Back a while ago—an embarrassingly long while back—we opened a checking account with Wachovia. We received from them two check books, 1 debit card for me and….yeah that was it. Since Micah was added a week or two after the account opened, we decided to wait a bit for his card. Then life was doing various things and such and we let it slide.
Until today. I planned this call for a couple days and actually woke up scared at 5am this morning. That’s how neurotic I’ve been about it. Not proud to admit it, but very happy that I actually made the call today.
And you know what? It was a good experience. She looked over our account, told me that the PIN had been sent but may have gotten lost in the mail. So she said she’d resend it. She apologized that they hadn’t sent one for Micah and also put an order in for a card and a PIN (they get sent separately). She then activated the card I have to work as a credit card–so I can use it pretty much anywhere but an ATM.
Then she helped me with a glitch I’d been experiencing recently with my online account.
She even described in detail what their PIN notification letters look like, because they’re apparently easy to overlook.
She was helpful, she knew just what to do, and I could understand her (big plus when I’m trying to get help). Plus since she wasn’t overseas I didn’t have a bad connection. *cough* Verizon! *cough* No static or anything.
Now we just have to see if they come. I’m hoping they will. That would make this pretty much a perfect customer service experience.
We’re moving to Wachovia for a number of reasons:
– Convenience. ATMs on Micah’s campus and in a number of local stores. We don’t use them much, but it’s nice to know we could. Also will help with depositing paychecks since I won’t be setting up direct deposit until I have my PIN and everything.
Plus there are local branches–my current bank is local to the Delaware area where I grew up (lots of banks there!) so I can’t go into a branch for help without a long drive.
– Compatibility. Wachovia works better with Mint and Quicken. I got a copy of the latter from Trent, but I haven’t been able to use it as well as I’d like because my small bank isn’t as compatible. But I know it works with Wachovia from Micah’s experience.
In the long run, here’s how we want to have our money (at least until someone screws us over):
Checking account: Wachovia. Good branch availability in the area, big national company.
Savings: ING Direct Orange Savings. Earning a bit more interest and I’ve found their system pretty easy to use.
Roth IRAs: Vanguard. I’m going to invest in their funds anyway.
Anything else–we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
So yay for screwing up the courage and yay for Wachovia being so much nicer than I anticipated!
photo of Wachovia center in Miami by aaronyx
Print Friendly
{ 1 trackback }
{ 6 comments }
It sounds like a pretty good service. But, does that mean you will not be able to draw cash out at all – just use it as a debit card.
By the way Mrs M – what is that tall building in the picture? I felt dizzy just looking at it.
#1: While I can’t draw out cash, I can get cash back at a store. And the PIN should be here in a few days. I’m also all set up with my old bank account, still, so I’ll just be using that.
#2: It’s the biggest Wachovia building. Very very tall.
Wachovia is a good bank – I think you’ll be happy there. They offer very competitive rates and have pretty innovative product development area (I do not work there – they are the competition and I follow them pretty closely).
I have my savings at ING as well. The have one of the easiest web/online banking interfaces out there. Love them. Wish I worked there.
Oh well, now I understand why they’re called Wachovia, with a building that tall.
Good catch on your part. Proves if something is bugging you, it is probably for a good reason.
Glad you had a good experience, good customer service is very hard to find at large banks anymore.
Love the picture of the building!
Comments on this entry are closed.