Submitted by easynslutty t3_z7vs5y in providence
I've got to set up a checking account today and rather than go to every bank and try to be sold, I figured the fine folks of Reddit could assist me! I moved to the area a few months ago and my bank is based out of Tennessee. Could I please get some feedback on banks so avoid, pros and cons, or any exceptional banking experiences? Ideally I would like the cheapest fee for a checking account but not a deal breaker. Thank you guys!
Their app sucksssss.
Sorry, should have specified that there is cash that is needing to be deposited. I too have an account through Ally though! Haha
There’s a few local ones you can probably get promotional deals (ie set up direct deposit and we will give you $300). You can just look online for those….
If all you need is a checking account there’s nothing you’re gonna find/learn by going in person than looking online.
Online banks are good for high balances as the interest rates will be better for savings accounts vs brick n mortar.
Thank you. My aunt worked for them for years so I've been gravitating towards choosing them or Santander.
I have accounts with Citizens and Navigant (I have a mortgage with Navigant and they require you to have an account). I haven't had problems with either, but Citizens definitely has better hours and more available branches.
They both have fee-free checking as long as you make one deposit per month. Every Stop & Shop and Cumby's in New England has a Citizens ATM, which is nice. Navigant lets you use other Credit Unions' ATMs without a fee which is nice as well.
TLDR: Citizens is more convenient overall, but Navigant is good if you want to stay with a hyperlocal institution. I definitely feel like more of a person and less of a number with Navigant.
I’ve been with Citizens for a decade now, never had a problem.
I have my business accounts with Coastal1 Credit Union (formerly Pawtucket CU) and they are great. I think I will be switching my personal accounts from citizens to their bank. The staff has been very helpful and their app works just as well as the big banks. it's always good to support a local bank that directly supports the community you're living in.
I had a hell of a time with Citizens when I had my card info stolen at an ATM in Boston. the thief withdrew $800 twice, and because the transactions were so similar, it took me months of back and forth to get the full $1600 back. because the bank thought they were the same and just sent me $800. of course that was when I was living paycheck to paycheck in my early 20's and I was f*cked.
It's the worst. BOA has the best app by far.
I've been using credit unions instead of banks for decades. Maybe they have less bells and whistles, but they are generally a better deal for consumers.
That said, I can recommend Coastal1 (previously Pawtucket) Credit Union. There are locations all around the state.
Bank Newport is lovely. Citizens is…. Fine. It was fee Heavy back in the day so we switched to BN and never looked back. I mean I never go into a branch anymore (maybe once every two years?) so the need for branches is irrelevant to me. Also rarely get cash out…. Santander is terrible. Go Almost anywhere but there.
Yes, this. I've been with them for almost 20 years, and they've been consistently great.
Citizens just because there everywhere in RI and New England, and even span out to NYC and PA.
Bank RI is decent
Coastal 1 ( formerly Pawtucket Credit Union ) is decent
Navigant Credit Union has locations around RI and takes good care of their customers. We have banked there for 20+ years.
Navigant
Any suggestions for online banks?
Navigant is great. They do fee free checking and you can earn interest with the money you have on the account. I had a car loan with them and had no problems.
I use coastal 1 and td Bank. Never had any issues with either of them. TD has the nice feature of being able to issue you an ATM/debit card at the branch when you open an account or need a replacement instead of having to wait to get it in the mail. Also I have their beyond checking which gets you free ATM use anywhere plus refund of any fees the other bank charges, free money orders and cashier checks.
Whatever one you go with, go in person and get some bankers credit for opening! My GF used to work for a bank and they always stress out their workers for opening accounts. Helps them a ton.
There’s a bunch. Ally, Sofi, Discover….I think sofi has a high checking account apy
You can find reviews pretty easily by googling
Chase is great and has a couple branches in RI now.
The banking app for Chase??? I was speaking of the BOA application. It works wonders.
Yes the app. BOA is good.
Ok. Thanks.
Good to know I'll check them out thanks!
Have banked with Navigant, Citizens, BoA, and TD Bank. TD Bank's policies exceed all of them, Navigant's in particular by a mile. Their overdraft policy is far more accommodating and generous than most credit unions, their online banking is lightning quick, and whenever I have an issue, I call the branch and they are quite accommodating. I'm actually shocked to be writing this because I never thought I'd see the day when a bank was kicking the credit union's @$$es but here we are.
Citizens has the best ATMs, a great app, and teller locations at most stop and shops.
Why has nobody said chase? They're great. Low cost, great customer service, tons of branches and financial products. I had santander and citizens before that...citizens is trash tier but santander was...ok. Oh and webster...which is awful. Chase is great tho, been about 5 years now.
Charles Schwab
You can get 3% apy with a free capital 1 savings account. No minimum.
That's nice, too. Is there a cap1 branch in RI now?
I personally am not a fan of bank of America, but after moving across the country multiple times, it's nice to have a national bank. If you prefer a more "local" bank, citizens is a fair choice.
Thank you for this info. I think I'm going to go with Navigant. I'd like to support something somewhat local and the fact that it's free of a checking fee as long as I deposit once a month sounds great. Thanks again!
Awesome, yeah based on everyone's input I'm going with Navigant. Thank you!
I have accounts with Navigant CU and Coastal1. Love them both.
I’ve been with Peoples Credit Union for a long time now, they are great, no problems and I have yet to be hit with a sneaky fee. My previous banks (Citizens, Bank Newport) would hold and reorder purchases in order to make a whole ream of things bounce so they could take out hundreds in fees. Sorry but you screw me one time like that and I’m gone and closing my accounts. The shit banks can get away with is unreal. Stick with a credit union.
Navigant is a huge pain in the balls if you want a loan. Business or personal. Refinance, mortgage, auto loan. I always try them first because their service is otherwise great but they dick me around so much I just go to greenwood credit union for loans.
All my checking is done at Navigant I guess just out of habit. All my real money is through greenwood
D-camchow t1_iy8bq4j wrote
idk I just use Ally Bank myself. Nearly 10 years now, I'm happy with them. Free withdrawals at any atm, decent savings rate.