When it comes to banking, bigger isn't better. On the other hand, there are still some financial institutions that remember how to treat regular customers, rather than just those whose names can be found on the side of college library buildings.
Internet banks are even nicer.
They survey the largest banks and thrifts in the top 35 U.S. markets, as well as Internet institutions, to gather data on more than 1,200 accounts. Simple interest is credited to the accounts that bear interest. Banking giants offer worst accounts Bank of America and Citibank fared so poorly because their products have high monthly service fees, per-transaction charges and NSF fees that more than consume any interest earned off their piddling yields. Prima customers get free online banking and bill payment, free unlimited travelers checks and other benefits with the account, too. As for people who don't have as much money to keep on deposit, spokeswoman Ashleigh Adams says they can choose from one of Bank of America's five other checking accounts, each of which is tailored to a different type of customer.