2 /5 Karen H: Mixed experiences. Raised from 1 star to 2 stars, maybe headed higher.
After some investigation, I was told by two guys named Zach on the Schwab general line to go to the Bellevue office to submit an application for an account. The Zachs also told me that the Bellevue office should be able to print out the filled-in PDF application form. They said that I could make an appointment, and mentioned that I should talk to someone named Bonnie Tran. Here are the 3-strikes issues that I had with the local office:
1) When I rang up the local number for the Bellevue office to make an appointment, I was routed again to a national phone line, not to someone in Bellevue. The national person told me that I did not need an appointment and that they would print the form. No chance to schedule a meeting with Bonnie Tran.
2) The next day before going in to the Bellevue office I called the local number again and tried very hard to talk to someone there to confirm all. I was routed to a guy in Texas, and even he could not figure out any way to talk to someone in the Bellevue office. He was skeptical about how much help the Bellevue office was going to be with printing this form.
3) I went to the Bellevue office that day and they refused to print my copy of their application form. My husband uses Fidelity and the Fidelity office in nearby Tukwila has printed out needed forms for him.
Dont expect customer service from the local Schwab office for anything out of the ordinary. I also have an account with Fidelity and I recommend Fidelity, including Fidelitys local Bellevue office which I have visited in the past.
However - later there were some things that I liked. Will adjust my review based on future experiences.
