Very simply, I want to pick up the phone and leave a message for "Jim", my banker. When Jim calls me back, I tell him,

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"Hi Jim, I'm looking to purchase a car. I don't know what car, yet, whether I'll purchase new or used, but my budget is $XXXXX. I don't know yet if I'm going to buy from a dealer or from a private party. What are my qualified rates at 24, 36 or 48 months and can I get a better rate by paying 25% of the cost of the car up front?"

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In the world I grew up in, Jim would look at his computer screen, see my credit score, my accounts and at a glance know that I qualify for the best rates. He would then tell me, "Let me send you an email so you have this. Happy shopping!"

I'm with Bank of America and it is impossible to have that kind of business relationship any longer with them. Between my wife and I, we have seven figures with them, but that doesn't mean squat any longer. I used to have a first name basis banker there, but the guy retired, and nobody there can figure out whether to wind their arse or scratch their watch without a computer telling them to. Does anyone have that kind of banking relationship and what bank is it?

At BOA, in order to get that information, it requires making an online application, and that hits my credit report, which counts against my credit score. I'm in the 800's, but I've seen before when I was shopping rates on a new mortgage watch my credit score drop from a 811 all the way down to 765, so I' very cautious about making applications now.

At BOA using their app or online on my computer, I can choose Dealer purchase or Private purchase. I can choose the number of months. I can choose used or new. If I want to change the terms of the months, or change from a Dealer purchase to a Private purchase, or from a New auto to Used, I have to make a second, or a third or a 4th application, or more. They just don't give it all to you at once. It's fricking dumb as shite.

I'm what they term, one of their Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors customers. This gets me different rate discounts, free checking, no fees at ATM's that aren't theirs, reduction in fees for mortgages, etc.., but not a name and a phone number of someone that can help with your account. I tried calling and the idiots I get on the phone are impossible to get through and their young kids that wouldn't even be able to balance a checkbook on their own if not for an app.

What's your net worth? Well if you need to loan for a car probably, no.

ETA: FWIW on the business side, absolutely still possible. I'm not sure how often you'd need to bank with someone to make a personal relationship for a personal account?

Ok Boomer and Not so subtle brag.

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I'm with Bank of America

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Problem found.

Switch banks.

Seriously, you’re with one of the largest banks in the country and are upset you aren’t getting on a personal relationship with someone there. If you don’t have 2 commas in that bank account, you’re a guppy in the ocean to them. You will never, ever, ever, be more than a number.

Bet BOA doesn’t let you go into the main lobby and grab a cup of coffee either.

Most banks have some private client thing going *if* you are a high net worth individual. Otherwise, find a small local bank/credit union. Smaller banks will treat you right.

Local credit union

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bro, do you even credit union?

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Nope, but I hate BOA, so if that's the best route I'll look into it.. This is a car purchase for my son where my credit will be used. He wants to purchase a Tacoma, and pay the note. I'm willing to co-sign and give him the first 25% of the cost of the vehicle.

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I'm willing to co-sign and give him the first 25% of the cost of the vehicle.

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I'm available for adoption.

Used to be your personal banker would mow your lawn, set-up suitors for your daughter, put on a Possum Day Parade for you...

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