New to the state - recommendations for a good bank?

Submitted by t0thewolves t3_yxv21g in Pennsylvania

We just moved to NEPA from NJ and we currently have our account with Chase, but there really aren't any branches within an hour from us, and we are planning to switch to a different bank.

We were thinking of going to PNC because there are so many locations and it seems easiest. Would you guys have any other recommendations for us??

If you bank with PNC, do you like it?

A lot of the banks out here I've never heard of so I'm not sure where to go. Honestly I know most of everything is online now and Chase is good about that but I like to go into the branch for quick cashier's checks, withdrawing money and things.

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MuckRaker83 t1_iwqqt5p wrote

PA has many good local credit unions which would be first choice.

PNC ATMs are ubiquitous, but they are reducing their actual retail locations

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Mijbr090490 t1_iwqssu7 wrote

I like credit unions. Members 1st has a lot of locations. I've done business with them before and haven't had any issues. I use PSECU for my primary account and they are great, but there aren't many locations. I use online banking for mostly everything. I live near the main branch though, so it isn't too tough to get in person service.

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PPQue6 t1_iwqwb01 wrote

Fuck banks, go with a credit union! The nicest thing about a credit union is that as long as your credit union is in the credit union network, you can go to any other CU as if it were your own. Plus you usually get better rates through a CU as well.

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t0thewolves OP t1_iwr09qz wrote

Yeah I moved from PNW where there were soooo many CUs everywhere, used to use one actually. But here we live out in the sticks and there is a PNC in town, I guess I was only drawn to them because they have so many locations in case I ever need to pay someone via cashier's check/have trouble with my acct/etc. (maybe I'm weird but I like going into the branches still šŸ˜…)

But that's great you can go to other CUs! Ours in the past didn't have that option so that's something to consider. Thank you!!!

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PPQue6 t1_iwr0tdy wrote

No problem. Also I saw someone in here mention PSECU, I've gone through them before for an auto loan and they were pretty good. Definitely worth looking around your area and seeing what you have available.

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Unethical_GOP t1_iwqrydp wrote

I have had First Commonwealth since 2007. I really like them. They are based in Indiana PA and didnā€™t get caught up in the financial crisis in 2008.

My son has had PNC for over 10 years and has no complaints.

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BizzieD t1_iwrrva6 wrote

Chase is popping up allll over the Philly suburban area, may be making their way to you soon.

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mcs0301 t1_iwr5y3a wrote

Watch for the fees. I just did a quick Google check of PNC's fees since you seem to be gravitating towards them. It seems all accounts have monthly fees of some kind. Now, it does say there are ways you can avoid the fees, but I hate conditions, and it's quite a bit of small print.

Just putting that out there. Good luck.

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Griswa t1_iwrv5n0 wrote

No monthly fees ever for me. There are tiers of checking that provide various advantages, but if you have a certain amount coming in, no fees.

$0 monthly service charge when you meet any ONE of the following requirements: $500+ monthly direct deposit[4] to the Spend account OR, $500+ monthly balance in Spend + Reserve[5] OR, account holder is age 62+ Otherwise, $7

$500 a month is a pretty low bar for checking.

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heili t1_iwuivgl wrote

$500 a month direct deposits is pretty much everyone with a job that does direct deposit.

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t0thewolves OP t1_iwr8ldo wrote

That's true!! I think that most CU don't charge monthly service fees. I will look into it. Thank you

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twinmom06 t1_iws2g4y wrote

The only local bank I know of that printable the debit cards on the spot is People's Security. I moved away from them and to a CU. If you're in Lackawanna county NET CU is good, if in Luzerne County, UFCW is good

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dherrmann t1_iwsjt4a wrote

Use a credit union

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Old_Moment7914 t1_iwt1xub wrote

I used northwest they tried to screw me , I moved to PNC about 16 years ago , nothing but a great bank in my experience , I have had a couple experiences of people stealing and trying to use my cards , the fraud division of the bank has reached out to me , saying thereā€™s possible fraud because apps I had never used and restaraunts I had never been ,were suddenly ringing up big sales . They prevented the transactions and I had zero liability protection , nothing but positive experience . When pandemic lockdowns had only drive thru open I would sit in line in my wheelchair , they would come grab me and bring me inside , they didnā€™t have to , the fact they did speaks volumes about them . Welcome to PA whoever you decide to use I wish you all the best .

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Wuz314159 t1_iwqyxop wrote

People still use branches?

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t0thewolves OP t1_iwr1gv1 wrote

Yeah, like for cashier's checks/wire transfers/large cash withdrawals/printing debit cards on spot/talking to a consultant in person. ā˜ŗļø I find it easier sometimes. Most banks have good online resources but I like going in for some things you can't do online and takes too long to do via mail/over the phone - then you're stuck on hold, I just find it easier to actually walk into the branch for some things!

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AliceNChaynz628 t1_iwsh7r3 wrote

Iā€™ve been using PNC since 2007 and have never had an issue. I use their app a lot for things like mobile check deposit and just general account monitoring and it is pretty solid. Any time Iā€™ve had to go into a branch they have been helpful and painless to deal with. Also, lots of ATMs in the area (the Allpoint ATMs are also free for PNC customers. They tend to be in places like RiteAid or CVS).

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freshoilandstone t1_iwua78v wrote

M and T. We moved here from NJ 9 years ago. We had TD Bank, switched to M and T because there's a branch in our nearest town. A bank is a tool after all so may as well be a tool of convenience.

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drimmie t1_iwuboiz wrote

I've been using NBT Bank since the late 90's and have no complaints

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kyohrus t1_ixbchzq wrote

my entire family has been banking citadel credit union for decades now. absolutely no complaints! only downside is that i believe the only branches are mostly in chester county and whatnot

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SakuraSun361 t1_iy706tm wrote

Go for a credit union! Specifically PSECU!

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