Washington Federal

I will never bank here ever again. Their practices on 5-​year CDs is unfair and the bank manager, Sue Winters, was extremely rude. The notice of renewal to my old address. By the time I received the notice, which had no renewal rate identified, I had no time to compare rates plus they plus they are not open later than 5 pm or on Saturdays. I took half a day off to take care of things and went in 8 days late. After having to put $ 20k in an account for 5 years at 2.25% interest, they tried to charge me $ 460 fee to close the account out (renewal rate offered just 1.9%). I’ve had CD withdrawals before, but never been charged such a high fee. When I tried to explain about the notice and moving and complained about the high fee, the bank manager told me I was «financially irresponsible.» I was stunned and deeply offended. They don’t provide any monthly statements, mail the renewal address to an old address, don’t have online access for CDs, are open the hours I work and then want to charge $ 460 «penalty» for my missing the deadline by 8 days. I do not believe the penalty is even legal, but the manager would not even talk to her manager. Just shockingly bad customer service and unfair fees.

I love this bank. They are polite, efficient, and know what they’re doing. They remember you as a customer. I always used to bank at WAMU and had family members that worked there for years. The love is gone now though. The only thing I still love about the Chase (formerly WA Mutual, the friend of the family) is the beautiful carved wood mural in the bank. I’m sure they’ll figure out a way to get rid of that soon too along with competent banking, tellers over the age of 21, free checking, and good service. Meanwhile WA Federal is a gem. I’m following the rest of my family and moving on over to WA Fed. Oh and you can actually PARK there while you bank. GO figure, good banking, good service, and you can get in and out without wasting time circling Ballard like a shark looking for a meter maid to bite.