We've always had good experiences when dealing with banks, savings and loans, credit unions and credit services companies. They've always offered sound advice when seeking loans, mortgages, investments, etc... I've been with the same credit union for 35 years. They recommended a local S&L when we wanted to borrow to purchase land. The S&L recommended a blanket mortgage to combine the equity in our house and the land so we could get around the stipulation that you have to have mortgage insurance if you have less than 25% equity. They did the same thing 5 years later when we bought our second home. No problems paying off early, either. Reasonable credit card rates, good services, free financial planning. I think you just have to stick with smaller, local financial institutions.