Advice on changing banks (Austin)

J

johnny chimpo

500+ Posts
I have banked with Wells Fargo for 17 years. On Friday, I was hit with 5 overdraft fees of 34$ a pop for purchases totaling less than 45$. On the same day, my paycheck was direct deposited into my account - I'm guessing a nanosecond after the charges cleared - so there was certainly money to pay the charges. Not blaming anyone else but myself for the overdrafts, but due to the rudeness of the banker when I called to see if she could reverse the charges, I'm going to find a new bank.

I imagine they all have similar policies for overdrafts, but is there anyone out there that is really happy with their bank, that is a bit more human when dealing with stuff like this?
 
Are you aware that there are measures you can take to prevent that type of thing? You can set it up with a credit card, savings account or other account. If you "overdraft" then cash is taken from another source to prevent you from going into the red and thus being penalized.
 
I'm aware of overdraft protection through Wells Fargo. I never signed up, because I rarely have an overdraft, and I didn't want another credit card out there. They still charge 10 bucks each time you use it, and 18% interest.

Really I just want to know if there is a bank in town (maybe a local one) that is a bit kinder and gentler than Wells Fargo? At least be nice to me when you're taking $170 out of my account because my direct deposit went in 1 second after the bank card charges cleared.
 
united heritage credit union has superb customer service.

6% interest on your checking as well
 
I have freinds that swear by credit unions like UFCU and Randolph Brooks. I don't have any personal experience with them.

I have a Wells Fargo account right now because they partnered with my employer. If that were not the case, I would probably go with Washington Mutual. They seem to be the best of the big chains banks...
 
I've had an account at Wells Fargo for 20 years and I have never had a problem with them reversing a fee when requested. Also, it doesn't matter what time a charge hits your account as they are cleared at the end of the day.

I've also had accounts at BOA and Chase and they're all the same. If you want to change out of spite, then go ahead but don't count on finding something substantially better.
 
I'm not necessariy changing out of spite, as WF certainly won't miss my business. I just want a bank that shows a bit more tact when something like this happens. I like the sound of a local credit union.
 
been with BOA for 7 yrs now. wells fargo customer service pissed me off as well in the short time ive had a small acct with em.
 
Don't go with A+ FCU...

My money goes there since my mother is a teacher and I haven't taken the time to establish anything else but I had a similar thing happen. I was charged 84$ of overdraft fees because of an online purchase and the 1$ authorization "hold".

I need to just go with the coffee can and cash route.
 
I'm in Dallas, but I have loved Plains Capital Bank. I think I got a deal because they were recruiting medical and phd students but they refund all ATM fees (including overseas) and dont charge any fees, none. I hated BOA and wells fargo (mostly because I was a broke college student when I was with them).
 
That's nothing. A few years ago Paypal erroneously charged me twice for something, and after a weekend of something like 13 separate purchases (all totaling less than $100) I was hit with a $35 overdraft fee FOR EACH PURCHASE. I think they wanted the $455 in overdraft fees. I probably spoke to WF 3 or 4 times, but on the last call I finally spoke with someone who reversed all of the charges after realizing it was the merchant's fault. Needless to say that was the last time I over-drafted...

Some of their bankers are bad, but some are great. I can't imagine there are other banks with 100% easy-going bankers.
 
The only thing I can say if you think banks are bad now, the only thing keeping them in line is fear of credit unions. The banks have a legislative agenda to do everyting they can to destroy credit unions, preferably outlawing them or making it impossible for them to compete.. Once they do, you will have an oligopoly of five or so banks and just watch them go. charge for every contact, whenever they feel like it, pay bupkis interest, charge near usuary to you, etc.
 
I switched to USAA online banking. If you can live without the brick & mortar I'm sure there are other online banks that are similar. All of my ATM fees are refunded. The interest rates are better than any of the large banks. And I can deposit any checks I receive online with my cheap little HP all-in-one.

The only - and I mean only - drawback is when you have a significant amount of cash that you want to put in the bank. When that has happened to me, I've given the money to a friend or family member and they've cut me a check.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Weekly Prediction Contest

* Predict HORNS-AGGIES *
Sat, Nov 30 • 6:30 PM on ABC

Recent Threads

Prediction Results Threads

2024 Schedules

Back
Top