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Looking for a local bank or CU with great technology and truly free checking
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:23 am
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:23 am
When I think of banks that really get it right with technology, USAA and Chase come to mind. I’m not even a fan of Chase, but their website and mobile app are solid.
On the flip side, I’ve had experience with Red River Bank — really friendly staff when I had to go inside a bank branch, which I appreciated, but the website and app left a lot to be desired.
I’m looking for a local bank or credit union in the Baton Rouge/Ascension area that offers a similar digital experience to USAA or Chase. Ideally, the account would be truly free — no minimum number of debit transactions, no required direct deposit, and no monthly penalties.
Right now I have an account with Campus FCU. Their online and mobile platforms are pretty good, but because I don’t use the account often, I’ve been getting hit with fees, which defeats the purpose.
Any suggestions? I’d love to hear what others are using and liking.
Edited ...
As a side note, I'd like to find a bank that offers free HELOCs (going to pay off my house soon) and would like to have access to a credit line but only use it when I need it, and pay it off. Otherwise, no balance will be owed.
^^^ the edit above is not a requirement though for my original ask.
On the flip side, I’ve had experience with Red River Bank — really friendly staff when I had to go inside a bank branch, which I appreciated, but the website and app left a lot to be desired.
I’m looking for a local bank or credit union in the Baton Rouge/Ascension area that offers a similar digital experience to USAA or Chase. Ideally, the account would be truly free — no minimum number of debit transactions, no required direct deposit, and no monthly penalties.
Right now I have an account with Campus FCU. Their online and mobile platforms are pretty good, but because I don’t use the account often, I’ve been getting hit with fees, which defeats the purpose.
Any suggestions? I’d love to hear what others are using and liking.
Edited ...
As a side note, I'd like to find a bank that offers free HELOCs (going to pay off my house soon) and would like to have access to a credit line but only use it when I need it, and pay it off. Otherwise, no balance will be owed.
^^^ the edit above is not a requirement though for my original ask.
This post was edited on 5/21/25 at 7:25 am
8
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:33 am to Will Cover
Bump
I’m moving into the area looking for same. I keep a CHASE account for interstate commerce purposes, but have enjoyed the local friendliness and service of a credit union in Huntsville, AL. Hoping to find similar locally in Ascension.
I’m moving into the area looking for same. I keep a CHASE account for interstate commerce purposes, but have enjoyed the local friendliness and service of a credit union in Huntsville, AL. Hoping to find similar locally in Ascension.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:35 am to ynlvr
I heard good things about Ascension CU (in terms of people and relationships). However, I know nothing about their technology.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:46 am to Will Cover
BRTELCO - Free checking and i use online banking for everything (including using their) mobile app
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:50 am to Will Cover
OK, how about USAA then since you mentioned them?
I have been banking with USAA for over 20 year, always top notch on technology. They have to be with basically no physical branches to visit.
I have been banking with USAA for over 20 year, always top notch on technology. They have to be with basically no physical branches to visit.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 7:56 am to DarthRebel
I have been a member with USAA for nearly 15 years. Zero complaints on the banking and insurance side.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 8:17 am to tigeraddict
quote:
BRTELCO
Technology wise, do you like their website interface and mobile banking app?
Posted on 5/21/25 at 8:19 am to Will Cover
I am totally impressed with B1 Bank.
FWIW, Capital One is the worst.
FWIW, Capital One is the worst.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 8:43 am to Will Cover
Check EFCU Financial - free checking no fees, good technology.
HELOC product has no closing costs or fees up to $200,000 and 100% LTV
HELOC product has no closing costs or fees up to $200,000 and 100% LTV
Posted on 5/21/25 at 9:10 am to Will Cover
If you have a taxable brokerage with a sizeable balance, look into a securities backed loan or pledged asset line of credit. You may find better rate than HELOC (negotiate don't just take what's advertised). No closing costs and may not even have to make interest payments. Interactive Brokers has low published rates (currently 4.8-5.8%) to use to to negotiate w your brokerage or just move assets to IB. Interactive Brokers rates
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:48 am to Will Cover
From a customer service standpoint, I have been pleased with Gulf Coast. I think there is a lot of room for improvement on their tech side, but it is a lot better than Regions, Bank Plus & Xplore FCU.
I also use Gulf Coast for business banking, so I am not sure about the costs for anything as I may get free stuff due to the whole portfolio and the fees I pay for my international wire transfers.
I also use Gulf Coast for business banking, so I am not sure about the costs for anything as I may get free stuff due to the whole portfolio and the fees I pay for my international wire transfers.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 11:15 am to KajunLass
quote:
FWIW, Capital One is the worst.
Interesting take. I've got nothing but positive things to say about Capital One. Of course, not in BR.
I very rarely visit the inside of any bank.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 6:16 pm to Will Cover
I dealt with Ascension credit union the last 2 years my parents were alive. I wouldn't recommend them. Customer service was dismal and the technology wasn't great. This was 2021-2023
Posted on 5/21/25 at 6:43 pm to bubbz
quote:
Check EFCU Financial - free checking no fees, good technology.
I can't speak to their technology, but I met Tom and a couple of his Board members at an event a couple of months back and they seem like sharp folks.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:12 pm to Will Cover
Try Pelican State Credit Union
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:36 pm to ProudLSUMom
quote:
I dealt with Ascension credit union the last 2 years my parents were alive. I wouldn't recommend them. Customer service was dismal and the technology wasn't great. This was 2021-2023
Good to know, thank you.
Posted on 5/21/25 at 10:36 pm to GeauxTigers1983
quote:
Try Pelican State Credit Union
Technology more than serviceable?
Posted on 5/22/25 at 6:47 am to Will Cover
Neighbors or campus fed.
This post was edited on 5/22/25 at 6:49 am
Posted on 5/23/25 at 8:06 am to Will Cover
quote:
Technology wise, do you like their website interface and mobile banking app?
Yes. easy to use to check balances, schedule payments, and mobile check depositing.
I also like their budgeting software thats free. you can even link credit cards and categorize each purchase
Posted on 5/23/25 at 8:18 am to ynlvr
quote:
local friendliness and service
This always confuses me. Are you people needing to roll coins every week, or just enjoy handing cash across a counter to deposit it, instead of putting it into an ATM? Is it an old people thing, like you need to see the clerk behind the counter at the post office, or your day isn't complete?
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