Best Place to Bank in Chicago Burbs?

Question

I'm looking to change banks. Does someone have recommendations for good options in the Chicago area, especially in the burbs? I would like to avoid a big chain like Wells Fargo and use something like a credit union. Switching from Marquette. Maybe you hate your bank, I wouldn't mind knowing that too. Thanks to any responses.

Henry Lazerow · Answer

Schwab and Fidelity tend to be the best. Fidelity has a no annual fee 2% cash back credit card and their atm card refunds all atm fees even when your out of the country using any banks atms, I save hundreds a year between their ATM refunds and the 2% back on every dollar I charge to a credit card. Sometimes big banks are the best. For financing real estate I have never seen a lender care where you bank, they just want to see proof of funds regardless what bank big or small holds it.

Forrest Williams · Answer

I was looking at Old Second National Bank, they seemed good. I've heard good things about Schwab too. I just want a bank that's near where I live (Bolingbrook).

Marquette lost a wire transfer worth several thousand dollars. While I was there one of the staff bankers was rude and started explaining to me how a credit card worked rather than answering my questions. He couldn't pull up my account info when I asked him to. Their mobile app can't cash the rent checks I get from CEDA. They eliminated a rewards program I liked. When I look for mortgage quotes theirs never measure up. I used to like them but they've really gone downhill. Mostly it's losing the wire transfer that sunk them for me. I'm sure it'll work out, but right now it's been a serious pain for something so simple.

Jonathan Klemm · Answer

@Forrest Williams - I have a couple of great banks that I would recommend.  We do our business banking with Old Second National Bank.

We selected them because there are a mid-sized regional bank I believe around 3-4 Billion.  Also, I have good connections at Waterman State Bank, First Eagle, and Wintrust (which is a a bigger bank).

What are you looking for and why are you switching?  Does the bank need to be in a specific suburb or Chicago?

Tim Matthews · Answer

Just curious, why switch from Marquette Bank? I just joined this bank recently.

Best Place to Bank in Chicago Burbs?

Most Popular Reply