In 2015, I obtained a mortgage with State Savings Bank. Since that time, I've been making double…read morepayments each month, and some months making a large lump sum payment. As a result the mortgage is nearly paid off----way, way, way ahead time. The last couple of times I went into the local branch in TC to cash my payroll check (work for a large reputable agency) and to then apply the cash to the mortgage, I was told by the chief executives at the bank, upon questioning bank policy, that they were unable to cash the payroll check because if my employer didn't have sufficient funds in their account, State Savings Bank wouldn't have any collateral. I was told by the chief executive that it "was for my personal protection". When pressed, this executive couldn't explain her rationale behind this so frequently used statement and became rude and defensive. For heaven's sakes they hold the mortgage on my residence. In the future, upon final mortgage payment, State Savings Bank will not be getting my business.

From the owner: Since 1901, State Savings Bank has been taking care of mortgage loans in the Benzie area. To us,…read moreNorthwestern Michigan is more than a great place to buy real estate - it's home. And, because we're local, you can count on fast, friendly response to any question about your mortgage 24-Hour Banking Pay your bills online with our CheckFree bill payment service

I've had a lot of trouble with Fifth Third Corporate, but I was lucky enough to come from a small…read moretown and have some break workers here at this location. Fifth Third overdrew my account, even after I'd spent weeks trying to get the thing closed after I'd moved. Then they'd (corporate) charged me over one hundred dollars in over draw fees and told me I'd have to pay it all back before they 1) close it, 2) take off a "hold" on my social security number so that I could open new bank accounts with ANY bank. I was ticked. So I phoned my Elk Rapids bank, and they took off seventy dollars in charges, closed my account, and wished me the best of luck with whatever I was off to do. Thanks so much, and you guys raised my respect level a couple of notches.

Friendly staff with all the usual products of a bank but with less fees and hassle. Glad to be a…read moremember.