One of the details that has to be worked out with our move is finding a new bank.  Now, I have online checking and savings accounts with WaMu, just for the little bit that I make from surveys, blogging, etc.  (Basically, I have “real” accounts that I move anything paid with paypal into.)  That is, essentially, my “pocket money,” and I keep it separate so it doesn’t get eaten up.  (Although I do occasionally use it for household-related needs, I like to be doing that consciously!) But the bulk of our banking is with a brick-and-mortar bank.

For this banking, we prefer to avoid a big chain. We like small, local banks; they seem to be friendlier and easier to work with.  We love our bank here, but, being local, they do not have branches in the area to which we’re moving.  So the search begins… to find a new “local bank.”

Silly as it sounds, one thing that would be a plus to me is the use of MasterCard for debit, instead of Visa.  Visa’s commercials convey this idea of everything being about money.  MasterCard’s recognize that, “There are some things in life money can’t buy.”  I know, they’re both companies out to make a profit, but, given the option, I would just rather support the one who’s chosen to send the right message.

What do you like about your bank?  What do you dislike?  What would you look for if you were choosing a bank all over again?