There is nothing I hate worse than getting ripped off. Over the last few years, all of the “perks” that came with my checking and savings accounts at a well known bank have dwindled to nothing. I no longer receive free checks or free services, the customer service is horrendous and I get minuscule returns on the money in my accounts. And to top it off, I just received notice that they are going to start charging me a monthly fee for using my debit card!
I have had an account with this particular bank since I was sixteen. The only pattern I have seen over the years is that their customer service gets worse, my fees get more expensive, and their buildings get bigger! Enough is enough.
Charging me a fee to use my debit card was the last straw. So, I started doing some research on online banks and decided to open an account with ING Direct.
ING Direct provides a laundry list of useful products: checking accounts, savings accounts, savings for kids, ESA’s, home loans, tools for retirement, tools for investing and products for businesses. They have higher interest rates on checking and savings accounts, no account minimums, no overdraft charges, no monthly fees, low rates for home loans, a website that is extremely easy to navigate, and they now offer checks. Best of all, they have excellent customer service!
In the process of setting up my account I had to call twice. I spoke to two different agents that were very helpful. I’m a customer service person so I can immediately tell whether or not somebody is truly interested in helping me. They both answered with a smile in their voice and stayed on the phone until everything was perfect. It was a breath of fresh air considering what I have been dealing with over the years.
In order to open an ING Direct account, you have to link it to your current checking account for the initial deposit. It is simple, painless, and will only take you about ten minutes for the entire process. You will have to wait a couple of days in order to verify your account.
There are a few different ways to deposit your money. You can set up direct deposit, send your deposits via U.S. mail, or link your current checking account and make ACH transfers (which typically takes two business days). However, when your ING account is active you can transfer money from within with a click of a button and the funds will be available immediately. Simple!
There is one potential downfall: You have to have good credit in order to open an account. If you don’t, maybe now is the time to start cleaning up your credit!
I’m really excited about this new opportunity and I would encourage you to check it out. If you’re unhappy with your current bank, or would like to find out some more information about ING Direct, click here!
How do you feel about your bank? Leave a comment!
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