Bank or Credit Union?

Good question.

Well I had my checking account with a regular bank for over 10 years, was never overdrawn (till the pdl mess) and when I had gone to ask for a debit cardfor my checking account, they turned me down. Then we wanted to get a car laon, again, they turned us down. And this was WAY before our payday loan mess. They wanted us to have a couple thousand in a savings account with them before they would even think of giving us a loan. WTH. I was mad. But yet we stayed with them (I know, stupid) But then Hubby saw this cabing he wanted to buy and went to a local credit union (who we NEVER did any business with before) and asked what he needed to do to get it, and after about an hour of talking with them and them figuring out numbers, they told him open a checking account. So here we walked in off the street and they are willing to give us a mortgage, but the bank we had been with for over 10 years wouldn't even give us a debit card :evil: So I am sure you can tell, we told the bank to kiss off and went with the credit union. We have a couple different loans with them right now and at a great interest rate, PLUS I got my debit card :D They are great to work with all around. More friendly than a regular bank. But yet that is just my opinion. I am VERY glad I made the switch. Good luck with your decision!!

Credit Unions definately have both advantages and disadvantages. I have had a checking account with a local credit union for over 6 years and they also gave me a car loan when I had not so good credit and even gave me an interest rate lower than any bank was offering at the time. They are usually very nice to deal with. On the other hand, because there are a smaller company they can't offer some of the perks like a lot of the larger banks can offer. Some of these may include free online banking bill payment systems and the capability to view your checks online and print them off from home. One time I had to order copies of some of my checks from my credit union that had already cleared and their normal delivery time was 2-4 weeks. I also have an account with National City Bank and I love their points program where just for using my debit card I earn points that I just save every year until around christmas and order a bunch of $25-$50 gift cards with them.

Best of luck to you either way!

We have dealt with banks for 20 yrs and also with credit unions for 18 I am definetely for the credit unions, and now they are offering more perks bill payment onlin, banking online you can even print you check when they clear if you need right then, you can also get you statements and print them out they have come a long way. They are offering mortgages, cds, they are giving the banks a run for the ie money! Also if for some reason you have a NSF their fee is lower than the banks. I am very happy that we switched to a credit union.

Thanks guys for your replies! I greatly appreciate it!

I think I just may go down tomorrow and finish the process for opening the account there. One of the things that has attracted me already is the 'no minimum balance' and 'free' checking. And to think I used to pay BOA for that kind of stuff :P 10 years of being a good-standing customer and they still never give me the help I need and continue to be difficult to deal with as far as customer service.