Countryside Bank - IL Review

I tried putting a credit card on my phone so I can buy a game and I answered all of the questions and they wouldn t verify my card even though I said everything he asked me to say and did it all correct.

Every time the bank merges with another bank things just get worse and worse. Online banking is constantly crashing. Nobody ever answers the phone when you call in anymore. When you leave a message nobody ever calls you back. The place just doesn't have the integrity it used to.

Love banking here. They are so personable and helpful. I love that I'm reimbursed ATM fees whenever I take cash out of another bank's ATM. My mother has been a customer since they opened. I've never had a problem with them. They are very helpful on the phone with any questions you might have.

I recommend for you to call Joe Sabon for all your mortgage needs. I had the best experience as a first time home buyer with him. I had originally stated working with another bank and had a bad experience so I decided to give this bank a try since I live in the area. I emailed the bank inquiring about their mortgage loans and I received a prompt response. I was very lucky that I got Joe to help me with my home loan. He is very knowledgeable and knows exactly what he is doing. His customer service is by far one of the best that I have received from any loan officer. He is not out here trying to take your money, he helps you find the best mortgage options and actually cares about your needs. I contacted him right after I put in an offer on a house and he started working on my loan right away! He is a great guy! I will definitely recommend him to my family and friends! Everyone here was so helpful from the moment I inquired to the moment I closed on my house.

It's vital you read this review to protect yourself and your money by sharing my experience with Countryside and the President of the company.

This past month I had a preauthorization process thru a debit card, A debit card we thought was deactivated. We asked two times prior to have it replaced. The online purchase for invalid services was not authorized, When I went into the bank to dispute it, one of the Bankers told me forms must to be submitted to their Loss and Protection department and I had to hand write a letter stating the reason for my dispute (that's right... hand write it, in front of the Banker - could she type it on the forms? Regardless, the card was suppose to be deactivated - and the charge was "pending" as of that morning - they could not stop it. I explained in detail we had requested the debit card to be replaced and no further charges to occur prior to this day. She proceeded to explain Countryside's policy, it would take a week, up to a month to resolve the dispute. I left feeling very discouraged, likely never seeing my money returned. I reaffirmed the debit card must be deactivated and replaced with a new one.

Disgruntled by their policy and knowing it would very easy for them to stop the "pending" authorization, my business partner sought out to speak to the President about my frustration and unjust experience. Upon meeting the President of the company, he immediately became stand-off-ish while my partner vehemently explained our bad experience with his company, more specifically his Lakeview branch and the desperation for our money to be returned. His reaction was inappropriate and unprofessional. He simply shrugged off my partner's intentions with a high-strung, flaming, confrontational demeanor - and with a care-free dismissal simply walked away, leaving him without any questions answered, signs of hope, resolution or basic respect as his customer. He may want to consider readjusting his attitude when dealing with an (ex)customer.

Surprisingly, the next morning another pre-authorization debit purchase hit my account. Frustrated! Apparantly it wasn't clearly understood by the Banker I spoke to in person the day before: "the debit card needs to be replaced, without any further credit card authorizations". Obviously my verbal request didn't work the day before. Perhaps another handwritten note might have done the trick. First thing that morning I returned to the bank to speak to the Bank Manager. I told him I have very little trust in his staff's ability to comprehend simply requests.Clearly it was yet another mistake by one of his staff. Overall it's discouraging and I asked for him place a stop on the second pending transaction. Once again I was told forms had to be submitted and it could take up to a month; it may or may not go in our favor. If it doesn't go in your favor (which is obviously a mistake on their part by not canceling the debit card) they send you a letter (better off as toilet tissue at that point) basically reading they cannot or will not reverse it. I regularly check my account, however the necessity to micromanage is laboring. We mutually agreed it best to close my account completely. Ok fine, but get this craziness. Two days later, I receive a call from the same Bank Manager, the forms I submiited must be redone and signed by my business partner, because it was his debit card that had the issue (Eventhough we were both signers on the account). As the "Bank Manager" - you think he would know this!?! He tells me he is mailing the forms.

There are many other alternate baking establishments with their act together, stand by their customers requests, simply to make your life a lot easier and not put you through such lengthy and antiquated procedures. I implore you to ask how they protect you from pre-authorizations debit card transactions; their policy and procedure. Many competitive banks are eager for your business and will NOT put you thru an exhausting rigmarole. Do your research and ask questions before opening an account with Countryside bank.

Brought my son to open his first bank account , they not only helped him with his first account but rewarded the little guy with more cash. They have a little small drawer full of coins and a ice scoop and they let him have at it. What ever he scooped up he got to keep and add to his account.

Merged with another bank. So many problems even a YEAR later. Crashing online backing website and app. Horrible customer service. Unable to change simple bank setting online. You have to call. Wait 30+ minutes to talk to someone only for them to tell you, you answered one of the many multiple choice questions wrong and that they can't prove your identity. Go f yourself.

Loan officers are tricky and will do anything to make money from you. They lie and tell you stories that are definitely not true. If you are trying to get a loan from this location be careful and open your eyes before you end up with a huge debt.