SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

I hate chase right now...I am so tired of all their fees and crap, driving me nuts and I am done giving them money.

So, I need some help if you dont mind.

I am trying to figure out if I like USAA banking or a local credit union.

I have had loans, CC's, and insurance with USAA in the past, so I have more of a history, but I am not sure I want to step back into 'big bank'...or not.

The biggest issue with the Credit Union is there are only 3 places to bank, and they only offer like 5 free ATM withdraw's a month....so its either you pull a months worth of money in one go, or you get charged.

There are more options with the Credit Union that I like, like the automatic savings. They take a set amount off of each transaction and put it into the savings account....so that would be really nice.

I would like to do this as soon as possible, I am so done with Chase UGG!...they may be everywhere, but they so are not customer oriented.

I don't have any experience with USAA but I have personally had the best experience with my credit union. They don't have the shady practices that big banks do and they are very customer oriented.

Are any of the locations near places you go frequently? One of my branches is in the grocery store that I always do my shopping which also happens to be right next to my gym. If I know I'm going to need cash I will typically stop in after the gym of on my grocery trip.

well, there is an ATM by my church, and a what looks like a free ATM just a short walk from work.

The only issue would be when I actually need to go into a bank, the close one is still kind of far...

Honestly though, at this point, I would spend the $3 in gas more happily driving to a place if it means that I would be happier with my bank.

There are other banks out there that offer the service you like, so I would look around first.

I've banked with credit unions and big banks. They all have their pluses & minuses. I've found that credit unions are not always convenient in their hours and locations. If banking in person is ever an issue for you, I would look for a local bank that can help you. Many offer a la carte services--pick and choose what you need--for several different services free of charge.

well, and I am trying to think back on the times that I needed to bank in person, and other then making deposits....I haven't needed to go in.

They both offer online banking, USAA offers the same option of mobile deposit that Chase does, but I worry about not having a place to go EVAR, USAA doesn't have any branches at all, they work with other banks to help provide the free ATM's and the UPS stores to offer in person depositing....

blah....

That's not totally true... USAA has a branch here in DC.

Everyone I know who has used USAA has been extremely happy with them.

I use to work in USAA banking (for credit cards). Our dept was right next to the deposits department. USAA is known for their excellent customer service, and I find them to be very fair, and they do try to go above and beyond, especially for military families. The downside are for those who are not considered "full" members, they are not eligible for all the perks. Since you have the insurance then you are obviously a full member. Another downside is the lack of physical banks, but that has never been an issue for me what with mobile deposits and reimbursing ATM fees.

We have a credit card, insurance and checking account with USAA. We did recently switch to another bank for our main checking account, but USAA has always been good to us.

I have been very happy with them in all my other ventures so far. I just dont know if i like not having a physical place to go if i need them....kwim?