Middlesex Federal Savings

I do both my personal and business banking with this bank and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. Middlesex Federal Savings is a classic local bank. The tellers know me by name and personally call me if there’s any problem with my arithmetic (which does occasionally happen…). Management is responsive to the needs of customers and the community. Fees are reasonable, and the hours are as good as those at any mega-​bank. Buying or cashing US Savings Bonds, no problem. Opening an escrow account, no problem. Managers are usually available to answer questions on short notice, no appointments, no BS, no run-​around.
The personal service and connection here is far beyond what you’ll get at Bank of America, etc. If you’re looking for service and value, go no further. If you’re just shopping rates, you can always find another bank that will do something for less. Just remember: you get what you pay for. I’d rather do my banking with people who know me, value my business, and provide prompt, professional service when I need it.

I think giving this place 1-​star is generous. Every interaction I’ve had with this bank over the past 2 years has been nothing short of a nightmare.
Basically, for anything regarding an account (e.g. adding someone), you need to come in and fill in a 3×5 card — which they inevitably «lose» and you need to come in to the branch and do it again. No online forms, not even paper forms you can mail in — just the 3×5 cards.
To sign up for online banking, you need to come into the branch to pick up a form (unfortunately they are serious, not being ironic). The woman processing my request spelled things wrong, misplaced forms, etc. so guess what, I had to come in the branch and do it again. 4 weeks later, I have an online account and can check my balance (whoo hoo!). 3 months later I try to login and its been disabled… Why? «it just turns off»… can I reactivate it? «No, you have to start fresh»…
Thanks, but I think I’m going to save myself the frustration and move my account.
Disclaimer: I rarely post anything on Unilocal because I feel like interpolating between extreme points of view can be dangerous and unfair to the organization– but in this case I had to share — I’ll feel better if 1 person avoids the aggravation I’ve had to deal with for the past 2 years.