Anyone have experience with First Calgary Financial - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

First Lady · 04-11-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I guess I should ask,

Is First Calgary CDIC insured? I dont see them on the list

http://www.cdic.ca/Pages/Members.aspx

Quote:

Deposits in credit unions or caisses populaires are covered under provincial deposit insurance plans which vary between provinces.

From: http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/eng/consu.../index-eng.asp

bizaro86 · 04-11-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addick

My Canadian account is with FirstCalgary and they have been great. While many banks now have Credit Debit Cards, they have had their Chequing Card by MasterCard for a while now and that is very useful when travelling. In addition, my debit card works in the U.K. and that has been helpful on occasion.

In regards to using my debit card in the U.K., at most bank provided ATMs you are not charged a fee when you withdraw money from an account with a different domestic bank. Why has this yet to be copied in Canada?

Oligopoly profits.

Nammer403 · 04-11-2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I guess I should ask,

Is First Calgary CDIC insured? I dont see them on the list

http://www.cdic.ca/Pages/Members.aspx

They are guaranteed by CUDG
http://www.cudgc.ab.ca/guarantee.html

squiggs96 · 04-11-2013, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

There are no fee banks? I've been looking for an excuse to tell them to fata off for years.

I have an All In One account with NBC and I don't pay a cent in fees for my primary account. Because of how I set up my rental properties, I have three sub accounts under the main account. Each of these cost me $2.50 per month. In theory I could do without them, but I like to keep each property separate for accounting purposes and it is a business expense I can write off.

JonDuke · 04-11-2013, 10:43 PM

I haven't read all the other posts here, but will tell you that my wife and I happily left CIBC 5 months ago and switched to First Calgary. Absolutely no issues at all, and they even call every other month, not to up-sell us on anything, but to see how we are liking the service. We didn't go there for the no fee banking, we went because SO many people suggested it when we asked. They are amazing to deal with.

Vulcan · 04-12-2013, 01:22 AM

Have been with First Calgary for about 30 years. I've had no reason to close the account even though I no longer live in Alberta. I can make free withdrawals at any Credit Union and pay bills over the net easily. I also joined the local Credit Union here, no fees either.

bizaro86 · 04-12-2013, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonDuke

I haven't read all the other posts here, but will tell you that my wife and I happily left CIBC 5 months ago and switched to First Calgary. Absolutely no issues at all, and they even call every other month, not to up-sell us on anything, but to see how we are liking the service. We didn't go there for the no fee banking, we went because SO many people suggested it when we asked. They are amazing to deal with.

That seems like a downside to me.

First Lady · 04-12-2013, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizaro86

That seems like a downside to me.

I opted out of these courtesy calls... and it worked !!

bizaro86 · 04-12-2013, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by First Lady

I opted out of these courtesy calls... and it worked !!

Which is a definite upside. There are many, many businesses who won't stop calling you with "updates."

drPepper1 · 04-12-2013, 09:36 AM

Never dealt with first Calgary. I have a power chequing account at Scotiabank which is $3.95/month. They always waive the fee though for having minimum balance of $1000. I literally use my credit card everywhere to take advantage of rewards, so I never end up going over my debit limits.

Also air miles and aeroplane rewards are cap. It is very difficult to find flights and they also charge you tax and their own fees. Get a rewards credit card with Scotia or Capital One and I think rbc offers one. No black outs, and your rewards cover taxes.

Drury18 · 04-12-2013, 11:03 AM

I switched to them from Scotia (after a number of issues, some falling under the "illegal" umbrella of how they did things) and have had no issues. My No Fees Account is actually fee free, no catch and I've gotten a credit card, line of credit and a TSFA with no hassle whatsoever.

I believe someone mentioned this as well but any ATM transactions done at another Credit Union throughout Canada is free. I've used a Servus machine in Red Deer a number of times since there's no FCF out there and never paid a fee.

Their online banking isn't as flashy as say Scotia or TD, but it does the job. If you have any issues with it, the call centre is located in Calgary with fully English speaking people, not out in Asia. I screwed up and forgot my password, called them up and had it back up and running in 5 minutes.

They've recently launched an online switch system too https://www.firstcalgary.com/Accounts/SwitchingIsEasy/ so that you can easily move your accounts over. Also, for anyone currently with First Calgary Financial, they apparently have a Member Referral Program. $50 to you and the person you referred if they sign up. https://www.firstcalgary.com/Account...ferralProgram/

I'm not sure where in the City you live, but if you want the name of a good personal banker to call at First Calgary Financial to set up an account, send me a PM and I can give you their name.

Static · 04-12-2013, 12:41 PM

Been using FirstCalgary for 1 year now and they've been great for me.
+ no fee chequing account
+ competitive mortgage rates
+ good customer service, usually no waiting in line
+ branches all over Calgary

- branch hours are limited
- no 24 hour phone support

mykalberta · 04-12-2013, 01:28 PM

oops double post

mykalberta · 04-12-2013, 01:33 PM

We have our Mortgage with True North for now so thats not really needed for us.

My Fiancee' is worried about no available banking machines east of Ontario but we are leaning towards them now.

We have Property tax and utilities on 3 different properties to pay for so the unlimited transactions (online bill payments) is needed for us anyway.

Nammer403 · 04-12-2013, 01:35 PM

The mobile app works wonders, on Blackberry, Android and Apple

ken0042 · 04-12-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

My Fiancee' is worried about no available banking machines east of Ontario but we are leaning towards them now

I am "that guy" for not wanting to pay extra ATM fees. However I looked at it as how many times a month do I withdraw cash; and how many times per year am I out of Calgary. At the current $15 per month in fees; I will still be quite far ahead.

goodyear · 04-12-2013, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addick

In regards to using my debit card in the U.K., at most bank provided ATMs you are not charged a fee when you withdraw money from an account with a different domestic bank. Why has this yet to be copied in Canada?

Wasn't the federal NDP trying or tried to draft a bill that would stop banks from doing that? I can't recall.

Anyways, I've been with PC for more than 10 years. Love the no fees and also the fact that I can use all the CIBC ATMs...which are usually at Macs' as well.

Like someone said though, PC is horrible for getting a bank draft or any amount out of the account that is above the daily limit.

Every time I travel, I have to write a cheque to myself and deposit it at TD and then go to the forex. But day to day wise, PC is not bad.

I was hoping PC would venture into the airline business so I can cash in my points but I have to settle for groceries for now.