4 replies

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mariospants

July 6, 2009 7:35 PM

@Zclyh3: merci - I wouldn't even have noticed had you not pointed it out. Laugh of the day, for sure!

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cranke

July 6, 2009 7:09 PM

@Zclyh3: thanks for pointing out. consumerist working mad photoshop skilz

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Crabby Cakes

July 6, 2009 5:37 PM

@Zclyh3: How did I miss that? Awesome, indeed.

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NewsMuncher

July 6, 2009 4:35 PM

@Zclyh3: Yes. Awesome.

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dragonfire81

July 6, 2009 3:44 PM

I am in full agreement with the last statement of this article. NOT dealing with BOA is one of the smartest decisions anyone can make.

16 replies

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randombob

July 7, 2009 5:48 PM

@dragonfire81: Yes, I agree completely. I've got my own horror story dealing with BofA home loans. I've closed out my checking account with them previously, not sure why in dog's name I went back to them for my home loan.

Sigh, keep an eye on consumerist for a story about a mismanaged home loan procurement. You'll understand then :-|

Shocker, I know.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 4:47 AM

@dragonfire81: I've been with BoA for a few years now and I wouldn't even think about switching to another bank. I was previously with PNC (a NIGHTMARE) and TD bank when they used to be Commerce.. and that wasn't so great either. I have a checking account, savings account, and a credit card with BoA. I have never had a problem with any of my accounts. All of the staff and customer service has always been super friendly to me every time I needed help with something. A few instances, I've had companies charge me for things twice, companies charge me for things non existent, and a few other problems. Blockbuster once charged me a 20 some dollar late fee for a movie I returned on time. When I called BoA and told them (I only spoke for about 30 seconds) and they were so quick to make sure the money was refunded.. no questions asked. Anything I've ever needed, no problem. They're very loyal to their customers and they have great benefits for having an account with them also. Much greater than any bank I've ever seen or heard stories about. Just because two people were banned from their bank and accounts closed, does not mean that they are a bad bank. Do you actually know these people? Who's to say that they're accounts weren't closed for GOOD reason? Not to say that they were, but it's a possibility. And if it was BoA's mistake, companies do make mistakes. We're all human. I'm sure if either of those two individuals went into an actual bank instead of being lazy and just calling a phone number, they could get the problem fixed in no time. Do not form a biased opinion off of less than .1% of the population.

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LuzioFantazmic

July 6, 2009 7:58 PM

@dragonfire81: I've had BofA for years. I have3 checking accounts with them and have never had an issue with them.

I'd be willing to bet that The people here who seems to feel that they are the worst don't even have an account with them nor have they ever had an account with them. They just think it's cool to bash the big guys. Just like Microsoft is evil.

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supercereal

July 6, 2009 4:17 PM

@dragonfire81: I've had BOA for nearly 7 years with no problems whatsoever. The few stories on this site aren't representative of the other majority of customers with no complaints.

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merist

July 7, 2009 1:01 PM

@supercereal:

Good for you.

I have had a BofA credit card for 3 months and it has been nothing but problems. I had a CITI U-Promise card, but for some reason BofA took over all of their the U-Promise accounts.

1. After paying the bill for two months, BofA decided to shift my due date back a week. Unfortunately it is my fault that I didn't notice, but I always pay my bills monthly on the last saturday of the month. My CC bill was always due after the 1st. Even the first 2 months on BofA were due after the 1st. I went to pay my CC bill on June 27th to find it was due on the 26th AND they had already hit me with late fees, was going to charge me interest (I pay my balance in full every month.) and they practice the soon to be illegal double bill cycle thingy that charges interest over two months.

2. Their web site won't let you pay the balance full, unless you manually enter the amount. On my Citi card there was a radio button for that option. On the BofA web site they don't even display the statement balance on the payment page. You need to write it down, before making the payment. Interestingly, it won't let you pay more than your balance, so it validates it, but you have to type in your balance.

3. They also insist on sending me those credit card \"Checks.\" even though I asked them to stop. Citi stopped when I asked them to. They are constantly marketing to me, including recorded phone calls.

4. Every time I am on the phone with BofA (Too often.) they try to sell me a product or service. I just feel like they are working against me trying to trick me into giving them more money. For example after talking to customer service the lady says \"So, how much money would you like to transfer to your checking account?\" Huh? I was calling about something else, and she's asking me to take cash advance?!?

I am looking for a replacement for my new BofA card. Can anyone suggest a CC company that doesn't spam you with CC checks, won't mess with my billing cycle, even better make the CC bill due the same day every month. Will not call me at home with recorded calls?

I just want to use my card and pay my bill.

I'm sure a card like this exists, but the features I am looking for in a card do not appear on any of the banks web sites.

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David Schwartz

July 7, 2009 10:09 AM

@supercereal: Right. I've been an upstanding citizen for 39 years, had normal relationships with hundreds of people. But you kill *one* hooker and ....

It doesn't matter how often or how rarely they do this. That it is there policy to ban people for life without telling them why is simply completely unacceptable.

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kazinstrife

July 6, 2009 10:29 PM

@supercereal: Right on with the vocal minority theory. I've been with BoA for six or so years, a savings and a checking account, and haven't ever had a problem. On one occasion, I even got WAY hassle-free help over the phone on a scammy transaction in which i paid for an item online and never received it - find the transaction, give me a temp credit, and took it all on their shoulders from there.

99% customer satisfaction over the entirety of their user base? Maybe not. But still, blacklisting a company because you hear X many single-user horror stories on the internet is a little unfair.

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SnoopyFish

July 6, 2009 10:23 PM

@supercereal: Yah, Same here. I haven't had any problems in the more than 8 years I have had an account.

One of the things I have noticed is that most of the complaints about BOA is their crazy overdraft fees. But I don't think that is something you can complain about. If more people were responsible and didn't spend what they don't have, then there wouldn't be an issue. But many people are idiots; and as idiots... they don't understand that being an idiot results in spending more than you have, and it's just easier to bitch and moan and complain to BOA.

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umbriago

July 6, 2009 9:55 PM

@supercereal: I've had a good ten years with BOA as well. No mysterious fees, reasonable credit products, good customer service in person and over the phone, and a great online tool. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

I've got a credit union account too and while I like it, my CU is dinky, and it shows. Besides, credit unions have their own set of unique problems. The profits at my CU won't even cover what it is supposed to pay into the National Credit Union Administration insurance fund over the next three years.

But I can understand how one bitter experience can turn you off for life. A decade before that cute little gecko showed up on TV, GEICO once gave me an auto insurance quote and then pulled it at basically the last minute. I got my money back, but screw them: now and forever.

Now if you'll excuse me I have a phone call, \"Hello, Bank of America, this is Sanjay how may I help you?\"

(I'm kidding ya mopes)

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TechnoDestructo

July 6, 2009 8:03 PM

@supercereal:

You should really start buying lottery tickets if you don't alread.

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Mange

July 6, 2009 6:01 PM

@supercereal: I have been a BOA customer for 10 years, and I too have never had a problem. They helped me out more than once by crediting back multiple overdraft charges when I was dumb and just out of high school, and I didn't even have to spend hours on the phone. I give them my continued business because they were the ONLY bank that allowed me to sign up for a checking account before I was 18. I realize that almost everyone else has problems with them, and that I'm associated with an evil entity, but they sure were there for me when I needed them. And no, this is not an advert and I do not work for them.

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outoftheblew

July 6, 2009 5:49 PM

@supercereal: When I worked for my state's government, I sat across from a coworker who was on the phone calling various banks around the state making a routine request that our office makes on a regular basis to hundreds of banks. On one of the calls, she was getting frustrated with the bank's personnel stonewalling her and not accepting our documentation to provide info needed for an audit. After she hung up in a huff (having gotten nowhere), a finance director (who also works with hundreds of banks around the state) had overheard the conversation and said, \"Let me guess ... that was Bank of America.\"

It's not just a few occurences. It's enough that they had a reputation with the State Treasurer's office, which hated dealing with them. You got different information with every person you dealt with, and you could have something signed by all the proper people, and they still wouldn't cooperate.

My mother had an account for two decades with a local bank. After it was bought by BofA, she had so many problems, she finally closed it.

I'm actually surprised I don't hear more stories about them here.

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takes_so_little

July 6, 2009 5:44 PM

@supercereal: You are only one customer, yet you claim to speak for the majority of BOA's customers.

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kduhtoe

July 6, 2009 5:38 PM

@supercereal: I agree, I've been very happy with BoA for nearly 5 years now. A few months ago, I received a letter saying they were jacking up my interest rate (7.9% fixed to 13.9% variable) due to the economy (never paid late, low balance). At first I was pissed, but then I called them up. Customer service wasn't a huge help, so I asked to speak with a credit analyst or a manager. After 5 minutes with an analyst, they reinstated my old interest rate, added world points feature to my card, and increased my credit limit. Great success.

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YardanCabaret

July 6, 2009 4:38 PM

@supercereal: Everyone I know with a BOA account has problems(Family, EXs, roomates, landlords, friends, everyone). They give out at least one major problem(having to spend at least 4hours with CSRs to clear it up) every year and a half. I haven't banked with them in like 11 years since they bought out my local bank and I said good day to BOA. Yet I still have problems with the little stuff I have to go into there for. So I'm glad you have been there for 7 years with no problems but know that you are in the very small minority. Now you can stand tall and walk away. I said stand tall. And WALK AWAY.

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JGKojak

July 6, 2009 4:25 PM

@supercereal:
You can tell your boss at BOA that you posted to the site. Thanks.

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Scatter

July 7, 2009 12:59 PM

@JGKojak:

As strange as it may seem, not everyone that visits this site has a major problem with and hates large corporations. I've had my BoA credit card for about 5 years now without any problems.

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GreatCaesarsGhost

July 6, 2009 5:25 PM

@JGKojak:
Why are people who like BOA not allowed to post here? If the BOA experience is positive for 99% of customers, the 1% will find their way here to complain. And if anyone says they like BOA, they get accused of being a sockpuppet.

The majority of people in this country choose banks over credit unions. One would have to assume that at least some of those bank customers are happy with their experience.

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CheritaChen

July 6, 2009 8:36 PM

@GreatCaesarsGhost: The majority of people in this country choose banks over credit unions. One would have to assume that at least some of those bank customers are happy with their experience.

The majority of people in this country don't discuss consumerism and understand their alternative choices like the readers of this site. Hell, I have a BoA account because it has better options than my credit union, but I'm not going to take it personally when someone else complains about their BoA experience.

I just had something come through at work today that proves BoA can be complete dicks. An employee thought she was depositing her paycheck at one of their ATMs. It took her check...and didn't give back her card. Then BoA sent her a letter saying they never got the check, so they're deducting the temporary credit in the amount of the check. They seemed not the least bit concerned that the check disappeared somewhere between the mouth of their ATM and the person who processes the machine deposits, or that there may be a problem with that machine or her account.

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takes_so_little

July 6, 2009 5:48 PM

@GreatCaesarsGhost: \"Why are people who like BOA not allowed to post here\"

Cry me a river. Clearly you are \"allowed\" to post here; you're doing it, aren't you? Or do you really mean to say, \"Why are people allowed to disagree with ME when I post here?\"

I, personally, hope you post more. You are an enytertaining person.

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takes_so_little

July 6, 2009 5:46 PM

@GreatCaesarsGhost: \"the BOA experience is positive for 99% of customers, the 1% will find their way here to complain\"

Where are you getting these bullshit stats from? Oh yeah, you're pulling them directly out of your ass. This is a consumer blog, advocating for consumer when companies have done them wrong. That's what kind of blog it is. Deal.

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Scatter

July 7, 2009 1:04 PM

@takes_so_little:

The thing is that most people here seem to have a mob mentality. I mean listen to you guys, you're absolutely convinced that it isn't possible that some people may have had *good* experiences with BoA.

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supercereal

July 6, 2009 10:16 PM

@takes_so_little: & @AstroPig7: It's not that the blog is the problem; I enjoy reading these stories and being aware of what's happening. Legitimate and constructive consumerism, however, does not stem from blindly deeming all \"big businesses\" evil and harshly criticizing anyone who doesn't agree. That, unfortunately, is the mentality of so many commenters here.

You think everyone is out to get you because that's what you read and see here everyday. What's on this site is not necessarily representative of the majority, and anyone who believes the contrary is flat out delusional or kidding themselves (if you truly believe the rest of the world hates their bank as much as you, the minority, you need to remove the tunnel vision and step outside). It's akin to watching the news every night and proclaiming that this country is overly dangerous and everyone is a rapist/serial killer/pedophile. Simply put, that's not true.

So while anecdotal evidence from folks who are clearly biased and have a bone to pick with corporate America might seem true to you, the rest of the country is able to appropriately manage expectations and understand that their own little world is not indicative of those around them. If you can't stereotype an entire race due to the actions of a few, what logic makes it reasonable to draw conclusions based on the handful of (purposefully negative) stories posted here? Do yourself a favor and stop pretending you're an advocate of consumerism, and own up to what amounts to petty and childish narrowmindedness.

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Daniel Tobias

July 6, 2009 11:37 PM

@supercereal: So, people who do get screwed by a corporation should just bend over and take it quietly, rather than disturbing the other people who don't have problems with that company by complaining about it?

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supercereal

July 7, 2009 12:03 AM

@Daniel Tobias: Nowhere did I even insinuate that, but one doesn't have to be a whiny little bitch about it either. I've had my fair share of issues, but I don't go crying to a blog before actually taking any action myself.

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supercereal

July 6, 2009 4:32 PM

@JGKojak: Way to go! You found out my deep, dark secret. Oh, and you're an idiot.

Listen, this site highlights and accentuates the occurrences of the minority. Believe it or not, not everyone gets screwed by the companies that the people in these stories get screwed by. Folks like you take it to an extreme and hear one bad thing and jump to over-arching conclusions. I don't fault you, though, for not being able to form your own logical or cohesive thoughts, and instead taking a blog with a blatant anti-business bias as gospel.

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MinorAnnoyance

July 6, 2009 5:43 PM

@supercereal: Right on!!! The only thing anybody should take as gospel is someone saying, \"I've done bsuiness with X for X years and never had a problem\".

Trouble is, there isn't anywhere to post those except on sites that were created for people it HAS happened to to vent about it. Go figure.

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AstroPig7

July 6, 2009 5:40 PM

@supercereal: Why are you reading a blatantly biased Web site? I don’t intend this to be inflammatory; I’m honestly curious.

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zekebullseye

July 8, 2009 4:13 PM

@AstroPig7:
Why are YOU reading it?

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bohemian

July 6, 2009 5:20 PM

@supercereal: Back in the late 80's I was looking for a new bank. Everyone I talked to had a nightmare story about BoA. This was before the web and obviously before this site existed. Nobody I spoke with had anything positive to say about BoA. So I banned BoA for life.

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Coles_Law

July 6, 2009 4:52 PM

@supercereal: I've had friends who had problems, but so far I have no complaints. I'll pre-empt the next post and just say that means I'm your boss.

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Hoss

July 6, 2009 3:45 PM

There are lots of reasons people have multiple accounts. For example, if you maintain investment property, you would deposit rent and draw expenses from unique accounts. Is he sure he paid all of the numerous fees that BoA charges??

3 replies

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Wombatish

July 7, 2009 9:24 AM

@Hoss: My mother manages rental property and at every bank she's ever used they have had no issues giving her anywhere from 1-15 (was the most I think she ever had going at once at one bank) accounts.

Granted, she usually ends up naming the accounts \"House account 123 Normal St.\" or something along those lines, but not the day she opens them, and they all are in her name.

The only bank that ever questioned this procedure (Compass) didn't have any issue when she explained that she was a Real Estate broker/property manager and showed them her license (they did not ask, she just offered).

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ludwigk

July 6, 2009 6:57 PM

@Hoss: My GF and I maintained 3 accounts with BoA for a couple years. A personal checking, then a shared checking for bills. They seemed able to handle that at the time.

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July 6, 2009 6:29 PM

@Hoss: Doesn't sound like he had the accounts open long enough to even get fees charged to him.

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Skin Art Squared

July 6, 2009 3:46 PM

I have multiple accounts, and I WISH I could get them to ban me for life.

2 replies

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KMan13 still wants a Pontiac G8

July 7, 2009 7:44 PM

@BZMedia:
so just leave?

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dmolavi

July 6, 2009 3:47 PM

@BZMedia: ditto

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rpm773

July 6, 2009 3:48 PM

Jesse ought not worry. I'm sure BofA will allow someone to open another account in his name soon enough.

3 replies

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Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

July 6, 2009 3:54 PM

@rpm773: Yep, they've replaced my credit card something like six times in the past three years for data breaches. Also, they periodically send me a card for an account I never had no matter how many times I try to \"close\" the imaginary account I never had.

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craptastico

July 6, 2009 4:42 PM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): if you hate BOA so much, why do you still use them?

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Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

July 6, 2009 5:04 PM

@craptastico: I've tried to flee three times. They keep buying banks or credit cards I do business with, and while I usually close my account, that particular credit line (opened with NOT BofA) is more than a decade old and is very large, and in this economy I'm reluctant to close an old account with a large credit line and take the credit score hit. The terms are very favorable and the rewards are good; I don't think I could do as well in the current economic climate. They continue to make fucking annoying mistakes, but they've fixed them all and it hasn't cost us any money, so for now I'm sitting tight.

When the economy improves, we'll shop for a new card, though we'll probably still leave this account active and unused. (Well, we're sort-of ongoing looking now, but haven't found anything with terms we want to swap to.)

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 2:10 AM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): I just learned from my financial adviser that closing an account actually increases your credit score, not reduce it. Available Credit is considered a liability because you could \"use\" it all up in one day for all they know. However, if you open an account, charge it up, then pay it off real quick, that increases your score. You will immediately get 100 new card offers in the mail because you have a higher score with lower available credit.

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MinorAnnoyance

July 6, 2009 5:50 PM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): Same thing here... every time they bought one of the small banks I dealt with I'd move on to another one. I've had some horrible on line banking problems with BofA, not all of them resolved in my favor and had been thinking about moving my little account to Wamu until the meltdown last fall. At least I didn't go through the motions that time.

Now I simply figure that wherever I go, they're going to come after me and I've pretty much given up and resigned myself to being stuck either with them or some bank that is or soon will be a subsidiary of theirs.

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DoubleBaconVeggieBurger

July 6, 2009 6:00 PM

@MinorAnnoyance: Same here - I've never signed up with Bank of America for any type of account, but thanks to mergers and buyouts I have a mortgage and my longest-open credit card account with them now.

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Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)

July 6, 2009 7:27 PM

@Ayarkay: They're like the Borg.

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Wombatish

July 7, 2009 9:27 AM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): Resistance is futile, you will be charged ridiculous fees and have zombie accounts for life.

I feel you. My good friend (older than me) got her mortgage \"bought\" by Bank of America but any time she has an issue they claim to have never heard of her account/her/the company they purchased the loan from.

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PencilSharp

July 8, 2009 8:17 PM

@Wombatish: \"...any time she has an issue they claim to have never heard of her account/her/the company they purchased the loan from...\"

But let her miss a payment... ;)

I won't even launch into my usual \"banks bad, credit unions good\" spiel (I'm lyin'. CUNA locator FTW!); just suffice it to say I've gone cash-only this year, the mortgage is under control, and I will never, ever get suckered into using monster-banking again.

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craptastico

July 6, 2009 5:12 PM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): they're like a swarm of ants in their takeover of just about every bank out there. unfortunately the FICO credit score encourages you to stay with a bank even if they're terrible. you'd think that after all credit issues the banks have had that they'd realize their methodology is flawed. customers are punished for not carrying loans for crying out loud

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TechnoDestructo

July 6, 2009 5:27 PM

@craptastico:

No, customers are punished for not being customers. If you carry loans and pay them on time, your score improves, and you get good rates. It's a volume discount. If you shun debt, you get a bad rate.

Stop thinking about it in terms of trustworthiness and start thinking about it in terms of squeezing as much money as possible from customers, and it makes a lot more sense.

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rpm773

July 6, 2009 4:15 PM

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): My wife had someone open a credit card account in her name...the 3rd one tied to her name. Upon pressing BofA for an explanation of how it happened, the rep said it was done at a branch location (as opposed to mail or i'net), presumably face to face with a teller.

Now when she uses her original credit card account, usually the charge gets denied and we get an urgent phone call here about a possible fraud attempt. Fraud security, Bank of America style.

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frank64

July 6, 2009 3:50 PM

I don't think multiple accounts was the issue, I think they his name matched someone else who had some problems. This in itself should have been easy to work out, but apparently BOA didn't give a whoop about it.

But he is better off now anyway. BOA saved him from himself.

3 replies

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mmmsoap

July 6, 2009 6:03 PM

@frank64: That was absolutely my first thought: common name attached to the wrong account(s). I'm surprised that it didn't occur to either the OP, nor the CSR he was working with. Frankly, given the CSR's response (\"We suggest you find another bank.\") I'm inclined to believe that the OP wasn't all sunshine and roses on the phone when discussing this issue.

While not every CSR has been able to solve my problems without referring me to their supervisor/manager, I've never had any issue with one being rude or dismissive as long as I stay calm and polite.

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MostlyHarmless

July 6, 2009 3:55 PM

@frank64: Saved him from itself. (And arguably himself too, since he was trying to open TWO accounts, with BoA.)

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July 6, 2009 6:31 PM

@MostlyHarmless: He was only trying to open one. They opened up a second one for him without permission.

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MostlyHarmless

July 6, 2009 6:40 PM

@Rectilinear Propagation: Yeah, valid point.

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frank64

July 6, 2009 6:35 PM

@Rectilinear Propagation: Yeah, but that(I believe) was a separate mistake. If they had just opened up the one and the account hit a review, from what I can gather the same thing would have happened.

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HiPwr

July 6, 2009 3:51 PM

Just wait until they start sending him checks for the accounts.

1 replies

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Wombatish

July 7, 2009 9:29 AM

@HiPwr: And cards, and bills, and rate hikes, and term changes, and... this is Bank of America. About the only thing they won't send you anymore (regardless of whether you have an account or not anymore) is a greeting card for Christmas (too much paper/postage).

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CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave

July 6, 2009 3:52 PM

Sovereign Bank once made a mistake and sent me two check cards cards w/different numbers attatched to the same account. It was great b/c I could use one to buy stuff online and give it to my Mom to take my rent out with. Then the PO lost my new cards after the old ones expired, and I tried to get two more cards, and they claimed there is no way to issue two cards on the same account.

1 replies

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Courteous_Gentleman

July 6, 2009 9:10 PM

@CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave: I'm about to up and leave Sovereign. It was convenient since there are about 5 of them in relation to where I used to live, but now they do nothing but lose checks for me AND my wife, and close at 5.

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gqcarrick

July 6, 2009 3:52 PM

I am so glad I got out of BofA when I did. I had Fleet bank all through college then BofA bought them and things went downhill fast. In the 6 years I had Fleet I never had anyone break into my account and take money, however in the 2 years I had BofA I had 3 instances where someone got into my account and was making charges. Bye Bye BofA, perhaps you need to go the way of the Dodo.

1 replies

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craptastico

July 6, 2009 4:44 PM

@gqcarrick: I hate to say it, but Fleet was a terrible bank long before BOA bought them out.

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jnrcorp

July 6, 2009 3:53 PM

When Fleet was bought by BOA, there was another account that had my SS# associated with it. It wasn't fraud, just incorrect records. They luckily fixed it, but I had to go down to the branch. I suggest Jesse go down to a branch to resolve whatever issue could be the cause. After all, you don't need BOA screwing with your credit report even if they have no reason to...

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Andy Harrison

July 6, 2009 3:54 PM

Wow. When you're on the website signing up an account and it says to only click the Submit button *once*, BoA really, really mean it.

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pupu

July 6, 2009 3:55 PM

BofA sucks! That's hardly news. Try a credit union - credit unions are usually pretty small - none even approach the size of BofA. Because they are small employees have to know how to do more things. If you are able to find a good small credit union you can usually bet that top management is one or two \"escalation\" levels away. Try getting a VP of anything at BofA on the phone. One huge advantage that CUs have is that it is so much easier to talk to people who have the power and ability to solve your problems in a manner that is tailored to your actual issue.

3 replies

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FLConsumer

July 8, 2009 2:55 AM

@pupu: Unfortunately credit unions have small mentalities when it comes to complex financial situations as well. This is where the bigger banks' private banking/wealth management branches become essential. When you're on the road for much of the year, having to actually go into a branch of a CU to sign a single form isn't feasible. They also tend to nickel-and-dime everything.

That said, I wish the bigger banks would keep the hours that my credit union does. They're open until 6pm on some nights and are even open on Saturdays. Banker's Hours are great as long as you don't work.

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Coles_Law

July 6, 2009 4:53 PM

@pupu: He wanted a bank that was in both states though-hard to find a credit union like that.

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July 6, 2009 6:34 PM

@Coles_Law: Some credit unions belong to ATM networks like STAR and/or refund ATM fees though. If he only needs ATMs in both states, not branches, a credit union could still work for him.

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Cant_stop_the_rock

July 6, 2009 3:56 PM

Either Jesse's account of the situation is missing a lot of information, or he didn't care to ask the obvious questions that most people would ask in the same situation.

3 replies

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katstermonster

July 6, 2009 4:04 PM

@Cant_stop_the_rock: Please feel free to elaborate...I'm not sure what the point of this comment is otherwise.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 2:15 AM

@katstermonster: I have bank of america also and as of last week had some unauthorized transactions pulled out of my account. And as far as they were concerned the transactions look authorized and they told me in a lot more words that I was SOL. I had to get the merchant who took the money out to return it and also pay the 35$ return fee... Well needless to say it happened twice the second time I tried to catch it before it happened... Guess what, NOTHING I COULD DO... I even tried going to a banking center and they were eve more helpless then the phone BS. I was collecting names extentions and everything. But now I am out 70$ (2 return fees) and looking for a new bank...

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Cant_stop_the_rock

July 6, 2009 4:12 PM

@katstermonster:

What do you mean you're not sure what the point of the comment is? Obviously the story is lacking a lot of details.

Example:

\"They said it \"may have something to do with an unpaid account.\" The only problem is that I am young, have good credit, and had never had any account with Bank Of America. Their claim was impossible.\"

Presumably Jesse told them that he never had any account with Bank of America before. And their response was ___________?

The way it reads, Jesse never pressed them to get to the root of the issue - or if he did, it's not in the article. If Jesse just lost interest in having a Bank of America account, that's understandable - but then he called back and tried again.

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Anonymous

July 6, 2009 5:43 PM

@Cant_stop_the_rock:

Example:

O h I pressed them and they kept telling me the same thing \"There's a flag on your account, possibly in regards to another account\"

As I said before, I have not had any problems with Bank Of America before as I never had any sort of account, card, loan, or anything in their name.

As for my other bank accounts, I've had the same account my entire life with no problems. Always maintained a positive balance and such.

-Jesse

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katstermonster

July 6, 2009 5:02 PM

@Cant_stop_the_rock: Yeah...what they said. This article represents a normal conversation with a CSR at a major corporation. You're not getting ANY information, good luck!

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Scrutinizer

July 6, 2009 4:54 PM

@Cant_stop_the_rock: In my misspent youth I dealt with mindless automatons at banks, Jesse might have been better off questioning a brick wall. I had one bank call me totally perplexed that my car loan was nearly twice what I stated on the mortgage application. I had to explain to them that they shouldn't add the March and April balances. The bank that held one of my student loans called me because I was behind, even though they agreed that I had complied with all the terms I was still behind. Talking to the bank's customer service reminded me of the early AI program Eliza. \"If I've complied with all the terms how can I be behind?\" \"I'm sorry could you rephrase the question.\"

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Skaperen

July 6, 2009 5:14 PM

@Scrutinizer: Rephrase \"If I called the customer service number, why was I connected to the customer disservice office?\".

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floraposte

July 6, 2009 4:45 PM

@Cant_stop_the_rock: I get what you're saying, but unless Jesse gets pretty high in the administration all that's going to happen is they'll tell him the same thing. Basically, they don't have any explanation in his record, and the only thing they know is that this sometimes happens to people with unpaid accounts. I imagine he said \"But I didn't even get an account with you!\" and they said \"Then we don't know why.\" \"Would your supervisor know why?\" \"No.\"

It's pretty much either EECB or leave at that point, and even if the EECB fixes it, he might never know what caused it in the first place. Answers are the rarest, most labor-intensive commodity in consumer relations.

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HomersBrain

July 6, 2009 3:56 PM

Even if he's not going to bank with BofA it might be worthwhile to spend time to lift the lifetime ban. The OP might get into a committed relationship where his spouse uses BofA and this lifetime ban could cause him problems then, or if he gets a job one day where he's responsible for funds and his employer banks with BofA. If he's not allowed to become a signator this could affect his employment. The world is unpredictable...the banking system continues to consolidate...and a lifetime is a long time (you hope).

3 replies

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July 6, 2009 6:36 PM

@HomersBrain: Oh, good point.

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NewsMuncher

July 6, 2009 4:33 PM

@HomersBrain: Yep. The military REQUIRES members to take out a credit card with BoFA for travel expenses.

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Ferris152

July 6, 2009 5:15 PM

@NewsMuncher: and ALL members of the military are inducted for LIFE and never get another job somewhere else?

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halothane

July 7, 2009 8:24 PM

@NewsMuncher: IIRC, it's not just military, but other branches of government too. I was a civilian employee of the Army just doing random network engineering stuff and had to carry the BoA gov't credit card. BoA had a data breach that leaked some SSN numbers, and from what I remember, it didn't just affect DoD, but some politicians as well.

@Ferris152: No, but \"the government\" is a pretty big basket to rule out the possibility of never ever working there (see above.)

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ThomFabian

July 6, 2009 3:56 PM

You can definitely have 2 accounts at BOA.

1 replies

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Bill2me

July 6, 2009 4:11 PM

@ThomFabian: @HomersBrain: This would be my advice as well. Don't call - go in and ask to make an appointment with the branch manager.

Often times branch manager's are more flexible and willing to do a little extra legwork to make you happy. In a face to face situation you've got a little more leverage too - they can't just hang up and forget you.

As HomersBrain points out banks are always consolidating. Who knows what could happen if BoA swallowed up a bank you had a mortgage with?

Get it straightened out and get a letter explaining the problem and file it away. Don't let it catch you off guard later in life.

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JanDuKretijn

July 6, 2009 4:01 PM

Remember, BoA isn't a bank. It's an investment and credit card company with a relatively small, terrible consumer banking arm.

I signed up with them when I moved to DC from out-of-state years back. Then I discovered that Chevy Chase Bank has a monopoly on the Metro ATM market. Anyway, BoA was always a pain to deal with. I was always nervous when they kept increasing my credit limit to something like $15k despite my never using their card.

2 replies

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ludwigk

July 6, 2009 7:03 PM

@JanDuKretijn: That may be the case in your neck of the woods, but in the SF bay area, there are PLENTY of BoA branches and ATMs in the area, and they seem as focused on customer service as any bank that I've dealt with. Of course, my main branch is the Financial District SF location, which I think is like a flagship location. You can't walk in there without getting greeted twice in the first 20 seconds.

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Hoss

July 6, 2009 4:37 PM

@JanDuKretijn: Yes, they only pretend to be a bank. Same with Citi and some others.

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twophrasebark

July 6, 2009 4:02 PM

That is a really strange story.

I bet that the real problem is that some rep wrote some nasty comment on his account (or whomever they confused him with) and the reps are afraid to speak with him?

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Felix the Cat

July 6, 2009 4:03 PM

[bankofamericageorgiasucks.blogspot.com]

Sorry to say that this is a pretty typical response from them. I am probably also 'banned' due to my raising six kinds of Holy Hell with them about how they treated me when I tried to open a checking account with them only to have it CLOSED two days later.

I had been a decent customer of them in past years as the documents posted on my blog show but when I attempted to open my new checking account I found that this did not count for anything with them.

The poster is much better off without Bank of America and anyone who deals with them may eventually find they are also booted out for reasons that will never make any sense at all. If you have time take a look at:

3 replies

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supercereal

July 6, 2009 4:19 PM

@Felix the Cat: I know I'd appreciate if you'd stop spamming us with that blog in every single BOA article...

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Felix the Cat

July 6, 2009 6:17 PM

@supercereal:
Just don't read it if you don't like it. I will continue to post it each time a BofA blog opens up. Get over it.

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supercereal

July 6, 2009 10:21 PM

@Felix the Cat: It's not that I don't like it, it's that the comments code typically frowns upon mindless and excessive self-promotion or blog-spam.

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econobiker

July 8, 2009 2:42 PM

@supercereal: I think that Felix the Cat can post it when a related BOA issue comes up since it is a history of problems with them at all levels- local teller/customer service, phone, corporate. FtC gives credit to one person who tried to help him out and even that person was lied to by another BOA customer service person.

If Felix had a blog about BOA not refunding four overdraft fees then that would be bogus but the depth on the blog warrants reposting for related topics,IMHO.

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Wombatish

July 7, 2009 9:32 AM

@supercereal: They allow Facebook posters, don't they? Oh snap!

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Ferris152

July 6, 2009 5:19 PM

@supercereal: Never underestimate the power of bloggers...to annoy the rest of us with their personal crusades and blatant self-promotion.

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james

July 6, 2009 4:03 PM

Unless Jesse's last name is \"James\", their sending of a debit card is likely all the proof he needs that BoA is
in breach of one or more terms of the agreement he signed.

Their bizarre behavior aside, they agreed to do business,
and clearly went through all the steps, as one would only
send out a debit card after all approvals had been made.

So, they may be in breach, and subject to suit.

2 replies

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DefineStatutory

July 6, 2009 5:42 PM

@james:

subject to what sort of suit? He's not out any money, and has been harmed in no way. Elaborate on what type of \"suit\" exactly you suggest.

Sorry...I'm just tired of all the \"sue someone!\" posts on this site.

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catskyfire

July 6, 2009 4:08 PM

@james: Even if his last name is James, it wouldn't matter. The historical figure's been dead awhile, and it's a common enough surname.

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Anonymous

July 6, 2009 4:14 PM

Good to see that BoA is up to their old tricks. I had an account with them about 15 years ago. A couple weeks before my wedding they posted one of the checks I had written for $200 more than I wrote the check for (sent me the original check back with my account info). It took three months and seven overdraft charges before they would resolve it and remove all of the charges.

The only way I finally got it resolved was to go directly to the bank where I originated the account and speak to the manager.

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Tiny Bug

July 6, 2009 4:20 PM

On the one hand, I think they actually did him a favor - being banned from BoA is like being banned from the \"Kick in the Nuts\" club.

It's not like he's missing out on their great products because of it:

3 replies

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dosdelon

July 6, 2009 4:37 PM

@Tiny L. Bug: My thoughts exactly!

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CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave

July 6, 2009 4:24 PM

@Tiny L. Bug: Don't I get free checks?

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MauriceCallidice

July 6, 2009 4:51 PM

@CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave:
\"Um, excuse me, I think you forgot my account.\"
\"Account, twenty dollar service fee.\"
\"Twenty dollars? But every other customer gets a free account.\"
\"You want an account?\"
\"Yes, please.\"
\"Thirty dollars!\"
\"What?\"
\"No account for you!\"

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mizike

July 6, 2009 4:21 PM

You're right on the money that they're doing him a favour. I think some companies forget that they're not monopolies and that you don't have to take their shit (unless you're Canadian and dealing with your ISP...hello de facto monopoly situation!). I left ING behind a few years ago when their response to extremely suspicious behaviour on my account was to transfer me to their \"fraud hotline\" which repeatedly left me on hold for over an hour before randomly disconnecting. After going through that two or three times I simply closed out the account. Why should I continue to give them my business? I suspect fraud and their response is to repeatedly hang up on me after making me wait over an hour each time? Screw that; they obviously don't want my money, time to go to one of their competitors. Jessie's lucky, they told him clearly: we don't value your business, go somewhere else. It's good that he found that out up front, you generally don't find that out until much later at which time it's generally a pain to go somewhere else.

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hellinmyeyes

July 6, 2009 4:21 PM

Why are people so loath to go to a branch to do something so simple? Why is there a month or two of frustrating waiting and phone calls and Internet attempts? I never would have initiated the online approach in the first place, but, if I had done so to save a small bit of time, I'd say after a week or ten days, I'd go to one of these convenient locations and have a face-to-face with someone who can solve problems.

OK, Bank of America is on drugs. It seems obvious after reading a few too many horror stories like this. Let's just be real about how banking is done.

I won't dare to say that any local branch banker is smarter than any phone representative, but we have to consider how industrialized and mechanized these big national banks are. In my experience, a thousand times to one you can solve more problems in person than on the phone with just about any company. They have call centers with hundreds of partially-trained reps who may or may not be American or speak English or know anything about customer service altogether; they have automated computer routines that are programmed to upgrade or ditch thousands of customers at once intentionally or otherwise; and they are under enormous shareholder and government pressure to enhance the bottom lines for their businesses.

As others have said quite often, go with a local credit union. (Be sure to check them out through Google and Bankrate first to determine financial health and customer service.) You become the shareholder to which its representatives must answer. Many credit unions now are parts of networks with free ATM access and free branch depositing/withdrawing. Spend an hour or two researching it and go with the better solution, rather than submitting yourself to the industrialized (and sometimes barely functioning) solution for the sake of saving a couple minutes in traffic.

4 replies

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Samuel Wood

July 7, 2009 2:46 PM

@hellinmyeyes: If a bank is so messed up that I have to deal with a person to get things done instead of running it through a simple automated system, then I don't trust that bank with my money.

I trust computers more than I trust people. If your computers don't work, then I won't do business with you.

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July 6, 2009 6:44 PM

@hellinmyeyes: The OP might not have been able to get into a physical branch before it closes. The BoA branch closest to me closes at 4PM. How many people get off of work before 4PM?

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hi

July 6, 2009 5:53 PM

@hellinmyeyes: In my experience the tellers and managers at my local branch are not very reliable. I needed to send my landlord rent where it just comes straight out of my account into his account. I went to the bank and the tellers and manager said it was impossible and tried to make me pay money to do some other thing that wasn't related. I went back to work and called the 800 number I found on Consumerist and they set me up in 5 minutes. So much for impossible. I'm pretty sure they make the tellers unaware of these things so people get frustrated and end up paying money for something that should be free. I bet they make a lot of money this way.

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hellinmyeyes

July 6, 2009 4:25 PM

@hellinmyeyes: Branch Credit Union Banking and No-Surcharge ATM's, in case anyone is curious.

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Skater009

July 6, 2009 4:22 PM

Good one LOL

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Jerry Vandesic

July 6, 2009 4:22 PM

I expect that BoA uses Chexsystems to run a background check on the account holder. This might be the problem, since any problem with any bank would be listed, and BoA might see some activity with another bank as a problem.

2 replies

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skubisnack624

July 6, 2009 4:33 PM

@Inka Dinka: I was thinking the same thing...Sounds like the OP needs to pull his CHEX report and make sure everything is still good. Though BOA would be required to tell him that his CHEX file was a factor in their decision to ban him. And like any other credit-type report, it's information expires after seven years. I agree that something is missing from the story...

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tankertodd

July 6, 2009 11:30 PM

@skubisnack624: Chex is possible although that would have been checked at time of account opening. Perhaps the account got flagged because someone thought he was doing something hinky by opening two accounts?
(Chex Systems is a shared resource across banks so if you do naughty things at one bank the others will know.)
I would doubt the person is banned for life - probably for 7-10 years. Pretty cold comfort for a terrible customer experience.

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mavrick67

July 6, 2009 4:23 PM

. . . 'They said it \"may have something to do with an unpaid account.\"'

Which in banking lingo means that, Mr. Jesse has a record on Chexsystems, and that also explains why they would not open another account for him.

1 replies

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floraposte

July 6, 2009 8:42 PM

@mavrick67: But wouldn't that have been checked before they opened his account in the first place?

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samgmano

July 6, 2009 4:33 PM

Dealing with Bank of America is starting to sound like dealing with the DMV. Wait, aren't they owned by the same people now?

Stick with credit unions and local banks. You'll know just who has your money and what they're doing with it.

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surfer88

July 6, 2009 4:37 PM

I had a checking account with BofA for six years until one day I went in to do my weekly deposit and the teller told me that new policy in place would cause there to be a hold on the check until it cleared - a maximum of 6-10 business days. This was a check from my work, who banked with BofA. I closed my account on the spot and took my money to Citibank. No bank is perfect, but BofA is evil!

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varro

July 6, 2009 4:40 PM

I'd suggest that *everyone* find another bank, even though the FDIC will cover their deposits if B of A goes under...

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SabreDC

July 6, 2009 4:55 PM

I despise Bank of America, more than perhaps any other company (maybe not as much as Comcast, but it is close). But regardless of the circumstances surrounding how he got two accounts, since when is it a right to be allowed to do business with a company? Why is it some unforgivable crime if Bank of America actually doesn't want Jesse's business if they view him as a risk (i.e., not going to give them profit)? It's not about doing something wrong. It doesn't appear that Jesse did anything wrong at all. But Jesse has no \"right\" to an account at BOA...

1 replies

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NatalieErin

July 9, 2009 12:07 AM

@SabreDC: You're correct that Jesse has no right to do business with any particular bank, but how is this going to affect him in the future? If this is the result of erroneous information on a credit report, Chexsystems, or some other report, he has the right to know that so he can get it fixed. If he's being confused with another person because they have too many identical data points, that would be helpful for him to know as well. And it would certainly be unethical (although probably not illegal) for BoA to report this to Chexsystems or whomever if they're not giving him an opportunity to dispute or correct whatever error is causing this.

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Deborah Gray

July 6, 2009 5:04 PM

Other than the time he wasted, he is pretty lucky not to get tangled up with them. From my experience, getting away from them is very difficult. I had to close an account with them four times before they would acknowledge that it was closed (the first was in person, so you would think it would be done right). It was like the Mafia where you try to get out and they keep pulling you back in.

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Ian Beyer

July 6, 2009 5:07 PM

I banned Bank Of America for life, and it was one of the best decisions I've made.

USAA for the win.

4 replies

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theblackdog

July 7, 2009 4:38 PM

@Ian Beyer: Amen to that, I did the same thing almost a year ago.

My dad is about to fire WaMu/Chase and move to USAA, except Chase is putting the screws to him right now to do it, so that's a bit of a PITA, but once that's resolved, he'll be happy.

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speedwell (!)

July 6, 2009 5:51 PM

@Ian Beyer: You have to qualify for USAA. USAA does not win if you don't qualify. Somehow my full brother qualifies based on family relationship and I don't, and we can't get them to tell us why.

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the_wiggle

July 8, 2009 5:24 PM

@speedwell, avatar of snark: call & ask for the eligibility department. be polite, specific & persistent. this will get you to the right people who can tell you why you do or don't qualify.

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NTC-Brendan

July 6, 2009 5:21 PM

@Ian Beyer:
Right there with ya Ian. Bank of Mexico (what we call it here in Texas, something about illegal aliens not needing ID to open accounts) is perma-banned from our family. Lie with Dogs, catch their fleas...

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twophrasebark

July 6, 2009 5:35 PM

I have never heard anyone say anything good about this bank!

3 replies

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johnva

July 6, 2009 6:20 PM

@twophrasebark: I will. I've banked there for 11 years and I've never had a serious problem. I did have a few minor problems such as a check clearing for a different amount than I wrote it for (this was caused by the optical scanner reading my handwriting wrong), but they corrected them with a 5 minute phone call.

Most problems I've read about with BoA have to do with how they treat their customers who overdraw their accounts. I don't do that, and I don't use debit cards, so most of that doesn't apply to me.

Seriously, I keep hearing all these horror stories, but I've NEVER had a major problem. In fact, I've had more trouble with other banks than with BoA.

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twophrasebark

July 8, 2009 4:56 AM

@johnva: Fair enough.

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twophrasebark

July 8, 2009 4:57 AM

@johnva: ;)

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Anonymous

July 6, 2009 5:57 PM

@twophrasebark:

I actually was looking forward to having an account with them because their ATM's are so simple and don't require any envelopes or writing.. It's quick and easy, plus they have easy online access.

Still, this was likely a blessing in disguise. I had read plenty of bad things about BOA on here before and only went with them because I had thought they were the only non-regional Bank the offered free checking. Turns out TD Bank does the same as long as you maintain a certain balance.

I do wish I didn't have to deal with all the paperwork just to deposit a check, but it's a small price to pay.

-Jesse (Original Poster)

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Jason Asylum

July 6, 2009 6:06 PM

I have 5 BoA accounts, and have never had issue. In fact, any time some sort of \"problem\" did pop up, I got great service pretty quickly by talking to someone on the phone or by going to the local branch.

My account started in CA, then to VA, MD and now DC. A couple of my accounts were old MBNA accounts that got merged in with the BoA takeover.

Maybe I'm lucky? Or maybe most people don't have a problem? I can't imagine them having so many customers if BoA was as bad as some commentators and blogs make them out to be.

Are they the best? Most definitely not. But they are large (ATMs everywhere) and provide decent web services, so I stick with them for now.

Note: I am not, nor have ever been, a BoA employee. In fact, I generally hate banks and credit card companies and see them only as a necessary evil.

1 replies

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johnva

July 6, 2009 6:22 PM

@Jason Asylum: As I posted above, my story is pretty similar. No serious problems, generally good customer service, ATMs everywhere, decent online banking.

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Apathy

July 6, 2009 6:30 PM

As a former RI & Mass resident, I once had (well, still have) a similar problem with BoA caused by the massive New England banking acquisition splurge of the late 90s/early 2000's. I had a checking account (with a line of credit for overdraft protection) with BayBank way, way back in the day, closed it, but when BayBank was acquired by FleetBank it was apparently reopened (only the line of credit), though no notice was sent to me at the time. When BoA subsequently bought out Fleet that line of credit became some kind of unkillable zombie account, which despite 20-odd calls to BoA's customer service lines they've never managed to close. They don't charge me for it, but keep sending me statements every month, despite the fact it's not had a transaction cross it since 1998. Jesse might look into his past accounts, see if any bank he did business with was subsequently taken over by anything that eventually folded into BoA - something as stupid as a subsequently-assessed annual fee on an account he closed years ago could flummox their byzantine little card pyramid of mergers and takeovers. Not that this knowledge will necessarily help much with BoA customer service, but it might provide the basis for an EECB.

1 replies

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econobiker

July 8, 2009 3:00 PM

@Apathy: \"unkillable zombie account, which despite 20-odd calls to BoA's customer service lines they've never managed to close\"

Write them a registered return receipt letter documenting the issue, the phone calls and request to close the account within 30 days. Copy everyone- BBB, Office of the Comptroller, etc

If it is still open a few months later it looks like some body is getting a free big screen digital tv.... (joking)

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drjayphd

July 6, 2009 6:59 PM

Hmm, looks like we have a new addition to the list...

Starbucks is awesome. Playstation is awesome. Nintendo is awesome. Apple is awesome. Microsoft is awesome. Dunkin' Donuts is awesome. Head explosions are awesome. TD Banknorth is awesome.

They've been great, at least compared to Hudson United Bank. Glad they snapped me up instead of the convoluted chain of mergers that stuck my parents with BoA.

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mariospants

July 6, 2009 7:38 PM

TD has done pretty good by me in the past. I was seriously seriously over-late (we're talking a YEAR) in paying down an account back when I was in my first job and apartment yet they never reported it to the credit agency and didn't hound me. Just kept sending letters in the mail once a month and when I finally got around to paying it off, sent me thank you letter. Not that they needed my shitty business, but they never let me feel that I was a criminal.

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TheCoolestGuyInTown

July 6, 2009 7:49 PM

I'm just curious to see if I'm able to make comments or if I've been banned for life for some reason.

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Brazell

July 6, 2009 7:59 PM

You were done a favor, Jesse.

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Anonymous

July 6, 2009 8:18 PM

my roommate moved for 4 months from CT to AZ, transferred with the same company, and tried to keep the same BOA direct deposit checking account. They claimed that she needed to open an entirely new account in AZ, which she did.When they sent her the new checks with the new checking account number, she (obviously erroneously) assumed that the account number printed on the checks was hers. in fact, it was printed incorrectly, and BOA accused her of fraud when her new landlord tried to cash her rent check.Both her AZ and CT checking accounts were frozen until they sorted it out, which took longer than the 4 months that she lived there, except that they still accepted direct deposits, and charged her a fee when she changed her direct deposit to a different bank.so, all in all, i'm just not surprised about jesse's story.

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sam1am

July 6, 2009 8:32 PM

Why use a chain bank like bank of America? It's like eating at McDonalds vs. some awesome local place.

I recommend using a bank that actually has to work to compete for your business. Or a credit union.

Or USAA, who refund all ATM transfers so it doesn't matter what ATM you use.

Bank of America is the crappy fast food of banks.

3 replies

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TechnoDestructo

July 7, 2009 4:22 AM

@sam1am:

They have more locations, and they are on overseas military bases. (So is Navy Federal...so it's not like servicemembers are without choices)

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johnva

July 6, 2009 8:49 PM

@sam1am: Why, exactly? I've never seen anything to support that FOR MY NEEDs (a basic checking account), a local bank or tiny credit union would be better. In fact, their online banking might well be worse than BoA's, and I wouldn't have nearly as many ATM locations. I've never had any problems with BoA, so I don't see why I would gain something by switching to a bank with inferior infrastructure.

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FinanceGuru

July 7, 2009 1:48 AM

@johnva: You're being intentionally obtuse. Consumerist is not for consumers who have adequate experiences with vendors.

But to address your question directly, many if not most credit unions are members of CU Coop, which allows credit unions (of credit unions that are patrons of CU Coop) to use their ATMs for free. Secondly, many credit unions are members of CU Swirl, another credit union cooperative, which allows you to do across-the-counter transactions at a coop member as though it were your own CU branch.

One could also have an account at a bank that refunds ATM fees, like both my \"mad money\" and household accounts do.

The thing about using a regional bank, like I do for my household account, is that it's small enough that I have a personal banker and big enough to handle a jumbo mortgage. So, when I drop in to deposit a big check that would ordinarily cause them to hold it for five business days, I ask the teller to \"Please call [name of personal banker]\" who clears the hold over the phone.

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johnva

July 7, 2009 2:18 AM

@FinanceGuru: Well, like I said, I don't care one bit about having a \"personal banker\". I've never had any experience where that was truly necessary (I use other banks, besides BoA, for everything other than my checking account, as I tend to keep my finances pretty distributed intentionally). So that's not an important feature for me in a checking account. As for clearing holds, BoA never place holds that last longer than 48 hours or so on my checks, AND they have done the exact same thing you describe and released a hold early for me upon request. Maybe my checks for deposit weren't as \"big\" as yours, I don't know, but like I said I've never encountered any of the problems people claim to have with lengthy holds, etc. So I really don't see any substantive reason why a CU or small bank would be better and not worse for the purposes I use BoA for (basic checking + a hub account to transfer money to and from other accounts + online bill pay). Yes, I realize that some credit unions have taken steps to make themselves more convenient. But I already have convenience.

I also don't see how I'm being \"intentionally obtuse\", as I sincerely have never run into any serious consumer problems with BoA in over a decade of using them. That experience is certainly just as valid and worth sharing as negative experiences are, as long as it's carefully stated that YMMW (which I did). It was more the BoA-negative people, not me, who were making blanket statements.

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FinanceGuru

July 7, 2009 5:27 PM

@johnva: You're being intentionally obtuse in that it's nonsubstantive to say that your experience with BofA is just stellar.

Delightful. But not helpful. The OP's experience was not, and his experience is not changed by the fact that they apparently tickle you pink.

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johnva

July 8, 2009 4:05 PM

@FinanceGuru: Look up what the word \"substantive\" means. My posts have substance, as I explained in detail what I meant.

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Bs Baldwin

July 6, 2009 9:12 PM

You probably were reported to chex systems.

[www.consumerdebit.com]

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gskelding

July 6, 2009 9:24 PM

leave it to a Canadian bank to make things simple and drama free :-)

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Kaosian

July 6, 2009 10:19 PM

I had problems with Nations bank way back before they became BoA ... I'' stick with any other bank or my Navy Fed. CU.

Nations bank is one of the worst customer service banks out there....

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OmarMojojojo

July 6, 2009 11:19 PM

Jesse and Matthew probably displayed signs of intelligence and financial discipline. Such things are not welcome at BofA.

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Richard Hancock

July 6, 2009 11:30 PM

I'll add to the hate. My wife had a credit card account with them before we got married. Balance was $6k. Lost my job shortly after being married (tech bubble burst), and like many, stopped paying all cards. Fast forward 6 years, they say we owe them $24k in late charges and fees and have threatened law suits.

They backed off once we said we had a lawyer and the SoL was up on the account.

In addition to this, they charged us $900 in NSF, returned NSF and Overdraft fees for one transaction instead of just declining it and stopping.

Needless to say, they have been banned by us.

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aaroncp

July 6, 2009 11:36 PM

There must be something messed up with their online signup process. In February 2009 I opened a savings and checking account online through their website. I received three email confirmations. One for the savings and two for two checking accounts.

I called customer service as soon as it happened and they said my account was too new for them to work with. They gave me a phone number for their internet signup customer support (a number I would share now had I ever thought I would need it again for myself or to share) and they confirmed that their system had created two checking accounts for me. They canceled one of them since my initial deposit transfer was only tied to one.

I did receive two sets of checking cards in the mail (along with separate ATM cards?) and called in to double-check my second checking account had been canceled. It had (hopefully) and I destroyed the extra cards. This was February and so far its been smooth sailing.

But something is definitely up if more than a few people have had multiple accounts created using their online signup process.

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drkwarrks

July 6, 2009 11:39 PM

Wow that's horrible. Think on the bright side, at least you are not with chase. I've been with them for two years, never got an overdraft, then proceed to get eight in the next week (an oversight in my part, but I was extremely occupied that week). Funny thing is, they have my phone, email, address, never once got a contact from them. Then I called them one day concerning the charges then 6 envelope finds it way to my door. I mean one or two overdraft, fine it was my fault, but they never contacted me.

Needless to say now I'm looking for a credit union

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Danielle Booth

July 7, 2009 12:07 AM

I was signed up for two BoA accounts when I went to switch over to them after I moved. I signed up at a physical BoA branch but received two debit cards (from two new accounts). Luckily they didn't ban me, though; they just canceled the extra account. :\\

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Karl Stephens

July 7, 2009 12:28 AM

Interesting attitude of BoA in that they're made a decision based on personal information yet refuse to [1] disclose to you the information they hold or [2] allow you to challenge any discrepancy in the information.

At least in New Zealand, both acts are prohibited under the Privacy Act 1993.

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Eric Udell

July 7, 2009 12:46 AM

We had enough, we were leaving BoA and had to start by closing our home equity loan, $20+k. We have money in another BoA account, so we call the bank last thursday. The agent confirms the next transfer to the close the loan account, but says the money won't clear until Monday.
That's right, they can't clear money from THEIR OWN BANK, internally, for several days.
My wife asks about this and expresses concern that we'll be charged additional interest for the extra time. She's told that a note has been added to the account and it won't be a problem.
Today - she calls to close the account and is told there's $8.19 in interest charges since thursday. Nobody at the bank can find a note on the account and want her to pay it before closing the account.

The final indignity is the operator saying \"It's only 8 bucks, wouldn't it just be easier to pay it?\"

We'll be in the BoA office tomorrow, severing our relationship with them, and we won't be paying $8.19 to do it.

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hardcle

July 7, 2009 1:27 AM

Bank locally! You'll help employ your neighbors and you won't have to put up with stuff like this.

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bigmac12

July 7, 2009 1:47 AM

Consider it a blessing to get banned from \"BarfA. Go with a local Credit Union.

Mac

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 2:23 AM

I throw in my .02 here as well. I was with Bank Of America for several years only because they bought out the bank I initially was with. I decided to stay with them until they kept wanting to nickel and dime me for every little thing. I left them years ago and will never do business with them again.

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PLATTWORX

July 7, 2009 2:32 AM

\"After a month or two of frustratingly waiting\". UM, why on Earth would anyone sit and wait \"a month or two\".

Jesse's story doesn't make sense and I hope the Consumerist investigated before just posting this. I have used BofA for years. I just three weeks ago opened a new checking account online as Jesse did. You receive E-MAILS after, you receive an e-mail with a day with the account number and by the end of the week I had my ONE debit card and checks. Done. All I had to do was signup for online account access.

In order to get two accounts you need to do the account signup twice, there is no person manually opening accounts one by one and could accidently open two for one new account application.

Can someone look into this? I love this site but when things are posted that smell crazy, someone needs to check first.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 2:40 AM

I'll one-up that story.

I had a similar situation as I was moving to San Francisco. I opened a checking with savings online and deposited $25 into each just to open them. After a while I received a letter telling me my accounts had been closed. I called up to find out why and I was told they aren't required to give me a reason why and that I'll never be able to open an account again. I was baffled. They said I should be receiving a check for any deposits in the mail.

A few more weeks passed and no checks for my initial deposits. I called up to find out why, they said they couldn't help and I would have to go to a branch to find out. I went to a branch, and after a while they determined that I was not owed any money because they decided to charge me a $60 research fee to figure out why my account was closed. And they never gave me a reason why it was closed!!! They said there is a disclaimer on the website that they could do that. Do what, just steal people's money?

I'll never use them again.

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AngryK9

July 7, 2009 2:46 AM

Maybe BofA is discriminating.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 2:52 AM

I had an issue with BofA once and closed my account with them.Their arrogance astounded me, as I thought the customer was always right. A few years later, BofA sent me an unsolicited credit card through the mail with a $5000 limit.What is funny, is that at that particular time, I had terrible credit and had just filed bankruptcy.I promptly charge five grand and never paid it.Damn, it felt good!

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jedthehumanoid

July 7, 2009 3:13 AM

It's entirely probable that Jesse isn't simply on BofA's kicklist, but that he is on Chexsystem's. If that's the case then he'd be able to open accounts online, but then they'd close them out in the back office. It might have nothing to do with him opening two accounts and it's quite probably that they wouldn't give him a real explanation. Banks are like that.

If this is the case he needs to look into it right away. It might stop him being able to open an account anywhere, and if he's right in saying he has great credit, then he needs to make sure. If there's a mistake on his credit, or if someone has hijacked it, then we all know the consequences.

1 replies

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the_wiggle

July 8, 2009 5:20 PM

@jedthehumanoid: check with telecheck also. a lot of banks still use that system.

oh, and dig around for \"early warning\" systems. same idea, new catch phrase.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 3:18 AM

Actually there may have been a system glitch or you entered your social incorrectly so it ran thru CheckSystems (which all banks use to check if you have any outstanding balances at ANY other banks) and said you owed money somewhere. So anyways the truth is that fraud is freakin' rampant in the banking industry and when you open a bank account online and do not fund it right away it throws up a red flag and they you have to go thru extra steps to activate your account. Hope that helps! WOO!

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bhrose

July 7, 2009 4:05 AM

This also happened to me. I had an existing account in Seattle, then moved down to the Bay Area for work. I was told I couldn't use the branch in CA unless I created a new account. I could continue using my ATM card with my WA account, but if I wanted to use the branch or talk to a real person then I'd have to create a Bank of America account in CA. That's when things went from bad to worse. I switched to a local credit union and haven't had any problems since. Why the f is it called Bank of America if accounts in WA and CA aren't linked?

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chemicalx9

July 7, 2009 4:19 AM

Am I the oddity? I have had BofA for 10 years and have had zero issues or problems. I am not sure what services I am missing...I deposit my money, they hold it, I pay bills and buy things. What else is a bank supposed to do?

2 replies

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econobiker

July 8, 2009 2:49 PM

@chemicalx9: I think alot of this starts when the posters either try to get a new account or change something about their existing accounts which sends everything haywire. Once an \"issue\" crops up, there seems to be no one who can help or cares to help especially if there are funds coming to BOA from fees, interest, or research...

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schernoff

July 7, 2009 2:50 PM

@chemicalx9: Maybe we're both oddities. I've never had a problem with them either. I did switch my primary account to Sovereign a few years ago because I got a home equity loan from them and it saved me a quarter of a percent to allow them to direct debit my checking account. But I maintain the BofA account because it gives me access to a bank wherever I or my husband happens to travel. And it's free, as long as we have a direct deposit. So we have a small direct deposit go in every pay period, it acts as a savings account because we don't ordinarily tap it, and in the event we're somewhere that doesn't have Sovereign but does have BofA, we can use an ATM without fees.

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Scooby Carolan

July 7, 2009 4:31 AM

These f-ing commies at Bank of America did the EXACT SAME THING TO ME ON THANKSGIVING! Except they let me open the account, setup direct deposit and use the account. When the \"Flag of Doom\" hit they just closed my account and told me I'd get a check in 30 days. Of course, it was the day before thanksgiving and my paycheck was due to hit that day so I was broke and on a holiday. fuck them

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Kat Edwards

July 7, 2009 4:33 AM

I hate bank of America. I first signed up when i was like 16 and made a total of 200 bucks every two weeks at my part time weekend job. Not a good account to get when you are always broke. That keep the change thing made me soo excited. But me being 16 and stupid, i didnt ask questions, and the guy didnt give me all the details about it. So here's the rules of the account. 1)every purchase rounds up. 2) When your account goes under 5 dollars, they transfer your money from your savings to your checking. 3) Do that more than 3 times in a month, you get charged 10 dollars. 4) What do you think happens when you have 3 dollars in your checking, they transfer the 4 dollars and change in your savings, and then charge you 10 dollars? Your account bounces and guess what, you're charged 35 dollars for an over draft fee. Doesn't seem fair to be charged 45 dollars for being broke does it?

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 6:39 AM

I actually am quite happy with Bank of America. I've never had any problems with them at all. They were my first savings account when I was little, and they helped me transition as I grew older. When it came time to open a checking account, the service was friendly and fast. They even made special concessions as I first began to handle my own banking (such as generously waiving overdraft fees for a string of purchases I made with my debit card before realizing that I had forgotten to deposit my last pay check). I'm sorry to hear that others have had so much trouble. As for me, I can't really imagine ever switching banks (unless they get bought out).

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Amy Alkon

July 7, 2009 7:26 AM

Bank of America fired me as a customer after I complained that their tellers gave out my money, on seven separate occasions, to women with ONLY a fake driver's license in my name. No bankcard required, no PIN check, no signature check...SEVEN TIMES. After experiencing their \"security\" procedures (a driver's license is the most easily fakeable form of ID), I had planned to look for another bank -- just not as soon as the date they'd fired me for complaining they'd failed their fiduciary duty to me (right when a book I was writing was due).

1 replies

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morlo

July 7, 2009 4:52 PM

@Amy Alkon: Soon banks will require DNA samples, so you should be happy

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xVAGUE

July 7, 2009 10:50 AM

How did you fund the account online? If you funded the account online, but used someone else's account (say your significant other), it can appear as fraud.

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stlbud

July 7, 2009 12:24 PM

There's a special place in HELL for bankers.

Bill B.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 12:26 PM

I, too, had a similar issue with Bank of America. I was going to school out-of-state, but did not intend to permanently move away just yet, so I left my bank accounts (checking and savings) open in my hometown, while thinking I could open a checking account with BoA where I was going to school.

When I went to try and deposit some money into it (about two weeks after opening it), I was told that the account was closed, and that I was not permitted to return. Imagine hearing that as a new college student standing in front of a fairly busy bank.

That was a few years ago. Can't say I can complain too much; considering what happened, I can't imagine how they could be a trustworthy bank.

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SoCalGNX

July 7, 2009 1:49 PM

B of A sucks and he should count himself lucky for being banned.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 3:39 PM

I had the WORST exsperience with B of A, moved to a new city and they sent my debit card to the wrong address 3 seperate times, one of which actually got activated by god knows who. then they cancelled my temporary card without warning and made it impossible for me to get checks to pay my rent. After 4 months without bank access, I found a new bank and havent had a problem since.

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Anonymous

July 7, 2009 4:04 PM

I\"ve dealt with BOA extensively in the past, and have never lost a dispute with them. I only disputed things when I was totally in the right though.The best way to handle it is in my opinion, the \"crap rolls downhill\" method. That entails calling the office of the CEO wherein you will get an assistant. You tell them the problem and what has factually occurred, and it's usually taken care of in 24 hours or so. Don't email them, call them. It makes a difference.

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twerp

July 7, 2009 5:42 PM

[www.ripoffreport.com]
[www.ripoffreport.com]

this story infuriates me on so many levels. B of A has allowed someone who has scammed via ebay, ioffer and other sites. B of A has accepted wire transfers, knowing this person was scamming and yet kept allowing it until a corporate level B of A person got ripped off. The made them close the account.....and then let them open another one!

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karlmarx

July 7, 2009 10:21 PM

I needed a second account with BOA to separate my funds and I have had a few account numbers compromised when I carried my check book with me in the past, so I have had to close accounts and get new numbers. When I went to open a new account the brance manager decided she wasn't going to open a new account for me, and then went into \"my account profile\" Under \"my social security number\" and blocked me from opening any other accounts. Which in a way to me is fraud.. So I can have my current account, but anytime I try to open an account I am unable to open a new account, I like BOA because they are a big bank and are able to handle disputes dn major issues. I think big banks are morei efficient

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Anthony McGwire

July 8, 2009 1:02 AM

Bank of America paid some truck driver dude to transfer the swine flu virus to NY. This would be funny if it weren't true. Late. Uhhh, yea don't delete this comment. Please. Haha.

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Anthony McGwire

July 8, 2009 1:04 AM

Plus I find Chase Bank's swastika just a bit disturbing. That's all folks! Go back to sleep! Yea don't delete this one either. THANKS~!! =)

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ossavir

July 8, 2009 4:21 AM

Let us not forget that B-A-N-K is a four letter word.

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 7:41 AM

I agree. Let's see. This Bank cannot run a successful business so they bilk billions from the tax payers. I signed up and received a routing number. It was different from the one they use for eletcronic deposits. My direct deposit paycheck was delayed for 30 days. I wonder how they would feel in the same situation. What a sad crap bank. Shame on the gov for bailing this crappy company out. FYI- i closed account after the money was found. I quote comedian Ron White...\"You can't Fix stupid!\"

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XJSGUY

July 8, 2009 12:18 PM

BOA=the AOL of the financial world.

1 replies

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econobiker

July 8, 2009 2:43 PM

@XJSGUY: stone cold but very accurate...

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Anonymous

July 8, 2009 2:56 PM

I had an account with BOA for several years and paid monthly. Then I discovered that they were giving credit cards to illegal aliens so I called and cancelled my account and told them why. They didn't seem to care. They kept me on the books. Had to call and tell them to cancel my account a second time, which they they did

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zekebullseye

July 8, 2009 4:17 PM

Fifth Third once opened two credit cards for me when I applied for one. When I called to close one, they then closed them both. Their customer service sucks to an extreme degree.

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Anonymous

July 9, 2009 9:38 AM

Wow, what a story. My BOA story is not as bad but still out there.

Elderly mom lives w/us. Fell and broke her hip so I needed to get a couple of her bills paid for her (I am POA when needed due to illness/incapacity). Never having had to use the POA, I needed to know details of how to do this w/mom in hospital/on heavy pain meds, so needed a consult w/BOA on their requirements (would they need to see the POA papers, can I write checks and have her just sign, etc.). Mom had a phone # for BOA in our small town, for the VP/Acct Exec. NO ONE would answer that line. After a dozen rings, it would transfer to a national calling center with a moron who knew nothing (various morons, actually). So I figured eventually the branch would answer that line and kept on calling back repeatedly for 50 minutes (not during lunch hours). Never answered. The next day, I tried another 20 minutes with the same result. When I finally drove to the bank to deal with my questions, I told them about the phone. \"Oh, yeah, we know, the system is being redone.\" IOW \"we could give a flying @#*K if anyone can reach us - we are gods who never have to answer the phone!\" Unbelievable. I was considering moving from Wells Fargo, now I don't think so.

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Anonymous

July 9, 2009 6:52 PM

I wish I could say this surprises me. It doesn't. At one point BOA reported me to check systems for money they said I owed. They never showed me that I owed anything just said I did. While they had me banned they opened an account for me. They \"researched\" my claim I didn't owe them and charged me for the research. They later refunded that when I yelled. There is more to the story but I don't have the time right now. Nothing BOA does surprises me anymore. Maybe this is a cosmic hint, don't bank at BOA anymore?

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Anonymous

July 14, 2009 4:30 AM

We were banned for life this week. We tried to deposit a check made payable to our business and because the branch manager doesn't understand that an LLC can also be an S corp and the check was made payble to INC and not LLC, but the correct company name. She would not deposit the check. This followed by never getting an answer to a question when trying to open a merchant account - haven't heard anything in 4 months. They sent us a letter that we were inappropriate. The branch manager was both unprofessional, uncooperative and ignorant of corporate structure. We're moving all of our accounts to Chase.

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Anonymous

July 18, 2009 12:08 AM

BofA's inability to properly update my contact info. after I notified them of a move, led them to charging a broke college student more than $170 in fines and siccing a collection agency on me, plus ruining my credit for 7 years. They expressed no regret/remorse over THEIR error. I hate them & counsel everyone I can to not use them.I loved Wamu, but now I suggest non-profit credit unions.