Having dealt with several of the "big banks" over my life, as well as a fairly credit union that…read morekept trying to sell me products, I had resigned myself to being a bitter bank customer for the rest of my life. So when I walked into the First Ontario Credit Union just up the street and told the person behind the desk that I wanted to open an account, she replied, "Do you have an appointment?", it was no surprise. Well, actually, it was, because I'd never had to make an appointment to open an account before, but it was no surprise to be faced with a bureaucratic bank person trying to complicate things right off the bat. When I said that I didn't have an appointment, she looked in a book and shook her head, saying that I'd have to set up an appointment. "Wow, I've never had to do that before", I said, surprised. She said "Oh well, it's fairly standard". I turned and walked out. I've had a lifetime of dealing with smug bank clerks and I certainly didn't need any more. But at the time I was banking with an even more bureaucratic and smarmy "big" bank, and the location of this credit union was great, so I gave it another chance and phoned to set up an appointment. I'm glad I did. I've never had a bank go so far to make sure that I am a happy customer. My banking services are free. That's right: free. The exact same services I had previously paid for (either in fees or by maintaining a minimum balance) were now not costing me a cent. I set up a chequing account, two savings accounts and a GIC. I have the same (not-great-but-standard) interest on my savings account as I can get at the "big banks". I have a full service bank near my home, and each time I go back, the service is friendly. (So far, no more smug bureaucratic clerks, only nice ones). Unlike my former bank, I don't get telemarketing phone calls from this credit union trying to sell me more financial products or credit cards. Unlike another credit union, I don't get "robo-calls" telling me about all the great things they're doing. When I need help with my banking, I get it. Otherwise, we each go about our business. These days, I'm quite happy with my banking situation - something I never thought I'd say, but it's true. Who knew?

Normally, visiting the bank is kind of an annoying task. I don't mean for this review to sound like…read morestopping in at TD changed my life and made me a better person, but I do always leave here in a better mood than when I went in. AT A BANK, people. I've never had to wait at this location and the tellers are always crazy friendly. When they ask me if there's anything else they can do for me today, I actually feel like they mean it. Is there? I don't think so, but sure, we can hang out for a minute. I'm almost obnoxiously glad I decided to bank with TD since I started coming to this location. So, if you're looking for a bank -- this place is just about as good as it gets. Make sure to check in with one of their personal bankers to see what kind of account is the best fit for you. I ended up getting six months of free super crazy platinum banking (which I absolutely did not need) and at the end of the promotion the staff talked me down to a plan that was more my speed and less Warren Buffett's. The only minor downside to this location is the parking lot, which is reminiscent of a monster truck rally, especially when the snow obscures the space lines. It's a bit of a free-for-all, but you can avoid it by stopping in at off hours. I'll keep risking it as long as the staff here continues to make my monotonous errands a little brighter.

Doesn't respond to my messages, paying me zero interest and won't let me sell my shares.read more

This Burlington branch provides exceptionally good service. They replied to my email in 15 mins…read more The staff was willing to wait for me to drive there even she knew that the whole transaction would finish way after her work hours. She was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I contacted her a few weeks later for an investment inquiry and she gave me good advice so that I got better interest rate. I strongly recommend this branch to everyone.