Not Good For Couples Or Multiple Account Holders

My wife and I are in the process of closing our two FUSION checking accounts with Advantis because they have become more rule-bound and impersonal than any of the three other local credit unions or two large, national banks that we also do business with currently.  We're moving the majority of our cash deposits back to Point West Credit Union, which by the way, currently offers higher rates of return (2.5%) with easier and fewer requirements in their version of  "fusion" accounts...

It is unfortunate because we originally liked our relationship with Advantis.  However, like what we found years ago with Onpoint/Portland Teachers, when Advantis started their expansion and building/developing their own branches, it seems the organization began getting a bit too full of themselves.  Also like what we saw with PTCU, after this began, the competitiveness of their service and products really started to drop off.

In particular, we think couples with multiple accounts really should examine the local market beyond Advantis.  Why?  We found that Advantis' policies are discriminatory against couples with multiple accounts.

For example:  To gain the higher rate of interest in their FUSION account (currently 2%), one of the requirements is to complete 12 ATM-based transactions each "statement" cycle.  They give one exception, one time, no matter how many accounts you have.  

So, if you are an individual member with one FUSION account, you get one exception.   Interestingly however, this one exception also applies to couples (two members) who, like us, had two FUSIONS accounts.  So, one of our accounts got this exception, the other was never even eligible for an exception.  Why not?

If you are single and opening one FUSION account, Advantis is probably an OK option-- particularly if their branches are convenient for you.  Their staff are nice and helpful.

If you're a couple and want or need multiple accounts -- definitely look elsewhere. There currently are better options in Portland.   Besides, it seems that Advantis' management is looking to attract and retain a customer base other than you anyway.