Review of OneUnited Bank's Unity Gold E-Savings Account
POSTED ON BY Ken Tumin
Update 6/13/09: Unity Gold E-Savings rate has fallen from 1.75% to 1.51% APY.
Update 3/16/09: The yield has fallen to 2.25% APY. Note, OneUnited Bank's website only clearly shows the rate for their new E-CD (2.50% APY). I can only find the savings account rate in the Truth and Savings Disclosure. See bottom of post for the rate history.
Update 11/29/08: OneUnited received a Cease and Desist Order from FDIC (see post).
OneUnited Bank is one of the very few banks that have yet to cut the yield on their online savings account since the Fed started cutting rates in September. The yield remains at 5.30% APY. My last report on this account was December 2006 when they changed the minimum of the account from $10 to $1,000. So it's time for another review of this account. I hope I don't jinx the rate.
Account Features
Below is a summary of the features based on their FAQ page, their Savings Disclosure, their learn more page, and from my Monday conservation with their customer service rep (CSR). Note, there are a few things mentioned in the disclosure (like a $1 fee for ACH withdrawal) that the CSR said did not apply to this account. I've noted in bold those features that may be an issue with some.
I haven't opened this account, so I don't have first hand experience with this bank. In previous posts, many readers complained of a slow account opening process, a poor ACH transfer system, and bad customer service. However, it seems they made a major improvement in the ACH system late last year. So this may no longer be an issue. If you're a customer, a comment about your experience would be much appreciated.
Rate History
The rates have remained very competitive since OneUnited launched this savings account in April of 2006. Here's a summary of the rate changes:
During 2006 and the first half of 2007, their rates were good but nothing great compared to other online savings accounts. But now with them continuing to hold the rate steady since the Fed rate cuts, they're way above most other savings accounts. From my weekly rate summary, the only competitors are accounts with intro rates or accounts with $5K or $10K minimums. UFB Direct is the only one with a comparable rate and with no minimum, but it has other issues to consider (see post).
This online savings account account was originally called the UNITY Internet Savings Account and only required a minimum balance of $10 to open and earn interest. Late in 2006, they created the UNITY Gold E-Savings Account with the $1,000 minimum. According to some readers who had the old account, they were able to keep that account with the old minimums. But new customers can only open the UNITY Gold with the $1,000 minimum.
Bank Overview
OneUnited Bank has been FDIC insured since 1982 (Certificate # 23966). The bank has $632 million in assets and $358 million in deposits. Bankrate gives the bank 3 out of 5 stars (performing) based on 6/30/07 data. This is down from 4 stars when I reported on this bank in June 2006.
Rate History:
Update 03/16/09: Yield has fallen to 2.25% APY
Update 02/14/09: Yield has fallen to 2.75% APY
Update 12/23/08: The yield fell to 3.00% APY.
Update 12/13/08: The yield fell to 3.35% APY.
Update 10/3/08: The yield has gone up to 3.75% APY.
Update 7/14/08: The yield fell to 3.26% APY.
Update 4/07/08: The yield fell to 3.60% APY.
Update 3/07/08: The yield fell to 4.00% APY.
Update 2/22/08: The yield fell to 4.60% APY.
Update 2/4/08: The yield fell to 5.15% APY.
Top yield had been 5.30% APY.
Update 3/16/09: The yield has fallen to 2.25% APY. Note, OneUnited Bank's website only clearly shows the rate for their new E-CD (2.50% APY). I can only find the savings account rate in the Truth and Savings Disclosure. See bottom of post for the rate history.
Update 11/29/08: OneUnited received a Cease and Desist Order from FDIC (see post).
OneUnited Bank is one of the very few banks that have yet to cut the yield on their online savings account since the Fed started cutting rates in September. The yield remains at 5.30% APY. My last report on this account was December 2006 when they changed the minimum of the account from $10 to $1,000. So it's time for another review of this account. I hope I don't jinx the rate.
Account Features
Below is a summary of the features based on their FAQ page, their Savings Disclosure, their learn more page, and from my Monday conservation with their customer service rep (CSR). Note, there are a few things mentioned in the disclosure (like a $1 fee for ACH withdrawal) that the CSR said did not apply to this account. I've noted in bold those features that may be an issue with some.
- $1,000 minimum to open and earn interest (FAQ)
- No monthly maintenance fees (FAQ)
- Must be a US citizen (learn more)
- Can be funded by ACH transfer or by mailing in a check (learn more)
- 9 day hold before your initial deposited funds are available (learn more)
- Online application with nothing to mail in for most cases (CSR)
- After the application, an email will be sent with instructions allowing you to register for Online Banking (CSR)
- No hard credit inquiry - just a soft pull (CSR)
- ATM card - Maximum withdrawal is $300/day (CSR)
- Typical limit of 6 electronic withdrawals per month - no limits on deposit (CSR)
- ACH capability for electronically transfering funds to and from your other banks (FAQ)
- Unlimited ACH links to other bank accounts can be set up (CSR)
- ACH links don't require voided checks. Trial deposits used to verify accounts. (CSR)
- Standard ACH transfers are free and take 3 business days (CSR)
- Standard ACH transfer limits: outbound: $20k/day, $40k/month, inbound: $20k/day, $100k/month (CSR)
- Premium ACH transfers take one day and cost $10 - dollar limits are lower (CSR)
- Interest is credited and compounded quarterly (Disclosure)
- Accrued interest will not be paid if you close an account before the accrued interest has been credited (Disclosure)
I haven't opened this account, so I don't have first hand experience with this bank. In previous posts, many readers complained of a slow account opening process, a poor ACH transfer system, and bad customer service. However, it seems they made a major improvement in the ACH system late last year. So this may no longer be an issue. If you're a customer, a comment about your experience would be much appreciated.
Rate History
The rates have remained very competitive since OneUnited launched this savings account in April of 2006. Here's a summary of the rate changes:
APY Date
4.50% 4/2006
5.00% 6/2006
5.25% 7/2006
5.30% 12/2006
5.15% 2/4/2008
4.60% 2/22/2008
4.00% 3/07/2008
3.60% 4/07/2008
3.26% 7/14/2008
3.75% 10/03/2008
3.35% 12/13/2008
3.00% 12/23/2008
2.75% 2/14/2009
2.25% 3/16/2009
During 2006 and the first half of 2007, their rates were good but nothing great compared to other online savings accounts. But now with them continuing to hold the rate steady since the Fed rate cuts, they're way above most other savings accounts. From my weekly rate summary, the only competitors are accounts with intro rates or accounts with $5K or $10K minimums. UFB Direct is the only one with a comparable rate and with no minimum, but it has other issues to consider (see post).
This online savings account account was originally called the UNITY Internet Savings Account and only required a minimum balance of $10 to open and earn interest. Late in 2006, they created the UNITY Gold E-Savings Account with the $1,000 minimum. According to some readers who had the old account, they were able to keep that account with the old minimums. But new customers can only open the UNITY Gold with the $1,000 minimum.
Bank Overview
OneUnited Bank has been FDIC insured since 1982 (Certificate # 23966). The bank has $632 million in assets and $358 million in deposits. Bankrate gives the bank 3 out of 5 stars (performing) based on 6/30/07 data. This is down from 4 stars when I reported on this bank in June 2006.
Rate History:
Update 03/16/09: Yield has fallen to 2.25% APY
Update 02/14/09: Yield has fallen to 2.75% APY
Update 12/23/08: The yield fell to 3.00% APY.
Update 12/13/08: The yield fell to 3.35% APY.
Update 10/3/08: The yield has gone up to 3.75% APY.
Update 7/14/08: The yield fell to 3.26% APY.
Update 4/07/08: The yield fell to 3.60% APY.
Update 3/07/08: The yield fell to 4.00% APY.
Update 2/22/08: The yield fell to 4.60% APY.
Update 2/4/08: The yield fell to 5.15% APY.
Top yield had been 5.30% APY.
Two more problems I see are: 1) three days seems like a long time for an ACH transfer. And 2) why the limits on the amount that can be transferred?
1-If error occurs you need written letter to dispute charges or error
2-Secure e-mail is not answered until
4th or 5th day and then if there is follow up on same e-mail you may be asked to send a letter.
3-ACH is suppose to be 3 business days, but it takes a week sometimes.
4-There is long wait for the funds to become available for withdrawals
and hold place on it is a turn off.
5-Sending out money via ACH puts the money in limbo for at least 3 days and you don't earn interest for that period. Money are debited the moment you initiate ACH.
6-Pulling money in will take up to 10 business day in order for you to use it using ACH.
Now you know why I don't use this account, it is opened and just waiting to be closed.
1-If error occurs you need written letter to dispute charges or error
2-Secure e-mail is not answered until
4th or 5th day and then if there is follow up on same e-mail you may be asked to send a letter.
3-ACH is suppose to be 3 business days, but it takes a week sometimes.
4-There is long wait for the funds to become available for withdrawals
and hold place on it is a turn off.
5-Sending out money via ACH puts the money in limbo for at least 3 days and you don't earn interest for that period. Money are debited the moment you initiate ACH.
6-Pulling money in will take up to 10 business day in order for you to use it using ACH.
Now you know why I don't use this account, it is opened and just waiting to be closed.
current driver license copies from front and back and reason for closing
it. It is not automatic closing even if the balance in the account is $0.
They may refuse to close the account
for what ever reason they can think off as per CSR.
I'm out of this bank.
the frustrations that will
follow up as long you have this account.
I closed it few weeks ago and never plan to open another account with
this Bank even if the interest paid is 7%.
I had to mail a copy of my DR license too and beg to be closed.
For example, I initiate ACH on Monday to send money, Monday does not counts as business day. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the three days as per CSR, but is not guaranteed that the money will be available on Friday because the 4th business day is transaction day.
The money will arrive next Monday
at the other bank for sure.
But money are withdrawn on previous Monday and no interest is paid for the 3-4 business days (which in reality is one week) while in transit. It gets worse if there is Bank holiday in that week.
And there is one of the problems
with this Bank.
I will skip it without being sorry.
Nov 7 - opened account with trial deposit method using my AmTrust acct
Nov 8 - received email of Trial deposit failure (not sure if this was an AmTrust or BankUnitedOne problem)
Nov 14 - received a welcome letter
Nov 15 - sent check for initial deposit from MN (since the trial deposit method failed)
Nov 21 - received another welcome letter
Nov 27 - the check was finally credited to my account
Nov 28 - the check cleared my KeyDirect account
WOW! - keep the initial deposit small and write the check from a high interest bearing account (if you have one), as with their "hold" time you will lose interest with the money in a non bearing interest account.
Nov 21-Dec 4 Went back and forth between the CSR and their online banking dept as to why their system kept saying my account had missing information which kept my account from showing. While I did actually receive a return phone call, a second call was not returned. For some reason they assigned me one account number and then changed it, not sure why. Beware of their ACH system, the basic is free and as mentioned above is slow, the premium is next day but you pay $10 per transaction.
You're much better off with a bank like KeyDirect or AmTrust. I have had an AmTrust account for over a year and just opened my KeyDirect acct. The downfall of AmTrust is that you can only access your money online and they did the new account switcharoo thing.
http://bankdeals.blogspot.com/2007/10/amtrustdirect-introduces-e-savings.html
KeyDirect provides you with free checks. I will say though with KeyDirect that you should allow a month from the time you initially open the account until the time they do their trial deposit thing (they not only make them but will withdrawal them - about a week plus process). Yes it's a hassle but their customer service is much more user friendly than of BankOneUnited.
A side note - as long as you make your online transfer from AmTrust or KeyDirect by the cut-off times, transactions from those accounts have shown up in my transferred account the next business day. At least these banks have a decent ACH system.
BankOneUnited's ACH system is a step below that of Emigrant's and ING's. I used to have account at both of those banks when they were at the top of the rate game but closed them for the ACH reason.
The only reason I have to keep my BankOneUnited accout open is because of the rate comparing to that of a CD. With the hassles of transfering money I am going to use this account for my CD money (since I don't have to lock it away). Should the rate fall below that of AmTrust or KeyDirect, my money will be out of there.
Happy banking to everbody.
I called their customer service, expressed my concerns and asked to cancel the application. In fairness to the bank, the bank representative was very kind. She immediately canceled my application and in a few minutes after the call I received an email message confirming the withdrawal of the application at my request.
No one responds to emails and no one picks up the phone. Folks..Is my money gone? After reading the comments here, i think i have made a huge mistake. Should i report to authorties....?
Any suggestion would be helpful!
For filing complaints with the government, please see this post. Since it's not a National Bank or a member of the Federal Reserve, I believe this FDIC page is where you would file a complaint. I hope this helps.
I opened my account on line
on 2/4 and trial deposits were posted on the same day and I was able to verify my account next day but did not get any other feedback. I called the CSR this morning and after a few hours I got an email that my application was approved and $1000 will be deposited tomorrow. I was also able to register for online banking but I have to wait for snail mail.
I will post further experience later.
When I registered for online banking it told me how to setup my id/pw. As a Result I now know my full account # so that I can link other banks to take advantage of $59 bonus too.
Overall I found it better than HSBC.
Be sure to transfer your fund on Monday or Tuesday so that the fund will be in OneUnited on Thursday or Friday (to prevent loosing interest during weekend).
1) As others have noted, they don't reply to e-mails.
2) We have made no fewer than 30 phone calls to their Linkline system and at this point, the voice mail box is so full, you can't leave a message.
3) We have waited on hold so long that the line has gone dead on their end and disconnected us. BTW: They don't reply to faxes either.
4) I cannot see how to transfer money from our other bank's linked accounts into these new accounts, but after reading all of your complaints here, it looks like the next battle will be to close the accounts.
5) The one time we got a human being, it was at the online banking helpdesk. Of course, they could not help us and answer our questions, and gave us the customer service phone #. That of course, leads us right back to square 1.
6) I know they are based in California, so I looked up the California's equivalent of the Banking Commission (we are in NY) and through that website, it seems that One United should have complaints files with the state of MA.
7) I have filed complaints thus far with both the FDIC and the MA Business Commission today. If anyone reading can share any additional information or where to file complaints, please e-mail me at [email protected].
8) Does anyone have a number where you can actually get a person? I wouldn't mind having to call during the day at normal business hours, but you can never get a person on the phone!
I have done online banking with several banks over the years, and this bank is the WORST thus far.
I would appreciate hearing from other folks with problems with One United or other resolutions you may have.
Thanks.
I posted a while ago that my friend was related to someone who worked at OneUnited, and that she was told they would be lowering their rate big time.
Well, they finally did it.
So, with the fact that they post their interest quarterly, would anyone still keep their money in this bank?
Anyways, it has been one nightmare after another. First, I got an e-mail stating that my account was opened and my initial deposit was available. I went to log-in to the website I and I got error message stating I should call CS. Well, I did and apparently they had no record of my application for online banking. Okay whatever, I went online and filled out a new one. It's been over a week and I haven't heard back. Then today I get a letter in the mail stating that my account has been closed. WHAT!? Well at this point I'm livid, but it's Saturday so when I call I cannot reach anyone who can help me because they have no access to any information about my account. Apparently I have to call during business hours, which I will do on Monday.
My biggest question is: Where's my money? The letter never mentioned how the funds in my account would be returned. I got an e-mail saying they received the funds, but I was never able to access the account online to check & now my account is closed? - Well it can stay that way. I just want my money back.
I will not use them again & will make sure to pass on the word
In any case, I do everything through their Internet Website and have had NO problems. It is true that they require a full quarter (3 months), in order to earn the high interest that they provide (which far exceeds other low interest bearing Savings accounts, which also have similar restrictions).
However, regarding the FDIC investigation, they are now in a better financial position, thanks to the FDIC, than prior to the investigation. In addition, I understand that they won significant funding from some other organization that rates banks. In short, Google “One United Bank” and read more about them and their financial status, before completely dismissing them.
By the way, as we enter these uncertain times, what with the $750 Billion dollar bailouts, many, if not most US banks, are now being investigated by the FDIC.
In any case, unless you have over $500,000 in a bank account, you're fully insured by the FDIC. Just keep a good account of your money!