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Discover honest Associated Bank reviews from real customers in 2024, including low satisfaction scores on service, fees, and loans. We break down pros, cons, ratings, and recommend better personal finance tools and bank alternatives to protect your money.
Quick Pick
Clever Fox Budget Planner Large
Take control of your finances without relying on underperforming banks. This A4 expense tracker offers monthly budgeting, bill organization, and premium features for just $25-30. Check current price
Associated Bank, a regional player since 1861, serves customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota with over 200 branches. It provides standard banking fare: checking and savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, auto loans, personal loans, home equity lines, mortgages, credit cards, and business services. But do customer experiences match the long history?
In 2024, aggregated customer feedback paints a grim picture. With an overall rating of just 1.3/5 from 58 reviews, frustration dominates discussions on service quality, hidden fees, and loan mishaps. If you're eyeing Associated Bank, our deep dive reveals why many advise caution—and highlights smarter paths like self-managed budgeting tools.
While the BBB score suggests operational reliability, real-user stories tell a different tale. Average mobile app rating hovers at 2.8/5, with complaints about outdated interfaces and slow support.
Drawing from dozens of verified reviews, here's a balanced synthesis—no sugarcoating.
Overall Score Breakdown:
| Rating | Percentage | Common Themes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | 5% | Local convenience |
| 3-4 Stars | 12% | Basic functionality |
| 1-2 Stars | 83% | Fees, service failures |
These patterns echo across platforms, with 48 one-star reviews dominating.
If these red flags resonate, consider ditching traditional banks for personal finance trackers. > Our Top Pick: The Clever Fox Budget Planner Large empowers envelope-style budgeting without fee pitfalls.
| Product | Key Features | Customer Score (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Free basic option; $12/month otherwise | 1.8 | Frequent overdraft complaints |
| Savings Accounts | 0.01%-0.50% APY | 2.1 | Low yields, minimum balance fees |
| CDs | 3-5% APY terms | 3.2 | Better for short-term parking |
| IRAs | Traditional/Roth options | 2.5 | Limited investment choices |
| Auto Loans | 5.49%+ APR | 1.9 | Approval delays common |
| Personal Loans | Up to $25K, 8-36 months | 1.7 | High rates for fair credit |
| Home Equity Loans | Up to 90% LTV | 2.0 | Closing costs surprise borrowers |
| Mortgages | Fixed/variable | 1.6 | Processing errors reported |
| Credit Cards | Rewards/cashback | 2.3 | Annual fees bite |
Data synthesized from customer feedback; actual rates vary by credit/profile.
Tired of bank drama? Hands-on tools like budget binders let you track expenses, save aggressively, and avoid fees entirely. Here's a comparison of standout options:
| Feature | Clever Fox Budget Planner (A4) | SOLIGT Large Budget Planner | Sooez Budget Binder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 8.3" x 11" | 8.5" x 11" | Binder-style |
| Pages | 144+ (monthly/annual) | 190+ with pockets | Envelopes + sheets |
| Key Tools | Expense trackers, debt payoff | Stickers, 12 savings pockets | Cash envelopes, challenges |
| Cover | Premium hardcover (Brown) | Hardcover | Purple fabric |
| Price Range | $25-30 | $20-25 | $15-20 |
| Best For | Detailed logging | Visual organization | Cash-based saving |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
Each excels where banks falter. See the Clever Fox Budget Planner Large for pro-level tracking. For envelope fans, grab the Sooez Budget Binder.
Don't settle for low ratings. Explore options with stronger reviews:
Pair with savings hacks via Best Piggy Banks.
Build independence:
No—reviews highlight high fees and poor service. Opt for fee-free alternatives or personal trackers like the Clever Fox.
Auto starts at 5.49% APR, but delays frustrate. Compare locally and check credit first.
Dismally at ~1.5/5. Expect long waits; in-branch is hit-or-miss.
Yes—dive into Regions Bank Reviews or Regional Finance options.
Absolutely. Budget binders like Sooez enable cash-based control.
Use Clever Fox Budget Planner for monthly goals and debt reduction.
Stay savvy—your wallet thanks you.
