I recently opened a Darby Direct savings account to get that lucrative 3% rate. I have to admit though, upon signing into their online banking I was less than impressed (in fact, I doubted the legitimacy of it all). I have clicked on every tab and searched every help link and I still cannot find out how to link external accounts to Darby. I'm scared I may have to actually call them and have then do it manually. Might just stick with Etrade and their bad rate.

Posted: Apr 22, 2009

Shelley, click on BillPay.

Posted: Apr 23, 2009

Now about the outgoing $20 wire transfer fee, does that mean if I transfer/withdrawal money from this darby savings account over to another bank, I will get charged this $20 fee for each outgoing transfer?

Posted: Apr 23, 2009

I opened an account with Darby. The only problem that I have is the dollar limit placed on deposits and withdrawals unless one wire transfers to and from bank. Wire outgoing fees are $20 per transaction. It is a little bit inconvenient when compared to other online banking. If one can live with those terms, he bank offers one of the more competitive rates. Also, the few times that I called the bank, I had a difficult time getting through. However when I finally spoke to someone, it was a pleasant experience.

It was a little confusing trying to establish a link to my external checking account. One needs to click on tab "bill pay."

Posted: Apr 23, 2009

Review of Darby-Direct online savings account.
I sent 4 emails with questions over a 2 day period. Each email was answered within ½ to 2 hours of being sent. The online application was straightforward and I was immediately able to initiate the bill pay feature.
Per Jennifer D. White, Internet Banking Administrator at Darby-Direct:
Darby-Direct on-line savings account can be opened only via ACH transfer initiated by Darby online application with initial funding limit of $10,000. Additional funds can be added via a transfer feature of Darby Bill Pay or via either ACH or wire transfer initiated by an external bank. Wire transfer from an external bank can be made immediately after completing online application, even before initial ACH transfer has been processed. No mailed funds are accepted. Inbound transfer limits of Darby bill pay are $10,000 per day & $25,000 per month; outbound limit is $2,500 per day. There is no dollar limit to deposits made via ACH or wire transfers initiated from external banks. More then two beneficiaries can be added after the initial application. A signature card is not required for FDIC insurance. https://www.darby-direct.com/source%20docs/transferaccount.pdf

Posted: May 1, 2009

Way too many limitations with this bank!

Posted: May 1, 2009

Just wanted to let people know with the delay to expect with cash transfers from Darby’s site, based on my experience so far.

If you request funds on a Monday from your external account, they will deduct the funds from your account on a Tuesday, claim your “estimated” funds arrival is Thursday, and actually credit your funds on Friday. So note if you initiate on Tuesday, they pull funds out on Wednesday, and your “estimated” Friday delivery will be Monday morning.

The always seem to credit your funds at about 7:50 AM to 7:55 AM on the business day after they estimate arrival. If you request on weekend or on a Monday it seems you will lose 2 days interest. Request on a Tuesday or later and with the weekend you will lose 4 days interest.

A decent rate for now. But of course be vigilant because who knows how long it will last, and be warned of transfer times.

Posted: May 4, 2009

I agree with Brad, it takes them several days to post transfers which I am sure is to avoid paying extra interest.

If it wasn't such a good rate, I would close my account.

Also, Kirk you would only pay the $20.00 fee if you wire transfer funds, about 99% of the population will never do this. We all just do regular transfers between banks which are free.

Posted: May 4, 2009

The app process was simple and fast. However, now its for GA residents only and I think today is the last day that you will get 3%. The best way that I have found to transfer funds is to initiate a transfer with another bank, in my case B of A/Countrywide, and skip Darby's process. You can transfer virtually any amount back and forth this way.

Posted: May 5, 2009

BTW, applied for account 5-04-09 Monday evening at about 11:00pm, set up trial deposits with B of A/Countrywide on Tues. at 1:00am, and they appeared in Darby account on Tues. 8:00am. Super fast and smooth!

Posted: May 5, 2009

New rate is 2.25% for the high yield savings. Looks like the party is over!

Posted: May 6, 2009

They sent an E-mail saying for those of us who got in before May 1, they will keep the rate at 3.00% until September 30. However for new depositors it is GA only as well as the 2.25%

Of course come October 1, those who are already in should assess what the new rate is, and act accordingly.

Posted: May 13, 2009

I opened a account and was able to link to my
outside bank, very easily.


This is a WONDERFUL bank and pays 3%.

Posted: Jul 27, 2009

I love Darby bank. Extending the 3% rate for existing customers was a nice touch. The 3 step CD they offered was also excellent. They have quit accepting new out of state accounts but continue to extend any new rates and deals to all existing out of state accounts. This is how personal banking should be done.

Posted: Nov 18, 2009

Rate had been at 1.75%. On December 1, they send an E-mail that rate would go down to 1.50% on December 15, 2009. On December 7, an E-mail says the rate will be 1.25% on December 15.

The money market rate is not special anymore, however anyone who got in on the 36 month CD when they offered is in good shape.

Posted: Dec 7, 2009

the 3 yr cd is great rate. you can also withdraw on year anniversary year from it. i do agree that funds pulled take about 4 days to be posted to cd but alot of internet banks have a couple day delay. ill stay under the 250 k fdic limit cause rated 1 star by bankrate and bankfox

Posted: Dec 9, 2009