Which bank do you go? Do you like the services

[cober6711]

I deal with CIBC and Royal Bank. Been dealing with CIBC since 1994, been dealing with RBC since 2005 because they gave me my first credit card.

Ive given up on Royal in trems of bank accounts because they won't give me overdraft, even though Ive tried getting it multiple times, I keep getting rejected.

Ive had a few complaints with CIBC, mostly with regards to their hold policies, which FINALLY have been resolved, and yes they gave me a very generous overdraft of $950. The service on the phone at CIBC is very average, and its definitely scripted. I find the service at the branch to be better at CIBC; my personal banker is excellent. Very rarely have I gotten a call center in India with CIBC.

RBC's Visa department is probably the most pleasant place to deal with on the phone; they'll actually take the time to help you figure out whats right, and not rush you along the way. They also told me they also don't rely on crazy automated decision systems to decide weather or not you get that increase, although they usually do check your credit report with TransUnion.

I spent over 45 minutes on the phone with the most pleasant person deliberating weather I should increase my card, and yes, indeed it went from $7000 to $15,000. At no point was I rushed, and there didn't seem to be any scripts.

To sum it up, both CIBC and Royal have their strengths and weaknesses.

CIBC's hold policy may be stricter than most, but then again, Royal's criteria for Overdraft is excessively strict.

 

[amagqira]

Coming from South Africa, my first dealings were with TD. They were quite happy to open an account for me - was still on a work permit - with my application for permanent residency in process. When it came to applying for a credit card, they turned very stuffy and only after putting down a deposit, and after humming and haahing by the person in charge did they condescend to giving me a credit card. I might add that at this stage I had deposited in excess of $200,000 in their bank. Things went from bad to worse after this - they flat out refused to give me a mortgage. The final straw came when I did not use my debit card for a month (was back in SA to finalize my affairs) and they summarily cancelled my debit card when I tried to draw money when back in Canada again. :angryfire: Ever been mad and embarrassed at the same time?

Scotia was more than happy to help me and I have been very happy with their service since then. Certainly amongst new immigrants, Royal Bank has an excellent name, with Scotia probably in second place.

It might be strange to say this but banking in Canada, was a few years behind SA when I got here in 2002, I had already been using electronic banking with the ability to pay accounts and transfer money to my daughter's accounts from around 1991. I suspect that the lack of real competition has something to do with it.

 

[Walter]

I deal with President's Choice Banking. I have never had a problem. It's all on-line and they have small kiosks to go to if you have a problem or phone them.
The thing I like is no service charges to have an account.

Best bank I've ever dealt with. All my accounts and cards are with PC Financial, and I get points to use at my local Loblaw's to buy my groceries. No fees is the best part about this bank.

 

[popcorn]

Good evening everyone I use to have la caisse populaire younger.I had trouble taking out all my account from there cause I had a good client,I had alot of trouble closing my account I did not have any good service there anymore,Staff was changing not the same kno more But I have change to CIBC I think that was the best choice I have ever did better service with people who have a smile and not afraid to serve u.Take more time to explain to u.Popcorn

 

[Gemini911]

Best bank I've ever dealt with. All my accounts and cards are with PC Financial, and I get points to use at my local Loblaw's to buy my groceries. No fees is the best part about this bank.

Presidents Chioice Bank totally sucks! I have heard that when you pay bills online, the person on the receiving end does not receive payment til 4-5 business days later! Why is PC holding onto your money for that long???