I chased a Fidelity bonus years ago and I didn't finish the process. The software and bureaucracy was just too much hassle. Perhaps they have improved over time, perhaps the bonus was devised to be painful -- I'm not sure, but I never went back to find out.
For decades we have used USAA for banking (and on/off insurance) and Schwab for brokerage. Today my wife and I walked into the local Schwab office to open a checking account as part of a USAA separation. I rarely want or need a live person to hand hold, but today was one of those days and as usual, I very much appreciate the sterling customer service. Their telephone support is also exceptional. I find the Schwab web app and phone app a pleasure, and I have not found fault with their security. It does a fine job without being annoying (thinking of you, IB)
I echo the OP comment about lagging software being the first motivation to move on. USAA were extremely innovative with software for the longest time, but in the last couple of years it has lost a lot of its lustre. Not so much lack of features, but buggy software and an inconsistent interface that becomes an annoyance. I get fussy when I'm forced to get on the telephone to handle something that should be quick and easy online, and then encountering an increasing number of bot-type human representatives makes me downright cranky. So I have been itching to move for a couple of years. The final push was 0% apr on cash.
From my POV, Schwab leaves 2 things to be desired (quibbles really): I cannot deposit cash (or a money order, for that matter), and I cannot get a bank cheque the same day. Schwab offers me 3 free domestic wire transfers a quarter so that covers 99.9% of my bank cheque needs, and I keep a free checking account at a local brick and mortar for odds and ends, including deposing cash
For decades we have used USAA for banking (and on/off insurance) and Schwab for brokerage. Today my wife and I walked into the local Schwab office to open a checking account as part of a USAA separation. I rarely want or need a live person to hand hold, but today was one of those days and as usual, I very much appreciate the sterling customer service. Their telephone support is also exceptional. I find the Schwab web app and phone app a pleasure, and I have not found fault with their security. It does a fine job without being annoying (thinking of you, IB)
I echo the OP comment about lagging software being the first motivation to move on. USAA were extremely innovative with software for the longest time, but in the last couple of years it has lost a lot of its lustre. Not so much lack of features, but buggy software and an inconsistent interface that becomes an annoyance. I get fussy when I'm forced to get on the telephone to handle something that should be quick and easy online, and then encountering an increasing number of bot-type human representatives makes me downright cranky. So I have been itching to move for a couple of years. The final push was 0% apr on cash.
From my POV, Schwab leaves 2 things to be desired (quibbles really): I cannot deposit cash (or a money order, for that matter), and I cannot get a bank cheque the same day. Schwab offers me 3 free domestic wire transfers a quarter so that covers 99.9% of my bank cheque needs, and I keep a free checking account at a local brick and mortar for odds and ends, including deposing cash
Statistics: Posted by EricGold — Thu Apr 18, 2024 12:02 am — Replies 15 — Views 1011