detlef Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 So, when Wachovia became Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo decided to celebrate by fist-banging us at every chance they got, we decided to look elsewhere for our banking needs. We were floored to find that our local credit union paid 2.5% on your checking account if you use your debit card enough times. 2.5%! Christ, we'd been dicking around with shuffling money back and forth from our checking account to on-line savings trying milk anything out of our short-term cash reserves and, even still, making maybe 1%. It was perfect, we'd just push all of our cash into our checking account and leave it there, making pretty decent money. At any rate, I digress. I'm puzzled by something. Why is it that every time I go to the bank, I'm not exactly surrounded by a particularly affluent slice of society? It looks more like the free clinic than a bank. I was there today and some dude who looked like the bus driver on the Simpsons was cursing up a storm at the video teller (that's the thing, there's no live tellers there, there's apparently a room in an office where a dozen or so tellers service all the branches in the area remotely). At any rate, dude was loudly calling the teller all sorts of names and then, at one point, punches the screen. The receptionist at the door just calmly turned to him and said, "Sir, please don't punch the screen." Like she's completely used to this sort of thing. Barely blinked. It was outstanding. What is it about Credit Unions that seemingly attract the lowest common denominator? Is everyone else so wealthy that they couldn't stand to make 2.5% on their checking account? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 I know the credit union we go to is so low class they barely turn the AC on. Man, is it hot in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEC=UGA Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 So, when Wachovia became Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo decided to celebrate by fist-banging us at every chance they got, we decided to look elsewhere for our banking needs. We were floored to find that our local credit union paid 2.5% on your checking account if you use your debit card enough times. 2.5%! Christ, we'd been dicking around with shuffling money back and forth from our checking account to on-line savings trying milk anything out of our short-term cash reserves and, even still, making maybe 1%. It was perfect, we'd just push all of our cash into our checking account and leave it there, making pretty decent money. At any rate, I digress. I'm puzzled by something. Why is it that every time I go to the bank, I'm not exactly surrounded by a particularly affluent slice of society? It looks more like the free clinic than a bank. I was there today and some dude who looked like the bus driver on the Simpsons was cursing up a storm at the video teller (that's the thing, there's no live tellers there, there's apparently a room in an office where a dozen or so tellers service all the branches in the area remotely). At any rate, dude was loudly calling the teller all sorts of names and then, at one point, punches the screen. The receptionist at the door just calmly turned to him and said, "Sir, please don't punch the screen." Like she's completely used to this sort of thing. Barely blinked. It was outstanding. What is it about Credit Unions that seemingly attract the lowest common denominator? Is everyone else so wealthy that they couldn't stand to make 2.5% on their checking account? A lot of county and state employees have access to credit unions as do other large manufacturing companies (lockheed, for instance.) Interestingly enough, I see a lot of the dregs of society in my "real" bank (Wells Fargo.) They are always using the finger print ink pads and having to imprint their govt checks to get them cashed, because they have no account at the bank. Though, the bank has to cash their checks for them. In one case a particularly classless lady was on her cell phone, talking up a storm, she gets up to the telller, still on her phone, the teller says something to her, she holds up her finger, with her 42 inch fake nail, to hush the teller, she keeps talking on her phone, the teller asks her to hang up, she raises her finger to hush the teller.... The teller calls the next person in line, the lady on the phone physically blocks the other customer from getting to the teller and is still on her phone... The lady says to whomever she is talking, something derogatory about the teller, hangs up her phone and starts cussing out the teller and the other person who was called over. The manager comes over calms things down and 15 minutes later her check is cashed, she cusses the teller, the manager and the other person... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 A lot of county and state employees have access to credit unions as do other large manufacturing companies (lockheed, for instance.) Interestingly enough, I see a lot of the dregs of society in my "real" bank (Wells Fargo.) They are always using the finger print ink pads and having to imprint their govt checks to get them cashed, because they have no account at the bank. Though, the bank has to cash their checks for them. In one case a particularly classless lady was on her cell phone, talking up a storm, she gets up to the telller, still on her phone, the teller says something to her, she holds up her finger, with her 42 inch fake nail, to hush the teller, she keeps talking on her phone, the teller asks her to hang up, she raises her finger to hush the teller.... The teller calls the next person in line, the lady on the phone physically blocks the other customer from getting to the teller and is still on her phone... The lady says to whomever she is talking, something derogatory about the teller, hangs up her phone and starts cussing out the teller and the other person who was called over. The manager comes over calms things down and 15 minutes later her check is cashed, she cusses the teller, the manager and the other person... Dude, four beers or no four beers, it's going down... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 (edited) I went with Lockheed last year and they're great. Best thing, and it was my one thing I really worried about, is that all those crap ATMs at 7-11s are on their system are free. Even other ghetto ones that drop 3 bucks per transaction charge on you upfront the money is refunded over night. Outstanding. Edited March 22, 2012 by Pope Flick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoothead Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 In one case a particularly classless lady was on her cell phone, talking up a storm, she gets up to the telller, still on her phone, the teller says something to her, she holds up her finger, with her 42 inch fake nail, to hush the teller, she keeps talking on her phone, the teller asks her to hang up, she raises her finger to hush the teller.... The teller calls the next person in line, the lady on the phone physically blocks the other customer from getting to the teller and is still on her phone... The lady says to whomever she is talking, something derogatory about the teller, hangs up her phone and starts cussing out the teller and the other person who was called over. The manager comes over calms things down and 15 minutes later her check is cashed, she cusses the teller, the manager and the other person... Given what the banks have done to the economy and gotten away with, not only did the bank deserve it, they got off light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegrab Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Given what the banks have done to the economy and gotten away with, not only did the bank deserve it, they got off light. While I agree the banks are screwed up, people that are self absorbed and can't put down their SNICKERSing gadgets to do THEIR BUSINESS are just downright rude. If it was my bank I would have tased the bitch. These are the same people that hold up lines at TSA and everywhere else thinking there are special rules just for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEC=UGA Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 While I agree the banks are screwed up, people that are self absorbed and can't put down their SNICKERSing gadgets to do THEIR BUSINESS are just downright rude. If it was my bank I would have tased the bitch. These are the same people that hold up lines at TSA and everywhere else thinking there are special rules just for them. Rule # 1 (Seriously, number fu(king 1!!!) - Don't mess with TSA Agents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoothead Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 While I agree the banks are screwed up, people that are self absorbed and can't put down their SNICKERSing gadgets to do THEIR BUSINESS are just downright rude. If it was my bank I would have tased the bitch. These are the same people that hold up lines at TSA and everywhere else thinking there are special rules just for them. No, the bankers are also the ones whining about pat downs and scanners looking at their privates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_gop_liars Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 The one I go to serves burgers, potato salad and beers every Thursday. The entrance to the parking lot is kind of narrow (it's to keep the Indians out, dot not feather) but I've never thought of it as white trash... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 so you deal with the unsavory element because it's more money to you. sounds like the wal-mart of banking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 The one I go to serves burgers, potato salad and beers every Thursday. The entrance to the parking lot is kind of narrow (it's to keep the Indians out, dot not feather) but I've never thought of it as white trash... . . . . . .sooooooo wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 been with one for 18 years . much more goodly than the evil bank empire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 been with one for 18 years . much more goodly than the evil bank empire Yeah, love mine. Been there about 15 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt770 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 The one I go to serves burgers, potato salad and beers every Thursday. The entrance to the parking lot is kind of narrow (it's to keep the Indians out, dot not feather) but I've never thought of it as white trash... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted March 22, 2012 Author Share Posted March 22, 2012 so you deal with the unsavory element because it's more money to you. sounds like the wal-mart of banking. That's a very apt description. Fortunately, I only have to go to the bank about 1-2x a month and I'm in and out in about 10 minutes each time.I will say another sort of odd thing about it. Getting in and out of the parking lot is so random. It's on a corner but there's no street entrance to the lot. You either have to enter the Taco Bell or Dry Cleaner parking lots on either side of the Credit Union, and go all the way to the back of either lot where they open up to the back of the credit union parking lot. Again, no heavy cross to bear, but it always seems so odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 so you deal with the unsavory element because it's more money to you. sounds like the wal-mart of banking. No, it's mom and pop banking. BofA and their ilk are the wal marts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegrab Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Rule # 1 (Seriously, number fu(king 1!!!) - Don't mess with TSA Agents. No CHIPS AHOY!. I don't fly often and recently took a flight. At the checkpoint I showed my ID and boarding pass, then put my ID in my shirt pocket. As I approach the guy says "You have something in your pocket?" Yep my ID, "You can't do that, hold it in your hand!" Then after going through the x-ray I stand there, and I'm looking at the image seeing stuff in my pockets. "What's that?" A chapstick, then as I pat my other pocket I realize I have a hankie in there and pull it out. I guess nothing in your pockets means nothing. But I cooperate and remain calm, not get indignant like some people complaining about taking their shoes, belt or coat off. Let alone the ones who show up with a loaded gun and then say "oops, forgot that was in there." (Seriously happened here in Cleveland last week, and a year or two ago a local politician did it at the Akron OH airport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 No, it's mom and pop banking. BofA and their ilk are the wal marts. But, of course, this is the more accurate one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulzale Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Credit Union for 22+ years, hate the banks. My CU isn't even in the same town I live in, it is 1.5 hours away, yet the coop with local CU's and have free ATMs along with free office visits to partner branches. I only set foot in one about 1-2 times a year. Way more customer friendly, because the profits keep fees down, pay better rates and is sort of owned by the customers.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterMan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 In one case a particularly classless lady was on her cell phone, talking up a storm, she gets up to the telller, still on her phone, the teller says something to her, she holds up her finger, with her 42 inch fake nail, to hush the teller, she keeps talking on her phone, the teller asks her to hang up, she raises her finger to hush the teller.... The teller calls the next person in line, the lady on the phone physically blocks the other customer from getting to the teller and is still on her phone... The lady says to whomever she is talking, something derogatory about the teller, hangs up her phone and starts cussing out the teller and the other person who was called over. The manager comes over calms things down and 15 minutes later her check is cashed, she cusses the teller, the manager and the other person... Sheniqa's lucky to have a cell phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterMan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 been with one for 18 years . much more goodly than the evil bank empire Why do you hate filling the pockets of the shareholders of BoFA? Do you really hate America that much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 Credit Union for 22+ years, hate the banks. My CU isn't even in the same town I live in, it is 1.5 hours away, yet the coop with local CU's and have free ATMs along with free office visits to partner branches. I only set foot in one about 1-2 times a year. Way more customer friendly, because the profits keep fees down, pay better rates and is sort of owned by the customers.... Trust me, I couldn't be happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I moved my checking from my local credit union 9 years ago just because I was an early adopter of online banking and my credit union wasn't sophisticated enough to offer it at the time. I rarely go into any bank but the experience at the credit union was 100 times better than at the bank. No deposit/withdrawal forms to fill out...just tell the teller what you want to do and they do the rest. I kept my savings account at the credit union though. Of course now they offer online banking with free bill pay and everything but the hassle of moving back and setting up all the payees is an obstacle I'm not willing to go through given that I rarely go in anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimC Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Now that I work for some ghetto non-profit organization like some hippie pot smoking Jerry Garcia listening idjut socialist instead of a god-fearing make as much money as possible before the gubment takes it all, I can now get into a Credit Union. I hadn't thought of it until SunTrust told me it would be 70 days to close on my mortgage because they were so busy. I'm thinking of switching...but didn't realize I might have to brush up against poor people. I may re-think it now. Heck, SunTrust acts like it's doing me a favor giving me .55% on my Money Market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.