Our nice, local, community-oriented St. Charles bank was acquired by First State Bank a few years ago. We loved that bank as the staff was very responsive and cooperative with whatever we needed: do a deposit without a deposit slip, bank by mail giving account and signing checks, accessing information from the bank and being alerted when there was a good CD or new credit or savings offering. They were a great bank to work with.
During the acquisition period we were hopeful. Our account numbers remained the same, they gifted us new checks, kept the personnel in the St. Charles location and assured us that all would be the same, just a different name and logo.
We had moved out-of-state, but I kept my business checking account with First State Bank.
Well, I was fortunate to be working with Aimee Lentz, a great customer service representative. I could call her and get answers and directions. Likewise, mail was our way of operating. I could buy CDs whereby she mailed me the paperwork to sign and I sent the money in. Like clockwork and I remained happy.
On the occasion where Aimee was not at work, I got nothing but an "I can't" attitude. It was as if the only way I could get information or something done was to physically go into the Main Street location or wait until Aimee came back.
And since I was not regularly moving money into and out of savings I would regularly get notice that my dormant account would be closed. I had to recontact them and sigh forms stating that the accounts were valid.
It became too hard and irritating.
Aimee went to part-time and, coupled with First State Bank's awkwardly complicated on-line banking program, I decided that it was not worth it to maintain a banking relationship with an impersonal bank. Too bad.
There are other banks west of Chicago, so do your research. First State Bank is not on my recommended list of banks to consider. read more
