Re: Jesus things just got annoying fast [Banking issue]
I always try to open a checking account. Then I add a savings account. Then I add business checking and savings. Then I add a Christmas club account and a special account for a building I own. I never have more than 6 accounts with one bank.
Credit unions or banks that do not use Chexsystems would be best for you at this point.
This is the reason I advocate being CAREFUL with bank accounts. We should not be TERRIFIED of the banking system, but you have to choose your banks wisely and not go berserk and open 10 accounts with different banks in one week. It is all about staying under the radar.
It also helps greatly to have a relationship with your branch manager. My local Woodforest has been great for me. The manager there is a gay guy and I live in a fairly conservative area. We invited him and his partner over for the 4th of July BBQ a couple of years ago and have been inviting them to our parties ever since. They are great guys and I have ZERO worries at the bank. Woodforest is pretty good for stealth to begin with. But once someone in their main office questioned one of my accounts. The manager told them it should have actually been a business account, not a personal one. So, he opened a business account for me, which satisfied their security people and waived all of the fees. Had I not know this guy, I am not sure what would have happened. They could have told me to take my business elsewhere. I'm glad I didn't have to find out.
My point is, it never hurts to have someone in your corner at the bank. There is no substitute for having one of their employees vouch for you when an issue comes up. Because they can tell the security people that they know you and that you are NOT up to no good, and that goes a LONG WAY!
You don't have to become your bank manager's best friend, but it always pays to be nice, and even a small Christmas gift can go a long way. My bank people, my postal carrier, the DHL guys, they ALL get small gifts from me. Everything from DVD's to gold plated playing cards, to Cards Against Humanity. Sure, it costs a few bucks, but it is a wise investment. Because if you ever have a problem, those relationships can work wonders.
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