Westfield Bank Palmer Rd, Ware

26 Arnold Street, Westfield MA Drove an hour to open up a student account for our college bound son, thinking this would be a convenient bank for him near college. We were prepared to deposit funds and were hoping to also get a credit card, mostly for emergencies, but also so that he can start establishing credit. We met with Carol who began by asking our son for his license and taking down information. Her inquiry as to whether he knew his address at school took us aback as ideally we prefer all important info (this includes banking) to be mailed to the home address as this is his PERMANENT address. She seemed hesitant to do this...commenting something in reference to him not getting his mailings; easily reading her demeanor we could tell she didn't agree with our personal decision. (Strike one!) Next question asked of my son: "what will your average daily balance be?" Our son was confused as he knew how much cash he was depositing, but what did this question mean? ...my husband interjected and commented that his research on line indicated that a minimum balance wasn't required for a student account...the woman Janet who shares office space with Carol clarified that no, it wasn't needed. (Strike two) We haven't gotten too far and now we decide we will also ask about credit cards linked to his bank account. Turns out, this bank doesn't have credit cards but they ARE going to get them...Janet informs us though that she still hasn't had training on them yet!! (Strike three) And finally, having not gotten too far in this whole process, and red flags popping up since the moment we sat down...Janet tells us we could have opened the account online. We told her we wanted to make a deposit to establish the account, meet face to face, etc. I guess they'd rather not actually deal with their customers face to face. (Strike four!) I'm not sure how long Carol's been in her position, but she sure as heck didn't sound like she knew what she was doing. Janet had a customer initially, but as soon as they left, Janet was smoothing over anything we called into question with Carol...yes, they can do that, no, there's no minimum balance, I'm sorry we don't have credit cards yet... We DEFINITELY will NOT be using this bank. You'd think being in close proximity to Westfield State University they'd try a little harder for student accounts, offer credit cards, and not ask a silly question about what your average daily balance will be when, in fact, no MINIMUM balance is required of this type of account. Get your act together!

Very nice bank. Staff is friendly. My business has several commercial loans with them and we have been very happy!

Been with this bank for years. They gave me a bank card when no other bank would while I got my finances straightened out. Now I have my wife’s and kids account there too. They gave me a second chance and I’ll never leave them for that.

Brian Fontaine has always been very helpful and professional to work with!