How to choose the right bank

Q. We’re moving from Arkansas to South Carolina. I’ve been with Arvest Bank for 11 years and love it, and want to find a comparable new bank. How do I choose the right one?—Brian Crane, via e-mailA. Arvest doesn’t serve South Carolina, but it’s only natural that you’d want to find an equivalent bank. We’re in the process of finalizing our Ratings of the nation’s largest banks and credit unions, but we checked Arvest’s standing in the annual J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study and found that it’s top-rated. According to the study, two banks in the Southeast region, which includes South Carolina, provide satisfaction on par with Arvest: United Community Bank and First Citizens Bancorp. Both banks offer the full range of services that Arvest delivers, including online and mobile banking, which is increasingly important to on-the-go consumers. Check them out to see which one suits your needs best.

For advice and tips on getting the best bank services and loans check our Banking & Credit Guide.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

This article also appeared in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.