If you want to avoid closing account fees, open your
checking account at a credit union or small community bank. It won't
cost you at these institutions, according to a Bankrate.com
survey. But it does get expensive at some large banks. We surveyed
the nation's top 10 banks, community banks and credit unions. Here's
the lowdown on charges.
|
Name of
institution
|
Phone
|
Fee to close account?
Cost?
|
Account type fee applies to
|
Special conditions
|
|
BANKS
|
|
Bank of America
(Charlotte, N.C.)
|
704-386-5000
|
Yes
$10
|
Any checking account
|
$10 fee if account closed within 6 months ;
Plus all regular account fees incurred
|
|
Citibank
(New York)
|
800-321-2484
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
Chase Manhattan
(New York)
|
800-CHA-SE24
800-242-7324
212-935-9935
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
First Union
(Charlotte, N.C.)
|
800-326-5895
704-374-6161
|
Yes
$10
|
Any checking account
|
$10 fee if closed within the first 6 months, plus any monthly
fee incurred
|
|
THRIFTS
|
|
Washington
Mutual Bank
(Seattle)
|
800-788-7000
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
California Federal
(San Francisco)
|
800-CAL-FED4
800-225-3334
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
World Savings Bank
(Oakland, Calif.)
|
800-463-0401
510-446-3300
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
CREDIT UNIONS
|
|
Navy Federal
Credit Union
(Vienna, Va.)
|
703-255-8000
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
State Employees
Credit Union
(Raleigh, N.C.)
|
919-839-5002
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
|
Pentagon Federal
Credit Union
(Alexandria, Va.)
|
703-838-1000
|
No
|
None
|
Only regular account fees;
No special closing fees
|
