Online/Internet banking

[bean29]

DD lives in a very small town right now. When she is not working she is in school. She recently got a settlement check that will cover her last two semesters of college. She went to the local Credit Union to open an account, but after making her wait 30-45 minutes they told her she would have to come back to open the account. She decided she does not want to bank there, so she has an account all set up at Discover Bank which will be a Visa Card. She opened the account, but has not yet funded it.

In the meantime, she read comments/complaints from others that they did not use the account and their discover debit card was shut off. I told her the way around that was set up a transfer/bill payment for a recurring amount so that it keeps getting used.

Anyways curious, if you have used Discover/Debit was your experience good or bad?  and if you have used a different on-line bank, would you recommend it?

Thanks!

[hoops902]

Not specific to Debit, but Discover is very diligent about figuring out which customers are not worth their time/effort and cutting ties.  I like my Discover card, but I rarely use credit cards at all.  I had to set up a monthly recurring payment so that I'd have the activity on it that it wouldn't get closed out.  

I've always had a very good experience with them in general.  But then again I wouldn't be someone who would complain if they turned off a card I never used, that seems practical from a business perspective (and as you point out with recurring payments, pretty simple to manage).

[Deleted]

Online banking is GREAT!  Just pick the right bank (USAA is one such bank).  I can deposit checks from my phone (just take a picture), do everything via the web and they even pay the first $25/month in ATM fees.  Been doing it for 20+ years.

If you can't get USAA, I have heard Fidelity's new banking is also top rate with similar features (https://www.fidelity.com/cash-management/fidelity-cash-management-account/overview).  While I don't have them for the checking feature, I do for some other accounts and have had no issues with them.

Finally, many of the traditional brick and mortar banks (think Bank of America) can do on-line only accounts, just realize they tend to be slimy in how they make money off fees.  

[mollyanna58]

I have had a Discover savings account for years; it's where I keep my emergency fund.  I opened a checking account with them five years ago to get a $50.00 bonus.  No checks, just the debit card.  I used the debit card earlier this year for the first time in several years and had no problem.

[bean29]

Thanks everyone.

I forwarded your responses to DD. I am inclined to think she should follow through on the Discover Debit Account and set up a recurring payment.