Bank or Credit Union Recommendations?

[SHMIV]

Since W2B and I are planning marriage, I find it prudent to consolidate our money. As I generally despise banks, I don't currently use one (I view them to be thieves, and thus, untrustworthy ). However, for consolidation purposes, as well as saving for future goals, I suppose that it's time to break down and open an account somewhere. But, where?

I know that Bank of America donates to causes that I cannot support, and BB&T has "No Gun" stickers on their doors, so those are out.

I've discovered that I'm eligible for an account at Virginia Credit Union; they any good?

You guys have any recommendations? Any establishments that I should avoid at all costs?

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[Reverenddel]

If you can get into Va Credit Union, get into Va Credit Union!

I have Call Federal for local reasons, and they're okay, but Va C/U is MUCH bigger, and has "bank type" facilities to make things easier.

Plus? All the Wa-Wa's I know are part of the Credit Union ATM system.

[ShotgunBlast]

My wife and I chose not to merge accounts and that has been working out great. Like you, I currently don't have a personal bank account. Whatever checks I have to deposit we put in her account and get cash for whatever I need.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[OakRidgeStars]

I've been a credit union member since 1989. Aside from the CU not having as many branches as a bank, I can't think of a single complaint. Especially when it's time to buy a car.

[Swampman]

I was in a small bank in Front Royal, Virginia Savings Bank. A few years ago they got bought by a regional bank (City National Bank) HQ'd over in the hillbilly. Checking is free, really, on-line banking is a snap, and as long as you consent to getting statements electronically, they don't charge a monthly "dead trees & ink" fee.

[SHMIV]

Thank you, Gentlemen. I appreciate the insight.

@SB: It may not be broke, but it ain't running smoothly, either. There are times when I need to transfer money, and my current system is entirely inconvenient and inadequate. If I wasn't in a different state every day, it would probably work perfectly.

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[trailrunner]

My wife is a teacher, so we belong to Apple Credit Union. The only 2A experience I've had with them was when I went there when I needed someone to notarize my CCW renewal. The guy was happy to notarize my form, and said that he was going to apply for a permit himself. Yes, this is in northern VA.

I've also been a member of Pentagon CU. They were convenient when I used to go to the Pentagon regularly. When I started working at Fort Belvoir, they had a convenient office (just outside Telegraph Road gate), but when they closed that office, I switched to Apple CU.

[cwfunrider]

I belong to Navy Federal Credit Union and Northwest Federal Credit Union. Both are really good for the purpose of banking and such. Neither is 2A accommodating.

The wife and i have been married now 11 years. I have my own account she has hers. We have a joint account together that we can both transfer money in and out of. Neither of us use it as a primary account. If she needs money from me for something i can electronic transfer from my accounts to hers via my phone or computer.

Separate but together.

Works well for us.

Mobile Clicky Device

[Nemo24]

PNC is pretty good. Gun agnostic (no anti-gun signs, nothing in their corporate rules), lots of branches around here (NoVa, PRMD, PA), online bill pay is entirely free, and foreign ATM fees are paid back at the end of the month. I've been with them for a LONG time and have never paid them a dime for anything.

[ProShooter]

Va credit union is good.

[SHMIV]

I'm leaning towards Virginia Credit Union.

PNC is a bank that I haven't considered, mainly because they have inconvenienced me, in the past. I had a difficult time having my checks cashed when my last employer switched to PNC. Then, after the hassle and aggravation, they had the nerve to charge me an absurd fee (which was higher than the previous banks absurd fee).

Of course, all banks charge that fee to cash a check now. One now has to pay for the privilege of not using a bank.

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[AlanM]

PNC is definitely pro gun. When they bought National City Bank a member of Ohioians For Concealed Carry happened to buttonhole a PNC VP that was visiting a ex NCB branch that was just being posted "No Guns". He asked the VP why Ohio banks were being posted when Pennsylvania PNC branches weren't. The VP thought for a minute, had the stickers removed from the window and a memo went out to all branches that PNC was legal gun owner friendly.
I was a NCB customer for decades and am happy with PNC. I do all my banking online and keep one checking account connected to a debit card. I use that card all the time and if I need cash I can get up to $100 for free every time I buy something at Kroger. No big deal.
I have a separate checking account that I keep a small balance in for PayPal and other online transactions.
A third account is a savings account.
Due to my age I pay no fees and have no limit on how many times a month I transfer funds from one account to another.

[Palladin]

VACU is good - wife likes very much. Son has Navy Fed thru the Marines, hooked up his sister with accounts when she struck out on her own.