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Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,305
Registered: ‎06-08-2016

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

I use Synovus and have no complaints.

5 days open and Saturday am

 

I have my own banker.

Live, in person

 

I don't have any money but everyone treats me like a millionaire.

 

It was dicey during Covid but it's wide open now.

If I were you I wouldn't be happy either

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,140
Registered: ‎07-23-2014

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

Besides when my dad died and I had to go close his accounts, I don't think I've been inside a bank for over a decade.  I have direct deposit so I don't get a ton of checks but if I do have one, I always use the app and have never had a problem.  Why would I want to have to drive to a bank when I can take a picture on my phone and get the transaction done in about a minute?

 

I have used online bill payment since it was first introduced at BOA and I can't imagine going back to the days of having to write out checks (never mind having to pay for checks and postage).  

 

I understand why people were hesitant when online banking/banking apps were new but they've been around for ages.  Though I do understand it if people don't use a computer at all.  My dad was like that, he gave me access to his accounts so I could check his balance, transfer between accounts, etc.  He appreciated the convenience when I could do that stuff for him, but he would've been lost himself as he never used a computer himself.

 

 

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,929
Registered: ‎06-08-2021

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

We just moved recently and I had to open a new account (small town).

 I went into the bank, stated my business to a teller, and was directed to an area to sit down and wait for someone to help me.

 I waited ten minutes, then got up, and stood in the lobby. When I wasn't helped, I went to a different bank where I was greeted as soon as I came in and was helped almost immediately. Totally different vibe.

 

 If you're not happy with your bank, switch to a different one.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,892
Registered: ‎07-16-2021

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

I do wonder how some people who don't have a computer (and yes, many people still don't have one) manage to do their banking without having one.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,599
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only


@Duckncover wrote:

I do wonder how some people who don't have a computer (and yes, many people still don't have one) manage to do their banking without having one.

 


@Duckncover - I'm old enough to remember no computers.  In the grand scheme, it really wasn't that long ago.

 

Get monthly statement in the mail (I still do that). Fill out a deposit slip and deposit checks. Write a check and cash a check.  When your statement comes in, balance your account the old fashioned way. Cleared and outstanding checks and deposits against your statement balance.  I still balance my account, but I do it online. 

My dad passed away in 2016.  He didn't know how to use a computer and didn't have one.  He did his banking the way we all used to do it and got along just fine.  


Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?
Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,152
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only


@BlueFinch wrote:

I'm going nuts. I hate doing any banking business these days. It's become one of my most unpleasant tasks, particularly if you need to see a real life banker. They're scarce. 

 

You have to set up appointments online. And, it's like -- there's a day available -- tenth Friday in a leap year. 'Take your business online,' is their constant redirection. Yeah, easier for them!

 

They make it unpleasant, while repeatedly pushing us into the 'unsafe' zone.These are all banks where I could actually walk in, sign in, be greeted warmly and see a banker, usually in less than 20 minutes time. Yeah, the good-old-days. 

 

In contrast, today, I got locked out of an online account for any changes for 5 days because I called to add my cell number, which was surprisingly not there in the first place. Argh!

 

Maybe it's just me, but with so many bank sites closing, this is going to be common practice. Not to mention the banks that have been in trouble. Yeah, I'm sure they've got my back ...Lol.

 

Sorry, just had to purge frustration. Just go on by, I feel better, already. 

 

 


@BlueFinch 

 

You must live in a very rural area.   Where the heck is "the unsafe zone"?  When you say "bank sites closing" do you mean branch offices?  

 

Back in the olden days, before direct deposit, people would get a paycheck then have to go to the bank, stand in line and cash it.   Who does that anymore?   

 

These days, banks may see very little foot traffic on a daily basis, so I can see the problem.  They certainly don't want to hire CS reps who stand around doing nothing all day.   The whole pandemic thing has made things even more tricky for banks, and I have no idea what the solution is for them.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,101
Registered: ‎06-09-2014

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

In the past year, I've moved most of my money to an online bank. I've made more in interest in one year there than I did in the 20 years I had it at the traditional bank.

 

It's scary to do anything the first time but the online banks have been around now for over a decade and they are FDIC insured. Making a deposit by phone is as simple as taking two pictures so the bank can read the account and routing number and have your endorsement on file.

 

Carrying around checks, sending them, or having a checkbook is more unsafe now because of all the hands touching or potentially touching it. I can take one of your checks you send me and order blank checks using your banking information printed on it or just set it up as an instant payment method for my Amazon or QVC account in two seconds if I was a thief.

 

I think what you are seeing is the online banks are putting the traditional banks out of business because people like me got tired of ten cents a month interest and higher balances to avoid ridiculous fees. I'm not paying banks for the privilege to have and use my money.

 

My bank just merged with another and I have been relatively unaffected with what I do but a lot of people have not including my mother who retired from banking. When you're placing a hold to deposit a check drawn on your own bank, something is very wrong with your service. Customers notice and we leave for better pastures.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,675
Registered: ‎03-28-2015

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only

I dragged my feet when the Company hubby worked for wanted to do "Direct Depost" many years ago....but his paycheck was always in there on Payday.

 

Then I didn't want online Bill Pay, but after a check got "lost"....I signed up for online Bill Pay and have never had a late payment on any bill.

 

This past week I signed up for "Zelle" to transfer maoney to family and friends. My Daughter and family moved and I just don't trust sending cash, gift cards or checks in a card through the mail. I sent my daughter some Birthday money yesterday through Zelle and my Bank, and she got it within minutes.

 

I am rarely in my Bank anymore....

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,957
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only


@RollTide2008 wrote:
I haven’t been inside a bank in years.

 

Same here.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,599
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Forced banking online, or by appointment only


@Nataliesgramma wrote:

I dragged my feet when the Company hubby worked for wanted to do "Direct Depost" many years ago....but his paycheck was always in there on Payday.

 

Then I didn't want online Bill Pay, but after a check got "lost"....I signed up for online Bill Pay and have never had a late payment on any bill.

 

This past week I signed up for "Zelle" to transfer maoney to family and friends. My Daughter and family moved and I just don't trust sending cash, gift cards or checks in a card through the mail. I sent my daughter some Birthday money yesterday through Zelle and my Bank, and she got it within minutes.

 

I am rarely in my Bank anymore....

 


@Nataliesgramma - please be very careful with Zelle.


Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?