I have used this bank for a long time, and while I have always had friendly interactions in-person, the trouble started when I was no longer 100% local. I kept this bank when I went to college, and even though I consistently told them I would be between Allentown and Long Island, there were holds put on my card somewhat frequently for normal purchases. I pushed through, mainly for the longevity I'd been with them and my family's relationships with them as well. Flash forward to now, when I frequently travel between NYC, Orlando, Chicago, and Allentown. Not only are holds put on my card even when I specifically call them and tell them I'm travelling, they actually YELLED at me that I had to change my billing address even though the address listed is one of the homes that I frequent. When I refused, they insisted by sending me the form to complete. No thank you, that's one of my homes. To further make it difficult to use your debit card, any time you use one of the mobile POS systems that smaller businesses and things like fairs and flee markets have, it is flagged because the billing address is somewhere else. Unlike other banks that send you an email and ask if it's you, they instead put a hold on your whole card without verifying with you. Overall, just inconvenient, and often lacks friendly service over the phone. If you want to be lectured by "customer service" representatives, look no further. It's a shame too- the building is beautiful and some of the people I've spoken to there have been really nice, it's either a few with bad attitudes or maybe they decide to drop the charade over the phone. UPDATE: When American Bank did not have my new number (which I faxed in over 4 weeks ago because it needed to be a written change if it was phone number and email, and was told their system was down but they were sure they got it), they contacted my father instead, who also banks there. It should be noted I'm in my late 20s. User beware if you give an honest review here, they will call your parents. read more

I've been with American Bank for more than 5 years. I've had excellent customer service, like the fact that I can use 2 ATMS ( foreign) at no charge, convenient location, and knowledgable staff. My primary benefit using this bank is no fee checks ( I'm a "senior", and I use their online banking for almost all of my bill payments. This saves me time and money. I also like the fact they have some Saturday hours. The location is closeby and convenient. It is a bit of a downside because there are no branches. read more

Since our family started, we've always been pleased with every area of personal business with them! In fact, even our oldest child has continued with AB! read more

This is a great bank. I've been banking for 40 years and this is the best. My checking interest was at 4% a few years ago. Still, during this recession, the current 1.25% is better than anywhere else. It won't show up at Bankrate.com for some reason, though. I could copy and paste the first reviewers 1st paragraph here, I echo that entirely. The free bill pay is great, plus the returned ATM fees. I use my atm card overseas and have never had a problem accessing my cash. This is a bricks and mortar bank in Allentown, PA in addition to an internet bank. I used to immediately get a person when I called with a question! Now sometimes I get a teleprompter first since they've gotten a little busier, but still get a person soon who is always helpful. read more

After many years, American Bank updated its bank-online website. The previous website allowed customers to categorize checking-account transactions. For example, one could have a categories for rent, salary, investment income, etc. One could then run reports by category. Today, the new website was made available to customers and all the categories were gone. Kaput. American Bank did not notify customers that the categories would be deleted. I had carefully categorized my transactions to make it easy to do my taxes. Now all the categorized data and the reporting feature is gone. The ability to categorize transactions was the one special capability that this bank offered. Now that that capability is gone, there is no reason to bank with American Bank. read more

If you enjoy UI from the 90's, awful customer service that isn't available on weekends or after business hours this is the bank from you. Their model is meant from in person transactions, so don't use this if you live outside of the small town they're located in. Their mobile app needs a serious refresh as its incredibly cumbersome. If you do the majority of your banking via mobile this is NOT the place for you. I wouldn't recommend this bank to anyone. Oh and fabulous side note- if you end up locked out of your account expect to have to call them and wait for 15 minutes to resolve it. Again, they clearly are behind with tech. read more

I have used American Bank online, started with PCBanker.com and now AMBK.com. Then my troubles began! I have a very small family partnership. We have about 5 to 10 transactions per month. I was drawn to AMBK because they were local. I am also in PA. Couple issues that I have. EVERY TIME i log into their system, i have to receive a text or email with a 10 digit verification code. EVERY TIME i login, even multiple times per day. They us O's and 0's and mix 1's and l's. It is a pain! Now they offered being able to deposit by phone to a certain amount. If you want to deposit a check or checks over that amount you must mail them. In the past I could print a deposit ticket with my check amount and all the account numbers inserted. Now you cannot print it from their web site, they removed it. I have to call and ask for them to email a copy of a deposit ticket and fill it out. There online customer service is non existent. I sent messages asking about the deposit ticket issues and 10 hours later, still no response. I posted the message at 7 AM EST. There interest rates are very low and reports are not easy to use. I am very frustrated with them! read more

I have a commercial loan with this bank since 2008.The best bank in the enire USA.They have personal touch with their customers.Mr. Bocich the Vice President of the bank is a wonderful person who's available any time for your need.I heard he's retiring. A great loss for the bank and its customers. I wish him all the best in his retirement life read more

Have used this bank for over 10yrs. Absolutely love it. Very robust web site. Courteous, helpful service. Reimburse all ATM transactions. (Up to 3 a month). Provide pre-paid mail envelopes for deposits. Online site has more search features and flexible billing options than any Chase and BoA. Good mobile app. A very robust RSA security. High interest rate on checking. I compared to all major brick and mortar and online banks and stayed with them. read more

I've been an extremely satisfied customer since March '01. Frugal perhaps to a fault, I've done the interest rate chasing thing and even taken up 0% interest credit card deals just to hold money in online banks before paying off the interest. American Bank gives me the best of both worlds. It's to the point where I've all but given up hunting for a better bank! Online checking is where it's at. Consistently high interest rates (right up there with several popular online savings and money markets and far exceeding most), ATM fee reimbursements, postage paid envelopes, 100% reliable bill pay and wire transfers...they've provided everything I could have asked. I'm particularly impressed with ATM reimbursements. Not only do I take advantage of this at home, but even when I travel overseas. For example, I just went to India where I didn't recognize any banks. I just picked the cloest ATM to my hotel and within a few days, lo and behold there was a reimbursement for the Indian ATM fee! I used to regularly use postage paid deposit envelopes, but now their mobile banking Android app has mobile deposit where I just sign then scan the check...awesome. Also, I must admit I was a bit shocked to see Kimberly S's review. The only thing I can imagine - and perhaps the only "issue" with American Bank - is how common its name is. When you google it, you get B of A and a variety of other American Banks. Don't be confused...this one in Allentown PA stands above the rest! read more

American bank is the worst bank I have ever known. My parents took out a business loan when I was graduating high school ten years ago. Last year their business went under and they were unable to make the payments. The bank decided to sue me and my husband to pay off the loan. We had absolutely nothing to do with this loan, knew nothing about it and never received a single dime or asset for it. We are currently in litigation with american bank. I have never experienced such ludicris and unfair practice in my life. Since our justice system allows anyone to sue anyone, we are stuck paying outrageous lawyer fees to defend ourselves. We don't have the money to pay this loan and this case is putting a huge financial strain on my husband and I. Whatever you do, don't ever do any banking here. God forbid something happens, they will go after your children, grandchildren and extended family. The corruption is out of this world. read more

I found and opened an account at American Bank in April of 2000. Back then they were paying 6% interest on the on-line checking account. They got our business then and still have it now, 13 years later. My husband and I have been very pleased with the services offered and used. When we bought our home in 2001 we needed money wired for the closing. They were able to get it done in the short time frame we gave them. They never fail to pay our bills on time and alert us when bills are due. I especially like being able to use our ATM cards in any machine for FREE and get reimbursed up to $6 per month! Yes, and the postage paid envelopes they send are very handy. We have never had any problems accessing cash and when I was making maximum cash withdrawals several days in a row, they called me to find out if my card had been stolen, if I was making these withdrawals, and if so, they were voluntary and not under compulsion. We've used many banks and credit unions over the past 40+ years and currently are using American bank and 2 credit unions. American Bank is #1, right next to the Credit Union we've been using for the last 22 years. I've been sending money to and from one credit union or bank to another since we moved out of state from my favorite credit union, using the computer or the telephone, so I don't feel the need to see a drive thru teller or go inside. (Although I do miss the lollipops! he-he!) I am sorry Kimberly S. is having problems caused by HER PARENTS defaulting on THEIR loan, but that is HER PARENTS fault. WHY did THEIR business go under after 9 years? WHAT makes the bank think Kimberly has anything to do with repayment of THEIR loan? Did HER PARENTS put her on THEIR business as a silent partner or tangle her name and/or credit to THEIR loan to help them qualify? WHY are HER PARENTS allowing her and her husband to pay the attorneys fees when it is they, HER PARENTS, who are RESPONSIBLE for defaulting on THEIR business loan and creating this problem to begin with? Instead of Kimberly 'blaming' the bank, she should be looking to HER PARENTS for answers as to why the bank is looking to her for repayment of THEIR loan. WHAT are HER PARENTS hiding from her? HER PARENTS need to take responsibility for THEIR business loan, THEIR business failure, and clear THEIR daughters name. I wish there was a rating "uncool", as that is what I'd give Kimberly S. I'd like to hear from any "real" customer who dislikes this bank. I'm still receiving higher interest, compounded daily and paid monthly than I'd receive from any other bank or credit union, and higher than a lot of CD's are paying. And I'm still getting our bills paid for free, still getting reimbursed for ATM fees, and still have a stack of postage paid envelopes to mail in checks as needed. One of our credit unions still provides envelopes, but no longer postage paid. As I said before, American Bank is #1. read more

I have only ever been an online checking customer and have no complaints. I joined in 1999 due to the high interest rate and have stayed because of the good service. Their website is pretty well done and their online support is very responsive. Any times I have had to use their telephone customer service, they have been competent and friendly. read more