Posts: 183
Threads: 3
Joined: May 2006
If you are happy with your mainland bank, just keep it.
Based on my research when we first moved, I think that the Hawaii banks aren't very good. Internet banking seems to be a new thing for them, free checking isn't the norm and interest rates on savings accounts are low.
If you want a bank so that you can use the ATMs, just get a savings account and write checks to it from your main bank.
We kept our Wells Fargo accounts when we moved and haven't had any problems not having a Hawaii bank. I get cash a the supermarket.
Robin
Posts: 450
Threads: 128
Joined: Jul 2007
I endorse CU Hawaii. Banks have to (they're on the stock exchange) make a profit while credit unions are non-profit yet have the same federal financial guarantees as banks. Central Pacific has just two branches for the whole island. If you're gonna go with a bank, Bank of Hi and 1st Hwn are much more accessible, also much more impersonal and snooty, IMHO.
Posts: 2,149
Threads: 90
Joined: Feb 2006
The Bear and I have been very happy CU Hawaii customers for the past two years. They now have branches in Keaau and Pahoa for those Punatics who do not get to Hilo often and need services. (The mini-branch on the sidewalk outside KTA Puainako is our favorite.) They have always been courteous, accessible and reasonably efficient, but do not put any large deposit accounts there as their interest rates on CD's and money markets are not good at all. If you park $100 in a low-interest savings account, though, they give you a fairly competitive rate on interest checking, which we happily use.
Cheers,
Jerry
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Robin, the second week we were on island was the week 2 years ago when there was a huge debaucle with credit/debit cards. Both hubby's & my cards were frozen. We had out of state checks & had just gotten our rental & HI state ID's, but had not yet obtained a PO Box.
With out a local bank, we were pretty screwed. CU Hawaii was the only institution that treated us well (mind you, our mainland institution had the procedds from our recent house sale, our IRA's, 401K's & much else to lose, and their response was that 1. they could not issue us new cards without a street address. 2. It would take a week - 10 days to request new cards 3. We could stop in to clear this up (3200 miles away)
CU Hawaii had it straighten up in 1/2 hour. I know that much of it was that we were there in person & there was money on the table, but the same money was availalbe to any of the institutions we visited, and could have stayed with the institution we had used for years, that we had arranged our move with, and that we were very comfortable with prior to this. Having an institution here is helpful when the going gets weird & you need to work it out face to face (& then the friendly face really helps!)
Posts: 4,531
Threads: 241
Joined: Jan 2006
quote:
...I think the most important thing is establishing a good relationship with your bank. I make it a point to know just about everyone by name from the bank manager right on down... Life is a 2way street, they know all about you financially but do they know you as a person, do you know them.
This is probably the best answer wherever you bank!
Posts: 140
Threads: 56
Joined: Sep 2006
Glen
we too wanted to establish and open a bank account in Hawaii/Puna/Pahoa area but were told by BOH and FHB that due to fed regulations no deal unless you are a resident, not just land or homeowner, but card carrying in residence. Maybe since you are "impoverished" they will take pity!
Best of luck and good wishes. Aloha.
Posts: 589
Threads: 20
Joined: May 2006
CU Hawaii's online banking works great. I haven't had any problems using it over a year now. I've accessed from the mainland and Costa Rica, as well as from the BI. I also like their in-person service and personality.
I also got a "good vibe" from Big Island Federal Credit Union. I think they're smaller than CU but they seemed nice. Since I haven't used them, I know nothing about how they are to bank with.
Posts: 2,923
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Joined: Mar 2006
I've been using my mainland bank since I moved to Puna 5 years ago. I have had no need for a hawaiian bank account.
Posts: 2,149
Threads: 90
Joined: Feb 2006
For whatever it's worth, I saw a sign in KTA today that said they no longer accept out of state checks. The clerk did say that non-local ATM cards were OK.
Cheers,
Jerry
Posts: 589
Threads: 20
Joined: May 2006
What would be considered "out of state"? If your checks have your local address printed on them, doesn't that constitute being "in state"? Or, do clerks look at the bank branch information?
