Direct Connect v Web Connect

Web connect is cheaper.

Possibly. But I don't think that is the main cause.

No.

Not a work-around, more of a "cast your bread on the waters" kind of solution. Communicate with your FI how much it would improve your relations with them if they had direct connect.

My take is there is an "honor among thieves". I talked with a Citizens Bank manager and suggested that I would move my business if I could find a bank with free direct connect tranaction down load. She said something to the effect that I wouldn't because the banks all work together to keep their services and costs roughly equivalent.

On Thu 11 Aug 2005 09:12:57a, Mike B wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

I just asked my FIs about any future plans for Quicken support. Those that had none: I either transferred all assets elsewhere OR in the case of banks reduced assets to the extent that I make < 5 transactions per quarter and don't mind the lack of Quicken support.

I no longer have any investment accounts that do not support Direct Connect. I had a goal at that time to reduce the number of brokerages I was dealing with anyway, so this move was very easy for me to make.

I think it's better to make your own plans than to stay dependent on their (lack of) plans.

On Thu 11 Aug 2005 11:04:38a, Mike L wrote in news:Xns96AF70AF4F65AY1mlcpm1231eb@207.115.63.158:

I did not mean to make it sound like I had just _now_ asked them, this was way back. I meant that I did not even attempt to "negotiate" with them as I knew that would be useless and I also knew that I had made it known that I was looking for full Quicken support.

Let me clarify - see above.

There is too much competition in banking for banks to collude on pricing and service levels.