile scanning checks in became a hassle and we needed a bank with a safety deposit box nearby....so eventually we made the leap and went local

We have 'mad money' in People's First Bank in TV, lots of branches...we also rent a safety deposit box from them. When we had a mortgage we used them.

We have had accounts with Chase and Sun Trust since relocating to TV but we didn't care for the 'big bank' experience so we closed those accounts.

[Dond1959]

Have used VyStar credit union for over 40 years as primary checking and savings account. Have one branch on 466a but a large network of free atm’s. Never had any issues.

[Villageswimmer]

If you are going to change banks, I think the most accessible bank is Citizens First. They seem to have the most branches, and they also have ATM machines at some of The Villages mail pickup stations. I cannot imagine having to pay $20 per month for a checking account. Not me.


Same here. No checking account fees. Free notary service. They couldn’t be nicer.

[vintageogauge]

Thanks have considered most of that.

Easy to do wire transfers with them from here, no cost for checks and can easily transfer funds electronically.

Can fax by computer using an interesting service called efax. Allows me to send and receive faxes anywhere in the world.

The only thing we are missing is safe deposit box and we are considering purchasing a safe.

And notary service not to mention free popcorn.

[Mleeja]

I like Citizen Bank as well. In addition to agreeing with the other posters, if you have an issue with your debit or credit card and call the bank you are working with someone local.

[Stu from NYC]

And notary service not to mention free popcorn.

My old bank offered free cookies on Fridays, when we are able to visit they will owe me quite a few cookies/

Have nothing to notarized so not something we need

[Nucky]

Remember the FDIC insures each account up to $250,000. You may need more than one bank. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: I hope you need a whole lot of banks.

[Kenswing]

If you are going to change banks, I think the most accessible bank is Citizens First. They seem to have the most branches, and they also have ATM machines at some of The Villages mail pickup stations. I cannot imagine having to pay $20 per month for a checking account. Not me.
Is Citizens First owned by the developer? I noticed how big of a presence they had locally when we did our Lifestyle Visit. Their website uses a lot of the same font also

When we move we'll probably switch to them since I haven't heard any complaints yet. Love the idea of having a bank that's truly local.

[Stu from NYC]

Is Citizens First owned by the developer? I noticed how big of a presence they had locally when we did our Lifestyle Visit. Their website uses a lot of the same font also

When we move we'll probably switch to them since I haven't heard any complaints yet. Love the idea of having a bank that's truly local.

It is owned by the developer

[dlebuis]

We use Citizens Bank and are very happy with their service and convenient locations. We also like getting interest on both our checking and savings accounts. My husband also liked getting a bag of popcorn when he goes in.

[mydavid]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV? Its called direct deposit, most banks give free checking. I have had accounts saving/checking my whole adult life and have never paid any fees.:ho:

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

I do not get charged one cent for my two accounts, but do maintain a 20K minimum there, had BB&T left them an idiot was the branch manager, when they merged, I went to my bank manager to inquire, she told me, no changes to my account EVER!!!!!!

[noslices1]

Citizens First for me. Minimum balance is only $5K, so no bank fees. Safe deposit box about $50. annually. Lots of branches and free ATM’s at most Mail stations that also sell postage stamps. Electronic check deposit, so seldom a need to actually enter a bank. You can also get a “line of credit” with no application fees.

[Jawskid6044]

Citizens First. Been a customer for 19 years. They are great. As someone else stated they answer the phone with a human not a machine.

[jacksonbrown]

Ally or USAA, no minimums, free paper checks, bill pay, web access and 1% on savings :)

Tell me why anyone needs to make frequent visits to a stick-and-morter bank?

[vintageogauge]

Ally or USAA, no minimums, free paper checks, bill pay, web access and 1% on savings :)

Tell me why anyone needs to make frequent visits to a stick-and-morter bank?

Not everyone feels comfortable using ATM machines, debit cards, or online banking. There are times when checks need to be cashed just to have the cash, a visit is required to open a CD or money market account, to get a certified check for a large purchase such as a new car, etc.

[Newvilla]

I use Campus Credit Union, too. Lobbies are open at this time. A limited number of folks can enter at one time. They have very good personal service. MidFlorida Credit Union has recently opened branches in TV in convenient locations. We were with them before we moved here. I would recommend them, too.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

I have Suntrust and do not pay any fees for checking

[Rwoods302]

We changed to Chase. We’re very happy with them, plenty of local branches. I’m not sure of their fee schedule, as a veteran we get everything free.

[anpo532]

I had Suntrust when I moved here in 2006. I just kept my account. Have had no problems.

[HappyRetired]

When BB&T bought out our bank up north I personally know 2 managers who left because their commercial customer service was so bad. They also downsized personnel. But our accounts stayed the same. With this buy-out I could bank here when we moved down permanently. But I've been impressed with Citizens and would change if I felt the hassles of changing were worth it.

[bjp1673]

I have BBT checking and do not pay any fees.

[Bridget Staunton]

We stay away from any institution owned by The Villages, We do not have our eggs in one basket when choosing institutions. No offense to any institution or anybody. Same goes for Insurance we choose AAA

[caljeff]

My opinion: Think twice before choosing Bank of America. The main issue "now" is that many of their centers are closed to in person in bank activities. You can continue to access the ATM's, safety deposit boxes and perform basic teller functions via the outdoor drive up windows but anything more complex; no. The nearest such full service branch to the Villages is on 14th in Leesburg. i have been told that this is due to Covid.
Now there may be other banks with more convenient full service branches. You might want to fold that into your thinking.

[lmack]

We used Suntrust for a while but moved to First Ave in Pinellas for convenience and interest. We had been planning to stay away from the developers bank (just thought they had enough of our dollars already) but, after defaulting to Citizens when First Ave in TV was bought....we have been happy there and stayed. We keep enough in to avoid fees and they are very helpful & convenient. Only minor annoyance, they seem to hold large checks for longer clearing time than my banks up North. We had been chasing MM interest rates but everywhere seems dismal now so we just leave those funds at Schwab (branch is in Sumter Landing).
We looked at Vystar and Campus Credit Unions but haven't taken the plunge yet so I'm glad to see some feedback on this thread.

[justjim]

I have been with BB&T for several years and a very satisfied customer. No charges whatsoever. I have no knowledge of what you speak. I suspect a misunderstanding as they want new customers not lose potential customers.

[dtennent]

Just a note of caution, we were traveling overseas when I had my wallet stolen. When I tried to contact Citizens First to ask them to stop any transactions on my debit card until I returned home, I got a message back saying they would not do anything via email. Since they didn't answer my phone calls, I had to wait until I returned home. I no longer have their debit card. As comparison, my Credit Union up North replied to my email saying that they would stop my debit card and credit card until I returned. Bottom line - Citizens First may be great for local business, their ability to handle international requests is very weak.

[justjim]

We used Suntrust for a while but moved to First Ave in Pinellas for convenience and interest. We had been planning to stay away from the developers bank (just thought they had enough of our dollars already) but, after defaulting to Citizens when First Ave in TV was bought....we have been happy there and stayed. We keep enough in to avoid fees and they are very helpful & convenient. Only minor annoyance, they seem to hold large checks for longer clearing time than my banks up North. We had been chasing MM interest rates but everywhere seems dismal now so we just leave those funds at Schwab (branch is in Sumter Landing).
We looked at Vystar and Campus Credit Unions but haven't taken the plunge yet so I'm glad to see some feedback on this thread.

Nothing against Citizens but when I checked out their mortgage interest rates and found them to higher than their competition that was enough for me to take my business elsewhere. In full disclosure, it was a few years ago.

[KRM0614]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?
Do NOT use a commercial bank they do nothing for you. Do not use the villages owned bank either.

I use a credit union my printed statement is free there is no fees for anything as long as there is 5:00 in another account and I believe 500 in savings and mobile banking

Why people use commercial banking I don’t know unless they have their kids a debit cards connected to the account. I’ve never used a debit card in my life I am an accountant and don’t carry debt.

There is 3 large credit unions here and they have better hours than commercial banks !

[KRM0614]

My opinion: Think twice before choosing Bank of America. The main issue "now" is that many of their centers are closed to in person in bank activities. You can continue to access the ATM's, safety deposit boxes and perform basic teller functions via the outdoor drive up windows but anything more complex; no. The nearest such full service branch to the Villages is on 14th in Leesburg. i have been told that this is due to Covid.
Now there may be other banks with more convenient full service branches. You might want to fold that into your thinking.
Bank of America sun trust citizens PNC all of them are crooks ! I have 2 accounts back in MI that give me such amazing service I’d be crazy to leave them. I’ve been with one for 24 years and other one 15 yrs.
Prior to recession I received almost 2% on my savings and other account 1% and a bonus every year between 500-3000!

Their rates are so low for everything that commercial banks can’t compete ! As I read horrible service I’m keeping everything in place.

[retiredguy123]

I don't know about every credit union, but I stopped using my Penfed VISA credit card because they take 2 to 3 days to post a credit card charge. My BB&T VISA card posts charges within seconds of the transaction, and sends me an email. Much safer.

[Ladygolfer93]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

I have a senior account from Insight Financial (full service credit union). There are no monthly fees (as long as a VERY small amount is deposited), checks are free, full online access, etc. I taught at a Florida university before retirement, they used this institution, as do many public schools, so I felt confident it was sound ?) Very handy as they have a brick and mortar center and drive thru in the villages. I've found no reason, financial or other, to change banks.

[cassjax2]

I’ve had SunTrust for 10+ years. It will become Truist. I’ve never been charged a fee as I’m a senior and the info we have received has no mention of fees.

[kathy44]

We have great credit unions down here in the village. No cost to anything

[retiredguy123]

I’ve had SunTrust for 10+ years. It will become Truist. I’ve never been charged a fee as I’m a senior and the info we have received has no mention of fees.
SunTrust and BB&T have been merged as Truist since Dec 9, 2019. But, they still use two names. I wonder why?

[Stu from NYC]

Upon reading other posts decided we should have a local account and set one up today with a credit union.

[Magajane]

We’ve had SunTrust for 18 years and don’t pay any fees. Call them and tell them to take that off your account.

[donfey]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

Count me in as another Citizen's First Bank customer. I opened an account before we bought here since, as mentioned, I thought a local bank would be useful. All my accounts (and services) are free. In addition, because I'm a veteran, I get free checks. We kept out out-of-town accounts, too, but will probably close some of them since we're here full time now. Another bonus: Our online CFB account "connects" to all our other accounts, too. (At least we can see them all.)

[dewilson58]

Well, looks like the OP will be safe with any bank down here in The Villages.


:clap2:

[Chris Kirk]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

I bank with Sun Trust and no fees, just make a direct deposit to your account and no fees are charged

[bandsdavis]

Not sure what you mean. I have had BB&T accounts for more than 20 years, and never pay any fees for the accounts. I have a free senior checking account that even provides free checks. I also have a BB&T rewards VISA credit card with no annual fee. It is very convenient to pay the credit card bill by just transferring money between two BB&T accounts online.

My experience with BB&T is the same. Never paid a checking fee and really like their online banking options.

[Stu from NYC]

SunTrust and BB&T have been merged as Truist since Dec 9, 2019. But, they still use two names. I wonder why?

Strange figure at some point they would merge the two and close duplicate offices.

[Bucco]

Strange figure at some point they would merge the two and close duplicate offices.

End of 2021 (I thin), they will become TRUIST

[Gpsma]

We stay away from any institution owned by The Villages, We do not have our eggs in one basket when choosing institutions. No offense to any institution or anybody. Same goes for Insurance we choose AAA

But you were willing to buy a house from The Villages? Willing to use golf courses and facilities? But wont deal with Citizens First? Hmmm.

[Mleeja]

Not everyone feels comfortable using ATM machines, debit cards, or online banking. There are times when checks need to be cashed just to have the cash, a visit is required to open a CD or money market account, to get a certified check for a large purchase such as a new car, etc.

And don’t forget the bag of popcorn when you go in at Citizens. :popcorn:

[Mleeja]

Not everyone feels comfortable using ATM machines, debit cards, or online banking. There are times when checks need to be cashed just to have the cash, a visit is required to open a CD or money market account, to get a certified check for a large purchase such as a new car, etc.

Count me in as another Citizen's First Bank customer. I opened an account before we bought here since, as mentioned, I thought a local bank would be useful. All my accounts (and services) are free. In addition, because I'm a veteran, I get free checks. We kept out out-of-town accounts, too, but will probably close some of them since we're here full time now. Another bonus: Our online CFB account "connects" to all our other accounts, too. (At least we can see them all.)

CFB also has a good online payment system. I would think all banks should have this, but Citizens’ is a easy to setup and use.

[Nucky]

Customer service at Citizens is fine when they are available. If you have a Banking Emergency of any kind after hours or on weekends good luck. If this feature doesn't bother you then I think they are just fine.

Whatever you do IMHO forget Bank Of America. They recently closed all the branches with no notice or communication about doing so. The only branch open was Leesburg. How convenient. A really Low Life Move.

Chase Bank has treated us properly overall.

[Joyce952]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?

Citizen first bank is a good choice

[Stu from NYC]

End of 2021 (I thin), they will become TRUIST

At which point a lot of people will lose their jobs as they consolidate their branches

[dgleason348]

We moved to The Villages last month from NYS and we went with Trustco Bank because they were also in NYS. We don’t have 20.00 fees! Check them out!

[CWGUY]

We moved to The Villages last month from NYS and we went with Trustco Bank because they were also in NYS. We don’t have 20.00 fees! Check them out!

:ho: They are a great bank. No fees. AND welcome to TOTV. :)

[bpascani]

YES, MANY.. CITIZENS fIRST, but also Regions, and several credit unions

[Rsenholzi]

Only Chase and Bank of America have branches outside the state . I would check them out if they are in your area

[Carolynphelps]

Yes! Citizens First. Very happy with them.

[beachgirl]

We are from SC and have used Citizens First for 11 years. They charge no fees on checking. We still have a lake cottage in SC, and you can use any ATM at a Publix without any fees. We also utilize online banking. We have kept a fee-free account we have had for years with Wells Fargo so we can use their ATM’s when we travel.

[retiredguy123]

Only Chase and Bank of America have branches outside the state . I would check them out if they are in your area
Not true. BB&T, SunTrust, PNC, Wells Fargo, to name a few.

[dockuehnl]

We currently live in South Carolina, will be moving to TV next year and have Sun Trust accounts. Since their merger with BB&T, the new account fees for checking will run as high as $ 20.00 per month. Are there better options including local banking in TV?
Citizens is the local bank! But we have a BB&T small business account with no fees.?

[retiredguy123]

Citizens is the local bank! But we have a BB&T small business account with no fees.?
The name is Citizens First. Citizens is the name of another bank.

[PennBF]

My opinion is Suntrust is unlikely to support it's customers and if they make a mistake they will avoid any responsibility. One of their personnel made a major mistake with us and when I approached them to make good on their error their response was, that person who misled you is no longer with us and we will not reinburse you for his/her mistake. Went to Citizens after this and am and have been very happy with them and their care. Chase has a couple of wonderful women tellers working for them and they make their bank a pleasure to go to. Obvious question is why not take Suntrust to court. I felt the cost of an attorney and expenses may be greater than the $2,000 loss in question so ate the loss.:ohdear:

[Uphillputt330]

We brought a house in TV in February. We needed a local bank for wire transfer and general convenience. So far Citizens First has been wonderful. It was easy to set up the account and they worked well with the Title Company. No charges for their Senior Checking account. Very nice people. I would highly recommend them.

[retiredguy123]

My opinion is Suntrust is unlikely to support it's customers and if they make a mistake they will avoid any responsibility. One of their personnel made a major mistake with us and when I approached them to make good on their error their response was, that person who misled you is no longer with us and we will not reinburse you for his/her mistake. Went to Citizens after this and am and have been very happy with them and their care. Chase has a couple of wonderful women tellers working for them and they make their bank a pleasure to go to. Obvious question is why not take Suntrust to court. I felt the cost of an attorney and expenses may be greater than the $2,000 loss in question so ate the loss.:ohdear:
Here is a link if you want to file a complaint with the Federal Government. I have never done it, but I understand that it is easy to do online and the response is usually pretty good.

Submit a complaint | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/)

Another option is to send a letter to the FDIC, with a copy sent to the bank. I don't think the bank wants you to complain to the FDIC.

[retiredguy123]

And notary service not to mention free popcorn.
Didn't you just mention the popcorn, or not?

[Marshaw]

Wells, it's nationwide

[Stu from NYC]

Didn't you just mention the popcorn, or not?

Thought he said "not to mention popcorn" which usually means it is a deep dark secret.

[8notes]

We started out with a Citizens checking account, but felt they were taking advantage of residents by charging higher mortgage rates than the competition. We took advantage of an offer Chase made, and switched over. We are happy with the service there, and I like their app for online banking.

[PennBF]

Thanks to the Poster who recommended I use FDIC, and Consumer Protection. Hind sight says I probably should have used those opportunities. I raised the issue with the Management of Suntrust and the standard reply was the basis for the person who gave me directions, although totally wrong there was nothing they could do to reverse the loss. I moved a lot of money from their bank based on this terrible treatment and am very happy with Citizens First. I just as strongly recommend that people think twice before giving some of their investment money to Suntrust. It is easy to be responsible when there are no problems. The real test is how good the business is in bad times. They failed the that test!:ohdear:

[Foxtrot]

Chase, they are everywhere in the States. I never pay any fees.

[Skip]

My opinion: Think twice before choosing Bank of America.
Now there may be other banks with more convenient full service branches. You might want to fold that into your thinking.

I second that. After a long time "paid on time" mortgage with them, they refused to write a car loan because I was not buying the car from their list of "approved" dealers. What does the selling dealer have to do with my ability to pay a 3 year car loan? I went elsewhere and got a cheaper loan rate.
Avoid B of A.

Skip

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I second that. After a long time "paid on time" mortgage with them, they refused to write a car loan because I was not buying the car from their list of "approved" dealers. What does the selling dealer have to do with my ability to pay a 3 year car loan? I went elsewhere and got a cheaper loan rate.
Avoid B of A.


A 20 year + BOA customer here, and i would agree that BOA has some strange behaviors lately. I would never get a mortgage from them for the sh!t they pulled in the post GFC mortgage programs. I like their electronic banking setup, and lots of ATM locations. as well as good theft protection setups.

Citizen's first is tied in with the mortgage process / construction / real estate processes here , and we got our commercial mortgage there, but don't have any accounts. Don't ever open with Wells Fargo, the company culture is still crooked

sportsguy

[retiredguy123]

I don't borrow money, but if i needed a car loan or a mortgage, I think I would start shopping at a credit union, not a commercial bank.

[Skip]

I don't borrow money, but if i needed a car loan or a mortgage, I think I would start shopping at a credit union...

And that's where I went, cheaper loan and the CAR WAS NOT USED AS COLLATERAL. My good credit was the collateral. B of A lost out.

Skip

[TCNY61]

I second that. After a long time "paid on time" mortgage with them, they refused to write a car loan because I was not buying the car from their list of "approved" dealers. What does the selling dealer have to do with my ability to pay a 3 year car loan? I went elsewhere and got a cheaper loan rate.
Avoid B of A.

Skip

We just had to get my mother in laws condo sold and the money transferred to another account before the start of the month. We got it done and had her write a check and thought we were done. Five days later BOA pulled the money back and the answer we got was they didn't like the way she formed the five on the check. With lots of fighting they told us it was because it was for a large amount and they didn't like it. We thought we worked it out and they did the same with a second check. The security department wanted here to come in (from the hospital) and write the check and wouldn't take my wife's power of attorney. Never use Bank of America!