Comments on: Focus Bank 4.51% Checking Account

By: JoeB

JoeB — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:43:51 +0000

FOCUS Bank accepts online applications only from persons living in Arkansas or Missouri…….and I don’t live in either state …too bad for me

By: DealMaven

DealMaven — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:49:25 +0000

A Provident Bank representative said that currently they have no plans to lower the rate.

But we know a rate decrease could happen at any time – no doubt about it.

The Provident Bank Web site says “Annual Percentage Yields for this account are effective as of May 21st, 2009 and subject to change after account is opened.”

It is “subject to change” because it is a variable rate.

It sounds like you are confusing an introductory, or teaser, rate with a variable rate. An introductory rate is available for a set period of time that is determined in advance — say three or six months, then the actual rate kicks in.

Variable rates move with the economy, and nowadays the common direction is down. When the economy rebounds, variable rates like those on checking, savings and money market accounts will rise.

If you want a rate you can rely on, you’ll have to go with a CD, which is fixed-rate investment, but right now they aren’t paying too well.

Look at it this way. Even if Provident dropped its rate a full point to 3.51%, where else could you earn that kind of interest in today’s market?

By: mila

mila — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:43:12 +0000

Beware of Provident Bank Account. It is a Provident Community Bank in SC, and it clearly describes that ” the interest will go down after you open the Account” that means it is an introductory rate.

Does any body have the rating,standing, and experience of dealing with Liberty Bank, which has a nice rate on $30,000.

By: Mrs. HP

Mrs. HP — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:56:31 +0000

I bank w/ Focus and have had NO problems. The interest rates are still better than most m.m. accts offered. Yes the rate went down, but it also went up from when it began. Did u complain then? When the cost of gas dropped, did u ask for less reimbursement from your employer? Ride the wave, its money at your fingertips making better interest than cd’s w/ penalties. As for the minimum deposit I am sure that’s to deter fraud along w/ the 11 day hold. If you aren’t hiding something and you are looking for more bang for your buck, then patience is required. I personally like making money off money w/ little or no effort! Try Focus, they are great people, every place has a bad egg, maybe that was the case on that phone call. It also could help Focus to hear criticism, only to correct it or make it better.

By: chris

chris — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:48:03 +0000

Sure, it’s 573-683-3712 x212. My cell is 573-225-1910, call me up! We really do have great customer service and I’d love to help Natalie with whatever issues she’s had.

Thanks!

By: DealMaven

DealMaven — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:55:02 +0000

Hey, Chris. We don’t mind you joining the conversation. But at least acknowledge that you work for Focus Bank (we saw your e-mail address, dude). Maybe provide your personal extension for Bankaholic readers to call for extra super good service. Ha-ha-ha!

By: chris

chris — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:19:35 +0000

Focus Bank has a great rate, great one-to-one service and who doesn’t want to bank from the comfort of their home anymore? Love the account and the reimbursed ATM fees! Keep up the good work!

By: susan

susan — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:41:20 +0000

Has any one open an account with PAY PAL
i thought it was horrible, and very hard to get in touch with them,
if there is an error in the account.
any suggestion.

By: walt

walt — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:26:59 +0000

http://www.highyieldcheckingdeals.com/ has a huge table of high yield checking offers.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:47:23 +0000

Focus Bank is really “Out Of Focus”. Another dark ages bank ill-equipped to handle today’s needs. They are unable to initiate ACH transfers and the opening deposit is a maximum of $1000. The funds from personal checks are not available for up to 11 days. When I told the customer service representative that this needs to be made public in order to save both the customer and the bank a lot of time and energy, she called me a “bitch” before I was disconnected. I hope this spares others the grief.

By: Linda J.

Linda J. — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:55:24 +0000

Walt, dude, how could you miss the box flashing “5.03% APY checking” on the First State Bank of Kansas City web site?

By: sloan

sloan — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:25:16 +0000

The account is called DREAM CHECKING – 1-888-427-9002

Provident Bank 4.51% APY checking account for balances up to $50,000 – Four (4) monthly requirements – requires 10 Visa debit purchases, direct deposit or ACH auto debit, receive statement electronically and access account online.

Great customer service and open until 7pm on Friday…

By: schuyler

schuyler — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:20:52 +0000

By: Kel

Kel — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:57:20 +0000

Two weeks ago, I filled out Framers & Merchants form and got an email saying they will process my application, but I never got any further notice. Share my experience with you.

By: walt

walt — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:19:40 +0000

I just filled out Focus form and got rejected by ChexSystems. Have to fill out another form to find out why. Not worth it: probably because I have accounts at other banks.

By: walt

walt — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:55:01 +0000

I just checked First State KC link: no such account listed.

By: James

James — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:26:17 +0000

The customer service is HORRIBLE. Thanks alot Johns Wu.

By: Kathy213

Kathy213 — Sun, 10 May 2009 13:55:50 +0000

No one’s complaining about the customer service at First State Bank. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge of how easy they are to deal with?