Lafayette State Bank

Had high hopes to be able to bank with a smaller local bank. When my wife and I went in to open a personal and business checking account everyone appeared to be busy. There was no sign-in sheet so we had a seat and awaited someone to greet or acknowledge us. After several minutes we were acknowledged and told we would need to see Tessie, who at the time was involved in a discussion about medical problems and medications with someone she greeted in the lobby. After waiting for approx. 5 more minutes she concluded her conversation, however still did not acknowledge us or let us know she would be with us shortly. She even walked by us twice as did the VP of the bank with no acknowledgement. After several more minutes we were finally told we could come into her office and then greeted with "You all want to open a business account." This greeting was given with a slight attitude as if we were inconveniencing her. By this time we had already questioned our decision to use this bank due to the poor customer service we had received thus far. After being told that the FEIN number on my articles of incorporation, annual report, certificate of status and fictitious name registration paperwork was not sufficient and the form from the IRS is needed (which most of the time is done by online registration now a days) we decided it would be best if we took our business elsewhere. Since incorporating my business in 2008 I have never needed the IRS form when opening a business checking account. The number which is on all of the other incorporation forms is all that was needed. In the end it was for the best as it caused us not to open an account (personal or business) and be subjected to such poor customer service on a continuing basis. I would imagine that if this is how they treat new potential customers it will not be long before this small bank is swallowed up by one of the larger ones. Bottom line: in my opinion this is in no way a bank with the small friendly hometown feel. Your business and money are an inconvenience to them.