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Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 11:44 AM
(4 stars)
Good Customer Service + Free Checking
PNC Bank, National Association
(4 stars)I have had a free checking account at PNC for about four years (I bank at a Washington, DC branch). I've been really pleased with the level of customer service, both at my branch and when I've contacted PNC through their website or 800 number. At my local branch, the tellers are super friendly and I don't get that "everyone is ignoring the line" feeling that you sometimes get at banks in the city. If I do have to wait (it's in a location with quite a bit of foot traffic), the manager on duty meets my eye and tells me they'll be with me shortly, and the teller always apologizes for the wait. The times I've had a problem or an inquiry that I've submitted online, I've received courteous, helpful replies. My only complaint would be that they say they will respond to e-messages within 24 hours, but several times it's been 48 hours or more. Also, they've done a courtesy waive on several overdraft fees for me -- they can't do it every time (after all, it's my fault if I'm overdrawn), but I appreciate the willingness to try to help when they can, especially since I have free checking and don't keep a very big balance, so they really aren't making any money from account. Finally, PNC's online banking has a user-friendly interface and good security (e.g., if I change my account information, I get an email and a text message alerting me). I don't keep much money in my PNC account, so they don't have a lot of financial motivation to take good care of me -- I think it's just part of the corporate culture. It's smart, though, becuase if I ever do have more money, they've earned my loyalty.
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