First Niagara Bank

The switch from National City to First Niagara had problems from the start. Almost a month later I still can't pay my bills properly online. Online access to my business accounts just vanished after two days. I received NSF notices because they... (More) The switch from National City to First Niagara had problems from the start. Almost a month later I still can't pay my bills properly online. Online access to my business accounts just vanished after two days. I received NSF notices because they neglected to process an earlier transfer of funds between accounts. I've spent hours at the bank and on the phone. Those who answer the phones, in the rare event they answer at all, are clueless. Three emails generated auto-responses promising help that never happened. (OK, I got one laughable reply that didn't remotely address the problem I had written about.) I finally had to open new accounts to another bank, where they had everything working properly the very same day.First Niagara, however, is still out to lunch. I didn't expect the changeover to be seamless, but I didn't expect such a car crash. There is no customer service to be had.It's still amateur hour at First Niagara, and it's no place for a business to bank.  (Hide)

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I miss National City. The 800 # for "last Niagara" is a joke. Busy signals, no answered calls,and a prolonged menu, just to get to the automated phone service. I did get through successfully twice, but on my third call, it insisted my pin # was... (More) I miss National City. The 800 # for "last Niagara" is a joke. Busy signals, no answered calls,and a prolonged menu, just to get to the automated phone service. I did get through successfully twice, but on my third call, it insisted my pin # was not valid. This "bank" was obviously not prepared for the volume of customers from National City. Sadly, I suspect a group of executives will enjoy a nice bonus for the acquistion and 'smooth transition'.  (Hide)

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I cannot believe this institution can legally be called a bank. The conversion from National City to First Niagara has been a chaotic nightmare. This bank obviously underestimated the effort and staff required to make this work, and has shown how... (More) I cannot believe this institution can legally be called a bank. The conversion from National City to First Niagara has been a chaotic nightmare. This bank obviously underestimated the effort and staff required to make this work, and has shown how NOT to merge. I have had 3 insufficient fund charges on my checking account that has had more than enough funds from the start. They do not answer their 800 "customer support" line, and the branches are overwhelmed and understaffed. I hope anyone thinking of putting their hard-earned money in this bank rethink. I will be closing my accounts as soon as I can account for all the money that is supposed to be there. That this can happen with such poor planning and significant glitches and errors is amazing to me. Be afraid should First Niagara be involved with anything related to your money.  (Hide)

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oustanding service and product offering-beats the big name banks time and again

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