Associated Bank

Associated Bank

Green Bay, WI

 3.7/5 (63 reviews)
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Overall Rating3.7 out of 5
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About Associated Bank

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Associated Bank is a regional bank in the Midwest. It offers checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages and investment services, making up over 1.3 million customer accounts. With over 200 branches in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, it’s ideal for Midwesterners in search of a regional bank that offers face-to-face service and a wide range of products.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Wide range of products
  • Large ATM network
  • Some high-yield CD options
  • Branch locations

Cons

  • Only available in nine states
  • Monthly fees for many accounts
  • Offers no-interest savings account
  • Some rates not available on website

Bottom Line

Associated Bank offers a wide range of financial products and has a large ATM network. However, its products are only available to residents of nine Midwest states, and many of its accounts have monthly fees. Although not all rates are advertised on its website, it has over 200 branches you can visit for more information.

Top Associated Bank Reviews

Verified

The people, in bank and online, are superb and friendly. They know how to use both their heads and computer systems quickly and efficiently. I have been banking at Associated Bank...

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Verified

Have had great experiences with paying the loan. Interest rate is okay, but could be better. Will be trying to get it lowered soon. Only problem I have had is lost payments in the...

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What is Associated Bank?

Associated Bank is a regional bank that has been serving customers in the Midwest since 1861. It offers a range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans and investment options. Its large ATM network makes accessing cash convenient, and its mobile app and online banking platform provide easy account management options.

Associated Bank is a popular choice for those seeking a trusted and reliable banking partner in the Midwest. Although its branches are only located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, it services customers in these nine states:

  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Ohio
  • Wisconsin

How does Associated Bank work?

Associated Bank offers customers a range of convenient ways to access its financial services. This includes over 200 branch locations in the Midwest, as well as online and mobile banking options.

To ensure the security of customer information, Associated Bank uses advanced technology to protect against fraud and identity theft. It’s also a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means your deposits are insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Associated Bank products and services

You’ll find several banking and lending options at Associated Bank, including the following.

Checking accounts

Three of the most notable checking accounts offered by Associated Bank are its Access Checking, Balanced Checking and Choice Checking accounts.

Access Checking has no minimum balance requirement or maintenance fee, and it offers an overdraft grace zone. This allows an account holder to overdraft their account up to $50 without paying an overdraft fee. However, it doesn’t come with check-writing privileges and there’s a $4 monthly fee unless you enroll in paperless statements.
Balanced Checking offers personal checks and a $50 overdraft grace zone. It has a $4 monthly fee that’s waived when you enroll in paperless statements. It also has a $9 monthly maintenance fee, but it’s waived if you maintain a $1,000 minimum daily balance or meet other fee-waiving criteria.
Choice Checking has the added benefit of an Associated Bank World Debit Mastercard. Non-network ATM fees are waived, and it has a $50 overdraft grace zone. There’s a $25 monthly maintenance fee, but it’s waived if you have at least $10,000 in combined deposit account balances or hold either a Health Savings Account (HSA) or an investment account with Associated Bank.

Savings accounts

Associated Bank offers several savings accounts with different features.

The Associated Savings account has a $25 minimum opening deposit and a $5 monthly fee. However, you can avoid this fee by maintaining a $300 minimum daily balance, making at least $25 in monthly automatic deposits or being under the age of 18.
The Associated Zero Interest Savings account also requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 and has a monthly maintenance fee of $5. However, it does not earn any interest, which is unusual for a savings account.
The Associated Relationship Savings account has a $25,000 minimum opening deposit and a $10,000 minimum daily balance to avoid its monthly maintenance fee of $20. But it offers enhanced rates if linked to an unlocked Platinum Choice Checking account.

Associated Select Money Market

The Associated Select Money Market account requires a minimum opening deposit of $1,000. Its interest rates increase as the account balance grows, and it offers convenience checks and ATM access. Enhanced rates are available if combined with an unlocked Platinum Choice Checking account.

Certificates of deposit

Associated Bank’s certificates of deposit (CDs) come in two different varieties: regular term CDs and fixed-rate add-on CDs.

Regular term CDs have a minimum $1,000 opening deposit and terms ranging from three months to five years. The add-on CD has a 12-month term and a $100 minimum opening deposit, with the option of making additional deposits throughout its term. It’s designed for those who can’t meet the minimum deposit of a regular term CD.

In addition, Associated Bank offers promotional rates on seven-month and 13-month CDs, with a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) of 4% (as of publication). However, these promotional CDs require a minimum $5,000 opening deposit.

Business accounts

Associated Bank offers a variety of accounts for small businesses, including three checking accounts, savings and money market accounts, CDs, credit cards and loans.

Loans

Associated Bank’s lending arm is robust, offering customers personal loans, mortgages, student loans and more. Mortgage options include conventional loans, VA loans and FHA loans.

Credit cards

You’ll find a number of personal credit cards at Associated Bank. Some are unsecured credit cards that earn rewards or cash back. Others are secured cards designed for those who are trying to establish or build their credit.

Associated Bank fees

Not all of Associated Bank’s checking and savings accounts have maintenance fees. But some accounts charge monthly fees ranging from $5 to $25 for account holders who don’t meet account activity requirements or maintain a minimum balance.

In addition to monthly fees, Associated Bank charges the following:

  • $6 per withdrawal beyond six permitted monthly withdrawals for money market and savings accounts
  • $2 per non-network ATM withdrawal
  • $32 per overdraft
  • $15 per domestic incoming wire transfer
  • $25 per domestic outgoing wire transfer
  • $15 per international incoming wire transfer
  • $45 to $90 per international outgoing wire transfer
  • $5 per money order

Associated Bank FAQ

What are Associated Bank’s customer service hours?

Associated Bank’s customer service is available by phone on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.

Does Associated Bank use Zelle?

Yes, Associated Bank uses Zelle for person-to-person payments within its mobile app and online banking platform.

Can I open an account at Associated Bank if I have bad credit?

A bad credit score shouldn't affect your approval chances for Associated Bank’s checking, savings or money market accounts. But it will hurt your chances of approval for unsecured credit products, like credit cards, loans or lines of credit. Associated Bank offers secured credit cards for those looking to rebuild credit.

Where is Associated Bank available?

Associated Bank’s products are available to residents of nine states in the Midwest: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa. However, it only has branches in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

Is Associated Bank legit?

Associated Bank is the largest Wisconsin-based bank, and it has been in operation since 1861. It offers a range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans and investment options, and it has a large ATM network for convenient access to cash.

Associated Bank may be best for individuals living in the Midwest who are looking for a local bank with a wide range of products and services, and who value the convenience of a large ATM network. However, its rates and fees might not be as competitive as those offered by top online banks.

Associated Bank Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
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Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 25, 2023

My account was reported as delinquent because my payment (plus late fee) was received 12 days late. I called. Was told that there is absolutely nothing they can do about this to remove it. My credit has been destroyed; it went from excellent to poor. I am devastated. This is some of the worst customer service I have ever experienced.

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Verified Reviewer
Original review: Jan. 4, 2023

My statement balance shows a negative amount instead of actual balance. The reason is excess amount is not being applied to actual balance. When I called customer service they refused to give me actual balance.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 24, 2022

    I ordered a sofa in April. Was contacted a couple weeks ago to schedule delivery, it was scheduled for June 16. ON JUNE 16 after receiving 2 different confirmations in past 24 hours, I receive a phone call saying the driver couldn't find the warehouse?? "Someone will call you within 48 hours to reschedule. I was out of town so when I returned I realize it's been 6 days and no call. I get on the website to find contact info and it says it was delivered yesterday??! I contacted PB via email, no response. I contacted them this afternoon via phone and waited the very long wait time to talk with someone. I explain the situation, the person on the other end tells me it was delivered, I tell her no, that is what I am telling you, it was not.

    She has me hold, cold transfers me so I get to start the entire story over (is there not a place for notes on the computer???). She tells me it appears they can't find the sofa in the warehouse but they will continue looking as she put a new inquiry in today and someone will call me within 48 hours to let me know what they find out, BUT IF THEY DONT then just call back, sure, I would love too. Ridiculous for a store that "appears" to pride itself on quality. A week after ordering this, I decided I wanted another piece for the same room, can't wait to see what I am told when that one is late!

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Jan. 29, 2022

    Associated Bank Review. Associated Bank lost $974 and refuses to recover it. That is too much money to lose. They are depriving us. $2600 dollars was loaned to my daughter for a car. She was paying me through Zelle. Payments were working fine. She wanted to pay off the last $973.61 with Zelle. Associated Bank lost the payment and refuses to recover it, track it, or trace it. DO NOT use this bank. We can't afford this. We will gladly share our records.

    3 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: May 19, 2021

    I was told by two separate customer service agents on two separate days that a check I had deposited from a third party had cleared the writer's bank. Three days later I received an NSF notice and am out $1200. The branch manager told me I should contact a branch manager and customer service may not have the right information.

    4 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: April 9, 2021

    My sba loan came into my account...they froze my account. I had brought in my Ein number to my business my bank statements and my schedule. They still said it was good enough to release my funds... It’s been a week. Still no one contacted me or anything. If you bank with these people I wish you luck. They are racists.

    8 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Aug. 3, 2020

    I made a payment through Zelle and Associated Bank flagged my account as suspicious because they said the transaction was a large amount. So now I can’t pay my rent or any other bills until they unfreeze my account. I’ve been told 2,5 and 10 days for the amount of time it’s going to take for them to review my account. They are horrible!!

    9 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: July 1, 2020

    We are very longtime 20+ years customers of Associated Bank and we are is leaving For another bank that will provide better fraud protection. AB approves a risky (no cvv and no address verification) e-commerce (internet) transaction time be approved for over $1000.00. This transaction overdrew the account. There were no flags or alerts. AB declines a chip read $250.00 transaction at a local Meijer (Pin bypassed). AB then recently approves two identical back-to-back risky e-commerce transactions again for $250.00 each with no cvv or address verification. I go out of town driving quite a bit and AB will decline $30 gas purchase transactions unless I have a travel alert. Good fraud monitoring systems can find the real fraud and deny those transactions. AB’s fraud monitoring system apparently can’t tell the difference between real fraud and more normal activity.

    11 people found this review helpful
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 30, 2020

    I received my advance SBA loan advance today and I went to make a $6000 withdrawal. Long story short, after noticing my skin color and being questioned about my business my account was frozen and I can't get any money until a fraud investigation is complete. I was told by the supervisor that they have to make sure the deposit is legit. It says Treasury on the direct deposit.. What else do they need. One of the fraud people told me I need to prove I'm a business owner. This is totally ridiculous. I will never use this bank again and I'm going to get this experience out on all the social media platforms to make people aware of this practice they are doing.

    16 people found this review helpful
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: June 11, 2020

    I have been banking with Associated Bank for the better part of 20 years. I have always been happy with the experiences I've had inside of the bank, dealing directly with the bankers. While calling in they have always been friendly. They have been forgiving and flexible with minor overdrafts and time-lapses with deposits and payments, etc. What makes me consider leaving is the online experience. They have been having technical issues for decades. I cannot count how many times they told me they are currently working to resolve issues in the system. I haven't been able to log in for a month now without calling. Seriously!? This is BASIC.

    The balance is never accurate in real-time. It bounces over and under for days of total inactivity. They need to get it together with the IT department or they are finished as a bank IMO. When I traveled I asked them to remove the restrictions. It put me in bad situations because they restriction would automatically kick in again and shut my card down. I said I travel often and I want the restriction totally removed so I don't have to call every single time I am in another location. They told me it wasn't possible. Now, years later, I've been using the card on the other side of the country for months without calling in about it. Again, the people I've dealt with have been more down to earth and friendly than any other bank I've dealt with but the experience is ruined by the online situation.

    7 people found this review helpful
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    Associated Bank Company Information

    Company Name:
    Associated Bank
    Website:
    www.associatedbank.com