Anonymous wrote:OP here, We want to move because they have started charging for a basic checking account. They want us to upsell to some kind of rewards account, but all we want is basic checking. This account is only for day-to-day expenses and bill paying. Emergency fund is elsewhere.
We are considering USAA, or possibly PNC. If we got USAA, I don't know what we'd do about a safe deposit box, CapOne only lets you rent a box if you have an account there.

I switched from Bank Of America in September of 2011 to PNC. I went to PNC, opened the accounts, gave them my BOA account information, they did all the transfers and set up all my automatic bill pay that was done from BOA to a vendor. All I had to do was update saved card information on sites. Super easy and only took about 15 minutes for my part.

I have Ally accounts and am very happy.

My husband and I are with Wells Fargo. We have our business and personal accounts there. I have had more problems than I can count. It shouldn't be this hard. I'm considering moving to a community bank. One of my friends uses Bank of Georgetown which is supposed to be very client-friendly. They just opened a branch in McLean I saw. Does anyone have any input on them?

Any happy Ally customers out there? Thinking of switching to them but not having a great experience with their customer service. They can't give me a straight answer about limits on transfers to non-Ally accounts.

Yes, FLEE from Wells Fargo. I'm the PP and I have been with them since First Union. Wachovia was tolerable but Wells just needs to give it up. They've made it very clear they aren't interested in consumer business, so they can lose mine.

Anonymous wrote:Another Capital One customer looking to switch and concerned about the same issues as OP. It seems like such a hassle.

I was just in Wells Fargo to cash a check because it was more convenient to my location. They were so helpful, quick, and appear to offer some benefits that Capital One doesn't. Mobile deposit is big on my list and I can't believe Capital One doesn't offer this.

I have a basic checking account and they have tried to upgrade me to an awards account too. I wasnt aware of a fee on the regular checking account.

Beware Wells Fargo. The simple checking account we moved (they took over) from Wachovia is no more and they insist on choosing from a series of packages, all of which include more than we want or need and come with (IMO) absurd fees for the privilege of paying for things I don't want. This is an account I inherited from my mother and as soon as her estate is settled I will be closing the Wells Fargo accounts.

Nearly every time I'm in the branch trying to straighten out some problem I hear people making the same complaint: "But I just want a simple checking account."

The bankers there are nice enough but the Wells Fargo strategy will cost them our business and we keep some substantial balances but still find them hard to work with (corporate policies, not the individual bankers).

It is not hard at all. It just takes a transitional period. Open new account in desired bank. Put money there. Switch your direct deposits. Switch automatic payments etc. once everything is running in and out of the new account without problems, close old account. Ask the new bank for help, if you have any issues.

I'm dying to switch to USAA from Wells Fartgo, but it seems so daunting based on all our auto deductions. Mortgage, daycare, etc. sounds like it's time to call them and ask if they can help us...