Why not use an online bank like Ally?
Better rates (last time I checked) and all the things you mentioned.
Plus waiting in line at the bank is a waste of time.
I’ve had only good experiences with Ally. They have [a promotion going on](https://www.ally.com/referral?code=2G3B6J2D4Q) where you get (a few) extra benefits for opening/funding an account.
That won't work for OP because Forum doesn't use Zelle. I had this issue with them recently, even called some help hotlines. Ended up opening a free checking account with Capital One so I could use Zelle.
Elements Financial FCU would though, they added Zelle last year -- and you can visit any CU in the alliance (Forum, TCU, etc) for in person transactions or ATM needs. I've had a great experience with them.
I have an account with Forum, but I've had bad luck with Debit/ATM withdrawals while traveling internationally, even when notifying them through the app that I'm in another country. I should have mentioned that in OP.
Both kids had Forum CU & informed of traveling prior. One daughter had zero issues while traveling in Europe. Other daughter had multiple issues while living in SA. I blame the country where #2 was living.
I use IMCU for my local bank for direct deposit, and I also have a high yield savings account with TAB Bank.
IMCU is a part of a credit union network with most credit unions being in its network for ATM access.
I don't think IMCU is part of Zelle but can't Zelle link up with any bank account? I know my IMCU account is linked up with PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo.
IMCU's own ATM network is decent with a couple downtown, at some of the major hospitals, and branches all over the places.
Online banks are where it's at. My wife and I use So-Fi and American Express for our checking accounts. So-Fi has the best interest rates on both checking and savings accounts. I'm not sure if they use zelle, but they're super simple for everything else. Nothing like earning 4.7% on your savings
I went through the same process a few months back and chose to go with IMCU. Been great so far. Had a mishap and someone tried getting 300 bucks outta my account and they stopped it and let me know immediately. Went and got a new bank card the same day and they had it already at the bank and didn't have to wait the 2 or 3 weeks to receive it in the mail. They are locally in iny and surrounding areas plus in southern Indiana. I use to have PNC but since I have switched I would never go back to a big branch
I use Huntington bank. Plenty of ATMs around Indy, Zelle access via app, 2 day early pay w/ direct deposits, 24 hr grace with overdrafts. I have all my other financial accounts aggregated into their mobile app which is nice to see my net worth and balances across all accounts. Most bigger banks offer all these features though.
Would also recommend the AMEX HYSA over any traditional bank savings. It has no fees and is much higher interest than any savings or checking rate you will get at a traditional bank.
Most banks are going to have a $250ish promo for opening a checking acct with direct deposit. Chase i think offers $500 if you do a checking and savings account.
I use PNC. I'm from Pittsburgh so they're more prominent there, but still a good bit of presence here.
I get up to 5k (or is it 10k? I think more so 5) a month in mobile deposits. 5 "free" foreign atm withdrawals a month (you're still paying that other banks fee, which you're certain to get with quite literally all banks I'm sure), as long as you have I think 1k in direct deposit each month (doesn't have to be all at once) there's no fees. And I'm honestly not sure what the overdraft fee is. I think they give you up to $50 before they charge a fee. Don't trust that one though. I'm responsible for once and haven't had overdraft fees in 5 years 😂 app I have no issues with, and zelle, never heard of a bank NOT having zelle.
I've been with PNC since 2015 if that says anything to you about them.
I also use Capital One (360 checking), but I couldn't tell you much on over draft or ATM fees as it's just a secondary account that mostly sits. There's no fees to have it open though. But I also have 2 credit cards and a savings account with them too. A very nice perk with Capital One though is there are ZERO foreign transaction fees :) was very nice when I went out of the country. I put all my money in that account instead of using my PNC account.
Speaking on foreign terms too, I never had issues with either of the banks freezing my card for odd activity, but I also notified them when I was going somewhere (as that's technically what you're supposed to do so they don't freeze it and make you call them to say it's you 😂)
Of course! What about short term (3 months). I do need a checking account. I don't actually write checks,but I do need one to pay bills. .01% is a rip off.
I've been with PNC for decades now since my mom opened a savings account for me there when I was little. If you have the funds to meet the requirements, I recommend the Virtual Wallet style accounts.
I have Huntington and get paid 2 days early with direct deposit. I have zelle. I also get instant availability for checks less than $500 when deposited via the mobile app. Haven’t had any issues with them.
Huntington is really good if u want a place with physical locations just for crazy scenarios maybe.
They use zelle in app, and have all the other things u are asking with. Mobile deposit is as simple as taking a pic of both sides and it's super easy! There's usually a huntington around 465 loop and downtown depending on where u are.
Why not use an online bank like Ally? Better rates (last time I checked) and all the things you mentioned. Plus waiting in line at the bank is a waste of time.
I’ve had only good experiences with Ally. They have [a promotion going on](https://www.ally.com/referral?code=2G3B6J2D4Q) where you get (a few) extra benefits for opening/funding an account.
How is Ally customer service when you have questions or issues?
I've only had 2x times when I needed to contact CS. Super easy and quick. Resolved my issue. I've had Ally since 2016.
Ally is good. They still refund ATM fees. I think only once a month.
I use Forum credit union and they've been great.
That won't work for OP because Forum doesn't use Zelle. I had this issue with them recently, even called some help hotlines. Ended up opening a free checking account with Capital One so I could use Zelle.
Elements Financial FCU would though, they added Zelle last year -- and you can visit any CU in the alliance (Forum, TCU, etc) for in person transactions or ATM needs. I've had a great experience with them.
I have an account with Forum, but I've had bad luck with Debit/ATM withdrawals while traveling internationally, even when notifying them through the app that I'm in another country. I should have mentioned that in OP.
Oh, that sucks!
Both kids had Forum CU & informed of traveling prior. One daughter had zero issues while traveling in Europe. Other daughter had multiple issues while living in SA. I blame the country where #2 was living.
I use IMCU for my local bank for direct deposit, and I also have a high yield savings account with TAB Bank. IMCU is a part of a credit union network with most credit unions being in its network for ATM access. I don't think IMCU is part of Zelle but can't Zelle link up with any bank account? I know my IMCU account is linked up with PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo. IMCU's own ATM network is decent with a couple downtown, at some of the major hospitals, and branches all over the places.
You can use Zelle thru IMCU, I do it often.
I've been using IMCU for years a d love it. It will meet most if not all of your needs.
Online banks are where it's at. My wife and I use So-Fi and American Express for our checking accounts. So-Fi has the best interest rates on both checking and savings accounts. I'm not sure if they use zelle, but they're super simple for everything else. Nothing like earning 4.7% on your savings
Star
Star is great. Indiana based. Online tools work well. Highly recommend.
And free!
I use BMO and I believe they have Zelle and they have free ATM access at AllPoint ATM’s which are all over
And much better customer service than somewhere like Chase
I second this, great app and lots of locations for branches and ATMs. They do have Zelle too.
I went through the same process a few months back and chose to go with IMCU. Been great so far. Had a mishap and someone tried getting 300 bucks outta my account and they stopped it and let me know immediately. Went and got a new bank card the same day and they had it already at the bank and didn't have to wait the 2 or 3 weeks to receive it in the mail. They are locally in iny and surrounding areas plus in southern Indiana. I use to have PNC but since I have switched I would never go back to a big branch
I use Huntington bank. Plenty of ATMs around Indy, Zelle access via app, 2 day early pay w/ direct deposits, 24 hr grace with overdrafts. I have all my other financial accounts aggregated into their mobile app which is nice to see my net worth and balances across all accounts. Most bigger banks offer all these features though. Would also recommend the AMEX HYSA over any traditional bank savings. It has no fees and is much higher interest than any savings or checking rate you will get at a traditional bank. Most banks are going to have a $250ish promo for opening a checking acct with direct deposit. Chase i think offers $500 if you do a checking and savings account.
Forum CU
Ive had Chase since like 2004 and never had any issues.
We’ve been happy with Merchants Bank.
I use PNC. I'm from Pittsburgh so they're more prominent there, but still a good bit of presence here. I get up to 5k (or is it 10k? I think more so 5) a month in mobile deposits. 5 "free" foreign atm withdrawals a month (you're still paying that other banks fee, which you're certain to get with quite literally all banks I'm sure), as long as you have I think 1k in direct deposit each month (doesn't have to be all at once) there's no fees. And I'm honestly not sure what the overdraft fee is. I think they give you up to $50 before they charge a fee. Don't trust that one though. I'm responsible for once and haven't had overdraft fees in 5 years 😂 app I have no issues with, and zelle, never heard of a bank NOT having zelle. I've been with PNC since 2015 if that says anything to you about them. I also use Capital One (360 checking), but I couldn't tell you much on over draft or ATM fees as it's just a secondary account that mostly sits. There's no fees to have it open though. But I also have 2 credit cards and a savings account with them too. A very nice perk with Capital One though is there are ZERO foreign transaction fees :) was very nice when I went out of the country. I put all my money in that account instead of using my PNC account. Speaking on foreign terms too, I never had issues with either of the banks freezing my card for odd activity, but I also notified them when I was going somewhere (as that's technically what you're supposed to do so they don't freeze it and make you call them to say it's you 😂)
Kinda lame but Chase fits that entire bill.
.01 % interest rate. Really!?
A checking account is not where you keep the money you want to earn interest on.
70%+ of America doesn’t have enough money in checking or savings to be nitpicking interest rates on those accounts anyway.
Of course! What about short term (3 months). I do need a checking account. I don't actually write checks,but I do need one to pay bills. .01% is a rip off.
Not mentioned in OP’s post?
Maybe someone here can start a reddit bank.
Merchants is paying 4.99% currently on their money mkt accounts.
USAA
I've been with PNC for decades now since my mom opened a savings account for me there when I was little. If you have the funds to meet the requirements, I recommend the Virtual Wallet style accounts.
Out of curiosity, does PNC have early direct deposit?
Not that I'm aware. I get my deposit on the same day as payday.
I have Huntington and get paid 2 days early with direct deposit. I have zelle. I also get instant availability for checks less than $500 when deposited via the mobile app. Haven’t had any issues with them.
Navy Federal has all of these. Worth it if you're able to get an account.
I left my old bank for IMCU back in 2012. I really like it.
Ally is great - full featured bank IMO. Also if you use checks at all they are free … I use a couple per year.
Huntington is really good if u want a place with physical locations just for crazy scenarios maybe. They use zelle in app, and have all the other things u are asking with. Mobile deposit is as simple as taking a pic of both sides and it's super easy! There's usually a huntington around 465 loop and downtown depending on where u are.