In college, I worked at a small community bank where I enjoyed an employee checking account with all bank service fees waived. After I graduated and moved, I started using other banks. Each bank had their own fee trap. I found this frustrating and contrary to the purpose of having a bank account. A bank account should save you money not cost you money to manage your finances.
At Schwab, I feel as though I am an employee at a small community bank. I enjoy no fees, free banking services, and impeccable customer service.
My favorite experience with Schwab's customer service was when I called the toll free number and was immediately transferred to a live person. I asked one question: is there a fee for downloading your account information into Quicken? The customer service agent's response was a chuckling and smug "no" we don't charge for any of that. This is a departure from industry norms where some banks charge as much as ten dollars per month for this feature.
From that moment, I have recommended several customers to Schwab and they are all happy with Schwab's products and services. Because of this relationship, Schwab now holds all my investment accounts and retail bank accounts.
I've done alot of banking online and many have great features, but Schwab is the best without a doubt. The best interest rate with no minimums, no fees, free checks, NO ATM Fees, (yes I said NO ATM fees), free bill-pay, and much more. The customer service is awesome, they know what they are doing and are very friendly. I always recommend them to friends, especially those stuck at the old fashioned banks where they charge a fee for everything. Save your money and come to Schwab, you will be very glad you did.
Schwab Bank is the penultimate banking service. There are no fees. Any ATM is your ATM. Bill pay is great and works flawlessly. Free checks and a competitive interest rate. What more could you ask for? I enjoy that I can mail my deposits in and don't have to try to swing by a bank during business hours. What a hassle that is. Of course, the envelopes are postage-paid. And anytime you need assistance, Schwab is a phone call away. There is never a long hold time (if any), and customer service reps are always professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. I'll be a Schwab customer for life.
ATM fees: reimbursed. Interest: low, but as good a rate as anyone. Postage-paid envelopes and external account transfers: flawless. I can't imagine, except for ATM deposits, anything Schwab could do to improve their checking. I've had many accounts, local and national, over the years, and Schwab is hands-down the best.
I would recommend this to a friend.
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+59points
79out of99found this review helpful.
Review 5 for (Unknown)
Still need a local banking relationship
Overall Rating:
4out of5
Written by: Invest by John
Date:04/26/2013
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Age:Over 55
Investment Experience:Intermediate
Favorite Feature:Reimbursement of ATM fees
Customer Service:
4out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
3out of5
Fees:
4out of5
Schwab locations cannot issue cash or cashier's checks. If you need a large amount of cash, you have to call in to up your limit (can do one time) and then go to a 3rd party bank. If you need a cashier's check, you're out of luck with Schwab Bank.
Response from Charles SchwabBy Schwab Bank Moderator, Schwab Bank Moderator, 05/22/2013
Hi. Thanks for the feedback. We recognize that clients sometimes need cashier checks. Although they aren't available at every branch, we will mail or overnight cashier checks to clients in the US. We are happy to help. Just give us a call!
I would recommend this to a friend.
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+8points
10out of12found this review helpful.
Review 6 for (Unknown)
Awesome.
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Written by: Nickg
Date:04/12/2013
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Age:18-34
Investment Experience:Intermediate
Favorite Feature:Reimbursement of ATM fees
Customer Service:
5out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
4out of5
Fees:
5out of5
Coming from the traditional brick-and-mortar banks, I've come to expect that subpar service and ridiculous fees are standard for having a bank account. In came Charles Schwab Checking. It is hands down the best banking experience I've ever experienced. From no ATM fees to no annual fees to them sending me free checks with out me even asking, the benefits are just too numerous to list. I hope that they continue to be phenomenal and don't start cutting corners as all other banks seem to do. Otherwise, I'm a customer for life.
I would recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-2points
1out of4found this review helpful.
Review 7 for (Unknown)
Best of all worlds.
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Written by: Yehuda
Date:02/17/2013
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Age:18-34
Investment Experience:Intermediate
Favorite Feature:Reimbursement of ATM fees
Customer Service:
5out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
3out of5
Fees:
5out of5
Great customer service, no ATM fees ever and even a modest, although fairly insignificant, APY. Easy to use, free checks, no fees, and just great all around. Recommend to everyone.
I would recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+3points
4out of5found this review helpful.
Review 8 for (Unknown)
Best bank I've ever used
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Written by: Anonymous
Date:02/02/2013
Location: La Verne, CA
Age:18-34
Investment Experience:Beginner
Favorite Feature:Free online bill pay
Customer Service:
5out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
3out of5
Fees:
5out of5
Schwab Bank is the best bank I've ever used. No fees at all. Free checks. Reimbursed ATM fees...unlimited. No overdraft fees. Service is the best I have ever had from a bank. Call them any time. Mobile check deposit app is great...you get your money deposited the next day. I've transferred money out to another bank and it's there the next day. I paid a credit card bill using bill pay, and they received the payment the next day. I would have to search hard to find something to improve. I guess it's a little annoying sometimes that transfers between your Schwab accounts are not instant...only during business hours they are, but that is a minor detail.
I would recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+4points
7out of10found this review helpful.
Review 9 for (Unknown)
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Written by: Anonymous
Date:02/01/2013
Favorite Feature:Reimbursement of ATM fees
Customer Service:
5out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
3out of5
Fees:
5out of5
This customer did not provide a text review.
I would recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+2points
4out of6found this review helpful.
Review 10 for (Unknown)
Excellent Online Checking Option
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Written by: Anonymous
Date:12/27/2012
Location: Chesterfield, MI
Age:18-34
Investment Experience:Beginner
Favorite Feature:Reimbursement of ATM fees
Customer Service:
4out of5
ATM access:
5out of5
Interest rate:
4out of5
Fees:
5out of5
My wife and I opened a High Yield Investor Checking about a year ago and we have not been disappointed. We have our payroll directly deposited and gaining a highly competitive interest rate (with no minimum balance...unheard of with traditional banks), we get free checks, and absolutely no ATM fees. The smart phone app allows for easy check deposits (usually same day deposits), and you also have the ability to transfer funds from a local bank or credit union (the smart phone app is MUCH quicker for this, though...just write a check out of your local account). In addition to checking, you have the convenient access to a full set of banking/investment options as you would a traditional bank. My one suggestion is that you keep a local bank or credit union account to allow for quick cash deposits (or checks that do not deposit via the phone app). A person would be foolish to have an active checking account anywhere else other than Schwab. Consequently, after nearly a year of service, I highly recommend opening a High Yield Investor Checking account at Charles Schwab Bank.
Brokerage Products: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value
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