On 18 May 2005 09:10:15 GMT, Shhh <1321564[at]3215348.com> wrote:
- quote -

I just refinanced my WaMu mortgage with a fixed rate HELOC at a local WaMu
bank. They included interest bearing checking account (double the
interest of BankOne) for escrow and paying tax/insurance myself. They are
opening many new branches. One online login can access my checking acct,
HELOC, and closed mortgage (tax deduction info for 2005).

- quote -

during a merger. Wouldn't know if they have a branch anywhere near me.

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My primary checking account and IRA CD have been in same building for
almost 30 years through numerous name changes (mergers). Seemed like only
bank in town (Elgin, IL) for awhile. No complaints other than high credit
card interest to make up for teaser rates. I am using a 2.99% transfer
for unlimited time to consolidate balances, vs. 19.74% normal rate on that
card (why when my FICO is excellent?). My other Chase card is 11.74%
(paid off monthly), and Circuit City Chase card is 0% for recent purchases
(if paid in time, otherwise retroactive 22.5%). One login can access
checking, IRA, and Chase credit cards (except Circuit City card for now).
When these are paid off, I will shift primary checking to WaMu (better
interest).

Here's something pretty interesting regarding Credit Unions:

I was on Quicken's website the other day and they had an ad for a very low
auto loan rate with the Pentagon Federal Credit Union (like 4.2% for 60
months.) I was in the market for a car, so I thought I'd take a look just
for jollies, although I've never worked for the military or been in the
military, and didn't see how I'd qualify for membership.

https://www.penfed.org/index.asp

Well, there's a link on the website that says "Want to Join?", and if you
click that, it lists a bunch of people who are eligible, which is a pretty
broad set of folks from basically anyone associated with the Dept. of
Defense to VFW. None of that was me.

However, there's also a link on that page which say "Find out how you're
eliglible." Well, if you click that, it starts taking you through screen
after screen of eligibility criteria. I must have been bored, because I kept
clicking screen after screen, even though none applied to me and I didn't
expect any would, and besides, I already belong to two or three credit
unions.

Well, on the 8th screen, an charitable organization called the National
Military Family Association is referenced. Anyone can join for $30 a year.
Once you join NMFA, you're eligible to join the Credit Union.

To make a long story short, all their rates are very agressive. They'll do a
72 month new car loan at 4.9, a 30 year fixed at 5.5, and really truly free
checking with free checks.

If so interested, check it out.

Mike


"Elizabeth Richardson" <erichktn[at]worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:SxVie.788612$w62.251985[at]bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
- quote -

- quote -

As others have posted, sometimes the affiliation is living/working within a
certain geographic location. But you are also right in that the affiliation
could be working for a particular employer. Credit Unions come in many
flavors, from tiny to larger than many regional banks. Look around, you may
find one that's just right for you.

Elizabeth Richardson

beliavsky[at]aol.com wrote:

- quote -

I think that is still the case, but the affiliation can be pretty loose.
Many credit unions in my area only require that members live in a
certain town or county.

-Will

beliavsky[at]aol.com wrote:
- quote -

It's pretty loose - e.g. here in SF you can join the SFCU if you live,
work, go to school, or worship in SF, and once you're in you're in for life.

-Tad

Elizabeth Richardson wrote:

<snip
- quote -


Is it the case that the depositors of a credit union must be affiliated
in some way, for example having a common employer? I think I have read
something like this. If it is the case, the credit union option may not
be open to the original poster.

"Shhh" <1321564[at]3215348.com> wrote in message
news:Jv-dnTNMkJ0z_BbfRVn-uQ[at]adelphia.com...

- quote -

If what you're looking for is customer service, look for a credit union. Few
will have the worldwide service mentioned in another thread. Credit unions
are owned by the depositors, and they usually have very good customer
service, low or no fees, and a broad range of financial services products.

Elizabeth Richardson

Thanks for the reply John,

Clearly using my old bank would be the best option, unfortunately PNC bank
is not out there. and in terms of finding one in my city, they are all
within one block, so that doesn't help.

As for back ground...I'm 25 yrs old, my wife is 23. We just graduated from
college, and both have jobs lined up in chicago. I'm looking for reliable
bank with good checking accounts and savings account service. Customer
service is a must. That's probably where the crux of my question lies. I am
aware all three of these banks are large, etc. but which has the best
customer service, etc.?

Thanks again,
Shhh


"John A. Weeks III" <john[at]johnweeks.com> wrote in message
news:john-9BDC9B.06250318052005[at]ip-lcc.supernews.net...
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======================================= MODERATOR'S COMMENT:
Please trim the post to which you are responding. "Trim" means that except for a few lines to add context, the previous post is deleted.

In article <mIudnS0n6IfvHBffRVn-rQ[at]adelphia.com> ,
"Shhh" <1321564[at]3215348.com> wrote:

- quote -

I am at a loss to know how to answer that. All three are big
banks and offer all the banking services that one could want.
You tell us nothing about yourself or your situation that would
make a difference of which bank you use. Perhaps the best bet
would be to see if your current bank has locations in Chicago.
If so, that would be one less thing to deal with in an otherwise
busy move time. If not, perhaps one of these banks has a location
in your current city. If so, maybe you can get the banking change
out of the way today, and not have to worry about it next week.

-john-

--
================================================== ====================
John A. Weeks III 952-432-2708 john[at]johnweeks.com
Newave Communications http://www.johnweeks.com
================================================== ====================

Hello all,

My wife and I are going to be moving to chicago next week, after doing a few
drive bys of where we will be staying I can tell there are 3 banks for me to
choose from, out of these choises which would be the best choice?
Washington Mutual
Bank of America
Bank One

Thanks so much,
Shhh