My town, Ruidoso, NM, has few banks to choose from. In fact, four years ago when I needed to open my first checking account, I had no choice of national chains save the two branches of Wells Fargo. At the time, I was more frequently by the main branch, so I opened my accounts there. I did not care much for the environment and began taking my business to the Wal-Mart branch. It was a great decision.

I began having a couple problems with my account related to getting my debit card to work and ordering my checks. I had no previous experience with banking and had many questions, most of which were probably fairly obvious. The employees were very helpful and I never noticed any up-selling. Most of the services they offered were relevant and useful, such as opening a savings account and setting up an automatic transfer to remove a monthly service charge from my checking account.

I have since opened a business checking and savings account, another personal checking and savings account, a credit card, and a student loan with the same branch. Every time I have had questions, there is somebody there who is willing and able to provide excellent advice which, in my experience with other banks since, is very uncommon. I plan to move to Denver, CO, in the next year, and can only hope the tellers and specialists there provide as great of service as the ones here.

The employees are always in a great mood. This includes the Wyoming branch of Wells Fargo in Albuquerque, where I relocated for a year. One teller in particular was very cheery and was always humming a song quietly.

I will definitely continue taking my business to Wells Fargo. It may not be the best bank, and at times the fees are high, but the customer service, treatment, and advice I have received in the past far outweighs the occasional $5 service charge.

Rating: 9