I have yet to find any financial institution that is as good as MemberOne. It is truly a hidden…read moregem. A few years ago, I found myself looking for a new banking institution, one that would truly understand my needs. I checked out a few banks, and they sure didn't understand my needs - at all. Then, one day, I was walking by MemberOne, and decided to check it out. I'd heard about MemberOne from my neighbours, who work at WS&IB, and they said nothing but good things about it too, and also mentioned it had recently opened to the public so that anyone could join. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I made an appointment with Irina, and was amazed at the service, from the moment I stepped into Irina's office to open the account, to present. Irina was able to get me everything I needed. Irina (as well as all the other staff) are truly wonderful, very professional, and very pleasant to deal with. Not to mention they actually know what they're talking about. I've never had any complaints. They've been there to help me when I've needed it, such as the time I needed a small loan for some dental work and no one else would help me because of my financial situation at the time. While they may only have one branch and somewhat limited hours (M-F 8 to 3), the service more than makes up for it. The fees are very reasonable too - $8/month for just about everything one could ask for. Sure, there are free bank accounts out there, but do those banks actually look after you? Didn't think so... I think $8/month is very fair for what you get. Don't let the modern look of the place fool you - this is a place that still uses the same old-fashioned principles Credit Unions are known for. I've sent multiple friends to MemberOne and all of them were amazed. Trust me, you'll feel the same way, and you will NOT be disappointed.

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?

This has been my primary banking institution for over 40 years, the last 10 remotely from Deep…read moreRiver Ontario and Saskatoon SK. Great people in a great institution. Minimal banking fees and above average interest rates. Highly recommend.

Parama is the best kept secret in banking in Toronto!!…read more Why would you continue banking with one of the big banks when you can get all this from Parama for free, on a clear conscience? It's a small, community based credit union, and of course you have a say in how it's run. And also you get returned a share of the profits! In 2013, they returned something like $250,000 to their members. I originally signed up to this bank because I saw a sign that said they offer free chequing while passing by on the Bloor night bus. I think one of the reasons that this place is a secret is because the hundreds of thousands of people passing underneath it every day don't see this sign. Here are some of the things you get for free that you don't get anywhere else: -Free certified cheques and Money Orders (!) -Free regular cheques -Free pretty much everything else! -Teller service, if you want it -Free use of The Exchange ATMs across the country; you probably have one around the corner and you don't even know it yet... -Only $2 to use Mastercard ATMs in any other country in the world - that's cheaper than they advertise! Potential barriers: -Both branches are in Etobicoke along the Bloor subway line. I live in Vancouver now, though, and that hasn't really stopped me from enjoying their services. -You have to buy a $40 share to join. But you would get the money back if you wanted to leave.

Best branch ever! The staff are so caring and sweet!…read morethey always wanting to give back more to the community and help others which is exactly what a credit union is about!

Reliable machine I haven't actually been inside this bank I normally just use the drive-thru but I…read morelove that they always have a variety of bills available I don't have to take 50s or I don't have to take 20s and the receipt paper is always full as well