Probably Not Worth It...

I jumped on the reward checking offer.  Found out *after* application that the rate had dropped from 3.25% to 3.00%, although I have various written material with both the original and reduced rate.

 

Online app was smooth until it terminated with a membership application which I was prompted to print and send by mail.  Umm, no.  So I walked it into a branch, waited in line for one of two tellers then was directed to "sign in" and wait for someone else.  Ultimately the form I took the time to complete and print was simply shredded and a new one was completed.  What a waste of my time.

 

I was handed several printed items with my social security number, totally unncessarily.  No one seemed to comprehend how this might possibly be a bad idea.

 

Learned that funds availability for check deposits on a new account is...*nine* business days!  Should have gone through this motion sooner.   ACH deposits are processed faster but I don't have a way to do one of those instantly.

 

Logged into the online banking system, was greeted with a form asking for much of the same info I had already provided once, twice, or thrice.  Played along.  Rejected based on "error" (no idea what kind of error) on zip code and email address.

 

I called "member services."  The rep was cheerful but lacked any apparent empowerment or desire to actually do anything at all.  Had me clear out zip code and re-enter, after which that was accepted; I had to specify an email address without a + character for that to be accepted (figured that out myself).  I routinely use a feature of gmail such that gmail users can append a suffix to an email address and track who sells them out.  (name+suffix@gmail.com).  '+' is totally legal in an email address; their validation is broken.

 

Apparently "yeah I know there have been issues with the web site, teehee" is supposed to be some kind of satisfactory resolution.

 

Bottom line:  lots of hassle just to get started, would expect more security awareness from a financial institution, but better than average rate.