What is a good bank to go with in the US

[Eskara1862]

If you were moving to Ohio, I know what bank I wold recommend!  Hopefully, some people in San Diego can provide good references.

Fifth Third?

Nope!  Park National Bank.  I worked for them for three years and still love them.  The people there will move mountains to help their customers.

[kaoskat]

I have no clue. I hate our bank. Someone in the area would probably be the best to help you with the quality of banks in the area.

[ashes]

Chase has actually been good for us, but we don't pay any fees for any of our accounts because they've been grandfathered in from WaMu (and a few from before that).  I also belong to a credit union, but don't regularly use those accounts.

What I've really enjoyed about Chase is their iPhone app - I can deposit checks without having to go to an ATM or branch office.

Just research what fees the banks charge you for.  Some are avoided by having a certain minimum in the account and things like that.

[xeevee]

I shall definately look at fees and policies before joining.  I will also attempt to find a local credit union, but it may be hard to do from Australia.  Does anyone know if there is a teachers credit union that is nationwide there?  I of course will look separately but any help/advice from you all will be appreciated

[MyHatBarks]

I live in San Diego, and I use US Bank. I've never had any real problems with them and they have a branch in the supermarket down the street from me. I know a lot of people I know use San Diego County Credit Union though. A friend of mine worked for Comerica Bank and told me to stay away from them. Otherwise you can always do what another said and go with a bank now and switch to somewhere different after you've relocated.

[Kiwi]

Good luck with your search and move

[apanda0622]

Don't go to BB&T.  Maybe you should try a credit union?

[Elisto]

Well, BB&T is only in the Southeast, but I'm surprised...I like them...

[Ginger]

Wow.. I didn't realize credit unions were so well thought of compared to banks! One credit union is all I have experience with. I guess I have been spoiled! I have been a part of one for years because that's what my parents have. I rarely contact/work with them because hardly anything ever comes up. Although, one time a couple years ago I called them because my wallet got stolen and they were SO NICE to me and protected my account in a snap.

[aellos]

I've never had issues with Huntington, but I don't know how national they are.

I agree though, credit unions are the way to go. Sadly, I don't quite like small banks. They've always held crazier charges for things.

[mlpcrazy]

Of the large national chains, I've found Wells Fargo and Chase to be evil, and Bank of America pleasant enough.  They can have a lot of fees, depending on what type of account you have, but I can only sing praises for their Claims/Fraud/Identity theft department.  Each time I've had a fishy charge come up on my account, they've take care of it quickly. 

However, I much prefer dealing with Navy Federal Credit Union, the other place hubs and I use for our money.  I know they have several branches in the San Diego area, but it used to be they only took military/DoD people.  If they've changed that, and will allow anyone to open accounts with them, DO IT!  They are AWESOME!  I seriously can't talk them up enough, really. 

If NFCU isn't an option, then I'd suggest checking out the other credit unions in the area.  I'm sure you'll find a nice one.  Good luck!

[Oneleo1]

I did not see Compass bank menitoned (BVVA Compass). We have them (in Colorado) and they are ok. Some of the fees are ridiculous though....

They do have branches in Europe and maybe other countries, which might make your move easier

[EienMau]

Of the large national chains, I've found Wells Fargo and Chase to be evil, and Bank of America pleasant enough.  They can have a lot of fees, depending on what type of account you have, but I can only sing praises for their Claims/Fraud/Identity theft department.  Each time I've had a fishy charge come up on my account, they've take care of it quickly. 

However, I much prefer dealing with Navy Federal Credit Union, the other place hubs and I use for our money.  I know they have several branches in the San Diego area, but it used to be they only took military/DoD people.  If they've changed that, and will allow anyone to open accounts with them, DO IT!  They are AWESOME!  I seriously can't talk them up enough, really. 

If NFCU isn't an option, then I'd suggest checking out the other credit unions in the area.  I'm sure you'll find a nice one.  Good luck!

I doubt NFCU would have opened up membership to non-military members.  We had to get a sponsorship from my ex-husband's brother (brother was former military, had NFCU account, and my ex was in the Navy at the time!) just to open an account with them.

[mlpcrazy]

Yeah Eien, I didn't know if they were still strict on that or not.  I was actually pretty surprised when they started opening branches off base after 9/11, and thought maybe they had loosened up their requirements a bit with that change, but maybe not.