Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab as an institution provides great services and customer service generally. I appreciate when I speak with a customer service representative and they inform me of their location (usually somewhere nearby) and then provide a friendly service experience. Their trading platform is not the most detailed but is straightforward.
That said, the receptionist at this branch has the worst attitude and is the most useless individual in any kind of services industry. The first time I was here I assumed maybe she had just had a bad day. The second time, I realized that this condescending nitwit of a front-​desk lady needs an attitude adjustment and to find another job.

Is a negative star available? It’s as if they don’t want your money. The most unhelpful rude service. ‘Sylvia’ calls herself a broker but couldn’t answer any questions and isn’t even fit to sit at the front desk. Even as a receptionist she chases away any potential clients. Laughable experience.

New office on Wall St.
Walked in to ask question about my IRA and determine if leaving my IRA account there makes sense.
Met two ladies at the front desk and was met with complete contempt and sarcasm.
Question: With my IRA are there other plans that will decrease my commission rate ($ 8.95 a trade)?
Ladies: No! Noted this without even hesitation (however the phone representative suggested I meet an financial advisor to discuss).
I answer well that doesn’t seem competitive… considering other places are cheaper…
Ladies: Like what???
My answer: E*Trade, Bank of America, ScottTrade
Ladies: Well you just named three institutions, there are plenty more that would cost 100 dollars a trade
Me: Huh? (Wow what experts they are)
Charles Schwab, watch your receptionists who are speaking for your company and not allowing the Financial Advisors to meet the customers.

*havent been to an actual office yet, but definitely would not hesitate to stop by after my awesome customer service experience on the phone*
Sooo, I just learned of Schwab’s High Yield Investor Checking account this afternoon as I was researching the best cards to carry while traveling internationally– and it sounds *amazing*!
Schwab’s checking/​debit card comes with free ATM withdrawals around the world (right? .the fees are refunded to your account), and regular debit purchases at stores and stuff as I was told have no FOREX (foreign exchange) fees.
I had a snaffoo with the online registration (which is actually super simple), so I called their 24 hour helpline– I was amazed I didn’t get someone in a foreign country.
The broker I was on the phone with was a real person, and he was so darn cool and I can’t begin to tell you how helpful he was. ***Total call time: 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES of him encouraging me to ask questions about all the things I didn’t understand***.
Isn’t that crazy? He walked me through registration, confirmed on his end that I was set to go, explained the processes of how the brokerage-​checking account I signed up for works, how deposits work, how to expedite my checking card coming in the mail because I’m going on a trip soon– and then.
The best Investing 101 lesson I’ve ever had. I took these classes in college but it all went over my head. He explained investment strategies, the definitions of everything, how to use their online tools– basically demystified something I tend to stay away from dealing with, and made asking questions really easy.
… I don’t remember his name, but (I think) he works in the Indianapolis office. and that he was 24 and super smart. I really felt like I have having an over the phone class tutor who was really supportive and patient. Best customer service I’ve ever had. I called back in to try to ask that he gets sort of recognition (each time you call you may get a call center in a different city) so they are going to track him down.
But thank you so much! and I’m excited to get my card and avoid some international transaction fees!