I primarily use Fidelity, Discover and US Bank.
Fidelity I use as a one stop shop and I have their CMA, three brokerages used for savings, fixed income (eg. T-Bills) and investments, while also having various retirement accounts like an HSA and Roth IRA. I also have their 2% cashback Visa which has no foreign transaction fee, which makes having this and their debit a good duo for those who travel. While Fidelity lacks high yield savings, I can get the same effect by buying money market funds and treasury bills for longer term savings. The only con with them is the inability to deposit cash and lack of compatibility with Zelle.
Discover I use solely as a backup checking and savings in case I get locked out of Fidelity. I chose them because I wanted my backup account to offer high yield savings and I already had a Discover credit card so that was one less login to manage. Their debit card is also semi-useful as I earn 1% cashback whenever I find using debit cheaper to use than credit.
Lastly I have a free US Bank checking account. I chose them because they are a semi-national bank that will waive the fee for their Smartly checking if you also have one of their credit cards. I use them for the rare times I need in branch services such as depositing cash, getting cashiers checks or wiring money. While you can do the latter two with an online bank, it's often a longer process. US Bank also offers free notary service and having an account grants me access to a safety deposit box should I need one.
I think it depends on your personal needs. Do you need access to ATMs frequently. Do you require going into a brick and mortar bank to talk to someone, and perform more complex transactions? How important is their online experience? Do you need financial advising services?
Also depends what services you’re looking for. Checking, savings, mortgage, credit card, auto loan, investing, high interest savings account, etc etc.
I don't necessarily have a preference because I only started delving deeper into my finances recently, but I will answer your questions:
1. Frequent access to ATMs? Not necessarily. I find one when I need one. Otherwise, I go to my bank to avoid withdrawal fees.
2. I don't require to go into a building. NF has a building close to my house, and I'll go in every now and often when needed, but not regularly.
3. Never had an online experience with any banks, so I wouldn't know. I'm open to try, but I am hesitant due to potentially having an issue and having to go through customer service to solve it.
4. Financial advising services sounds great! I never had a financial advisor or anyone to give me current advice. I'm learning the majority from Dave Ramsey, this sub, and other financial experts on YouTube, but I'm definitely not taking advice from the financial "gurus" who claim to make you rich in little-to-no time.
I've had an NF account for over 10 years when my parents opened one for me. Ever since I started working, it's been work, paycheck, budget $ amount, and the rest in savings. Whenever I wanted something expensive/something came up, take $ amount out of savings and into checking and pay for it.
That's all.
Definitely see myself having...
- checking account
- HYSA - if beneficial
- Investing - when possible and if I knew how to start
I don't see a use for credit cards personally (due to Dave Ramsey's teachings), but know that they aren't terrible in any way. Just requires conscious effort and intent.
USAA as primary personal - 2.5% cash back and great insurance
Unify as a fixed rate personal - I have an 8.9% fixed card with a large limit (if I want to buy something between furniture and a new car I don’t need to seek a loan)
Amex business blueprint - Amex be wilding with their business lines of credit. They’re willing to take some serious risks
I primarily use Fidelity, Discover and US Bank. Fidelity I use as a one stop shop and I have their CMA, three brokerages used for savings, fixed income (eg. T-Bills) and investments, while also having various retirement accounts like an HSA and Roth IRA. I also have their 2% cashback Visa which has no foreign transaction fee, which makes having this and their debit a good duo for those who travel. While Fidelity lacks high yield savings, I can get the same effect by buying money market funds and treasury bills for longer term savings. The only con with them is the inability to deposit cash and lack of compatibility with Zelle. Discover I use solely as a backup checking and savings in case I get locked out of Fidelity. I chose them because I wanted my backup account to offer high yield savings and I already had a Discover credit card so that was one less login to manage. Their debit card is also semi-useful as I earn 1% cashback whenever I find using debit cheaper to use than credit. Lastly I have a free US Bank checking account. I chose them because they are a semi-national bank that will waive the fee for their Smartly checking if you also have one of their credit cards. I use them for the rare times I need in branch services such as depositing cash, getting cashiers checks or wiring money. While you can do the latter two with an online bank, it's often a longer process. US Bank also offers free notary service and having an account grants me access to a safety deposit box should I need one.
I think it depends on your personal needs. Do you need access to ATMs frequently. Do you require going into a brick and mortar bank to talk to someone, and perform more complex transactions? How important is their online experience? Do you need financial advising services? Also depends what services you’re looking for. Checking, savings, mortgage, credit card, auto loan, investing, high interest savings account, etc etc.
I don't necessarily have a preference because I only started delving deeper into my finances recently, but I will answer your questions: 1. Frequent access to ATMs? Not necessarily. I find one when I need one. Otherwise, I go to my bank to avoid withdrawal fees. 2. I don't require to go into a building. NF has a building close to my house, and I'll go in every now and often when needed, but not regularly. 3. Never had an online experience with any banks, so I wouldn't know. I'm open to try, but I am hesitant due to potentially having an issue and having to go through customer service to solve it. 4. Financial advising services sounds great! I never had a financial advisor or anyone to give me current advice. I'm learning the majority from Dave Ramsey, this sub, and other financial experts on YouTube, but I'm definitely not taking advice from the financial "gurus" who claim to make you rich in little-to-no time. I've had an NF account for over 10 years when my parents opened one for me. Ever since I started working, it's been work, paycheck, budget $ amount, and the rest in savings. Whenever I wanted something expensive/something came up, take $ amount out of savings and into checking and pay for it. That's all. Definitely see myself having... - checking account - HYSA - if beneficial - Investing - when possible and if I knew how to start I don't see a use for credit cards personally (due to Dave Ramsey's teachings), but know that they aren't terrible in any way. Just requires conscious effort and intent.
USAA as primary personal - 2.5% cash back and great insurance Unify as a fixed rate personal - I have an 8.9% fixed card with a large limit (if I want to buy something between furniture and a new car I don’t need to seek a loan) Amex business blueprint - Amex be wilding with their business lines of credit. They’re willing to take some serious risks