Charles Schwab

"This branch and I may have had our differences over the nature and permissions associated with the distinction between hard and soft credit pulls associated with opening accounts. The branch manager ominously invoked the ‘Patriot Act’ to suggest that Schwab can do as many ‘hard credit pulls’ whenever & as often as they want (despite the negative consequences to your credit). However, there is no such uniformity in the financial industry; many financial firms do *not* do hard credit pulls when you open an account. A soft credit pull leaves no demerits on your credit. Do your research. Even if you invest a large amount of funds, remember this warning when you see the first pull."

"The Birmingham branch of Charles Schwab offers helpful seminars, where they explain their views of the market, various products and who might benefit from them. Their suggestions have always had my best interest at heart. They also periodically offer a free “shredding” event where you can take large amounts of old papers to be safely disposed of. Even though I have a modest account, I have always been treated professionally and courteously by Elaine, Lynn and the other professionals at this branch (as well as the national 800 number). I have recommended the Birmingham branch of Schwab to family members and co-workers and they have all been pleased."

"I went into the office to discuss rolling over a small IRA, the premise being if it went well I'd do more business with them. The agent seemed competent in a brusque sort of way, but the vibe of the office was snobby and condescending, including the receptionist. I felt judged on appearance, and not as a customer."

"Terrible customer service. Elaine told me, without knowing anything about me. that I couldn't have a particular agent, even though my account had more in it than my husband who had that agent. I definitely felt I was judged by my gender. We did end up getting the same agent, but the experience really left a bad impression on us. My husband received a phone call once a year from the agent to see how things were going, I did not. Our Agent did call me once, to tell me he accidentally shared my account information with another customer via email. He wouldn't share the email with me, and wouldn't tell me who it was. I finally convinced my husband it was time to pull our funds out and go somewhere else. In case this matters to whoever is reading this, we had approx. $500,000 in our accounts combined. We stuck with them for about 5 years. Way to long...."

"Ok, we only have one account with Charles Schwab and it has less than 100k in it. But when my wife who is Latino went by to reset our login information they treated her like she was there to empty the trash cans. Checking her out for head to toe, probably thinking she was wearing knock offs. Once they pulled up the account they then asked her to have a seat and helped, however still with condescending mannerisms. Charles Schwab has done well with this account but the staff should be more respectful, I think i will keep our other accounts right were they are. If I ever had one of my employees treating any of my customers like that they would not be around for long."