Three Banks in Aiken, SCSecurity Federal Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America

Personal CriteriaEveryone needs something different out of a bank.

InsuranceI prefer a bank where my money is federally insured by the FDIC. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures money in whole up to 250K. If credit union, NCUA.

Financial Counseling

It’s a plus when a bank has additional services, like financial counseling. This consists of advice and programs to teach new-comers the best way to bank.

Low to No FeesI hate fees! Some banks can find a reason to charge you for breathing their air (not really). I want a bank that has FAIR fees, if any.

Customer ServiceWhen I go to a

restaurant, which I don’t usually do, because I’m poor, I expect to have kind and helpful waiters/waitresses. Same for the bank I will choose.

Security Federal Bank

Fees/ChargesThe minimum to open a normal account is $100 at SFB and the safe deposit box costs money (no discounts) for regular accounts. Overdraft protection is available, the ATM is free, as well as the ATM card, VISA check card, and online banking. And there is no charge if minimum isn’t met.

ServicesPersonal checking, business checking, savings account, online/mobile banking, check reorder, health savings account, bank-by-phone.

Financial counseling, business and personal loans, home and auto insurance, and trust and investments.

HONESTY in code of ethics.

FDIC insured!

Wells Fargo Services

Online/mobile banking, retirement, mutual funds, investments, ID theft protection, savings and checking accounts, student loan, business loan, personal loan, auto loan, and home lending (mortgage, equity). Overdraft protection.“Everything we do is built on trust.

It doesn’t happen with one transaction, in one day on the job or in one quarter. It’s earned relationship by relationship.”

- John G. Stumpf, Chairman and CEO

Fees/Charges

Account activity fees: $1 debit card activity and $1 ATM statement fee. Fee of $12.50 on savings account overdrafts. $3 monthly charge for unlimited access and transfers with online banking.

FDIC insured!

Bank of America

•Multinational

•2nd largest bank-holding company and 3rd largest company in the world

•One of the Big Four (with Citigroup, JP Morgan, Chase, and Wells Fargo)

ServicesSavings accounts, online/mobile banking, student banking, mortgage/home loan, business checking accounts, business credit cards, ATM, investments, home/auto/life insurance, and health savings accounts.

Checking Clarity Statement™Great example of how a business

can comply with Plain Language laws.

Well-renowned bank that

people know, that has been

around for nearly a century.