It's not breaking news that many American consumers are fed up with their bloated corporate banks. Online resources like Break Up With Your Mega Bank can give you the top reasons why, as well as what to do about it: namely, move your money to a smaller institution that values your patronage and treats you better.
One of my resolutions for 2012 was to switch my money from Chase to a community bank or a credit union ASAP, which I did in January. I opened an account with Alliant, a national credit union. In addition to the reasons linked above, here are a few little examples of why I dumped the big bank.
1. Chase is all like, 'Either respond to this letter or we're putting you on a bunch of mailing lists.'
In November I got a letter from Chase saying if I didn't respond via mail, fax, or online to state my preferences, I "may begin to receive offers in the mail about these products and services" (there were nine categories of products and services listed above).
Sigh. So I stated my preferences online, then got this:
"After five years (or sooner if you move), you'll need to contact us to renew your choices."
Don't you love it? Because in time you might decide that you do want to get loads more junk mail after all. Also, this fix is only good for five years or until you move, and then you better hope your chosen reminder system was something better than a Post-It note. At that time you have to figure out where you call or go online to re-state your preferences. You know all those tasks you need to do when you're moving? Add this to the list. Why? Because fuck you, we're Chase Bank.