Now that I’m gradually settling in to my new bank, I’m finding myself more and more glad that I made the switch. Because the SF Fire CU rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Online banking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many small or local banks advertise “online banking,” but what does that really mean? If you mean a web interface set up by a group of middle school students for a class project in 1997, then you’ll be happy with any small, local bank or credit union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But some of us want to do things like enroll for an account without leaving our chairs. Even many of the national banks fail at this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, I was able to sign up for SF Fire CU online. In fact, I have never visited either of their branches but I was able to sign up and setup my banking all in about 30 minutes. They also let you order your banking cards online (see #4 for details.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their website isn’t as slick as some banks, but my only real wishlist would be a username instead of using your account number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Customer service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most places I go I feel like I get good service because I try to be pleasant. I figure if you’re dealing with hundreds of customers every day, you’re not getting paid enough for them to be a dick to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, the corporate banks tend to have really bad phone support. Some banks outsource it and it shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SF Fire CU has both a phone number and a web chat. They were able to help solve my newbie questions really quickly on both, which I appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And none of my calls went to India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. All ATMs are free<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the ATM owner charges you a fee, SF Fire CU reimburses you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your bank do that? If so, you probably have a major bank. Many smaller banks and credit unions pay you back for ATM fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might not sound like such a big deal, but imagine you’re at your favorite dive bar and want to order your buddies a round. Oops, no cash: and the bank is too far to walk. Do you use the bar’s ATM and pay $3? You know you HATE paying that fee. That’s a beer’s worth of money down the tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Visa credit\/debit cards with photos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n SF Fire CU does both credit cards and debit cards. Best part is you can get whatever photo you want on the card, though someone does review it so don’t upload a photo of the Goatse man or whatever (you sick bastard.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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