Hometown USAA
Written: Nov 30 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent customer service
Cons: Must mail deposits.
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| Mom2TyZick's Full Review: USAA |
If you are looking for a bank who treats you like your business matters, you need look no further than USAA. Even my hometown bank (the very one that employed me) could not touch the service that I received from my "long distance" bank.
What is the one thing that you look for in a bank? My employers did numerous market surveys and their answer was "convenience in location." I will admit that it is important. Any checking account, or savings account for that matter, does not really earn enough interest for me to concern myself with rates. Like most, my money is in and out of my accounts with frightening speed. I will agree that having a bank down the street is great, but what's important to me is to have its employees treat me well. After all, it is my money we are talking about here.
USAA beats every other bank hands down on this count. I've never been treated with anything other than the utmost respect when I call. These people go above and beyond the call of duty when you have a concern. While others spout off rules and policies, USAA finds solutions. Let me give an example; lightening hit my computer a few months ago, and I was unable to alter my online bill paying. USAA did all they could to help me get it stopped and then set me up with a better service that I wasn't even aware existed, for a lower cost per month.
Here are some of the features that I use and enjoy with USAA:
* Web Banking:Their website is simple to navigate and very secure. You must log in with your USAA member number and a password to access your complete account list. From there you can view statements, transfer money between accounts, reorder checks and check your balances. I don't even use my statements that come in the mail anymore to balance my checkbook; I do it daily online.
*$50 bonus: When USAA was trying to get my business, they gave me $50 to start up a savings and checking account. That's better than a toaster any day.
*Web Billpay: With this service, you may pay all of your bills online for a mere $4.95 per month. You save checks and postage, plus the time it takes to write out the checks. Now that I have everything set up, I simply go down the list and with a mouse click, my bills are paid. I've never had a shred of trouble with this service.
*Postage paid envelopes for deposits: Since this is a "long distance" bank, you must have a way to deposit checks. This is the only inconvenience I've ever experienced with this bank. Our paychecks are all on direct deposit, but when we get little checks, such as birthday or refund checks, then you must send them through the mail. However, USAA even makes that painless with the postage paid envelopes they provide.
*Overdraft protection: I love the way this works! If you have a check come through and you don't have the money in your checking account to cover it, they will take the money directly out of your savings account to cover the check. So wonderful! Other banks have a "loan" type set up. When you access your overdraft they "loan" you the money to cover the check, and then interest accrues on a daily basis until you pay it off.
*ATM charge rebates: Since USAA doesn't have a local office, and subsequently, no local ATM machines, they will reimburse your ATM fees on any ATM you use. I'm about the only person in my group who doesn't search for a specific machine to use to avoid surcharges! It's wonderful and convenient.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about USAA. I have complete faith in them to do what's right for me and my money. If you are the type of person who can run your financial affairs without the aid of a live teller/customer service representative, then this bank would be an excellent choice for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Mom2TyZick
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 in Personal Finance |
 - Top 500 |
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Member: Suzanne
Location: North Carolina
Reviews written: 202
Trusted by: 238 members
About Me:
Real Estate Rock Star
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