Seeking New Bank

Look for a local credit union. Our area has a few and they share no fee. The one Ive been using for 18 yrs allows anyone e to join

a $25.00 dollar fee for what? I have a BofA Checking account for around $5.00/month, but without actual checks, $7 if I want checks. But, the account would be free if I had a direct deposit, with no account limits or minimums.

I use the Credit Union at my job and I love it. I can use all kinds of ATMs for free, and now with mobile banking, it's totally easy! Check out the details with your credit union.

Credit unions are the way to go. Why do you need branches? I bet you/he'd need to visit them less often than you might think.

I use Ally online. No fees, can use any ATM. Love it.

R5 if you have cash, how do you make deposits?

R1, R3, R4, Please re-read original post.

R6, I don’t make cash deposits, as I’m not a stripper.

R7 - as was asked - WHY do you need branches?

Almost every bank charges fees unless minimums are met.

However, some banks will waive fees, like R2 outlines.

I had a free account at Chase and at PNC when I first opened each, but I think both required direct deposit.

Why are people so confused about why branches are needed? Getting cash, depositing some checks (not everything works through the app).

R10, I haven’t been inside a bank branch in at least 10 years.

R10 my credit union reimburses any fees charged by non-credit union ATMs, so no big deal to go elsewhere.

I deposit ALL checks via my phone app - you take a picture of the front and back, and upload it that way - no physical presence needed. I've never had to step foot in my bank the last few years, and I actually get checks often for consulting work I do.

I'm confused why people think they need a physical branch, R10

No offense OP, but your friend is an idiot. BOA charges $25 for their Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking, but they have cheaper options available. $0 for a monthly direct deposit of $250 or more.

[quote] I'm confused why people think they need a physical branch

Let me repeat myself: Getting cash, depositing some checks (not everything works through the app).

There's also other services that people occasionally need - cashier's checks, new cards, etc. Not EVERYTHING can or should be done on a smartphone.

Surprised that the 'I'd sooner die than ring up my own groceries" crew hasn't weighed in here.

R7 not all ATMs accept cash deposits.

Back in the day there was a distinction between "commercial" banks and "savings" banks. I don't believe that is still around - but BOA is a commercial bank and not as customer friendly as Peoples Bank or AKA Peoples United Bank. Peoples is in NYC but I don't think it is in NJ. I would look for a bank similar to Peoples. Stay away from Chase another commercial bank

Bank tellers will soon be extinct, like elevator operators.

R13, He didn't explain the type of account he has, though he was one of their "Private Clients." Will forward your link to him. Thanks.

R14 you're not very bright. You're choosing not to be open minded about replies that are intended to be helpful. Or perhaps just being stubborn because you don't like replies that differ from your own - very odd.

I have found that trying to deposit anything except a personal check often doesn't work R14. Paychecks and such are just often larger and the app doesn't "read" them well, so I agree, branches are still very necessary.

They should open an account with a credit union which is part of a shared branching network. They can access their account from any branch of another member union anywhere.

My credit union wouldn't let me deposit a $5,000 check by phone.

Find a bank that does not rip off customers...

You are adorable.

R22, well there ya go - with the frequency of receiving $5000.00 checks regularly, you simply must live near a physical branch!

Sometimes I think it’s an exaggeration that the average age of DL posters is around retirement age. Then I see threads like this one and I get it.

Amalgamated Bank

[quote]Not EVERYTHING can or should be done on a smartphone.

Oh, this is about being an old. OK.