Banking

Cash

 * ATM fees:  eliminate them by getting cash at Giant when you use a debit card.  $100 limit.

Checks

 * Cost about $26 at some credit unions and for Costco members, but probably more at banks.

Signal Financial FCU

 * Accepts anyone here who signs up there to join the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (or lives, works, attends school, or worships in DC....)


 * Not in walking distance, but you can deposit with postage-paid envelopes.


 * About 6 miles and 5 minutes away in Kensington.


 * Online account services, including bill-pay.


 * As a credit union, they don't have the banks' "tricks and traps."


 * Signal also doesn't have the latest credit-union online software.


 * Customer service is slowed by understaffing and management doesn't respond well to customer complaints about inadequate training and staffing.


 * People handling accounts are friendly and helpful, though.

Banks

 * Bank of America is in Clubhouse 1. At the adjoining shopping center are Sandy Spring Bank, M&T, Sun Trust, Wells Fargo and Capital One.


 * All are big, with Capital One generally considered the most predatory.

Monthly fees

 * Montgomery Mutual
 * Automatic withdrawal

Credit cards?

 * The post office in Clubhouse 1 takes only cash and checks.


 * Many of the clubs take only checks.