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aishel
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I always thought that the conspiracy was in that when they mail it, they make it look like junk mail, so you'll be inclined to toss it by mistake.

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6 replies
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mamalicious
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: I've almost tossed a couple by mistake.

But, actually, I've never had any problems depositing them in my bank account.

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tsume
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: I got my local trash bill and that looks like a postcard size junk mail too. I think it's just poor planning.

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MikeM_inMD
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: I always open every piece of mail to verify its importance (Verizon come-ons look a lot like Verizon policy change mailings) and to see what needs to be shredded.

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jaket
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: There's an easy way to check. Real junk mail is mailed as \"Presorted Standard Mail\" (says so right in the top right-hand corner of the item, where the stamp should be). You will NEVER get a real check via Presorted Standard Mail, as USPS regulations prohibit it.

If it's First Class Mail, it might be worth opening. Standard Mail: never.

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floraposte
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@jaket: Or even the 8-cent stamp mass mailings (no idea what class that's under). With some, they take a lot of trouble to look like a personal mailing, but then the mail class gives it away immediately.

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Taed
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: I'll agree on that one. However, with about 75 rebates under my belt, I can say that I've received every one. The only exception was a company that went out of business, but then the original retail store made good on it, so I still got the $$$.

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Ayumi~n
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@aishel: My thoughts exactly. Although the last check like that I received wasn't a rebate check, but a survey check. It seemed like it was smaller than a regular postcard and it was pretty banged up. Didn't notice it for a few days because I got more important mail on that day.

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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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If your bank accepts deposits by mail (and you trust your postal system enough), then one alternative for you is to mail in the check. Some banks even offer postage paid envelopes upon request.

Bank of America does offer Bank by Mail service:
Link: Bank of America - Bank by Mail mailing addresses

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5 replies
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theblackdog
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: USAA does this, primarily because they have no branches outside of the main bank in San Antonio. They also do send you postage paid envelopes if you ask.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: Postal system, more or less (although I wonder how a post card would fit in that, but ah well). BoA not so much. \"What check?\"

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redqueenmeg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: My bank does this too and I've never had a problem with it.

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redqueenmeg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: Heh, I've never actually deposited a check by ATM. I wouldn't know how to do it.

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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@redqueenmeg: I don't blame you at all. I personally think that for ATM deposits, the potential risks can easily overwhelm benefits.

But for \"experience sake,\" I did try anyway (with low denominations).

Turns out that it's as simple as pressing the appropriate button corresponding to the on-screen screen (or touching the appropriate area of the screen if the ATM has a touch screen display).

From there, you insert the content-filled, sealed envelope OR the cash/check at the appropriate slot when prompted (depending on the ATM).

@coren: Heh, that's probably more important. Makes you wonder sometimes how a bank can even remain in existance with such irresponsible handling of financial instruments!

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samurailynn
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: I think people overstate the \"risks\" of using an ATM. Throughout my life, I would estimate that I've used ATMs for about 90-95% of transactions and tellers for the other 5-10%. I usually only use a teller when absolutely necessary, such as opening an account or depositing change. In fact, I know that in the past 3 years, I've only been in to see a teller once, and that was in order to get a cashier's check. I have never had an ATM deposit the wrong amount in my account or lose a deposit.

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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
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@samurailynn: In general, it always appears that others \"overstate risks\" if the person has never personally experienced the same issue themself.

Personally speaking, I think I'm the only one in my family who has never experienced any issues with full service bank ATMs. My dad and my aunts have at least one story about an ATM experience gone totally awry.

The only thing remotely close I can mention is the Metrocard Vending Machines they have for the New York City subway - pretty similar to an ATM whereas purchasing fares are concerned. Had two different machines malfunction on me twice (both at \"good\" neighborhoods), taking in my money while failing to apply the value to the Metrocard and printing a receipt, putting me SOL. With that, bank ATMs failing and potentially leaving hapless users SOL doesn't sound too overstated to me.

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redqueenmeg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@azntg: Oh, I am sure I would try it but the nearest ATM for my bank is in I think Atlanta. I'm in Orlando. I think my bank has like five ATMs countrywide. :)

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humphrmi
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I don't always deposit checks at my bank's ATM. Other banks ATMs have always accepted enveloped checks. Although it's been a long time since I've done that, maybe they charge a fee now.

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1 replies
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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@humphrmi: That's a pretty slippery slope nowadays.

Some banks charge you for transactions made at a non-proprietary ATM - A cash grab, pure and simple. Generally, megabanks and brazen small banks/credit unions (probably ones that will probably fold in the next decade or so if they stay like that) are most likely to tack on this fee.

Of course, some ATM operators charge a fee for accepting a deposit for another financial institution too (TD Bank is one of them).

Combine both and that can eat up a good chunk of your money - perhaps one good for a decent fast food lunch.

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DAK
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I have a BofA account, and the branches that I visit have check scanning ATM's. As much as I hate BofA, I've never had an issue with the ATM rejecting a deposit, including deposits of postcard sized checks.

This really does come across as a petty gripe. Even if an ATM rejects a particular deposit, forcing the customer to go to a teller, that's better than accepting the deposit only to screw it up on the back end, causing checks to bounce, etc.

Of all the things to hate BofA for, this is minor at best.

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3 replies
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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@DAK: This isn't a hate BoA post though, it's a hate the rebate company post. It forces nine to fivers to make a trip to the bank on their lunch, day off, etc. to get their ten or five bucks or what have you. If this is an on purpose thing, it's kind of shady on their part

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Coles_Law
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@DAK: Can you deposit cash at those ATM's If yes, it seems even if the postcard-check gave you grief, the OP could toss it in an envelope and deposit it the \"old\" way.

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ben
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Coles_Law: Those ATMs have a separate cash deposit section that actually counts the bills without using envelopes. But like other people have mentioned, there are other options, like going up to the teller or mailing it in, etc.

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dasunst3r
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Insert obligatory \"selection of alternatives should not be based on the presence of a rebate\" here.

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1 replies
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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@dasunst3r: Sure, but that's never an excuse for a company to try to bilk you of that rebate

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nstonep
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Or...you can just walk your butt into the bank and talk to the sexy teller...well...that's wells fargo...not sure if BOA has sexy tellers.

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3 replies
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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@nstonep: But if you work \"normal\" hours you may not have time in the day to hit the bank, which is part of the reason people use those ATMs to begin with..

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RandomHookup
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@coren: Plus, with fewer branches around, there aren't that many tellers (sexy or otherwise) to go in to talk to.

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catnapped
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@RandomHookup: And you may have to pay for those you can find...

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RevancheRM
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@coren:...you may not have time in the day to hit the bank...

...Or the sexy teller.

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radiantchains
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@RevancheRM: Just make sure you don't make a deposit...

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Snarkysnake
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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The only conspiracy here is among consumers that chase these things instead of rewarding honest pricing with their patronage. Actually , I kind of wish that rebate checks were carved in 100 lb. blocks of granite so that they would never be a factor in decison making. Part of the reason that retailers and manufacturers play these bullshit pricing games is that gullible buyers fall for them.

No sympathy for the OP from me. Just say no.

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4 replies
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jaket
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snarkysnake: Amen!

Rebates are designed so that consumers, for one reason or another, will not complete all the steps required to get their money. That's why it's a \"mail-in rebate\" rather than just an honest discount at the register.

The more steps, and the more difficult/tricky/tedious each step is, the more likely it is that the company gets to keep your money. So yeah, making the check inconvenient to cash is probably good for a single-digit percentage increase in uncashed checks. Which could mean millions of extra dollars in profit.

If someone's offering you a mail-in rebate, they're basically making you think you're getting a discount, secure in the knowledge that there's a good chance that their rebate process will psychologically defeat you. Don't reward those slimy businesses with your patronage.

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chadraytay
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@jaket: Um, the last 3 rebates i've done print out ready to mail. You literally have to just put the form in an envelope after adding your address. No additional steps.

When was the last time you used a mail in rebate?

And as far as \"honest discount\" goes. When was the last time you 1000 sheets of brand name printer paper (24lb 98white) for 1$ at a normal sale.

The rebate sales are usually massively better than a normal sale.

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Snarkysnake
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@chadraytay:

\"And as far as \"honest discount\" goes. When was the last time you 1000 sheets of brand name printer paper (24lb 98white) for 1$ at a normal sale.\"

Why then ,can't they just sell you 1000 sheets of brand name paper (24 lb 98 white) for a dollar ? Why get the postal service involved ? You seem immune to logic.

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K-Bo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snarkysnake: because the company can't afford to offer it to everyone. I have never had a rebate denied, and I enjoy them, because they let me decide that I'm willing to do the work to get the cheaper price. I will admit though, as my salary goes up, I see more and more that I don't feel like are worth my time. But when I was working minimum wage, if there was a rebate of $10 on something I needed, it was totally worth the 10-20 mins it took to submit the rebate to get over an hours worth of pay back.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@K-Bo: Yeah, exactly. When I make more than 60 bucks an hour, then a 10 dollar rebate might not be worth my time. Until then, sure, I'd love to get paid 10 bucks for ten minutes work

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snarkysnake: They're not immune to logic - it's a calculated risk on the company's part, which is in part backed by promises by the \"fulfiller\" of the rebate, that they'll get x% failure/non redeemed. I'm sure they average that out to get the actual cost of what their lowest sell price is that's still profitable (or if it'll be a loss leader, what acceptable loss in this case might be) and then wham.

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NeverLetMeDown
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snarkysnake:

Chadraytay bought it for a dollar because he bothered to file the rebate. Since I do file rebates, I'm happy to use them.

Rebate pricing allows those of us who actually keep out stuff organized to get a better price, at the expense of the lazy and/or sloppy. I have no problem with that.

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HogwartsAlum
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@NeverLetMeDown: I'll do them, but not on small things. I just look for a better price. As far as the checks go, I don't use the ATM because it takes longer for the deposit to post.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snarkysnake: How do you know the item wasn't cheaper even with the rebate? Just because someone bought something with a rebate doesn't mean they deserve to not get the money they're entitled to. That's like saying someone deserves bad customer service for going to a specific store.

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JohnAllison
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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USAA, click, sent, done.

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oldgraygeek
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Citizens Bank uses deposit envelopes at its ATMs. I have, in the past, printed my own envelopes to save time (business account, frequent deposits)... they worked fine.

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Crovie
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Cheque scanners? Huh? We still have the wonderful stone-age technology of putting your cheque in the dumb machine, telling it how much money the cheque is for, and getting charged with fraud a day later if you lie. I thought that was working pretty well.

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2 replies
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reishka
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Crovie: Oh, don't worry. The scanners don't always scan correctly and then they ask you how much the check is for anyway. I make the same deposit every week of $336.00, and every week it scans it, reads it, shows me the scan, and then asks me how much the check is for. I enter in '336.00' and then it asks 'Are you sure?\", showing a larger scan of the check. Then after ALL that, it accepts it, credits my account and I'm free to go.

And it's not like this is a handwritten check. For handwritten checks, I could understand. Maybe it can't decipher the handwriting. But for a printed check? Please.

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madanthony
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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rebate companies have been doing postcard checks for long before there were ATM's that did check scanning.

The only conspiracy is to save the cost of mailing a normal check - both in terms of paper envelope and additional postage.

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Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I haven't run into this problem yet. I have recieved rebates like that though. I use check scanning ATMs at Chase all the time so I wonder if this would be an issue for their ATMs as well.

I just wish they would work more consistantly. I have a few along our various routes that we normally travel. Sometimes the ATM is just down in general, but more oftin the ATM rejects a normal check saying that it can't be read. Sometimes it will let you put in the amount, other times it's just flat out rejection. A little more consistancy would be nice!

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2 replies
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RandomHookup
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Plus, if you have several checks, it is an incredibly slow process. Insert single check, wait, wait, wait, scan, confirm (or enter) amount, back to beginning, do you want to scan another check?, etc. etc. When I deposit the 5 handwritten rent checks I receive every month, it seems to take forever.

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Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@RandomHookup: The ATMs around me say that they can take up to 30 at a time stacked up. I've never tried more than 3, but you have to make sure that they are stacked just right or bad things will happen.

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RandomHookup
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: I've only seen one of those out of the 10 that take one check at a time. But that's BOA for you.

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kjm0606
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Just because the scanner can't read the check doesn't mean you have to go into the branch and see a teller. You just tell the ATM how much the check is for, old-school style. Problem solved.

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4 replies
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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@kjm0606: Some of the newfangled ones don't let you do that.

Also, newfangled doesn't set off Firefox's spell check. That's neat!

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Woodside Park Bob
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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The scanners really are progress. They prevent problems such as the horrible time I had trying to get my former bank, Wachovia, to give me my money when I put three checks in the envelope but they credited me for only one of them. With an ATM scanner you know the transaction is being handled properly.

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Colonel Jack O'Neill
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Ppl r tht fckng lzy t wlk nt bnk t dpst t. 'd rthr dpst chck nsd bnk thn t d t t th TM.

nd hw scr s tht fr th rbt cmpny, mn y hv thr chckng ccnt nd rtng nmbr n pln sght fr nyn t rd, nd smn cn frg yr sgntr syng tht y sgnd t vr t thm, thn thy g nd pt t n thr ccnt, r g t chck cshng plc nd csh t.

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6 replies
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wasabipeas
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Colonel Jack O'Neill: BofA actually tends to discourage many accountholders from using teller window services for anything that can otherwise be done online, on the automated phone system, or at an ATM (deposits, withdrawals, transfers, ordering more checks). With my particular account, I don't pay a monthly service charge, but if I were to deposit my check inside the bank building rather than use an ATM, I'd get charged for that visit (assuming I got in there during the few hours my local branch office is open).

I don't know if other banks have started doing this as well to discourage frequent teller use (and thus justify downsizing the number of tellers hired) -- I know it's well-established at Consumerist that BofA sucks, anyhow.

That said, I don't think there's an actual conspiracy afoot. I sometimes think that manufacturers hope people don't turn in the rebate paperwork and forget about the rebate check that's coming to them, but if it's a big enough rebate check that won't fit into the ATM, I'll take my $3 hit.

Then again, I generally don't find myself enticed to buy an item advertised as having a mail-in rebate. When I recently renewed my cell phone plan, I chose a phone that would cost me $35 rather than the one that would be $25 after the mail-in rebate (but $75 upfront). The phones both did what I wanted to do and I've heard too many stories of people getting cheated out of their rebates to find the latter offer attractive.

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Stephmo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@wasabipeas:

BofA actually tends to discourage many accountholders from using teller window services for anything that can otherwise be done online, on the automated phone system, or at an ATM

So a branch that had no ATMs capable of taking odd-sized checks for deposit would be more than happy to help you at the teller window, right?

In fact, based on what you're saying, that wouldn't be a $3 hit - it would be free because the ATM can't process the transaction. Or did I miss something in what you said?

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Colonel Jack O'Neill: Say you work 9 to 5 and your bank is open 9 to 5. And it's not close enough that you can go on your lunch, and get back.

That's not lazy at all.

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Esquire99
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@coren:
Most banks offer at least minimal Saturday hours. Further, if your bank is never open when you're available, maybe it's time to find a new bank.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Esquire99: True, but one of the points brought up in the article is the fact that banks are cutting back hours - and a day where they aren't open much already seems the easiest for various reasons.

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Stephmo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@crn: N, y'r mkng p thngs t ths pnt.

Bnks r pn n wknds. Bnks dn't jst sty pn 9-5 - thr's lwys t lst n, f nt tw lngr hr dys t ccmmdt cstmrs.

nd thn, thr's th grcry str ptn. Bf s n tn f grcry strs ll crss th cntry. Mst mjr bnks r.

nd thy ffr dpst by ml.

Ths s cstmr tht lvs NW nd shny tchnlgy tht dsn't wnt t b bthrd t d smthng lk thnk fr 2 mnts.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo: I am not, in fact, making things up. Just because your experience happens to vary does not mean that such banks do not exist or that I have not seen them. For example, the bank I use has 2 branches with Saturday hours, 0 in store locations, and only drive up hours after five. One of the two locations is on a military base which will deny me access to it, the other is a half hour drive, and I don't have a car (which also denies me access to drive up hours). But I must be making that up. And making up that Key Bank, which is pretty big out here, has 0 locations within 20 miles of me with Saturday hours, and 2 that have a slightly extended Friday.

In their case BoA might have store locations nearby...but they might not either. There aren't really any in stores near me - other banks have swooped them up. We're a little saturated with banking options out here - there are about 17 banks in a square mile radius in the nearest area to do shopping out here (no, 18, BECU just opened) and not a single one of them is a repeat.

I like new technology too, but the new technology and the checks should work. I mean this is a more BoA problem than the rebate, but why are they putting out machines that won't accept some checks (and given BoA's track record, I'd be hesitant to mail them anything and hope they put it in my account)

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Snockered
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo: Did you actually read this? The guy DOES walk into the bank to deposit the checks. And he's not really complaining. He's just concerned about people that might have trouble getting to the bank when it's open.

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hedonia
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stphm: Y'v bn sntty jrk n vry thrd. Lrn t cmmnct lk dcnt hmn bng, pls.

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Stephmo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@hedonia: Oh, because I don't immediately look at something and go, 'OH NOES, did you know that .00025% of the population has a deadly paper allergy - therefore it's a conspiracy FACT that anyone using paper is out to get everyone and make life more difficult!\"

Wow.

See, it's actually called looking before I bitch and complain about everything on the planet and pretend that I'm the center of everything.

And it's also thinking for 3 seconds along the lines of, \"these odd-sized checks existed before check scanners...so perhaps I should ask myself why the check scanners were designed to only handle a narrow range of check sizes rather than try to automatically go into some pavlovian 'banks are evil' response...\"

You know, like a human being capable of critical thought would do.

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NatalieErin
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo: Where does the OP say banks (or the companies offering the rebates) are evil? As far as I can tell, they just noticed something that might be a hassle to other people and wanted to inform. Personally, I consider that a nice thing to do. I wonder why it bothers you so much.

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Rachacha
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Colonel Jack O'Neill: At the banks near me, the inline counters and drive-up tellers always tend to have long lines, and most of the transactions I need to do can be done at one of 5 ATMs that my branch has (and they rarely have a line).


If the rebate check is rejected by the ATM, I can either write the check off and forget about it, or I need to go to a window with a real person, after waiting in line. If the rebate is worth less than $5 I need to determine how much money my time is worth. Is it worth waiting in line for 5 minutes and the gas to get to/from the gas to deposit a $5 rebate? For many people, the answer is no.

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PLATTWORX
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Colonel Jack O'Neill:


I make ALOT of deposits and have only ONCE in years stepped inside a branch to make one. ATM machines are reliable as heck. Keep your receipt with the transaction number on it in the very rare care there is an issue and you have to call.


Easy enough.

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ctnchrisw
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I've never had a problem depositing them in ATMs, but one company kept sending me checks where the routing number was torn. My other rebate checks came fine, it seemed like they were ruining it so I'd have to keep requesting a new one and give up, but the last one was torn in a way that the routing number was guessable so I was able to cash it.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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If anything, banks are at fault here, not the rebate company. Not that they don't make every effort to deny you your rebate, but they started postcards before scanning checks became possible at the ATM.

That said, the rebate companies have to be aware of this \"fringe benefit\" to steal the OP's wording, and he's right in that they won't be making any big effort to get it fixed.

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Stephmo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@coren: @Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: And when is someone going to point out that it's sort of the check scanner job to get better - not the checks jobs?

I mean, if you have 30 checks, you shouldn't be worried about stacking them \"just right\" to save BofA the cost of an envelope - and the scanners should take odd-sized deposits...

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo: If I have 30 checks I'm going to not be cramming them in one envelope, if that's how I have to do check scanning. I think I deal with at best one check a month, usually far less, though. 30 in one go sounds insane to me.

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jbl-az
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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If you can only get to the branch after hours, put the check in an envelope with a deposit slip and drop it in the night deposit box (most branches not part of a supermarket or other store have these). It works just like mailing the check, only it's quicker and completely dependable as far as getting it delivered is concerned.

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acknight
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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No problems with them in the Diebold ATMs that my credit union uses here (AmeriCU). Did have trouble with them back when I used to be a BoA customer.

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csparks
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I loved that cash counting / check scanning ATM when I was with BofA. I never used the check part, but the cash part came in mighty handy.

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outlulz
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Every bank has slot where you can drop your checks with a deposit slip inside an envelope. It's not a big deal.

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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@treimel: Same story with megabank (e.g.: Chase, Bank of America) branches in the New York Metro Area.

Chase recently finished replacing or converting the last of the holdouts (mostly former Washington Mutual branches and the one-off branches opened shortly after the JPMorgan merger) to deposit scanning ATMs.

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treimel
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@outlulz:


That's simply not true--in the main line area of Philadelphia where I live, those have gone the way of the dodo.

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lmarconi
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Am I the only one who feels sort of uncomfortable using those new fancy ATMs for anything above a $25 deposit?
Maybe it's the former teller in me, but I feel more comfortable handing my checks to a teller than a machine...

Then again, last time I was at BoA and the manager asked everyone in line for the tellers, for the eighth time! to use the ATMs instead and I politely told him that I prefer to go to the teller, even if there's a wait, he looked at me like I had four heads. So maybe it is a little off-base...would be interested to hear others opinions...

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shepd
November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
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@lmarconi:

Unless you need the money in the account immediately, the teller in you should remind you there's enough checks and balances in the chequing system that if you don't get the money, you can prove you didn't, and get another cheque cut. :^)

Of course, if it's a cheque from an untrustworthy source, I'll cash it at the teller. Best that way, anyways, so they can make a quick decision if it's rubber or not.

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ctnchrisw
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@lmarconi: The check scanning ATMs scan, show a picture and ask to verify the amount. Then, it prints a copy of the check on your receipt. This receipt is your proof that you deposited said check.

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lmarconi
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@ctnchrisw:
So ironic story...I had a five dollar reimbursement check, so I tried the fancy ATM today. I asked for a receipt...and it was malfunctioning - it attempted to print but spit out nothing.
And that is why I use the teller line.

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wasabipeas
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@lmarconi: I said this elsewhere on this post but BoA seems openly determined on discouraging people from using tellers (after all, they don't have to hire as many tellers if more people are using ATMs, online systems or phone systems). My checking account with them actually charges a fee for using tellers for transactions like deposits and withdrawals.

I also use direct deposit for my paychecks. Not only do I not have to take time to make a deposit or worry about ATM safety, but by midnight on payday, the money's already there for me.

My biggest concern with the updated BoA atms is the fact that they display your deposit amount and checking account balance with very large numerals that could be viewed by an ill-intentioned passerby. My small town doesn't have those high-security panic-room style ATMs either. Just watch-your-back walkups.

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wcnghj
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@wasabipeas: Or don't keep that much in a checking account..

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lmarconi
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@wasabipeas: Agreed. Every single time I'm at BoA in the teller line (I know they suck, it's not my primary bank but my company uses it and I travel a lot so I do have a small account there that's useful when I'm away from my primary local bank) the manager accosts me and begs me to use the ATM to make my deposits. They tell me how fancy the machine is, how great it is, how safe it is, how fast it is...I even had one overzealous guy offer to \"walk me over there\" as if I was incapable of walking there myself. Every single time I politely nod, tell them I appreciate the thought and then repeat four million times that I have my own reasons why I prefer to use the teller line.
I know from working as a teller that tellers are required to create a paper trail for every transaction and most mistakes are resolved when they cash out their drawer at the end of the day, so I'd rather hand a couple checks to them than the ATM. I understand why they're pushing it but as a former teller, if I worked at BoA right now I'd be extremely irritated that my employer's policy is to convince people my job is obsolete (and I'd be getting the heck out of there!)

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catnapped
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@lmarconi: I won't use them for *ANY* deposits. Good luck proving you handed it the week's paycheck.

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NeverLetMeDown
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@catnapped:


Fair enough, but I can tell you, I have deposited literally hundreds of checks in ATMs (haven't used a bank teller for anything but a certified check in at least a decade), and I have had exactly zero problems. YMMV, of course.

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RandomHookup
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@NeverLetMeDown: Exactly. I deposit all kinds of checks (and cash too) and the only problems I ever had were with the old non-scanner options when I would make a math error on a stack of checks.

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madanthony
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@lmarconi:

I never use ATM's for depositing, only for withdrawing. My paychecks are direct deposit, so the only time I deposit is rebate checks and the like - it's worth it to me to go to the credit union once a month or so and deposit in person.

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misti713
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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My local National City (now PNG) branch told me that Rite Aid's rebate checks could only be redeemed at Rite Aid stores. I argued with the teller to no avail. I contacted Rite Aid and received written confirmation that they are indeed real checks that can be deposited into your bank account.

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@misti713: Oooh, National Shitty. Not a clever nickname, but a damn sure appropriate one - I'm glad I kept my old bank when I lived in Pittsburgh.

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shepd
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Depending on your bank, you'll be assessed extra fees for the privilege of the ATM sucking. Remember to tell the teller that the ATM is broken and see if you can get the fees refunded!

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shepd
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo:

I checked the hours for my bank, and it most certainly is not open weekends at any branch anywhere ever. They are open 10 to 6 in the winter and 10 to 5 in the summer.

However, I picked them because they are across the street from my work and treat me a hell of a lot nicer than the \"big\" banks who give me constant hassle (The last one was refusing to deposit a countersigned cheque--I didn't even want the funds, a 30+ day hold was even just fine with me, they just outright refused! Fark that!) Credit Unions FTW! I doubt that credit unions not being open weekends is an oddity just related to Canada. It's probably also common in the 'states.

However, I can say, banks in grocery stores are an oddity that exists only in the US, AFAICT, and I question whether it has penetrated all of the US states, since the last time I was there proper (Pre 9/11, like most Canadians) I never saw a single one. We do have one oddball bank in a grocery store here, but that's only because the grocery store itself owns the bank (what a weird combo!) :)

Never used or tried deposit by mail, it is an interesting idea, though. Might give it a shot if my CU supports it. It means I can be even more lazy than I am right now! WOOHOO!

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coren
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@shepd: Yeah, I bank with a credit union as well. Their hours of not having late openings or Saturdays don't bother me because A) I have direct deposit and B) I don't work what anyone would call normal or regular hours so I have time to utilize em.

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Dyscord
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I PREFER to deposit my checks manually. I always felt that too much could go wrong by depositing them in an ATM. I've never ran into a situation in which I couldn't deposit a check by hand and HAD to use an ATM

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PLATTWORX
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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OK, there is a story here. I personally hate postcard checks since they reveal my business to anyone who reads the postcard.


However, there are TWO models of BofA scanning ATM machines. Those made by NCR and those made by Diebold.


When first installed the NCR machines were VERY tricky and would not scan most \"smaller\" checks and postal money orders. The Diebold ones would take almost anything and be able to read them.


I had two nearby branches, one had a NCR one had a Diebold and when the NCR refused a check, the Diebold machine always scanned it fine.


I mentioned this inside a branch to a branch manager and got a blank stare. She didn't even seen to know who \"NCR\" and \"Diebold\" were. I was amazed she had not been trained on this stuff.


ANYWAY, there seems to have been an upgrade to the NCR software and now the BofA scanning ATMs seem to accept postcard checks too.


The OP has a good point. These ATMs makes ALOT more work for the customer if the check or cash is not accepted by the ATM for some reason and there is no option for \"this ATM is wrong, please insert a deposit in an envelope\"


That said, things are improving.

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Cervantes3773
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Those check scanners can't read USPS Postal money orders either. I'd say it's just as important that the banks program the ATMs to read all varieties of checks as it is for the companies to write a more standard check.

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Snockered
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Stephmo: anger =! critical thinking

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dognose
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I use a bank that has not cut back on it's hours. I don't use their or anyone's ATM. If you like personal service, stop using the machines w/ the fees and the errors.

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morlo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@dognose: Processing a check does not require \"personal service.\" Banks waste money building new branches for lonely people, rather than paying interest and offering better features. Of course paper checks themselves are kept around for insecure people, so maybe the banks are being consistent.

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Gracegottcha
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I think he ought to be pretty excited just to actually RECEIVE a rebate check. Of all of the so-called rebates I've participated in, I have NEVER once received the promised rebate. I've taken to demanding the rebate in the store, up front, before I will consider purchasing. Surprisingly, this works almost all of the time.

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Stephmo
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Snockered: Yes, because when I approach a problem, find a roadblock and go, \"I wonder what other tools have been provided that might allow me to solve this already?\" that's anger?

I assume you're not in charge of reading people or interpreting things for anything important.

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PhilFR
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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So which is causing the inconvenience: the check, or the bank that has taken away the equipment that would allow you to deposit it (envelope based machines)?

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Nytmare
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@Colonel Jack O'Neill: You're absolutely right, Uncle Jack. Everyone should do things the way you do, and anyone who does different than what suits your personal lifestyle is a lazy fucking jerk.

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ElPresidente408
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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Most, if not all, states have enacted escheatment laws such that any unclaimed rebate checks go to the state after about 5 years. Thus it's not in the best interest of the company nor the fulfillment house to make the check uncashable. The company has permanently paid out that money to someone as soon as your claim is processed.


You can then claim your money from the state after that point. But what they do with your money until you claim it is another story.

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ElPresidente408
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@ElPresidente408:
I've worked on a mail-in rebate program. Yes the checks usually carry a 3 or 6 month expiration date, but expired checks are escheated. Now it depends who handles escheatment, the fulfillment house or the company. Some fulfillment houses will take care of the escheatment issue and pay the state when appropriate. This is a HUGE headache for companies as you have to track each and every claim and submit the details to each state. And every state has slightly different rules. Otherwise the company may take the money back, but come 5 years the state asks for all escheatable money.

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azntg
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@ElPresidente408: Here's the thing. Most rebate fulfillment companies often include expiration dates on their check, which would expire well before escheatment laws come into consideration.

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RandomHookup
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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@ElPresidente408: I believe it hasn't yet been settled that rebate checks fall in this category. Here's a story from last year about the states suing one of the rebate processing houses: [www.startribune.com]


It might have been determined, but I haven't heard more about it.

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Starfury
November 13, 2009 4:35 PM
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I'd rather get a rebate in check form instead of a gift card. The check I can either cash or put into my saving account where the gift card gets spent.

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melmoitzen
November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
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@Starfury: What's nice about the VISA/MC branded rebate gift card is that you don't have to bank it like you do a check. When I get one of those things, I immediately use the full amount to make an online payment to my wireless or cable account, then I can toss it. Beats losing it or keeping track of the declining balance.


Still, the tightwad in me realizes that if I have a $100 consumer rebate debit card vs. check, that's $100 I can't charge on my own credit card--and I miss out on a $2 cash-back rebate.

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s73v3r
November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
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Wow, that was a lot of disemvoweling.

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digisplicer
November 13, 2009 4:36 PM
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Am I the only one who hasn't seen these types of checks? They are mailed like a postcard? Seems lacking in security somehow... :P

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