What's Not To Like-- It's Free!!
Written: Jun 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: convenience, open long hours, automated phone system
Cons: hefty overdraft fee
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| linda1527's Full Review: TCF National Bank Minnesota |
I was surprized when I went to write an opinion on this to find it rated highly only 33% of the time-- (this is the Minnesota TCF anyway). Why I ask. I have totally free checking here and a savings account. I've been banking here for at least 15 years and find it to be so convenient. And, oh-- did I mention it's totally free.
I have direct deposit through my employer so I know my check will also be deposited on the morning of pay-day. There are many local branches in the Twin Cities area, not to mention stations also set up in the Cub Grocery Stores. About the only time I ever go to the bank is when I receive an Epinions check or another check besides my payroll check.
You can even make deposits at your local Total or Holiday gas station through the ATM machines. I have no ATM charges unless I use one that is not affiliated with TCF, but rarely encounter ATM's that are not.
Balancing the 'ole checkbook
With technology the way it is today, I have not balanced it (like on the back of your statement) for at least 5 years. There is a local number that you can dial with the handy-dandy menu for checking your checking or savings account balance, checks paid, deposits, withdrawals, and you can even change your PIN number through this call if you like. I get a bank statement every month with all of my cancelled checks.
Some banks do not return your cancelled checks anymore, unless you request this for a fee. I know, because I used to bank at one of those banks where they charged you a service fee for all checks written, not to mention keeping a minimum balance in your account. I have no fees for any of this and need no minimum balance. What more could you ask for?
They are always offering some kind of a gift for one thing or another. If you open a new home equity line of credit you can get a free 13-inch Magnovox colore TV/VCR.
They have the Tell a Friend Program whereby you are given a free gift for yourself and the friend if they sign up for the totally free checking. Just last month the gift was a Pyrex 6-piece bake and serve basket set if a new account was opened with at least a $100 deposit. How can you go wrong with that? You can't. It's free!
Another good thing about TCF is that they are open on many holidays where other's are not. They are open Monday through Saturday, and drive-in tellers available until 7:00 p.m.
Now, for the down side to this bank and there always is one isn't there? That is the overdraft fee of $26 per check. I admit that is a pretty hefty sum, but over the long-haul when all is said and done, if you don't ever acquire that negative balance that's one thing you don't have to worry about. As far as buying checks, I usually buy those through "Current," but you could also buy them directly from TCF.
Happy banking folks at the totally free TCF
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
linda1527
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Location: Minnesota
Reviews written: 87
Trusted by: 128 members
About Me:
Finally I am an ex-smoker as of 9/1/01
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