Cornell Fingerlakes Credit Union

Pros: customer service, low limits, high rates, no ATM charges
Cons: no ATMs outside of Tompkins County; $1 charge for outside ATM use

During my stay at Cornell University, Cornell FingerLakes CU (previously known as Cornell Federal Credit Union) was my preferred banking choice. There are several reasons why I think CFCU offers an outstanding value, especially for students.

I...

Pros: Great service, no fees, interest for checking accounts
Cons: None really.

I shopped around quite a lot last year when I joined Cornell University as a graduate student. There are quite a few alternatives in the surrounding area, but this is by far the best place to open up a checking/savings account. The ONLY caveat is that...

Pros: low fees, convenient location, high interest
Cons: not good if you leave Ithaca

Cornell Fingerlakes Credit Union was my bank (credit union) of choice during my 4 years at Cornell. Formerly known as Cornell Federal Credit Union, CFCU has branches and ATM machines located all around Ithaca,

CFCU has significantly higher...

Pros: Excellent customer service, interest on checking, no fees.
Cons: Restricted membership, small area.

I switched over to CFCU after a series of awful experiences with M&T Bank and Bank of America. I was amazed at the quality of customer service, and I've never seen anyone offer interest on checking accounts before! It's not a trifling amount, either......

Pros: Lots of local branches and ATMs, good customer service, great credit card
Cons: Only really viable if you're in the Cornell area

I joined CFCU when I started grad school at Cornell in 1992. I never had any problems with them at all for the five years I did all my banking there--their customer service was competent and friendly, and even in the early 90s they offered services like...