Best bank for Checking Account??

Question

I currently have Washington Mutual, but they have dropped a lot of the bonuses that attracted me to it in the first place.
I want to change to a bank that offers me overdraft protection and WAMU no longer does that or offers any loan or credit programs.
Any better banks out there?

Answer 1

for the life of me i do not understand everybody love for internet banks -- what is wrong with the corner bank near your home or office -- walk in get to know the folks -- heck most even have "free candy at the windows" than when you need a loan it is like going to a friend that knows you and know your car and waves at you !!!

Answer 2

Here is a great site to use to compare banks:
http://www.bankrate.com/

I also like the online-only bank ING Direct, but to correct what the other person said, ING does now offer checking accounts, and they do offer overdraft protection.

Their checking accounts are a little different in that you can only make online payments or use your MasterCard debit card; you cannot write any paper checks off this checking account. But it's still a good deal, in my opinion.

No minimum opening deposit (other than $1.00, I think!), no monthly maintenance fees if your balance is below a certain point, and you earn interest on the account.

ING also offers CDs and savings accounts.
http://home.ingdirect.com/

Answer 3

ING. They do everything over the internet. They do not offer checking accounts, but, they pay over 4% interest on a savings account and they are FDIC insured. You can transfer money over the web to a checking account. Keep your WAMU account (I have a free checking account with them) and then just transfer funds into it from the ING account. Overdraft protection is going to cost you one way or another. I respectfully suggest you learn to manage your finances better such that you don't need overdraft protection.

Answer 4

You should check at a local credit union. Credit unions offer the best interest rates and generally charge the lowest in fees if any at all. The credit union I am a member of provides me with free overdraft protection. It is a nice feature.

Use the link to below to find a credit union in your area.

Answer 5

When I've moved to a new city, I go visit several local banks that have convenient locations with ATM machines. Then I go in and ask all their terms, conditions, and interest rates on their checking and savings products. Then I pick a bank.

I recommend this process to you. Often times its the local banks that have the best deals.

Answer 6

Here's our favorite: www.EverBank.com

High interest.
Free ATM Card (with fee rebates).
Deposits and withdrawals through a large number of local banks ATM machines (ING has a few machines in conveyance stores).
Bill Pay
More "electronic" flexibility for transfers with other institutions.