question about local banks

[Barbara]

I've been having problems with basic services at Banamex lately. In August, they froze a debit account which I've had for over 20 years without notifying me because the main branch in D.F. didn't recognize my old FM2 booklet with the permanent resident stamp and letter. I gave copies of these to the branch in Embajadoras in July, according to their request and new regulations. Since then, I got the new laminated immigration card and they've had that since August now, but in the meantime they stopped making my payments to Telmex and CFE for no reason at all, my university paycheck deposits bounced several times, I don't get statements online or by mail, and they don't have the bananet service available when I've asked to sign up for it. I've given the staff and manager at the Embajadoras branch several opportunities to fix these problems, but after lots of stalling (over three months), and them blaming it on the main office, I'm fed up.

I don't need anything fancy, I don't have or need access to foreign currency; I just need an account that works and people who know how to do their job within a reasonable amount of time. I have a small savings account at Banamex too, so a bank that can offer some kind of decent interest would be nice too.

Can anybody recommend one of the local banks? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jzmackenzie]

Barbara,

I am so sorry to hear about your challenges. I know how patient you are and professional. Here's our banking experiences.

We chose Banorte as our local banking option to pay our TelMex and CFE bills. They are the only Mexico based/owned bank. The branch at the Glorita Santa Fe has always been helpful; there have been a lot of reasons to ask for help.

In four years, we have never had a statement mailed to us, but they are nice about printing them when we go in and ask for them. The ATM breaks a lot and no money can be retrieved. Once it took my card, but I got it right back. They pay ONE CFE bill and cannot manage to pay the other one (as a rancho, we have two meters). They have paid only part of a bill, but better than nothing. In general, we are happy there as they are sincere, helpful, and patient.

Good Luck!

Jacquie

[jesm]

We have enjoyed excellent results for the past 6 years with an account with Santander. Their singular advantage for us is their banking relationship with Bank of America, they use to be part owners, which allows you free atm access to either account if that would be useful. Great people in their offices here, including a very convenient branch in La Presa.

[Barbara]

Thanks, Jacqui and Jesm for your comments. I've had several recommendations here, via private messages, and on gtoconnect. It's not surprising to learn that every bank in town has also received some very negative comments. I guess I just need to visit each one personally and see what services they offer, fees, and how I'm treated. I also need to make sure that they handle direct deposit of paychekcs from the Unv. of Gto. -- that's really important to me because I don't want to stand in long lines twice a month to cash my checks!
Thanks again,
Barbara

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Thanks, Jacqui and Jesm for your comments. I've had several recommendations here, via private messages, and on gtoconnect. It's not surprising to learn that every bank in town has also received some very negative comments. I guess I just need to visit each one personally and see what services they offer, fees, and how I'm treated. I also need to make sure that they handle direct deposit of paychekcs from the Unv. of Gto. -- that's really important to me because I don't want to stand in long lines twice a month to cash my checks!
Thanks again,
Barbara