VTECxtc said:Clocks said:I wonder if there is any downside to this new account?

That's what I was wondering.

You could be crushed to death by all the free checkbooks?

Clocks said:Called the guy that I opened my account up with. Confirmed the benefits from the OP. Ask to switch, and he recommended instead to open a second account and leave a penny in my current account. I told him I did not like that idea, and asked if I could just convert. He said yes, but I would lose out on my forth coming $100 gift check.

So then I called the general Wamu 800. The rep said the new account is call "Wamu Free Checking", vs "Free checking" for the old. He said I could not convert, that I would have to open a second account. I asked if there was any downside to this new account. He said no, everything was the same except there are more benefits. He said he can't set anyone up until tomorrow.

teh best thing with wamu is their privacy guard or something like that... meaning you have your main account with them, then they open a secound account with a penny in it. That way, when ever you do online transactions, you use the second account number. This way, your primary account number will not be compromised. Also you can transfer funds instantly between these accounts online.

Clocks said:Is that what it is? I thought the bank teller was just trying to get a second commission.

nah, they don't offer any service on the second account, its just a account number, a shell for your online presence.

i really like wamu, and this privacy function is great. I got all my online accounts (linked to various banks but consolidated all into my second wamu account).

I'll stay with wamu, esp. if what OP is saying is true (free wire xfer!!!)

dpid said:Clocks said:Is that what it is? I thought the bank teller was just trying to get a second commission.

I'll stay with wamu, esp. if what OP is saying is true (free wire xfer!!!)

The guy told me it was free outgoing local transfers. ANyone know what local means?

lostdude said:What's the their fund availablity like?

My local BOA "firewall" account is getting on my nerve, takes 2+ weeks for a bank check to clear.

I deposited a $2k Citibank Credit card Balance Transfer check in my washington mutual account via atm. That night, at midnight, the availible funds in my account included the $2k BT funds. This is an account that had $900 in it before.

Of course, it is hard to know when the check officially clears when they put the cash in the account before it is official.

Do you have to go into the branch to open the NEW free checking?

Also ... I thought I read something about free use of any ATM ... is that true, and how does that work?

Has been with Wamu for 6 years. Although there is no branch nearby since I moved, but still use it because it's a true FREE checking account.

Definitely signing up for this if the free wire transfers thing is true.

mofowutz said:Phone reps are saying nothing. Can the wire transfers be done online and are the free wires for both domestic and international ones? Thanks

The wire transfers can NEVER be done online. The wire transfer request needs the original signature.

and free wires are for both incoming domestic (used to $10 fee for incoming wire)...and outgoing for domestic.

does this account come with the FREE ID theft insurance too?