Banking in the Lakes Region

[MGWillia]

Again, I'm the new guy, hopefully returning soon to live by the lake. I was wondering if you could make recommendations on a bank in the area. We only need the simple things in life. Checking, savings, Debit Card, maybe an IRA and online banking... We are still looking at living in the Alton Bay area. Thanks

[BroadHopper]

Nothing compares to a credit union. Unfortunately I know of no cu in the area. I have Lockheed cu out of Nashua. There is a central cu service center on 106 in Concord. I do all my banking there.

[secondcurve]

I'd stay away from the big banks like TD Bank and Citizens and stick with the community banks. The big banks are not set-up to provide good customer services and as a resullt you'll definitely get better treatment from the local banks.

[Crusty]

When we originally financed our cottage, we initiated a loan and set up a checking account with Meredith Village Savings Bank. Over the years, we have been completely satisfied with the services and quality of service. They have branches next to Lowes in Gilford and next to Hannaford in Alton.

[camp guy]

I can second Meredith Village Savings Bank as being a great local bank. I use the Wolfeboro office, and the people on board are all very friendly.

You may be able to reduce your in-bank time using bank-by-mail, bill-pay, and other on-line services, but, all in all, with a local bank you still feel you are close to your money.

[phoenix]

The question is do you only need a local bank or at times would you want to have access other than the lakes region. I use Bank of NewHampshire for local transations but also bank of america so that i can do transctions national . Unfortunately the closest b of a is concord

[Chaselady]

The question is do you only need a local bank or at times would you want to have access other than the lakes region. I use Bank of NewHampshire for local transations but also bank of america so that i can do transctions national . Unfortunately the closest b of a is concord

It depends where you live on the lake. I moved to Tuftoboro and discovered there weren't any Bank of America offices over here...not even an ATM. Had to join Citizens to get reasonable ATM availability.

[upthesaukee]

I live in Alton Bay and use TD Bank , both personally and for a nonprofit I am treasuer for. I like their hours and their customer service. Profile Bank is another bank in town. I know folks who use them, but I have no personal experience with them. Ditto with MVSB. For us, we like TDBank.

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[TiltonBB]

I live in Alton Bay and use TD Bank , both personally and for a nonprofit I am treasuer for. I like their hours and their customer service. Profile Bank is another bank in town. I know folks who use them, but I have no personal experience with them. Ditto with MVSB. For us, we like TDBank.

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I second TD Bank. I use the one in Gilford across from Lowes and could not be happier. They are open 7 days a week and the entire staff is friendly and helpful.

Another good thing about TD Bank is how many offices they have from here to Florida. It seems like they are everywhere.

[wynndog]

I will THIRD TD bank. Open 7 days, many branches, and like someone said
you can find them when you travel.

[kauriel]

For savings I highly recommend capital one 360 savings. The interest rate on their savings accounts are typically are much higher than local banks and you can easily link it to a local bank account and transfer money between the two online. They also offer $25 bonus to get started if you deposit at least $250: https://r.capitalone360.com/5jVJFKk3Sb

[pjard]

I can't believe nobody has suggested Bank of New Hampshire...they are great! Also, their online banking was terrible at first but it has improved by leaps and bounds.

[Cindido]

A FOURTH for TD Bank. Branches open 7 days/week with excellent customer service, easy on-line banking, local branches in Wolfeboro, Alton, Gilford and up/down the East Coast. Very happy with them.

[wifi]

My experiences, I have active accounts in all these banks (please don't relate having lots of money with the number of accounts, lol)

TD: Convenient, find the branches everywhere, very expensive per check and per month fees. No complaints online (business account) Checks clear the same day

Bank of NH (formerly Laconia Savings) Friendly service, been with the for decades. Online when the bank did its own, it was great, since the third party, the balance is up to date, but the history is days lagged, need a calculator and some time to try to figure out what has cleared. Wanted to refi mortgage, could never get anyone to call me back. Checks clear the same day. Fees aren't bad.

MVSB Great guys to work with on a mortgage. Checks usually clear the next day. No ATM deposits (night drops only). Online with 3rd party, no complaints. If you keep enough money in the account, there are no fees. Convenient locations.

Citizens Checks take the longest of any of the banks to clear, everything seems laggy. Heavy on fees. Online is so-so, branches here and there and everywhere, but all usually a drive for me.

Northway Use the same online service as MVSB, when I added bank to bank transfers, none of my web browsers could log in, had to have them take that 'feature' off. Enough money and there are no fees. Checks clear the same day. Convenient branch for me, other than that, next one is a drive.

YMMV

[mcdude]

The closest credit union to Alton may be the Holy Rosary Credit Union in Farmington https://www.hrcu.org/about/contact/
It's right on Rt. 11 about 10-15 mins from the traffic circle.

[DRH]

TD: Convenient, find the branches everywhere, very expensive per check and per month fees. No complaints online (business account) Checks clear the same dayWe like TD Bank also. Offices in both Alton and Gilford. They offer a $100 minimum balance personal checking account with no monthly service charge.

[MGWillia]

I've got to tell you, for someone planning on coming back to the Lake, this group is invaluable. (not to mention, entertaining, inspiring and generally informative on day to day life). I really appreciate all the answers to my humdrum questions. I can't wait to be among you posting my experiences of a day on the Lake.

Thanks again

[drwamcross]

I am using Bank of New Hampshire for checking and savings. I also have an IRA being managed by one of their financial advisors which has been doing extremely well. The other nice thing is you can use any ATM and they refund any fees charged by the other banks. I have a Prestige account, so no fees. They are extremely helpful anytime that I have had questions.

I used to bank with Bank of America and Citizens but they have a fee for everything......and the fees are relatively high.

Good luck........

[VitaBene]

When we originally financed our cottage, we initiated a loan and set up a checking account with Meredith Village Savings Bank. Over the years, we have been completely satisfied with the services and quality of service. They have branches next to Lowes in Gilford and next to Hannaford in Alton.
MVSB for us too!

[Lakewinn1]

:) Great Banking Institution...... Always friendly, customer centric and easy to do business with!

[BroadHopper]

Don't forget Franklin Savings bank. Another great small bank.

[Alton Bay]

I live in Alton, work in Gilford and often travel to MA. I find TD Bank convenient as I can find a TD Bank ATM almost anywhere. No service charges when I need cash and I use their app on my phone when I want to check a balance or make a transfer. It's very handy.

[September]

I might suggest that you actually go into some of the banks that have been suggested here...chat with some of the people and see how you're treated. Every bank is good for some and bad for others, so checking it out and finding out what your own needs and preferences are, and how they'd meet them is time well spent.

[MGWillia]

No Doubt! I will indeed visit the banks when next I'm in the area. As I stated, I'm in the "prep" mode and am gathering as much information as I can from those who have had experience in this and many other areas of life. Thanks

[Flylady]

I am not affliated with any of the Banks mentioned in this thread....however after retiring from the banking business after 39 years will offer you this advice.

1. Determine what is important to you from a bank and banker
2. Interview the banks and find a banker that you can get to know.
3. Consolidate your banking business to get additional benifits. Most banks will offer free checking, preferred interest rates AND fee ATM use anywhere in the U.S. at ANY atm machine. This is a great benifit for people who travel or are seasonal residents.

Good luck in your move!

[nhboat61]

We use Profile.

[Happy Gourmand]

I would stay away from the giants and choose whichever local bank is convenient and offers the services you need. I use a Credit Union in Nashua, have been a member for decades.

[TheProfessor]

I have accounts in 3 banks. One more in a credit union.
Two just NH locals and one nationwide bank.
Makes all much easier to bank.


I did walk away (close account) with Citizens Bank.
Citizens had a policy of writing my drivers license number and other personal information on the front of the check. A personal check made out to me.
I didn't want this personal information placed on any personal check in that a copy of such would be sent to maker of check.
Identity theft is a serious problem today.

[SteveA]

We have really liked being with Bank of New Hampshire. If you join the "Prestige" club, the benifits are extensive, and you pay NO "fees".
The one I like best is they cover any and all costs of using any ATM that isn't a BNH ATM.

They recently added a mobil app that lets you snap a picture of a check and deposit it right from your mobil phone. Saves that trip to the bank.

The bill pay feature they have is excellent and you can set up automatic montly payments to just about any company, person or credit card company.

https://www.banknh.com/prestigechecking.aspx