[cutiepie21]

I currently am a WaMu customer, and have been notified that their free checking will no longer be free So now I am going to close my checking and savings account (because they are starting fees for savings, too). Can anyone recommend a bank in northern California (Santa Clara/ San Jose) area that does not charge any service fees for checking or savings accounts? It seems like most banks charge their customers...

[dreamz905]

If you're not particular about the bank having a physical location, why not give E*Trade financial a try. In the past, the company was simply an online brokerage, but they now offer banking services as well. As far as I know there are no fees involved with their savings/checking accounts. What's more, their savings account offers 5.05% interest

[Kiss Me Deadly]

^^ does E*Trade issue checks? Not sure what branches are in Cali, as im in NY, but I use Chase.

Citibank here has free checking but you need to have a minimum of $5K.

Wachovia? Soverign?

[dreamz905]

Yes, E*Trade does issue checks. As for the specifics, the checking account requires a minimum balance of $1,000

[mello_yello_jen]

I think wells fargo checking is free? I've never been charged a fee for having their checkings account.

[Zophie]

When I was in Florida I had a great credit union. Everything was totally free. However when I moved back to Louisiana I had to close the account and the bank I have here is so/so. I was surprised by how hard it is to find a free checking account. Most of them offer free with direct deposit but I don't have that. I think Regions has a free checking if you have a Regions near you.

[lizlikeshugs]

I really don't like WF, if you want to keep your money, don't go there.

When the heck did WaMu stop being free???
When do they start charging and how much?

Does Citi bank charge??

[zooba]

I have US bank for both my personal and business account. They have done a great job to get and keep my business. Not sure if they are in your area.

[Charles]

Look into Credit Unions. Most don't charge checking or savings fees.

[cutiepie21]

Thanks everyone! I'll keep looking for a good bank

[cutiepie21]

Originally Posted by lizlikeshugs

When the heck did WaMu stop being free???
When do they start charging and how much?

WaMu is going to start charging their customers $12 a day for checking accounts! . This is the highest service charge I have ever heard of! This is going to start in May. They are also going to charge their customers fees for savings accounts, and both checking and savings accounts need a minimum amount or more fees will be charged! I can't remember exactly how much the minimum amount is.

[vanhornink]

My husband and I use Bank Of America and we are happy with them (so far). If you have a direct deposit you wont get charged a monthly fee and even if you did its not too high, I think its $6. Our saving account is free as well as long as you make 1 deposit a month, does'nt have to be a huge amount. I love it that I can go online and check our account everyday if I want, transfer funds with a couple of clicks. Hope this helps.

[Kiss Me Deadly]

Whats the difference between a regular bank and a credit union?

[lorihmatthews]

I bank with Wells Fargo. The checking account is free with direct deposit. With my savings account, it is free unless the balance goes below $300, in which case there is a $3 monthly service charge. But as with all banks, you really have to watch your account, because the overdraft fees are horrendous.

[Zophie]

Credit unions are great. Unfortunately I couldn't find one to join when I moved to New Orleans.

I had Bank of America before and had an awful experience with them so I don't recommend them.