changing banks, need opinions...........

[LuckySevens]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

[tophcfa]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

I like using Bank of America, they offer full service, offer competitive rates, and have ATM’s available just about everywhere.

[Gpsma]

What bank are u currently using?

I still have my bankup north..no branches here.

Also have an account at Citizens First..they are fine

Worried about interst on a checking account? Lol..what are they going to pay you?

[dewilson58]

Every bank down here will have satisfied customers.

Every bank down here will have dissatisfied customers.

What are you looking for in your comparison chart request??

[Michael G.]

Before we moved to Florida from Wisconsin, we join Chase bank
because they have branches in both states.

[Michael G.]

Worried about interest on a checking account? Lol..what are they going to pay you?

I always wondered about interest on checking accounts, why do they bother?
I must be some law, and the couple cents each month always is just
few to through my balance off.

[Altavia]

Chase Bank is offering up to a $600 bonus for opening a checking and savings account.

Chase Bank Promotions: March 2023 (https://www.investopedia.com/chase-bank-promotions-7099363#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20aiming%20for,the% 20Chase%20Total%20Checking%20account).

Chase $600 Bonus for Checking + Savings (2023) - The Money Ninja (https://themoneyninja.com/chase-600-checking-and-savings-bonus/)

[Stu from NYC]

When we moved here 3 yers ago looked around and saw we got a better deal from our Va bank and just opened an account with a credit union to have access to a safe deposit box

[npwalters]

You probably won't find a local bank that pays a competitive interest rate on either savings or checking.

I use a local bank for checking, ATM, credit cards. I use online banks for decent interest rates on anything else.

[villagetinker]

We have been very happy with citizens for almost 10 years, lots of ATMs, our mortgage was at a very good rate (no idea about current conditions), easy online access, and they work well with paypal.

[Boomer]

Chase Bank is offering up to a $600 bonus for opening a checking and savings account.

Chase Bank Promotions: March 2023 (https://www.investopedia.com/chase-bank-promotions-7099363#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20aiming%20for,the% 20Chase%20Total%20Checking%20account).

Chase $600 Bonus for Checking + Savings (2023) - The Money Ninja (https://themoneyninja.com/chase-600-checking-and-savings-bonus/)


When we bought in TV several years ago, the Chase bonus was $200 for opening a checking account.

The amount was taxable. We received a 1099 from Chase.

If someone has reached Medicare age and income is nearing the threshold for IRMAA, the amount of the bonus could cause the threshold for a higher premium to be crossed. The higher premium would show up 2 years later.

Boomer

[coralway]

Citibank for checking
American Express for high yield savings
Fidelity for Brokerage

[bandsdavis]

We have had BB&T now Truist since 2003 both in VA and here, including mortgages in each place. We also run a 501c3 here in TV, and have a small business account with them. We are extremely satisfied. Customer Service is of paramount importance to us, and they deliver every time.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We use two banks, BOA for the full service with a credit card with zero FX transaction fees, buying foreign currencies, etc.
and Citizens First for a secondary account, both local.

Note: The BOA wanted me to close the FX less credit card and replace it with a 4% cash back credit card. .
I declined as they think i don't know what the typical FX transaction spread is, 9% as validated with my other BOA credit cards.
So they wanted me to get a 9% fx travel card to get 4% back - grifters. . . if it looks like free money, its probably not.

I don't see the need for an out of state bank, we just use credit cards when traveling, where ever we are. .
and with two different banks and an independent bank credit card as well, we are covered for traveling and just get cash prior to traveling. .

july former finance guy

[VApeople]

I like using Bank of America, they offer full service, offer competitive rates, and have ATM’s available just about everywhere.

Yeah, we do the same thing. BOA has been fine with us and we are hoping they will build an office in Lake Deaton Shopping Center.

[427dave]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

Have used Citizens for all services since we moved here in 2001. No complaints

[Pairadocs]

I always wondered about interest on checking accounts, why do they bother?
I must be some law, and the couple cents each month always is just
few to through my balance off.

Not yet retired account friend commented at dinner a week ago, about the NEGATIVE cost of money in a bank account. Turns out he was correct, turns out that you can't just look at the .005 % interest, you have to faction in inflation, and you actually go BACKWARD in a bank checking account, so good move to keep ONLY what you must at the time into that account because you are paying for that checking account. If you have a high balance, you pay a high price for those "free" senior accounts ! LOL ! Kind of like "free" roofs, and "free" windshield replacement.. LOL !

[Garywt]

We have TD Bank up north and now they have branches in the area.

[GizmoWhiskers]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.
If you are looking for convenience Citizen's First seems to be the bank of choice for T V. Many recreation centers have citizen First drive up ATM machines now. Further north from SR 44 they are walk up ATM's at mail centers and pools. $100 gets your account opened up and no fees as long as you use their services every couple of months ie deposit or withdrawal. I let my acct sit 6 mos. They sent me a letter on it so I deposited $10 and got no fee.

Bank of America has few branches if person to person is something you need often. During covid, BOA was a ghost town but C F was open. Citizens branches are everywhere here. Personally I prefer a bank that doesn't tell me what I should think based on their corporate social scoring. Citizen's has been great.

[toeser]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

Not what you asked, but I moved here eight years ago and my northern bank has no branches in Florida. I just kept my accounts with them and never started an account in Florida. They have a free-to-use ATM in The Villages. Since virtually everything I do is online, it really has not been an inconvenience not having a bank here.

[villageuser]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

I have yet not moved over to Campus USA, but I just recently heard about them, and they’re great! They offer really good interest rates, both on one’s savings accounts, and if getting a loan. They’re also very nice and helpful. I wish I had heard about them sooner, and highly recommend you check them out (and, no, I do not work for them.)

[JRcorvette]

Citizens Bank is very convenient and has always treated us well. We also have an account at Mid-Florida CU. It is a good idea having more then one bank.

Banks to Avoid I would place Bank of America on the top of the list followed by Wells Fargo.

[Judy n Ron]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

Google. It's best to do your own research.

[Joeint]

I do all my banking online with Schwab, fee-free ATM usage, and check cashing by taking a picture. Great customer service 24/7. I haven't been to a bank in 20 years.

[talonip]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.
Try using Navy federal or USAA

[dtennent]

When we were in Peru, I lost my wallet with a debit card from Citizens. When I tried to contact them by phone or by email, they were unresponsive. I had to wait until I returned home to cancel the card. I no longer carry their debit card.
BTW, the credit union up north cancelled by debit and credit cards within 2 hours of being notified. They waited until I returned and then sent new cards to me.

While we have a citizens account, we mostly use our northern credit account via their secure website. I have 2 level ID for any transactions.

[mrf0151]

Citizens Bank now for 20 years. One reason is great customer service. There are 10 Citizens banks in The Villages. They have their ATMs at ALL the postal stations in TV. You can get cash anytime day or night.
As far as where to keep your put and take cash? You are much better off with a high yield savings account like Synchrony (on line), which presently is paying 4% interest and is not a CD.

[Buckeye Bill]

We have Chase and have been satisfied

[asianthree]

BOA because it’s all states we own homes or travel. All of our children and grans have BOA, so moving money is easy. Plus we have ML for investment

Citizens, checking keep small amount, use for local guys who bank there.

Chase is our business account.

All are in TV, very happy with all three

[JIMQ3100]

I am using Wells Fargo since 2010. My Account is with WI Wells but we have branches in FL as well. I have a brokerage account with them as well so I got bumped to their better account due to minimum balance.

[skippy05]

Citizens has the best looking buildings and landscaping. You'll enjoy that more than the miniscule interest you might earn on a checking account.

[PugMom]

go Citizen's for small villages purchases, other large ones for savings. i've had bad luck with BOA. Chase is ok if you have an entire day to devote to any offline banking needs.

[wmcgowan]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.
I just opened a CD with CIT at 5% which is pretty good these days
cit.com

[jimkerr]

Never use a bank. Go to a credit Union instead. They are better at everything and none of the ridiculous fees banks charge you.

Suncoast Credit Union is a good one.

[jimkerr]

Citizens has the best looking buildings and landscaping. You'll enjoy that more than the miniscule interest you might earn on a checking account.

Good looking buildings and landscaping. Two critical things to consider when choosing where to bank. 😃😃😄

[Deden]

BOA also offer a reward program which makes up for the low interest %, that all the other Banks offer. Call each bank and ask question of what they offer. Good luck.

[New Englander]

For my local bank I've been using Citizens First. They are excellent.

[Pugchief]

I do all my banking online with Schwab, fee-free ATM usage, and check cashing by taking a picture. Great customer service 24/7. I haven't been to a bank in 20 years.

I had Schwab for years until they reduced the interest on their "high yield checking" to near nothing. Otherwise they have great customer service and you can do almost anything online, but they have branches if you need in-person services. I switched to Fidelity a few years back and they are awesome. With a cash management account, you basically have a bank that pays market interest on your cash balance (near 4.5% right now) and can write checks, use a debit card at the ATM and there is a branch office in Sumter Landing if you need in-person services. I highly recommend Fidelity.

[Villages Kahuna]

Citizens First Bank

They have branches all over the place and all the mail stations in The Villages have Citizens First ATMs.

If you’re seeking the lowest rates to borrow or the highest rates to invest, you can always “shop around”.
Citizens First typically is 1/4 point higher or lower than other banks.

But all the branches serve the best popcorn in The Villages!

[LuvNH]

We kept our northern credit union. We have several pensions that get paid into the credit union and did not want to mess with them. We opened an account with Citizens for convenience. Works for us.

[kkingston57]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

Do not have a chart. Traditional banks do pay a lot less in interest. Credit unions give better interest rates. Was in AAA office on 4/25 and they did have enticing rates.

[Gpsma]

If you really want higher returns..may I suggest putting your savingswith Michael J Whittaker & Associates.

[bikevermont]

Never use a bank. Go to a credit Union instead. They are better at everything and none of the ridiculous fees banks charge you.

Suncoast Credit Union is a good one.

Totally agree. We moved all our northern funds to Mid Fla Credit Union. Much better rates on savings and CD's...free checking, friendly associates, great online banking and many new offers....18 month 5% CD. Two branches here in TV. They also have a system called Shared Branching which makes it very easy to transfer funds from a present bank to theirs. Check it out.

[JMintzer]

Citizens Bank now for 20 years. One reason is great customer service. There are 10 Citizens banks in The Villages. They have their ATMs at ALL the postal stations in TV. You can get cash anytime day or night.
As far as where to keep your put and take cash? You are much better off with a high yield savings account like Synchrony (on line), which presently is paying 4% interest and is not a CD.

ALL the postal stations?

Not at mine...

[JMintzer]

Citizens First Bank

They have branches all over the place and all the mail stations in The Villages have Citizens First ATMs.

Not true. Not ALL of them...

[DiviAruba]

I have SunCoast also. BOA's fees are ridiculous, and you need to have a couple thousand in the bank for no fees, but you go under the minimum and it's $20.

[HospitalCoder]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.

Chase for local/national checking and Ally online for savings. Also with Ally, get a checking account with debit card. You can transfer money from savings to checking account instantly and use debit card in any ATM with reimbursement of ATM fees.

[villageuser]

When we were in Peru, I lost my wallet with a debit card from Citizens. When I tried to contact them by phone or by email, they were unresponsive. I had to wait until I returned home to cancel the card. I no longer carry their debit card.
BTW, the credit union up north cancelled by debit and credit cards within 2 hours of being notified. They waited until I returned and then sent new cards to me.

While we have a citizens account, we mostly use our northern credit account via their secure website. I have 2 level ID for any transactions.

I agree. Citizens Bank is good if you show up in person, otherwise, I try to limit any dealings with them. Their website is antiquated - not user friendly at all, and limited in the information it provides. And their interest rate, as well as Bank of America, is despicable. In these months of increasing interest rates, the amount of interest being paid into my mother’s accounts at both of these banks, actually went DOWN one month, in spite of the fact that nothing was pulled out, and one of the accounts (Citizens) actually has her SS check going into it,

[dewilson58]

Every bank down here will have satisfied customers.

Every bank down here will have dissatisfied customers.

What are you looking for in your comparison chart request??

Worth repeating.
:thumbup:

[rsmurano]

If you are using a bank savings account, you are losing money every day. I’m in a money market fund that pays almost 5% right now.
I’ve been using bill pay with BOA for over 20 years with no charges. You can use an app like Quicken to interface with BOA bill pay or just use BOA online interfaces.

[retiredguy123]

I have a Truist free checking account that comes with a debit card that I only use for ATM cash. The account pays no interest. I have a Truist Signature credit card that I use for almost every purchase I make. It pays 1.5 percent cash back rewards on all purchases. When my credit card bill is due, I can log on to Truist and make a direct transfer from my checking account in less than a minute. For interest bearing accounts, I use Vanguard Investments. Banks cannot compete with Vanguard for earning interest.

[New Englander]

Worth repeating.
:thumbup:

You really are helpful.

[mrf0151]

ALL the postal stations?

Not at mine...

Humm, sorry, you must live way south like around Hiway 44 where they bailed on some amenities.

[retiredguy123]

Chase for local/national checking and Ally online for savings. Also with Ally, get a checking account with debit card. You can transfer money from savings to checking account instantly and use debit card in any ATM with reimbursement of ATM fees.
Why bother with Ally? Both Fidelity and Vanguard have higher interest rates on their money market accounts, and you can link them to your Chase account for easy online transfers of cash. Or you can write a check directly from the money market account.

[jjombrello]

You cannot go wrong with Citizens First Bank. We have banked there for 27 years and they have only gotten stronger and better.

[JMintzer]

Humm, sorry, you must live way south like around Hiway 44 where they bailed on some amenities.

Nope, north of 44... But thanks for playing...

[deriksson]

I rented out my home through The Villages program for a few years while I waited to retire and move here. During that time I used my New England bank to take receipts from and pay bills to Florida debtors with no problem until I transferred to Citizens Bank here. I've been happy with Citizens but others are readily available with what you want. This perhaps does not specifically answer your question but my point is there's no hurry to change banks.

[Eg_cruz]

I am planning to change banks from out of state to The Villages. Does anyone know if there is a comparison chart for the different banks here to see who is best to go with? I need checking with interest, a saving acct, auto bill pay and a debit card. Thanks in advance for any information.
I have been with Florida Credit Union for 23 years…love them
They just opened a branch in The Villages

[gail swanson]

I like using Bank of America, they offer full service, offer competitive rates, and have ATM’s available just about everywhere.

I agree on Bank of America, easy to use here and when traveling anywhere. Love their automatic bill pay!