John can you tell us why in your opinion, that garanti is such a bad bank, many people I know use garanti and are happy and I am considering using them as a second option
John can you can inform us more on your opinion re Garanti as it may help others on experiences, re Alpers suggestion about moving banks with him it is obviously a personal choice but I know what you get with Alper is a first class service the best competitive rate available and more than just a banking service he will help and advice on anything else you want. Maybe this is the difference between your past banking experience and future banking experience with a guy like Alper there to facilitate I know it will be a better option to move with him! Ask anyone who stayed at Fortis after he left for a clear example of that!
Garanti used to actually advertise themselves as the "expats" bank which I always found ironic as the bank most folks (in Istanbul) always complained about was... Garanti! Everything from payments not made when supposed to, cancelling regular payments without notice, rude counter staff, the simplest transaction ending up being a multi branch visit saga, losing important items of documentation... the list is endless.
Now I will concede that a lot of that is anecdotal, however my partner still has an account with Garanti to look after a property she owns with a couple of friends and I've observed the sheer incompetence and "couldn't give a flying feck" attitude of Garanti staff at first hand. At one time they insured with Garanti and the supposed renewal wasn't processed leaving them completely uninsured for a period, the resultant paper signing and "its
your fault, not ours" attitude was a prime motivator for them to use Intasure (slightly more expensive but hassle free).
The only reason they're still with Garanti is... do you know I'm not sure why they're still there, probably laziness and the fact they need all three to be in Fethiye at the same time to open a new account.
Finansbank offers a competitive interest rate and excellent service but the down side is that often you can wait an hour or more to be served. Their web site is great.
Never had to wait long at the branch in town, but as the poster says, their online banking is excellent and I can do virtually everything I need online.
As I said in my original post, its just my opinion. However, my opinion has been formed over the years by observing the antics of Garanti and hearing my other half cursing when Garanti decided to stop paying the aydat and they got fined from the Ko-op for being in arrears.
I've heard nothing but good about Alper, and at one point I almost went with him at Ing/Fortis (cant remember which), but I cant see the logic in following one individual from bank to bank as they progress their career - and I'm sure Alpers career will progress.
JF
