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WATCH VIDEO TESTIMONIALS FROM KIM, STEPHANIE, REWINMOTION, MARK, PHOTOTRISTAN AND BRIAN (PARTS ONE AND TWO)
“I think the banks are evil incarnate, and I avoid corporations at all costs, so I found this bank that helps you locate smaller, community banks that help your neighborhood, not suck the money out of it (and you). It sounds silly, but I even feel like the bank tellers have my back”
Daniel N.
“Moved my money last week to a local credit union… BoA has been charging me fees on my “free” accounts for the past year… no fees on my free credit union account at OnPoint 
”
Dawn E.
“For my part, I’m in the process of moving my banking business from Wells Fargo, one of the “Big Four” banks (and one that, if it were forced to recognize the true market value of all the mortgage paper it’s presently carrying on–and off–its balance sheet, would likely be bankrupt today), to FirstBank, a longtime, stable Colorado banking institution (headquartered in Lakewood, in the west Denver metro area). With my money deposited there, I know that it will be used to benefit Coloradans, not fat-a**ed chair-warming Wall Street banksters coming back from their six-martini lunches to think up new ways to fleece the American public and “justify” their multi-million dollar bonuses (paid for with taxpayer money).”
Erbo
“…I did it! I feel good about taking control of my own small influence over the banking industry. Washington won’t effectively regulate Wall Street (in spite of reforms that the current administration is now, finally, trying to legislate). So it’s up to people to individually exercise their authority. I enjoyed driving immediately afterward to my credit union, making my deposit to cover the rent check, and doing it without even having to fill out a form. They’re beginning to recognize me. Not many longhaired men visit their credit union, I’m guessing.”
Terry
“Today I experienced one of the tangible benefits of having moved my 86 year-old Mom’s money. While making arrangements to move her to assisted living, we decided to move Mom’s cash from Chase to the Meijers Credit Union. Mom worked for Meijers for years and we thought we’d get better service there. Two months later we’ve absolutely validated the decision.
[...]Yesterday, I heard via my step-sister that they had gone shopping and the store’s system wouldn’t accept her PIN. I’m assuming the CU changed the PIN and probably notified her but that she had forgotten the new number. So, I went online looking for a way to reset the PIN but (no surprise) they don’t let you do it online. I thought it was unlikely they’d respond, but I sent them a quick email explaining the problem.
Unbelievably, I got an email response this morning offering to reset the PIN and asking for the number. I responded immediately and, within ten minutes got a response saying that it was done!! Now, THAT is customer service!…”
SharpPoints
“My new credit union insures my money just as well as the big bank, but it also offers a ridiculously high interest rate on my checking account, refunds on ATM fees so I can use any ATM I want (even those $3 fees at the back of the convenience stores), really great customer service, and — best of all — free cookies on Fridays.
They can afford to do all of this because, as a credit union, their top priority is me, the member. Not CEO and shareholder profits, not bloated advertising budgets. And best of all, by moving my money to a local community bank, I’ve taken money away from the poorly-managed, impersonal big bank and given it to a bank that will actually use it to help me and people in my community.
I made a real difference, and while my tiny accounts are nothing to a company like Chase, they matter a lot to my local bank and my community. (And did I mention the free cookies?)”
Aja
“I believe in this movement because I know what it’s like to feel very helpless about the big banks. I’ve heard many people say ‘it won’t make any difference. These banks are all the same.’
For the past few months I have spent quite a bit of time on the telephone arguing over egregious fees from credit cards and banks. Some of my friends have asked me – ‘why don’t you just pay the fee, it’s only $35. Is it really worth all the stress?’ My response to this is ‘because that is exactly what they want me to do’. For years I have let these so called little fees slide, but $35 here, and $25 there.. it adds up. Not to mention the ATM fees, and high interest rates. These large banks are counting on my getting tired, giving up and just paying up. Banks are getting away with usury because we are letting them.”
lornagrl
“After taking two months to make sure my paycheck automatic credit was transferred to my new USAA account, and the same for my mortgage and student loan payments, I closed my Wachovia account. It was a great feeling. I’d join my local credit union, but my insurance was already with USAA, they have some great features …and they did not need to be bailed out. I’m encouraging all my friends to move their money!!!”
Walt W.
“Yep, did it. Moved all the money to the local credit union……”
Nancy C.
“Moving my money from BofA to local Philly bank today, and couldn’t be happier to be done with those bastards!”
Jason L.
“got rid of BoA and went to local co-op. It’s like getting rid of toxic waste in a responsible way.”
Edwin H.
“I finally did it. i waited for many months. The wait is over for me. As soon as I got my job last week, I opened an account with Austin Telco and have my paycheck directly deposited there. No more Chase for me. They don’t deserve holding on to my money any longer.”
Tom L.
“I’ve been talking about moving my cash for so long now – way before this movement started. I finally did it today. My wife pointed out that it took over a year from the time i said i would to actually doing it.”
Abdul R.
“I moved my money today! Closed my Chase checking and savings accounts and joined the First Entertainment Credit Union. Bye Bye big bailout bank. Hello local credit union!”
Amanda E.
“I moved my money! I now get to use my ATM at any machine and they reimburse the fee! They offer almost 4% return on checking accounts!”
Stella K.J.
“When I closed my Bank of America account, they were so indifferent that they didn’t even ask me why I was doing so. When I call my new bank, they actually answer the phone and are very friendly. Good riddance, BofA!!”
Calvin P.
“Don’t know why we didn’t move to credit union before this. Seemed too time consuming at the time to move everything. NOT ANYMORE!”
Jacqueline F.
“Arianna Huffington, As a consertative blue collar worker I’m pretty much the opposite of you in almost every way….and I almost never agree with anything that you have to say…but on this one issue you are 100% correct. I moved all my savings to a local credit union and a couple of regional banks. Better interest rates, better service, and if they make bad decisions they just go out of business ( I don’t have to bail them out).
One last comment: The CEO of my primary regional bank? He does an excellent job and makes about $200,000 per year…..not $20 million per year….$200,000 per year.”
CollectiveNotIndividual
“I am bits and bytes of financial history on a computer screen. My character is absent from the data. Humanity is not part of the equation. If my mechanic, dentist and doctor had merged like the banks, odds are my tooth would still ache, that spot on my arm would have turned into skin cancer, my girl friend’s car would still be stuck in snow.”
Robert S.W.
“Just went and closed out my largest savings account with Wells Fargo, they didn’t even care to ask why I was leaving. Guess my little measly accounts don’t mean much. I have to wait til the rest of my debits clear and then I can close the balance out. While it has been a bit of a pain in the rear establishing a new bank, it’ll be worth it in the long run.”
Ursula H.
“One month ago. Goodbye Chase, Hello Redwood Credit Union.
It was easy and the inconvenience was minimal. If capitalism that actually benefits the folks at the bottom as much as the people at the top is to succeed, it will be through community oriented institutions and not the consolidated top down model that inevitably captures and pulls money to the upper echelon.
Move your money. Keep it local.”
Jay B.
“Back in the summer I had it with Bank of America and decided to join a local credit union and I have never looked back. Yes it was a pain to move all my online billing, my automatic payments etc. But I have had a pleasant experience with the credit union, I can talk to someone when I call their customer service and they believe in customer loyalty. The more business I do with them, the better the benefits, how it should be.”
Ms C.
“I moved my money to Westerly CCU in Rhode Island. They are a community credit union and they gave my associate, a local health care provider a business loan; she would probably have not gotten money from a big bank. WCCU helps Main street so that’s where my money goes – not to big corporate bonuses after they ripped us off.”
Kathy K.
“It seems like a populist movement to me which is right up my alley, but the daunting task of changing all of my direct deposits and withdrawals stopped me. Finally last week I decided to go with a credit union, so the transition is in process. For anyone who is interested in voting with his or her feet, I suggest you consider it.”
Katie F.H.
“Moved our money and are looking forward to a much better experience with a local, community bank. Let’s keep the ‘move’ment going!”
Jacki M.
“Maybe, just maybe, if enough of us flee the big banks, they will get the message when they end up with a drastic decline in customers. After all, it is our money on deposit in their banks which keeps them afloat and enables them to make loans to other people and other businesses.”
Loretta R.
“Right now, I have savings with one of the large banks. It’s a matter of inertia and business. I need the large bank for business and convenience but I don’t need it for my savings. When the CDs come up for renewal, they will move to a local bank here in Olympia. It’s the right move at the right time. I’ve been wondering what I as an individual can do to force change on a resistant economic system. One power I have is in my personal decisions; I control my investments and will no longer allow them to support brigands whose only motive is profit, profit and more profit.”
Rez Dog
“I moved my money to my local bank – and the Bank manager wrote me a hand-written note welcoming me as a client. Amazing!”
Brain M.
“My husband and I have had our accounts with Palos Bank & Trust for 10 years now and we love it! It is our community bank in Palos Heights, Illinois. We know the people who work there and they know us. In fact the mayor of our city also works at the bank. He and we and other members of the bank belong to various Rotary clubs in the area. For 3 years now, we have even used this bank for our Rotary District conference. I wouldn’t transfer to one of those big banks for all the money in the world! (No pun intended.) With them you are only an account number. With community banks, you are a real person. I would strongly encourage all citizens to transfer your monies to the local bank in your area. We have to support one another and this is a great way to do it.”
Kathy K.
“We had all our investments, credit card and mortgage with Wells Fargo, with a strong credit history and no problems. In February 2009 we tried to refinance to take advantage of better rates and they refused to talk to us, telling us after being pressed that they were unable to unbundle are mortgage. We talked to Whitefish Credit Union in Whitefish, Montana, and they were happy to have us as customers. We refinanced, paid off the small balance on our WF credit, and closed all our accounts. Wells Fargo seemed to have no interest in keeping us as customers and we were happy to leave them behind.”
MossyOak
“I moved my money from Bank of America to a credit union, and I thought it would be hard and I would have to write checks again, etc. But they have the same free online bill pay that BofA does. You research the credit unions online to make sure they have the services you used from BofA.”
Brenda L.
“Moved from Wells Fargo (Wachovia) to IBC. I feel good about doing what I could do. Nobody, no free market business should be too big to fail. Let’s help them go on a diet.”
R.M.
“I am leaving [my big bank] next week after almost 20 yrs! I was having online banking problems and made 4 calls to the help desk. I checked my acct online and saw that they charged me $1.50 for excessive phone help. I called and asked them if it was right, they said yes and wouldnt refund it. I explained that I had been with them for 20 years and would leave to go to a credit union. They didnt care. I make decent cash that they will never see again because of a $1.50 charge. See ya”
Tony D.
“Moved my money today…farewell PNC!”
Jacqueline C.
“I moved my money and I’m glad I did and I plan on spreading the word everywhere I go. One day soon I hope big banks will wake and find themselves wondering what hit them – in the wallet.”
Paula P.
“I moved my money from Wells Fargo to my local credit union, and I dont care if its run by D’s or R’s. [...] The key word is “rational” – using reason and intellect to overcome being controlled by emotional fear.”
Brian J.
“You don’t have to pick a side [...] to appreciate the Move Your Money Project.”
Kim S.
“B of A since 84. Told’m to stuff it and moved to a local credit union. Same conveniences, but now I can make an appointment with the CEO!”
Michael P.
“Just left Wells Fargo after 20+ years to join First Tech Credit Union here in Oregon. So glad to send a message by voting with my dollars.”
Diana B.
“It would be nice if this were an issue that everyone, right and left, could come together on!”
Annie S.
“I applaud the efforts of the people of this nation. This effort is a ‘human’ one…not a left, right, religious or non-religious. Real Change starts when the American people rise up and say…Enough is Enough. Move Your Money from these GREEDY banks Today!”
Quint R.
“My nice “personal banker” made the mistake of asking me why I was closing my account. So I told him:
* One of my local banks refunds my ATM fees at other banks.
* My other local bank pays 0.75% interest–on an ordinary checking account.
* Bank of America breaks the law.
* Bank of America closed two out of the three branches in my town.
* Oh, and it’s too big, and presents a systemic risk to the U.S. economy.”
James K.
“sat down and talked directly to the actual ‘President of my bank’ today.. THEE DUDE! and it was empowering. I just closed my Wells Fargo account(s) and opened @ Shoreline Bank.”
Andrew D.
“I have already moved from boa to a local bank. as a matter of fact, the local bank officers know me and my wife by name, and they pride themsleves on that. i have had it with paying boa’s execs with my fees, and allowing them to use my money to pay outrageous bonuses. God bless the USA, and the right to move to a local small bank. if big banks want our business, show respect to the customer, keeping us waiting on hold for 7+ minutes is not good service. my local bank ANSWERS the phone, Amazing!!”
MrJa2009
“I recently moved to a local credit union after I’d received a letter from credit card company stating they were raising my rate on existing balance. The credit union transferred my balance to their visa card, to a lower rate than the old one, AND there was no fee for transferring.”
David S.
“We moved to a local bank yesterday – they were thrilled, welcomed us, we are now getting a higher rate and they gave us a small flatscreen TV!”
John G.
“Two days ater a hurricane blew the roof off my house in 1999, I was at my local TIB/The Island Bank branch in Key West, Florida, withdrawing some money. The branch manager was standing by the teller line, extending emergency loans, on the spot, up to $5K, to any of it’s customers in need. I have long since moved away from the Keys, but I will never forget the kindness extended by TIB and it’s management when I most needed it.”
Charles M.
“I have had my checking and savings at a Credit Union for many years, but my credit card was at a big bank. I’m not sure why I never made the switch before. I pay off my balance every month so the card’s interest rate never mattered to me. The big bank offered “points” on my purchases, I guess I thought that was a big bank feature. It turns out that my credit union offers a no annual fee card that pays points and has a current interest rate of 8.5%! Now the greedy speculators do not get to make a penny off of me!”
Lance M.
“The unchangeable 29.99% (I called to ask 3 times and was 3 times denied) interest rate on my Bank of America Visa wasn’t working for me anymore, so I transfered my balance to a Coastal Federal Credit Union Visa, where my interest rate will be somewhere between 7 and 15%, MAX.”
Kerianne C.
“My wife and I are taking our money from Wells Fargo, and putting it in Mission Bank. And I’m also directing the staff of the non-profit I run, Black Rock Solar, to switch all our accounts from Wells Fargo to New Resource Bank here in SF, which specializes in renewable energy and sustainable communities. Enough of Well’s excuses, we’re leaving…”
Tomprice
“After I learned about the deceptive loan practices by Wells Fargo which exacerbated the mortgage crisis, I made the decision to sever my 13 year relationship with Wells Fargo and move my 5 accounts to Mechanics Bank in Oakland. My move was motivated by principle, but now I am so grateful for all the practical and personal benefits of this new banking relationship with a local bank. My favorite [perks] include: 1. Free checking, 2. No fee ATMS, 3. Personal Banker who knows your name and can find commonsense solutions to problems.”
Yelda B.
“I can’t remember the last time something has come along that truly and equally succeeds in motivating people to drop their red and blue team colors…in favor of pitchforks, torches and a hill. Thank you, Mary Shelley!”
Ron H.
“This screen capture of moveyourmoney.info is being posted around my neighborhood to spread the word!”
Horst S.
“I just fired Bank of America and switched to a small local bank with only six branches here in Montgomery Co. and I couldn’t be more satisfied.”
Tanner K.
“I have begun moving my money from National City (soon to be PNC) to NuUnion Credit Union (soon to be Lake Trust CU). I figured if my bank was being bought out, why not switch to a CU that was merging with another CU to benefit its member-owners?”
Nick O.
“So happy — just signed a new mortgage with a local bank! Goodbye, Bank of America!”
Ellen W.R.
“I’m with a local bank. They always know my name. I got my student loans through them, too. Now and then, they’ll waive a fee just to thank me for being a customer. I’m proud to let them take care of my money.”
orkid682
“This is a very good way of voting with our dollars and using the marketplace to get what we want instead of hoping our corrupt politicians will take care of it for us… We, the consumer, have the power.”
thinbev
“I have been banking locally with CapFed (KS bank) since 1994 and I totally agree with this video!! Left, Right, Middle, who cares…this is bigger than that!”
greglemke
Older comments
Very good idea! I hope you will win the game.
http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/0,1518,675189,00.html
[...] Testimonials [...]
[...] Testimonials [...]
I left B.O.A. (bend over america) and they called me back TWICE!!
So I told them I was sick of their gambling, losing and then actually getting a bailout and bonuses on top of it.
Split from Bank Of America and am VERY happy with my local Credit Union. Told BOA exactly WHY I was leaving. My accounts were small compared to some, but I feel great doing it.
A few years ago I got on this bandwagon and tried to close my Chase account. I couldn’t do it by phone – told me to go into local branch. I visited a local branch and was told they don’t close accounts at that location. Irritated, I moved all my money out except about 20 dollars, while I tried to find a branch where I could close my account. Periodically if I found myself near a branch, I’d stop in and try to close the account. But there was always some excuse – no manager at this branch, manager is out today, etc. Finally one day I said “enough” and stomped into a branch in the loop to close the account. LOL – there was no money left in the account – they had applied so many fees, ate up my remaining dollars! Thieves. Just discovered my Kohl’s card is associated with Chase – getting off that one. I don’t want any Chase junk mail.
Just moved money (mid six-figure account) from Chase to a local credit union with an excellent reputation. They are paying me twenty times the interest rate Chase was paying on my money markets. I was a loyal Chase customer for twenty-five years, but in the last year-and-a-half their attitude simply changed. I just didn’t matter to them anymore; they wouldn’t return a phone call. They were arrogant and drunk on TARP money. The .1 percent they were paying me on my “super saver” money market account was the last straw. I didn’t just close the accounts by phone; I drove fifty miles to a Chase bank to close my accounts personally. They tried to talk me out of it, but after I told them what rate my credit union was willing to pay, they dropped any pretense of “customer care” and VERY grudgingly closed my accounts and I walked out of there with my money and a great sense of satisfaction. Now I have to find another credit union to switch my Wachovia accounts to.
I just closed 4 fairly large accts (2 personal & 2 business)…at Wachovia a/k/a/WELLS FARGO.
We also have a 400k mortgage on a 2nd home…never late. They turned down a $2500 credit card (we have other cards…just wanted one for our 2nd business). I gave them several chances to reconsider…ps- many stupid charges on accts…they lost a $2100 deposit that we discovered at year end; etc. etc…so glad to join St. Edmonds Bank…ps- $8000 credit card approved almost instantly…What are they thinking???? Close ‘em DOWN!!!
We are moving our money. It’ll take a while but it’ll be worth it. What can we do to insure that the big banks don’t create holding companies to buy the community bank? 20 years ago I used to bank at a community bank, but it bought/sold so many times and before I knew it I was at BofA.
I have been with my credit union now since 1991, so what’s that; 19 years! Best relationship I have ever had! Now, if we can just all buy into mutual insurance carriers where the policy holders are the owners and not the shareholders and the executives don’t huge bonuses; we could take over health care like we’re taking over the banking system!
I just closed my account with Chase this past week, and moved to my local Utah First Credit Union. My credit union immediately offered me a personal consolidation loan to get rid of my high interest credit cards, and the manager came right up to me to shake my hand personally. So nice to know I’m in the same state as the ownership, and not dealing with Wall Street big bank. Yay!
I moved my money to my local credit union, Community America where my girlfriend banks. She received $50 for referring me and I received $50 as well. In addition I got a new credit card with a very reasonable interest rate, no annual fees and a savings account with a 5% interest rate! Beat that Bank of America!
I am from Seattle, and have been banking with Washington Mutual Bank for many years. When Washington Mutual went broke, Chase Bank bought it. I continued maintaining three accounts (2 personal and 1 business) with Chase Bank. Big mistake!
Starting last year, Chase Bank started to send notices to my business threatening it would close my account because it had very few activities. Apparently, they did not see the $50,000 my company kept in this account to be used as reserve funds. Finally, after months of trying to talk this through with Chase, I made the decision to close my accounts. I am moving my money to Washington Federal S&L, which also operates the Federal Mutual Bank in Seattle area. Their Bothell area branch gives the type of service I have never seen Chase or Wamu offer. Goodbye JP Morgan Chase!
I moved my money out of Bank of America – where I’d been a client for 14 years – and over to my local community bank. I couldn’t be happier. No fees – for real – not just some slogan.
Also – I can call or e-mail my personal banker on the fly and I receive a response within minutes. Oh yeah – the free gifts to open the accounts were a perk!
BofA changed my account which I opened when I was 14 years old to a fee based account without my permission – and NO ONE could tell me why. BofA can go wallow in their greed without me!
Missoula Federal Credit Union has my vote and my money. We’ve been there for about fifteen years and I’ve never been unhappy with any interaction. On the contrary, I’m impressed over and over. I don’t see why anyone would ever go to a bank when credit unions are so easy and friendly to deal with. MFCU is outstanding and in every interaction I always feel like I’m standing right there in Missoula talking with a local friend.
I also have a credit card through New Mexico Educator’s Federal Credit Union and although they’re not as exceptional as MFCU, there have never been any shenanigans with my card – always straightforward.
[...] Testimonials [...]
We started out with the smaller bank and have loved it since day 1, they hold my mortgage, my small loan and both our savings and checking. Banking is a dream and the staff knows not only me but my family by name. I’ll never switch to a big bank! Now I’m looking to change over my credit card to my smaller bank or even our local credit union.
Back in 1981, I became a loyal First Interstate Bank patron. Unfortunately that bank was taken over by one of the “too-big-to-fail” banks, Wells Fargo. Last week, I closed our Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts after almost 30 years of doing business with them. (Of course, when closing the accounts at Wells Fargo, the young bank representative didn’t seem to care too much about attempting to save a customer after almost 30 years!) I have opened an account with TrustBank, headquartered back East in a small Illinois town. TrustBank has one VERY small branch in Arizona in my neighborhood. My new TrustBank branch has just two employees who man the shop–the Vice-President of the branch and the customer service/teller. (You can’t get much smaller than that!) They not only know me by name–but I don’t even have to tell them my account number when I walk in! It’s great personalized service. Why did it take me this long to move my money? Thanks to this website, I have made a statement on how I feel about the big banks which are too big to fail. I now have to work on closing our Chase accounts which were partly a result of Washington Mutual going belly up….. I can’t control the everyday good or bad decisions any bank makes, but I can control who plays with my money!
My spouse and I are in the process of moving our money from Wells Fargo to a local Credit Union. One tip I’d like to share is if you are going to close an existing credit card, check to see if you’ve earned any rewards points, then read the terms and conditions and redeem them. We have a checking, savings, and VISA credit card with Wells Fargo. I have redeemed our Wells Fargo Rewards points (will be getting nearly $300 gift cards to a home improvement store)–BUT the fine print in the terms and conditions says that our checking and savings accounts must be open to redeem them. So, yet another delay in the whole moving our money. It’s a slow process–from redirecting your paychecks, contacting everyone who taps into your accounts for payments, etc. But we’re hanging in there and will be glad when it’s all done. Too bad it’s not as easy and dramatic as going to your bank, closing your accounts, and saying “Up yours!” But, in the end the results will be the same.
Move the business account today. Bye bye Bank of America!
TOO BIG TO CARE. I’m a home builder and had sold a home and deposited a check of over $200,000 in Bank of the West,my home bank. They would not release the funds for 10 days after the deposit. My sub-contractors had to wait for payment because the bank wanted to make interest on my money for 10 days.
BANK OF THE WEST is no longer by bank. Beware of the ways big banks take your money. Your locally owned banks care and support the community.
Hi, I’m Canadian and say two thumbs up to all of you because those greedy bankers TOO BIG TO CARE like Gary is saying have created a humongous catastrophe throughout the whole world.
I feel so great today after closing out my account with PNC Bank and moving to the locally owned and operated Stock Yards Bank and Trust of Louisville. Putting my money where my mouth is was the right thing to do.
WE just closed all of our accounts with Chase, opened up new Home Loan at Local Credit Union, checking, saving. We believe in the movement.
I switched from BofA to Frost Bank, a regional North Texas bank, in November 2009. It was the best move I ever made. I was completely tired of BofA treating me and the rest of its account holders like they were doing me a favor by letting me bank there! They truly treat their accountholders like the enemy rather than clients or customers. The hidden fees, etc. were out of control. But what finally made me move my money was BofA’s policy of holding checks for 5 to 7 days before posting it to my account. Like much of the country I went from employed to “self-employed” in 2009. I no longer had direct deposit and relied on hand-written checks from clients to pay living expenses, etc. BofA would hold these checks for several days. Of course, they didn’t hold any checks drawn on my account for 5 to 7 days, with the result that I got massive overdraft charges because I stupidly thought that because I deposited a check into my account, the money would be available to use 4 or 5 days later. It is, of course, a scam to make more money in overdraft fees. Well no more. With Frost Bank the deposit is there immediately in most cases, and by the next business day in all other cases. It’s simple and straightforward. And as a new business owner I sometimes need flexibility, which is something that Frost provides. Of course BofA would never do anything to help out their customers. So adios, BofA. I’ve never been happier.
I live north of Boston, and switched from Citizens and Bank of America to Eastern Bank. Just want to let people know – Eastern is on the list of having a ‘B’ or better, but have recently charged me $5 a day plus $35 per overdraft charge on my account, despite the fact that I requested NO OVERDRAFT “protection” earlier in 2009, due to one original error of less than $5!!! I am prepared for battle with them – I’m trying to survive on a meager disability check, and am not too happy that they are playing games w/my money to make their CEO’s rich.
I’m so fed up – I’ll be looking for a decent credit union here, and will say goodbye to Eastern!!
Although our credit union’s buildings are 3000 miles away, we’re finding that we are getting from it far more personal assistance — without long automated menus and messages to wade through — AND interest on our checking account. It was a great idea to move out of BofA for both philosophical and economic reasons!
We just moved both our business and personal bank accounts from Chase to Redwood Credit Union, and couldn’t be happier with the change. We wanted to do this for some time to stop supporting the big banking system, but were hesitant to go through the work of changing and feared the smaller institution wouldn’t be as up to date with online banking and might have bigger fees. Much to our surprise, RCU is very up to date, and in fact our online banking is much easier. Not only that, Chase would take the money out of our accounts the day a Bill Pay was initiated. That was sometimes days before it got into the biller’s account. With RCU, the money leaves your account the same day that the biller gets it. I could go on and on. Chase charged us $15 for an incoming wire transfer and RCU charges nothing. Chase wouldn’t allow us to transfer between our business and personal accounts online and RCU allows this.
We just saw Capitalism a Love Story and as disturbing as some of it is, we felt great knowing we’d made the switch!
Every time my bank bought another bank or was bought by another bank, I moved me accounts to a smaller bank. I’ve changed banks three or four times in the past ten years. The bank I’m with now is a small branch of a medium-sized bank, and the service is so good, I can’t move. They want my business and don’t try to conceal that fact.
Almost 15 years ago when our locally owned bank opened its doors in our community we opened our accounts with it. We have been happy as a clam since with the service and attention we receive in person, by telephone or online. I finally moved to online bill payment which works flawlessly and helps ease our worries when we travel overseas for extended periods of time. All we need is an internet connection and our netbook and we can take care of our banking. We have experienced all the satisfaction banking locally that has been expressed by the comments before ours.
Moving my money, too! I rediscovered credit unions last week after many, many years dealing with BofA (I even used to work there)and Wachovia, and then, I ran accross this website today. So timely! I was pleasantly surprised by the personal service I received at HEW FCU, but I was waivering in deciding whether or not to move all of my money there. Now, I know the right answer is yes! Yes I will! It will be a little more inconvenient for me to deal exclusively with a credit union, but I’d rather make that sacrifice and consistently receive excellent customer service and wonderful rates, than deal with one more smug big bank “branch manager” who only wants to remove himself from responsibility.
“It’s the banks policy to screw you over, not mine…” Yea, right dude; you fail.
This will be like going back to cooking my own dinner from scratch instead of buying canned — a bit more time consuming, but much better for me.
[...] Testimonials [...]
I have used Coppermark Bank in Dallas, TX, for around 5 years, after a terrible experience with BoA. Coppermark is a small bank, with maybe 5 branches total, most in Oklahoma. I often get jokes from friends, as the branch I use is connected to a Chipotle, but it is the best bank ever! Staff is always friendly and helpful, from tellers all the way up to the lady in charge (president?). I have gone out of town, and been able to transfer money from accounts over the phone in literally 5 minutes. All in all, I will continue banking with Coppermark until I can’t anymore.
I did it, and am very happy with my new accounts at a local credit union!
Just moved my family’s money from Chase to a local credit union (Watermark). We moved our auto loans there and are in the process of paying off our Merril Lynch credit cards. I’ve never felt better about my finances and feel like I now have a partner in my credit union who is encouraging my financial stability, instead of banking on my failure.
We moved our money (checking, savings, credit card, mortgage) from Wells Fargo to BECU. So happy to able to be a part of this local credit union. As a side benefit, their online systems are great and we get interest on our checking and savings accounts. Thanks for this campaign!
I closed my Chase account and moved to a local credit union.
I disagree with bank bailouts and bank bonuses on the backs of the taxpayer.
This is the way for your voice to be heard. Let your frustration out and get out of the big banks.
Finally left B of A (4 years Los Angeles, CA; 4 years in Boston, MA). But LA is such a huge place, where should I bank?
I did a lot of research, left a lot of financial institutions in a huff (even ones listed on this site). Without a doubt, the best bank (and now my banking partner) is Broadway Federal Bank. I met half the staff of the corporate branch when I opened an account — it was one of the most pleasant banking experiences I’ve had in recent memory.
If you live in LA, I highly recommend them.
Took my money right out of Regions and into my local credit union and could not BE HAPPIER! In addition, because I opened new accounts the credit union entered my name into their drawing and I won the grand prize of a $500 gift card to the local grocery store
lol….Thank you to everyone who is behind this movement!
Moved my money to a community bank from Bank of America recently!
I closed my Citi account and Chase account and moved it to USAlliance Credit Union. Best move I ever did. Very personal and if i have a question, they answer the phone after two rings! The fees are low or none compared to other banks. I highly recommend them if you live in Westchester NY or Mass.
i was looking for solutions to all the crazy bank fees. I’m so glad I found this website. I’ve already moved both my business and personal accounts from Chase to the local Credit Union. I’ll keep spreading the word
I’ve divested from Bank of America entirely, now. With my new credit union (BECU.org) I have NO-FEE Savings, Checking, and Money Market accounts. The first $500 in my Saving and Checking Accounts enjoy over 6% interest!. Access to my money is ubiquitous–every 7/11 in the country is part of the “Co-Op Network”, providing NO-FEE withdrawals. Additionally, I got my home mortgage from BECU–my credit union–and BECU continues as the holder of my mortgage. They did not sell it to some other party. Lastly, I’ve been approved by a 6% interest Visa card, backed by my credit union–NOT backed by Citi, BofA or Chase as so many cards. I encourage you to disempower Wall St and re-empower Main St. by moving your money to your local credit union–you may enjoy higher interest returns, lower or no fees and better ATM access . . . to say nothing of the peace of mind.
Moved both my business and personal accounts today to a small community bank. It feels good not be encouraging the “big banksters” anymore. Bye bye Bank of America.
Our Church has it’s own term for moving our money — DIS-INVEST-A-LUJAH!
I’d like to share our new video, which shows a member of the Life After Shopping Gospel Choir closing her Chase account and educating employees about the bank’s funding of Mountaintop Removal.
The fact that the Chase bank officer in this hidden-camera tape doesn’t have any idea what “mountaintop removal” is – that is what makes me stop and think. The success of Consumerism depends on enforced silence. This man is taught to have a compassionate tone in his voice, and also taught to recite the greenwashing phrase “Sustainability” – but the fact that the money this woman has put in the bank is creating violence on such an outrageous scale as mountaintop removal? This remains unknown to him.
It is Kafka-esque, but it has been effective for years. The question is – why has it taken us this long to cross the bluff of the “private property” border and find out what strip-mining information is known to the Chase workers? They keep us out in the lobbies and on the sidewalks dealing with cash machines, where any political conversation is converted into enforced silence. And this silence goes both ways – it covers the bank workers too. The man sitting at that desk, befuddled by Chase’s policies, is unable to ask the most basic question, as in: “With my work do I create life or do I create death?”
Break through the computerized edifice of these banks. Talk to the people inside. We are only consumers if we let the silence of the ATMs give us a few twenties and send us on our way. We need to be citizens again. The workers inside the bank want to be citizens, too.
I love the Move Your Money project and as a financial counselor/educator I inform all of my clients and students about this movement. Unfortunately, though, just because a bank is smaller and regional/local does not mean they are more fair or have good customer services. TCF Bank is listed as a small regional bank, which it is, but it has got to have the worst customer service and banking policies I have ever encountered. I went in to the branch to close my account as they required (this is the only bank I have ever encountered that won’t close an account by phone)and the tellers were brusk and rude. They didn’t care that I was closing my account and didn’t even ask why. After years of enduring their unfair banking practices I am relieved that I will never again have to deal with them. On the other hand Bremer Bank has been phenomenal friendly tellers, clearly posted check clearing/funds availability policies, and clearly posted fee schedules. My other account is with a credit union and same thing: friendly people, accessibility, open information, and fair practices.
I love this movement!
CHASE charged me $39.00 for a stop payment request and it’s ONLY good for 6 months! When I asked what should I do at the end of six months, they said I could renew the stop payment for another $39.00! Well, I’ve got a more permanent solution for this TOO BIG TO FAIL, politician buying, greedy, unpatriotic, market rigging, slithering Wall Street fat cat. I am moving all 5 of my accounts to Point Loma Credit Union. If the politicians are too immoral to break up the banks than lets make them too small to hurt us. Tell your friends, family and coworkers help us make them too small to hurt us.
I switched from BofA to Frost Bank, a regional North Texas bank, in November 2009. It was the best move I ever made. I was completely tired of BofA treating me and the rest of its account holders like they were doing me a favor by letting me bank there! They truly treat their accountholders like the enemy rather than clients or customers. The hidden fees, etc. were out of control. But what finally made me move my money was BofA’s policy of holding checks for 5 to 7 days before posting it to my account. Like much of the country I went from employed to “self-employed” in 2009. I no longer had direct deposit and relied on hand-written checks from clients to pay living expenses, etc. BofA would hold these checks for several days. Of course, they didn’t hold any checks drawn on my account for 5 to 7 days, with the result that I got massive overdraft charges because I stupidly thought that because I deposited a check into my account, the money would be available to use 4 or 5 days later. It is, of course, a scam to make more money in overdraft fees. Well no more. With Frost Bank the deposit is there immediately in most cases, and by the next business day in all other cases. It’s simple and straightforward. And as a new business owner I sometimes need flexibility, which is something that Frost provides. Of course BofA would never do anything to help out their customers. So adios, BofA. I’ve never been happier.
+1
Moved my money from Bank of America to North Community Bank (serving north side neighborhoods in Chicago) and couldn’t be happier!
In the process of closing BOA, I cancelled a weekly auto transfer from checking to savings that I had set up through BOAs online banking system, and then verified by phone that it was cancelled. Of course the transfer still went through, causing my account to be overdrawn despite the fact that I have a BOA credit card specifically for overdraft protection which…guess what? Was not set up properly for that purpose.
Five phone calls later I finally for my 9(!) $35 overdraft fees back. That same day, I got a card in the mail from the banker at North Community who had helped us open our account. It was hand written with smiley faces thanking us for our business.
I know banks are…banks, but I actually felt euphoric about this decision for a few hours. You should, too.
Ten years ago, I opened a checking and savings account at HarborOne Credit Union in Brockton, MA, and I’ve never left.