Washington Mutual alternative

User Forum Topic
Submitted by fendter619 on March 19, 2008 - 11:00pm

Looking for a WAMU alternative as a savings account. How is Union Bank of California's exposure to the mortgage world?

Looking for a bank with little exposure to the mortgage industry.

Submitted by noone on March 20, 2008 - 9:51am.

WaMu is FDIC insured. Unless you're planning to put more than $100K into a savings account, I don't see any reason to move your money.

Submitted by zzz on March 20, 2008 - 11:13am.

Here is an article about Wells Fargo- WAMU is mentioned

Also an article on FDIC insurance - you're supposed to get your money back in days, historically and theoretically.

http://online.barrons.com/article/SB1203...

http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2007/11/...

Submitted by fendter619 on March 20, 2008 - 11:31am.

I don't want to find out how great FDIC works. A friend of mine who lost his house in Hurricane Katrina can sing you a song about the great and fast response from the Fed.

Submitted by zzz on March 20, 2008 - 12:31pm.

Completely understand, I feel the same way.

Having some experience with Wells Fargo - they seem to be doing well compared to some of the other banks. Ditto on Union Bank who's retail business is the lionshare of their business with capital markets being a smaller business.

Submitted by Noob on March 20, 2008 - 1:43pm.

I like ING Direct for savings. Little exposure to mortgages too, I've heard.

Submitted by nostradamus on March 20, 2008 - 2:48pm.

Why not go with a credit union? I walked into Wells Fargo and asked about the CD rates and they were willing to negotiate with me... It was weird. They seem like a bunch of kids running a bank. At least, at the branch in Sorrento Valley at Carroll Rd. (aka Scranton) and Mira Mesa.

Online securities accounts work just like savings but you can also purchase stock when your favorite company seems like a bargain. Look into those!

I've been happy with Wamu but do limit myself to below FDIC with them.

Submitted by Larry J. on March 20, 2008 - 3:15pm.

Two commercial banks regularly are mentioned - Wells Fargo is AAA rated and USBank is reported to have less mortgage exposure through sub-prime than most others.

Now rates, that's another question. I can't speak to their rate competiveness.

Submitted by DWCAP on March 20, 2008 - 9:58pm.

NOS,

I am a WellsF. customer as well. Just discovered that branch over there in Sorrento last month. What is up with them? I live just off Caminto Santa Fe, and they have like 3 branches and 2 independent ATM's within 5 miles of me. WTF? I didnt know MM was that rich or that influential to need so much exposure from one bank. Not that I am complaining, in the past 3 months I have used each atleast 1 time, but still.
Also, they were willing to negotiate with you? Like, no I dont want 2.5% but ill take 3%? Really? If that is true I need to start putting alittle more money away with them. Plus there was a cuti last time I was in there. Ill take your 3%, but i want 10 digits as well!