Before Bank Transfer Day, A shout-out to Albina Community Bank in Portland...

[Rabblevox]

I don't have a single bad word to say about Credit Unions (I have a secondary account at Northwest Resources CU), but hands-down, the most pleasant banking entity I've ever dealt with in my life has been Albina Community Bank.

I started with them when due to some previous money problems/mistakes, no other bank (not even a CU) would open a checking account for me. "Sorry, you are on Check-Safe, can't do it, come back in 5 years". At Albina, the account person listened to my explanation of the problems, and basically said "We'll trust you, just don't burn us". That was 6 years ago, I haven't burned them, and they haven't burned me.

They have some of the lowest fees you will find (lower than many credit unions),including truly free checking with no minimums. They automatically forgive two over-drafts per year.

A small but crucial detail of their practices: Most banks process debits first, then deposits. Meaning you can deposit your paycheck in the morning, buy a DVD in the afternoon, and get hit with an over-draft. Albina does it reverse. All deposits for the day are processed before debits. It may sound small, but if you are living on the edge, it can make a world of difference.

They are not-for profit, and ALL of their money is going back into the local economy. (Most into the economically most depressed parts of the city)

They are serious supporters of local organizations like Sisters Of The Road, Outside-In, and Jean's Place. Not just financially, but their employees regularly volunteer. The branch I go to is full of posters for community events.

The tellers were greeting me by name by my 3rd or 4th visit. Last year, just before my brother died, I lost it at the window, and started crying. The teller came out from behind the window, gave me a hug, and talked to me a bit about what she went through when her sister died.

They are, top to bottom, a class-act, and the 1st time in my life I've ever had "warm fuzzy feelings" for a bank. Very human, very real, very committed to the community.

I could not rec them more highly.

http://www.albinabank.com/

ps. I don't have any friends/relatives working for them, I just really like them.