First American Bank

We have had great experiences here, a good local bank.

My elderly father opened an account with First American Bank in Alamogordo and several years ago he added me to his account so I could help in managing his affairs. Even though I live two thousand miles away, Doreen Padilla, the manager, and all her staff have been absolutely phenomenal in their customer service. Over my forty-plus year business career and dozens of banks, I have never experienced another bank that was even close to the personal customer service I've received here. I couldn't recommend this bank strongly enough! I give it ten stars!

My wife and I opened account there.nAlmost Christmas. I went into the bank with a paycheck from a company that employs 200 people herenand many more across the country. It was a $900 check. I wanted to get $600 and depositn$300. The teller said I could only get $300 because that was my balance. The remainder mustnbe kept to cover the check. I understood, but needed the $600 so I asked for the manager, whoncame immediately.nWe make a much larger deposit each month, automatically, so I thought that automatic depositnshould allow me to get my money. They said no. I was upset, and argued, but they stayednsteady. So I asked when I could get it. They said Monday.nI came on Tuesday and went directly to the Manager’s office. I asked if they couldn’t give me anlittle special treatment on individual checks like that because of the automatic monthly deposit.nI also explained that had applied to the bank for a mortgage position and I wasn’t even givennthe courtesy of an interview.nThe Manager became immediately upset. She said I had insulted her teller, that I was luckynthey even allowed me there. I became upset and said that then I shouldn’t be there, I wantednto get my money and close my account. I went to the teller. The manager followed me andnanother one joined them, one I had never seen before, small and very nasty. She wanted tonfight –I guess because the Manager was mad at me. Anyway, the three said I couldn’t have mynmoney, they would call the cops and I had to leave. By that time I was very upset. I don’t letnanybody push me around, particularly three crazies. I argued and stood up to them, then left.nThen two cops showed up at my door, I was still very upset but explained to them I wouldnnever go back to that bank again in ten thousand years and they left. The next day a womanncop came. I wasn’t there. She said I had better call her or she would go to my work and arrestnme. When I got home I thought that was more craziness, but I called. She wasn’t there. Inasked for the Chief, but settled for a Sergeant.nI explained again. He said he knew nothing personally, but that the policewoman had seen anvideo. I said that was wonderful, then she could know I had done nothing wrong. He said Inshould come to the police station and explain. I said that was ridiculous. I had done nothingnwrong! They refused to give me my money, the police should be after them The film showed Inhad done nothing wrong, only tried to stand up to their viciousness and get my money.. Hensaid the policewoman would come to my work and arrest me. (the policewoman came down hard on the side of the ban, totally biased) I said if I heard any more from the bank I would get an attorney That wasnthe last I heard of it. My wife was concern and called called the customer service 800 number. They transferred the call to The Alamogordo manager. The manager only laughed and mocked of the situation.

The minimum balance that this bank requires is $100.00 and you pay a fee of $39.50 for over draft, other banks do not requiere a minimun balance here in Alamogordo NM especially if you are a senior citizen 55 years or older. Besides, I do not like the way the tellers treat me. Even the bank is always empty, they make me wait more than I expected, being the only person in line well maybe because I am not rich and I look poor?

It is important to provide good customer service; to all customers, No matter race, gender, age, religion, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!