<p>wheelah44
your mailbox is full...</p>
<p>Ouch! My reference to "stranglehold" was what I would say about any institution that is part of the admissions packet. I had the same problem with the Marines signing every new recruit up with Fort Sill Credit Union. I am much more comfortable when given a choice. </p>
<p>We have been NFCU members for years and use them for a variety of services. My only complaint (and it isn't even that) is that when you are at a location that doesn't have NFCU branches, you can get socked with big ATM fees. For that reason alone, I prefer USAA because it reimburses any fees you are charged at ATMs. For a mid or sailor on a limited income without the ability to travel to an NFCU ATM, this can save quite a bit of money. Many navy bases don't have an NFCU on site.</p>
<p>OK, I am done now!</p>
<p>Look, it makes perfect sense for USNA to include paperwork for NAVY Federal Credit Union.</p>
<p>My advice is to fill it out and then later, if you so choose, switch over to whatever bank you want. I STILL recommend USAA long-term.</p>
<p>By filling out the provided NFCU forms, at least you'll know your paycheck is landing someplace where you can get at it easily. Peace of mind when everything else will be going to hell in a handbasket around you.</p>
<p>Not that it'll be much of a paycheck Plebe Year, of course.... :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Zaphod, I mentioned your USAA enthusiasm to my husband, who was wrestling w/ phone call #6 w/ NFCU re: a loan for an older, kind of oddball boat. One call to USAA and it was squared away, and @ a lower rate than NFCU. </p>
<p>We've done business w/ both for years but didn't realize the scope of USAA's services. You should ask them to put you on retainer, Z.</p>
<p>Would be nice to get an extra paycheck. :D</p>
<p>"We've done business w/ both for years but didn't realize the scope of USAA's services."</p>
<p>That's odd. USAA sends members a directory of its services and the annual report every year. They also have age-specific quarterly publications. U2 is sent to teen members. U.25 is the magazine for young adult USAA members.</p>
<p>The only time we EVER had a problem was when our paperwork was being processed for our home loan and this employee there just sat on it and when questioned about it's progress, she said, and I quote, "You're not the only customer here, you know."</p>
<p>I still have her letter of apology signed by her and co-signed by HER manager who also returned the loan origination fee after he finished processing our paperwork the next day. </p>
<p>The next house we buy, I will still go through USAA.</p>
<p>Wow, usna09mom. You're a direct mail writer's dream.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The only time we EVER had a problem was when our paperwork was being processed for our home loan and this employee there just sat on it and when questioned about it's progress, she said, and I quote, "You're not the only customer here, you know."</p>
<p>I still have her letter of apology signed by her and co-signed by HER manager who also returned the loan origination fee after he finished processing our paperwork the next day. </p>
<p>The next house we buy, I will still go through USAA.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Wait, wait, wait!</p>
<p>THAT was USAA? :eek:</p>
<p>Impossible! :eek:</p>
<p>
[quote]
That's odd. USAA sends members a directory of its services and the annual report every year.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And how many people really sit down to read it?</p>
<p>What I find incredible is that every time I find I need a financial service, USAA has it. So the advice I give USAA members is before you go ANYWHERE else, ask USAA. Chances are they'll be able to help you.</p>
<p>I basically run my financial life (such as it is) through them.</p>
<p>Zaphod-</p>
<p>I envision you clutching your chest, reminiscent of Fred Sanford. Yes, it was USAA. Take deep breaths. I almost landed on the floor ready to crawl around and look for a paper bag due to the hyperventilation. I was shocked at her un-USAA attitude. Believe me, I do not think I am a princess nor act like one (although I would like to be one w/the shopping perks, but that's another issue).</p>
<p>However, their customer relations were quickly repaired and I doubt that person is working there anymore. Like I said, they returned the origination fee (over $700.00) and had our paperwork done the next day. I have no qualms. In all honesty, she was slow as molasses going uphill in the winter time, never having things done when she said she would and when I called her on it, she got hacked. Her boss was hacked when I told him (not at me, at her). </p>
<p>Excellent customer service, great loan origination fee :D, and speed of handling the loan after her superior got a hold of her.</p>
<p>It's where I have my savings, checking, credit card, house & car loan, my children's accts., insurance on house and cars. I'm perfectly happy still.</p>
<p>I still do and would recommend USAA to ANYONE who is eligible. Great bank!</p>
<p>As you can tell, I am a HUGE USAA fan, but Zap makes a good point. Do your homework. When looking at putting money into an IRA, I found that NFCU had the better rates. This may change from year to year, but check out all available options before handing your money over to anyone.</p>
<p>Having two kids on an E-5 pay taught hubby and me to be very, very careful. There is a limit to the ways you can cook ground beef, I think we tried 'em all!</p>
<p>beachmom and zaphod-</p>
<p>We don't do investments through USAA, either. Found better rates elsewhere.</p>
<p>I'm sure there are places with better rates. The best thing about USAA is SERVICE and CONVENIENCE.</p>
<p>Gotta pay for everything somehow... :D</p>
<p>I will say this, though: When it comes to insurance, they CANNOT be beat.</p>
<p>Amen to that! Our oldest drives, and it is expensive. Some of his friends, though, cannot due to their parent's insurance costs (they are not USAA).</p>
<p>I'm there w/you on service and convenience!</p>