National Bank Transfer Day Might Affect Some Ames Credit Unions

At least one credit union in Ames is prepared for extra business and new customers today because it's been decreeed National Bank Transfer Day.

Saturday is the deadline for transferring money from for-profit banks to credit unions, say organizers of a Facebook movement that is separate from Occupy Wall Street, although some occupy protesters might be taking part. The protest began after account holders grew frustrated with monthly maintenance and debit card fees charged by banks.

tellers in Ames have been made aware of the day and one branch in Des Moines added an extra staff person in case more people come in.

“We haven't extended our hours. We're typically open from 9 a.m. to noon,” said Branch Manager Tricia Cunningham. “We aren't sure what kind of flux we are going to see.”

Cunningham said she's already seen an increase in accounts in a Des Moines branch after Bank of America announced a fee for its debit cards. That fee was rescinded earlier this week.

Some managers at other Ames credit unions said they hadn't heard of the national event and not all will be open on Saturday. In fact one, , has seen some customers leave for its $1.95 monthly maintenance fee.

Greater Iowa Credit Union's savings accounts are free unless they've been dormant six months. Some of its checking accounts don't have fees unless people fail to hold minimum balances or make more than 15 withdrawals or payments in a month. After 15, each withdrawal costs 50 cents. But basic checking is totally free, Cunningham said.

in Ames also offers free checking, according to its site. And offers a share draft account that is about as free as it can get, the site said.