Banking Recommendations

[kmspla1952]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.

[Bogie Shooter]

What’s wrong with your current bank?

[splashes]

Citizens first bank and good customer service atm's all over the villages

[retiredguy123]

I bank with Truist (formally BB&T). I like that they have a VISA credit card where I can transfer money from my checking account directly to pay my credit card bill. I've been with them for over 20 years and have no issues. But the main thing is that there is a branch office nearby.

[kmspla1952]

I don't believe I said there was anything WRONG with my current bank. I believe I just asked for recommendations.

[dewilson58]

I don't believe I said there was anything WRONG with my current bank. I believe I just asked for recommendations.

I think the poster's point was/is................If we knew what you are not happy with or where the service gaps are, we might be able to make better recommendations.

[BlueStarAirlines]

I have a Citizens account just because of the ease to get to a ATM, but all my banking is done via a credit union. Bank's profits go to its shareholders....a credit union usually has lower loan rates and higher savings rates.

Since literally everything can be done without having to physically go to a establishment, the credit union route is easy for most.

[kmspla1952]

Let me try again. I am not unhappy nor is anything wrong with my current bank. I was just soliciting opinions from other bankers about who they use and what they like and dislike about their service.

[EdFNJ]

I tried Citizens about 6 months ago (was considering changing from Wells Fargo which I had for probably 40 years under all it's previous names) but the first attempt I made to buy about $200 in bitcoin with my Citizens DEBIT CARD where I never had an issue in the past with WF or BOA from a highly reputable Exchange was rejected because they didn't like them and wouldn't let me spend my own money where I wanted. Luckily, I hadn't yet moved all my funds over. Maybe they have great customer service, I'll never find out. No big loss because I can use their ATM's and get me fees credited. They were just convenient.

[kmspla1952]

Thank you all for your experiences and opinions. Citizen's seems to be the favorite of most. I will look at what they offer, compare it to my current institution and determine if there are any advantages to going with another bank. The grass is not always greener.

[JudyLife]

I use Chase (Parr Drive) excellent customer services, very user-friendly app on my cell phone, great for international, bill paying, using Zelle. We live mainly in the U.K. so went with a bank that is very familiar internationally.

[banjobob]

Citizens First Bank , many locations convenient to our home ,never a problem with service.convenient ATM’s.

[mrf0151]

Yes, Citizens now for 18 years. Always excellent!

[WingedFoot78]

Citizens. We opened our accounts the day after our offer on our house was accepted.

[mydavid]

I have Citizens good customer service, and Bank of America poor service, but good rewards card.

[mkjelenbaas]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.
Can’t you make this decision - time to commit and live with your decision!

[dewilson58]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service.

Every bank has these services.

Every bank has good reviews.

Every bank has bad reviews.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[M2inOR]

Citizens First, Fidelity for banking and moving money.

Chase for credit cards.

For mortgage, Citizens gave us the best rate and service.

Fidelity for investments and parking cash. Credit card used to pay some bills

Citizens First for ATM, and account is linked to some accounts for autopayment of remaining bills.

Have one credit union account that will eventually be closed.

[rrtjp]

We have been Bank of America customers for around 30 years. No complaints with them. We have used them for past mortgages, car loans and a couple of HELOC’s. Outstanding customer service. We also have an account with Citizens only because of the great mortgage rate we got with them when we purchased our home here. We keep a little money in a checking account with them only because of the many atm’s they have in the “bubble”. No complaints about Citizens bank either, just a loyal Bank of America customer.

[Kgcetm]

Perhaps we didn’t understand your question or the answer. I suggest a trip to each of the banks with the questions you may have. Sign in when you get there and you can add your opinion as to the quality of their customer service. Take a book!

[mike519]

I tried Citizens about 6 months ago (was considering changing from Wells Fargo which I had for probably 40 years under all it's previous names) but the first attempt I made to buy about $200 in bitcoin with my Citizens DEBIT CARD where I never had an issue in the past with WF or BOA from a highly reputable Exchange was rejected because they didn't like them and wouldn't let me spend my own money where I wanted. Luckily, I hadn't yet moved all my funds over. Maybe they have great customer service, I'll never find out. No big loss because I can use their ATM's and get me fees credited. They were just convenient.

I'll take the more protective bank. There are a lot of scammers out there just waiting for victims.

[popbaby2]

Ally Bank. All online. Been with them for years. No need to physically go to a bank. You can use any ATM at no charge, And they pay .5% interest on their savings account.

[Carlsondm]

Some people just like to shop around. 🎶

I have a backup acount with Citizen’s First, but my main account is with MSU FCU up north. Better software, customer service, security, print their own credit cards and checks in house, lower fees for seniors, lower loan rates than the Feds. They do not handle Florida mortgages though. Citizen’s does that.
Both have local atms.

[Sandy and Ed]

I don't believe I said there was anything WRONG with my current bank. I believe I just asked for recommendations.
I believe, I say I believe, that you are right. But I believe that it would indeed be helpful to have some more indication why you need another bank. I do believe that Citizens has all services, does a pretty good job and is quite convenient.

[talonip]

If you qualify and can get USAA bank it’s the best. You don’t need a branch. You can do everything from your iPad or cell phone. You can deposit checks up to 25000 a day on your cell phone. There is no wait time to use that deposit money. They refund all atm fees up to 15 $ a month.

They have great credit and debit cards.

However in todays environment it is best to get a credit union. You become an owner. You own shares in the credit union. Navy Federal is awesome

[GizmoWhiskers]

I tried Citizens about 6 months ago (was considering changing from Wells Fargo which I had for probably 40 years under all it's previous names) but the first attempt I made to buy about $200 in bitcoin with my Citizens DEBIT CARD where I never had an issue in the past with WF or BOA from a highly reputable Exchange was rejected because they didn't like them and wouldn't let me spend my own money where I wanted. Luckily, I hadn't yet moved all my funds over. Maybe they have great customer service, I'll never find out. No big loss because I can use their ATM's and get me fees credited. They were just convenient.

Interesting problem... bitcoin. Still trying to grasp the concept. You would think it could it be mined in TV with all the massive dump trucks and digging they do here!!

You are right. For convenience of location diversify your banking then. First Citizen's is awesome. Had humans working in their offices throughout the TV during our 2020- 2022 "cold seasons" unlike BOA that was humanless in TV and on phones.

[Gray lady of the sea]

Why do you ask such a STUPID question ?

[bakon]

We are looking same way. Citizens First has great mortgage rates. We also have a checking account. However they are not up on Quicken for Billpay. They do offer their own service like most banks and I can download transactions into Quicken for both Mortgage and Checking. Just can’t upload a payment I make myself in Quicken. I’m using PNC for 22 years in Quicken and sticking with them for bills I can’t autopay. Going to try and autopay Teco and Seco next. Already SSU bill autopay. But on the bright side I can transfer from PNC to Citizen First on Citizen First website. Not optimal as I prefer Quicken but not hard either.
Citizens does credit 10 cents each atm type purchase up to $10.00 a month. Not quite 1 percent back type like some credit cards but it’s something.

[dtennent]

When I was overseas and had my wallet stolen, Citizens would not cancel my debit card until I returned home. Since we are travelers, I no longer carry any cards from Citizens. We still have an account there, but most of my business is done through my credit union up north and through a credit card associated with an airline. However, the day to day business (cashing checks, deposits, withdrawals) through Citizens has been fine

[retiredguy123]

If you qualify and can get USAA bank it’s the best. You don’t need a branch. You can do everything from your iPad or cell phone. You can deposit checks up to 25000 a day on your cell phone. There is no wait time to use that deposit money. They refund all atm fees up to 15 $ a month.

They have great credit and debit cards.

However in todays environment it is best to get a credit union. You become an owner. You own shares in the credit union. Navy Federal is awesome
I don't know about all credit unions, but I cancelled my Penfed account because their VISA credit card would not send me instant alerts for transactions. It took several days. With my Truist VISA card, I get an email within seconds of making any transaction. I like having a credit card with the same bank as my checking account. Easy online transfers, and if you have an issue, you can talk to a bank employee in person.

[MrFlorida]

Bank of America works for me, they seem to have branches everywhere.

[Psacc0]

We like Citizens. Lots of availability. Good app. Pleasant staff

[JMintzer]

Why do you ask such a STUPID question ?

Not very Lady like...

[Ken D.]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.
Mid-Florida Credit Union has served me well. I am a finicky retired commercial banker.

[MandoMan]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.

Don’t forget to look into credit unions. I’ve used a state employees credit union in another state for 36 years. That whole time, I’ve happily banked exclusively by mail, ATM, and online. All the things you want, I get. Free checking. 9% interest on my Visa card. Easier car loans and house loans. I can move money between accounts online. I’ve saved so much money over the years. I know there is at least one credit union branch here in the area of The Villages.

[pamsneff@gmail.com]

VyStar on 466A we are changing our accounts over to. We changed our mortgage to them a few years ago for a great rate and working with them was such a pleasure that now we are moving other items. Every person in the bank does all jobs from tellers to loans. Have a unique system to text them and someone answers you in minutes or calls you back in a very short time. No waiting on phone, pushing buttons or waiting to be transferred or on hold. I even texted a couple trust questions for an account on a Sunday and got answers right away. They let you turn in change free. They are building a larger one on 466 up by Culver's area. Free ATMs at Walgreens and CVS plus other locations across the US.



QUOTE=kmspla1952;2089880]Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

[retiredguy123]

Bank of America works for me, they seem to have branches everywhere.
In The Villages area, Citizens First has way more branches than any other bank.

[bakon]

When I was overseas and had my wallet stolen, Citizens would not cancel my debit card until I returned home. Since we are travelers, I no longer carry any cards from Citizens. We still have an account there, but most of my business is done through my credit union up north and through a credit card associated with an airline. However, the day to day business (cashing checks, deposits, withdrawals) through Citizens has been fine
Citizens or Citizens First?

[retiredguy123]

Citizens or Citizens First?
Citizens First should consider changing their name. Many people refer to Citizens Bank, when they mean Citizens First Bank. They are two different banks.

[Nannyof3]

Chase

[Michael G.]

Chase

:thumbup:

[biker59]

Imoved to TV last July. I like my credit union, but they're in MD, all operations remote, lots of online operations allowed, which is why I keep them. I used Capital One for signature guarantees, but upon learning they have no FL offices I'm looking elsewhere, but will keep my online accounts, it is useful. I opened a Citizens First account for when I need in person services, and the accessibility of ATMs; they also allow transfers to/from my other accounts. I am a longtime BOA customer, but since their acquisition of a brokerage arm they haven't been as helpful, I suspect they cater to a different clientele. Also, they are not close to where I now live (used to be a block away in MD), and there's a fee to transfer funds out from my account.
If you haven't noticed the thread in my response, it's the online experience. I stick with those that offer flexible online options at no cost.

[debem1@aol.com]

I don't believe I said there was anything WRONG with my current bank. I believe I just asked for recommendations.
Nice Reply!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I tried Citizens about 6 months ago (was considering changing from Wells Fargo which I had for probably 40 years under all it's previous names) but the first attempt I made to buy about $200 in bitcoin with my Citizens DEBIT CARD where I never had an issue in the past with WF or BOA from a highly reputable Exchange was rejected because they didn't like them and wouldn't let me spend my own money where I wanted. Luckily, I hadn't yet moved all my funds over. Maybe they have great customer service, I'll never find out. No big loss because I can use their ATM's and get me fees credited. They were just convenient.maybe Citizens didn’t want to hear from a lot of relatives about doddering grandad or grandmother using there debit card to buy bitcoin when there riskiest assets up till then we’re in CD s . I think citizens is great bank very friendly, but I also have used a credit union from another state where my pensions started going for 24 years , every bill I have from the villages stuff to my credit cards are pulled out automatically, maybe in a busy years I use 3 checks

[craigrmorrison]

If you can hold off for a few weeks, Campus USA Credit Union will be opening their new branch on 441. I've been a member for 35+ years and found them to be a local advocate for their members and INCREDIBLY pleased.352-335-9090

[MidWestIA]

Chase free senior checking they have a branch everywhere but connect to a online savings

[davem4616]

I have accounts with Citizens, and they're okay. I also have accounts with Campus USA Credit Union and they are okay. I prefer credit unions.

[Roron123]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.
I have used Bank of America for 40 years and love their fraud alert system, pay all my bills on line, they let me know when a bill is being paid, and call me if someone is trying to purchase unauthorized items in foreign states or countries

[New Englander]

I use Citizens First and very satisfied.

[jjombrello]

I agree. We've been with them for 25 years and they are great. Look up their history and see how well they are, and are, rated.

[tophcfa]

Being the curmudgeon that I am I will only use a bank that still has a significant physical presence and lots of ATM machines. I refuse to do my banking using an app on my phone. I have used Bank of America forever because of their extensive network throughout the country, but they are closing physical branches everywhere and bombarding me with their friggin app.

[Catalina36]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.

Chase Bank by 466, excellent

[DrBrutyle109]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.
Don’t use Citizens First Bank
They are the WORST

[larcha]

Citizens does most bank functions well. To me, its main attraction is the prevalence of ATMs nearly everywhere around The Villages. One problem I have had with them is trying to cash in loose coins. They apparently only allow commercial customers to use their coin counting machine. An individual customer has to wrap the coins, pre-counted in standard coin sleeves, before they will take them.

[Davonu]

Don’t use Citizens First Bank
They are the WORST
I’ve been a satisfied customer for ten years.

[dewilson58]

Again............



Every bank has good reviews.

Every bank has bad reviews.

:ohdear::ohdear:

[JMintzer]

Don’t use Citizens First Bank
They are the WORST

An example of WHY they are the worst would help...

[Michael G.]

If you can hold off for a few weeks, Campus USA Credit Union will be opening their new branch on 441. I've been a member for 35+ years and found them to be a local advocate for their members and INCREDIBLY pleased.352-335-9090


I'll be checking Campus USA out in the near future
Right now I belong to Florida Credit Union, but have to drive to Ocala.
Campus USA would be a lot closer.

[DrBrutyle109]

Thank you all for your experiences and opinions. Citizen's seems to be the favorite of most. I will look at what they offer, compare it to my current institution and determine if there are any advantages to going with another bank. The grass is not always greener.
They are the worst. They have a captive audience being they are a “villages” entity. They operate in a very unorganized manner. Nice doesn’t mean efficient.

[Luggage]

Truist because I had BBT . Also have PenFed due to them having great service over the phone and much lower credit card interest rates and my Capital One accounts savings credit card and checking. I also use PayPal . The great thing about America is as the land of opportunity you can choose one or more to have several accounts

[dtennent]

Citizens or Citizens First?
I should have said Citizens First but was being lazy as I was typing on my IPad.

[WindyCityzen]

Chase. For many years. Their electronic banking services far exceeds Citizens. No fees for ATMs if you have the right card. Branch at 44/Morse close by if needed (almost never).

[Villages Kahuna]

Lots… your bank from up north probably has branches in The Villages. Mine did and with online banking I never had to visit, other than the ATM.

If you want friendly, personal “hometown” service, you can’t beat Citizens First, with branches all over the area.

[mepoole]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.

Bank of America for sure - personal banking, online banking, online bill pay, checking, savings, CDs, investing, information, cell phone app, etc, etc.

[bakon]

I should have said Citizens First but was being lazy as I was typing on my IPad.
Thanks. Most do same thing referring to CF

[Madisond]

We just moved here and opened an account with Citizens First.We were looking for a bank with a small town feel. Super customer service! Very friendly.

[Deden]

BOA, no problems or with customer service, had this bank 12 years down here. and they are in almost every state for if we need to go to the bank when we travel and visit upstate N.Y. the rewards are the best and have credit card.

[justjim]

I bank with Truist (formally BB&T). I like that they have a VISA credit card where I can transfer money from my checking account directly to pay my credit card bill. I've been with them for over 20 years and have no issues. But the main thing is that there is a branch office nearby.

Another vote for Truist. :bigbow:

[Stu from NYC]

They are the worst. They have a captive audience being they are a “villages” entity. They operate in a very unorganized manner. Nice doesn’t mean efficient.

We do not bank with them but lots of villagers seem to like them.

[rogerk]

I've been with Citizens for almost 20 years. Great customer service and very convenient. Switched from a much larger mega bank after the quality of their local customer service declined. I haven't looked back since then.

[Dilligas]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.
Stay with Citizens for the ease of ATMs, and services. I have my bill pay through Bank of America because it has been done there for about 15-18 years and is easier and more thorough. I had and still have all my direct deposits at BOA. I have Citizens for local ATM needs (I don't go in banks more than about once a year..only for services). I have BOA ATM for travel purposes (more world wide). Both offer credit cards and debit cards via ATM, but I lock cards for ATM only. I have better CC accounts at other providers. I have ACH transfer between Citizens and Bank Of America, so money is easily shiftable for my needs.

[JerryLBell]

Citizens first bank and good customer service atm's all over the villages
I have to agree with Splashes. I didn't really want to give the Morse family-owned bank my business, but the convenience of ATMs all over The Villages (including most all of the mail stops) convinced me. My experiences with them in the last 5+ years is that they have the friendliest, most helpful staff of any bank I've ever done business with. The only drawback is that they really are ONLY in The Villages (some locations in Leesberg). If you want to do banking business while out of state or out of the country, you're kind of stuck. For travel, I also keep a separate but small account with Charles Schwab.

[Bogie Shooter]

Looking for recommendations for banking. ATM/Debit, Bill Pay, savings, checking and good customer service. We currently have an account at a branch here in the Villages but would like to hear both the positive and the negative of the bank experience you're having. Thanks.

So, which bank are you switching to?

[Boilerman]

I'll be checking Campus USA out in the near future
Right now I belong to Florida Credit Union, but have to drive to Ocala.
Campus USA would be a lot closer.

Campus USA already has two locations here. One near Brownwood, the other on 441 by the Walmart.

We’ve banked with credit unions for 40 years. Better service and lower fees. I don’t understand why anyone ever goes into a physical location anymore. I haven’t set foot in our credit union in 10 years.