Client Review on Grow Financial Federal Credit Union: Clearwater Store

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I have been with Grow for several years now. I have a personal account (Checking & Savings) and a small business account. I have never used Grow for any type of loans, and I don't currently have any credit cards with Grow.As a bank, Grow was a significant upgrade to me - coming from a Horse & Buggy Bank. Primarily, I've used the branch located on SR-580, but at times have also used the Largo location. Both branches have been extremely pleasant to work with, in particular the 580 branch. People have always been kind and helpful, and my wait times brief and seldom. I do most of my banking electronically.If I had written this review a year ago, I would have mentioned how outdated their online banking was. Fortunately, Grow has since updated their online banking and it is much better. Their smartphone app needs a bit more polish, but is otherwise very functional. Their web-based banking is very good now. The phone-based customer service routes through a 1-800 number, and is often suffering from some system problem. When it is working, the phone menus sometimes run you in circles and can be a test of your patience; but when you do reach a person that person is extremely polite and very helpful.Grow's interest rates for savings and the like is lack luster, but in fairness they are equal to every other major "branch-based" competitor. For any real interest-based growth advantage you'll probably have to look toward Internet-only banks.I know this review seems a bit critical, but all in all I would highly recommend Grow Financial as a banking partner for personal and small business accounts. Their in-person customer service is exceptional. Their web-based electronic banking is now more modern, highly functional, and intuitive. I cannot recall ever having any accounting-related problems or errors with Grow. Being able to use any Publix Supermarket ATM for FREE (the few times I do use it) certainly quells any concern about there being fewer Grow branch ATMs. Combine all this with the fact that I'm no longer reliant on the BIG mainstream banks - and their potentially unsavory business practices, and I'd have to say I'm quite happy at Grow Financial.