Complaint Review: Bb&t Bank

Jim from Anaheim:  I see your at it again.  Please...I want to know...do you work for B B & T?  Simple question.

Now let's address your comments:

(1) "Banks make money through the carelessness of their customers."  Well that's one way to put it.  Of course, the carelessness you reference is our lack of ESP!! Once again promoting that check register crap....its still useless advice.  Your register is useless if you can't use your ESP (or online banking...by the way...why do banks even offer "online" banking if even they admit its useless??) to figure out how long BB & Fee will hold your deposit, or how long that $5.00 debit card transaction will sit in the "pending" category...etc.etc.  You still JUST DON'T GET IT!!

(2) "and all of the local and national banks...who suddenly discovered "sorting" transactions.."  [Emphasis added]  Gee Jim, why and how do you think they "suddenly discovered 'sorting' transactions"?  I'll tell you...when all the fallout from the mortgage industry hit and the banks realized the "crap loans" they were issuing weren't going to be paid back...they needed another source of revenue!!!  Which leads me to my next point;

(3) "consider that it was the government itself that lured banks into this mess (see Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae)"....ARE YOU KIDDING ME???  The BANKS were the ones issuing these "crap loans" as you call them and your bitching about the government bailing them out??? AND it was those "yokels" who never overdraft an account" who PROVIDED THE FREAKING HIGHER TAXES WE HAVE TO PAY for the BANK"S "crap loans"!!!   So yes Jim, we are VERY MAD!! 

And, since you seem to have so much time on your hands to troll Ripoff Report defending B B & T, whey don't you answer my post about B B & T stealing my dead husband's money "because it wasn't a joint account (your words)"!!

Just Mad, let's not kid ourselves. Banks make money through the carelessness of their customers. We have so many people complaining about this (and all other local and national banks) who suddenly discovered 'sorting' transactions and think the bank never told them about it - except it's in their agreement and none of these people even bother to use something as simple as a check register. Courts are finding with increasing regularity for banks in such a situation and our Congress isn't going to do much to change things.

As far as the banks getting into trouble, consider that it was the government itself that lured banks into this mess (see Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) by deciding it would no longer back the crap loans they were issuing and the insurance carriers like AIG who could not payoff on the liability created. Banks were as much a victim as anyone else was...you may not see it that way, but they were.

Your funny statement about banks giving their good customers a benefit by waiving the overdrafts incurred, except that you didn't explain what a good customer is to a bank. A good customer for a bank is someone who already pays many fees, like a business account. They can afford to waive the personal OD fees of a business customer because the bank was already making thousands in analysis and other fees off of the business end of that account. If you're just some yokel who never overdrafts an account, that's not a good customer to a bank. That's just some nameless face that comes in every so often.

I have read many of the BB&T complaints. There seem to be a lot of self righteous people telling the complainers that they need to learn how to manage their money, then we have to listen to third parties justify the practices of BB&T (or one of 10-20 other banks who have changed their practices under the direction of consultants who have advised the industry on ways to make more revenue). Some changes are legitimate, innovative ways to help consumers and bring costs down. Many of the changes are clearly ways to wring more fees out of unsuspecting consumers.

It's well known that banks used to pay overdrafts for 'good customers' simply as a courtesy. Since the Supreme Court changed the rules of oversight banks have been allowed to charge virtually any sort of fees they wish.

The first issue is the change itself. Many of the complaints talk about the fact that the way they bank was changed. Even responsible people were caught off guard (the banks knew that changes would generate enormous amounts of revenue). Many of them complained and I'm sure many of them got some of their money back. But the changes overall mostly impact the irresponsible, the lazy, and the ignorant. Before the perfectly responsible among you jump up on your soap box and start to lecture on how they deserve it, consider this. Your tax money provides services to those that can't afford them (often the lazy, irrisposible and the ignorant). Has anyone considered that if corporations didn't prey on these people that the amount we pay in taxes might go down because people might have a little more of their own money and as a result would be less of a burden on the "system" in general?

Does anyone else resent the fact that the tax money used for these programs is indirectly going to corporations that are perfecting the art of wringing money out of those without it? That is, the money a person saves not having to pay a service provided by the goverment frees up money to be lost to greedy corporations.

Clearly the most predatory practice is rearranging your withdrawals so that they hit largest first. While other changes were made to prevent the practice of floating checks. Everything is real time, but withdrawals aren't taken in the order they are received, they are strategically and purposefully rearranged to earn more money for the banks.

Not all banks do this mind you. Many local banks don't rearrange checks.

I'm going to address the next comment that is sure to arise. Why not simply switch banks and stop complaining?

If charging fees is as lucrative as we all know it is (45% of banks would have been in the red last year of not for these fees - I'll address this in a min). So if banks like BB&Fee, Wachovia, Citibank and others are making billions, they can and will use that money to create positive perceptions though advertizing and most people will remain blisfully unaware of what is happening. Eventually, my local bank will be forced to follow the practices established by the corporate banks in order to stay competitive.

The banking industry is lobbying hard to prevent changes and oversight claiming that 45% of banks wouldn't have shown a profit last year without them. So instead of asking a company like BB&Fee to use the 109 billion in revenue they earned last year to innovate and become more efficient, you know, the American way, (some) banks want to maintain the status quo and ask the government for bailout money and they want to take advantage of peoples ignorance. Something that we all will end of having to pay for in the end.

Louann, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Combined with your own illness, I can only imagine what you have gone through physically and emotionally.

First, let me qualify my remarks somewhat. I am not what you would call a bank advocate. For-profit institutions are, by definition, interested in making as much money as possible. They are in the business of greed, which is fine. They have their priorities and it is their right to behave as such where allowed by regulations and laws. Therefore, they will NEVER, EVER represent your interests.

That being said, it is absolutely appalling to me how many people living on the brink of bankruptcy are willingly throwing their money away by making terrible choices with their accounts. If you are indeed living only on child support and whatever else the state is willing to provide you, then you have ZERO margins for error with your accounts. Why you utilize a debit card in the first place is beyond me, but I counted seventeen (17) debit card purchases on 6/22 alone...SEVENTEEN!!! I work a full-time job for a major telecom and hold a faculty position at a community college, and I don't think I use my debit card seventeen times in an entire month.

For those living week-to-week, I offer the following suggestion:

1. STOP USING YOUR DEBIT CARD

Your debit card can be used as an ATM card, correct? ATM withdrawals are very easy to account for - and they count as ONE transaction instead of little $9-10 hits each time you swipe a debit card. Withdraw $50-100 at a time, pay cash for your necessary expenses (fast food is NOT necessary, but rather convenient and expensive when purchased on a regular basis), and when the money is gone, STOP SPENDING.

2. STOP WITH THE AUTO PAYMENTS

There is nothing more damaging to the irresponsible account holder than thinking you have enough money in your bank account, only to discover that you have over drafted because that ACH cell phone payment, XM Radio payment, etc. has been pulled from your account. By definition, you are negligent with your account management when you are a habitual over drafter. Why add another burden to your list of account management duties? Save yourself the hassle. Pay those bills manually - or better yet, eliminate them altogether because on a limited budget you really can't afford them anyway.

3. BUY MONEY ORDERS INSTEAD OF USING CHECKS

These things cost a whopping 39-69 cents, right? Which would you prefer to pay - a $35.00 or more fee for over drafting because you forgot to log a check you wrote or 69 cents for a money order?

4. STOP WITH THE SUPERFLUOUS EXPENSES

I know that you were on the road when your mother passed away, so SOME of that is understandable. But take a look at the list of where you spent your money. Like the gentleman before me mentioned, do you really need to be eating out every other meal? Go to the grocery store, buy a Styrofoam cooler and some ice, and then pack some sandwiches, baked chips and drinks for your meals to and from the destination location. It's about 60-70% cheaper and better for you anyway.

5. BECOME YOUR OWN ACCOUNTANT

No one is going to wipe your nose or warm your milk when it comes to your finances. Banks and merchants could care less that you're sick, grieving, etc. That may sound harsh and cold, but it's the truth nevertheless. You need to buy a $1.00 notebook and pencil for the sole purpose of logging your income and expenses. Keeping meticulous track of your finances is the path to living without overdraft charges. Your online or ATM balances will never replace what your own hand can track. You will always be your own best advocate for the proper management of your account.

There you have it, Louann. These steps will help you end your debilitating dependence on debit cards, checks and electronic account management tools. In short, implement a CASH ONLY policy for spending money. It is simple, efficient, and best of all, will rid you of the overdraft charges that are depriving you of money to take care of yourself and your kids.

Louann, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Combined with your own illness, I can only imagine what you have gone through physically and emotionally.

First, let me qualify my remarks somewhat. I am not what you would call a bank advocate. For-profit institutions are, by definition, interested in making as much money as possible. They are in the business of greed, which is fine. They have their priorities and it is their right to behave as such where allowed by regulations and laws. Therefore, they will NEVER, EVER represent your interests.

That being said, it is absolutely appalling to me how many people living on the brink of bankruptcy are willingly throwing their money away by making terrible choices with their accounts. If you are indeed living only on child support and whatever else the state is willing to provide you, then you have ZERO margins for error with your accounts. Why you utilize a debit card in the first place is beyond me, but I counted seventeen (17) debit card purchases on 6/22 alone...SEVENTEEN!!! I work a full-time job for a major telecom and hold a faculty position at a community college, and I don't think I use my debit card seventeen times in an entire month.

For those living week-to-week, I offer the following suggestion:

1. STOP USING YOUR DEBIT CARD

Your debit card can be used as an ATM card, correct? ATM withdrawals are very easy to account for - and they count as ONE transaction instead of little $9-10 hits each time you swipe a debit card. Withdraw $50-100 at a time, pay cash for your necessary expenses (fast food is NOT necessary, but rather convenient and expensive when purchased on a regular basis), and when the money is gone, STOP SPENDING.

2. STOP WITH THE AUTO PAYMENTS

There is nothing more damaging to the irresponsible account holder than thinking you have enough money in your bank account, only to discover that you have over drafted because that ACH cell phone payment, XM Radio payment, etc. has been pulled from your account. By definition, you are negligent with your account management when you are a habitual over drafter. Why add another burden to your list of account management duties? Save yourself the hassle. Pay those bills manually - or better yet, eliminate them altogether because on a limited budget you really can't afford them anyway.

3. BUY MONEY ORDERS INSTEAD OF USING CHECKS

These things cost a whopping 39-69 cents, right? Which would you prefer to pay - a $35.00 or more fee for over drafting because you forgot to log a check you wrote or 69 cents for a money order?

4. STOP WITH THE SUPERFLUOUS EXPENSES

I know that you were on the road when your mother passed away, so SOME of that is understandable. But take a look at the list of where you spent your money. Like the gentleman before me mentioned, do you really need to be eating out every other meal? Go to the grocery store, buy a Styrofoam cooler and some ice, and then pack some sandwiches, baked chips and drinks for your meals to and from the destination location. It's about 60-70% cheaper and better for you anyway.

5. BECOME YOUR OWN ACCOUNTANT

No one is going to wipe your nose or warm your milk when it comes to your finances. Banks and merchants could care less that you're sick, grieving, etc. That may sound harsh and cold, but it's the truth nevertheless. You need to buy a $1.00 notebook and pencil for the sole purpose of logging your income and expenses. Keeping meticulous track of your finances is the path to living without overdraft charges. Your online or ATM balances will never replace what your own hand can track. You will always be your own best advocate for the proper management of your account.

There you have it, Louann. These steps will help you end your debilitating dependence on debit cards, checks and electronic account management tools. In short, implement a CASH ONLY policy for spending money. It is simple, efficient, and best of all, will rid you of the overdraft charges that are depriving you of money to take care of yourself and your kids.

Louann, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Combined with your own illness, I can only imagine what you have gone through physically and emotionally.

First, let me qualify my remarks somewhat. I am not what you would call a bank advocate. For-profit institutions are, by definition, interested in making as much money as possible. They are in the business of greed, which is fine. They have their priorities and it is their right to behave as such where allowed by regulations and laws. Therefore, they will NEVER, EVER represent your interests.

That being said, it is absolutely appalling to me how many people living on the brink of bankruptcy are willingly throwing their money away by making terrible choices with their accounts. If you are indeed living only on child support and whatever else the state is willing to provide you, then you have ZERO margins for error with your accounts. Why you utilize a debit card in the first place is beyond me, but I counted seventeen (17) debit card purchases on 6/22 alone...SEVENTEEN!!! I work a full-time job for a major telecom and hold a faculty position at a community college, and I don't think I use my debit card seventeen times in an entire month.

For those living week-to-week, I offer the following suggestion:

1. STOP USING YOUR DEBIT CARD

Your debit card can be used as an ATM card, correct? ATM withdrawals are very easy to account for - and they count as ONE transaction instead of little $9-10 hits each time you swipe a debit card. Withdraw $50-100 at a time, pay cash for your necessary expenses (fast food is NOT necessary, but rather convenient and expensive when purchased on a regular basis), and when the money is gone, STOP SPENDING.

2. STOP WITH THE AUTO PAYMENTS

There is nothing more damaging to the irresponsible account holder than thinking you have enough money in your bank account, only to discover that you have over drafted because that ACH cell phone payment, XM Radio payment, etc. has been pulled from your account. By definition, you are negligent with your account management when you are a habitual over drafter. Why add another burden to your list of account management duties? Save yourself the hassle. Pay those bills manually - or better yet, eliminate them altogether because on a limited budget you really can't afford them anyway.

3. BUY MONEY ORDERS INSTEAD OF USING CHECKS

These things cost a whopping 39-69 cents, right? Which would you prefer to pay - a $35.00 or more fee for over drafting because you forgot to log a check you wrote or 69 cents for a money order?

4. STOP WITH THE SUPERFLUOUS EXPENSES

I know that you were on the road when your mother passed away, so SOME of that is understandable. But take a look at the list of where you spent your money. Like the gentleman before me mentioned, do you really need to be eating out every other meal? Go to the grocery store, buy a Styrofoam cooler and some ice, and then pack some sandwiches, baked chips and drinks for your meals to and from the destination location. It's about 60-70% cheaper and better for you anyway.

5. BECOME YOUR OWN ACCOUNTANT

No one is going to wipe your nose or warm your milk when it comes to your finances. Banks and merchants could care less that you're sick, grieving, etc. That may sound harsh and cold, but it's the truth nevertheless. You need to buy a $1.00 notebook and pencil for the sole purpose of logging your income and expenses. Keeping meticulous track of your finances is the path to living without overdraft charges. Your online or ATM balances will never replace what your own hand can track. You will always be your own best advocate for the proper management of your account.

There you have it, Louann. These steps will help you end your debilitating dependence on debit cards, checks and electronic account management tools. In short, implement a CASH ONLY policy for spending money. It is simple, efficient, and best of all, will rid you of the overdraft charges that are depriving you of money to take care of yourself and your kids.

Louann, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Combined with your own illness, I can only imagine what you have gone through physically and emotionally.

First, let me qualify my remarks somewhat. I am not what you would call a bank advocate. For-profit institutions are, by definition, interested in making as much money as possible. They are in the business of greed, which is fine. They have their priorities and it is their right to behave as such where allowed by regulations and laws. Therefore, they will NEVER, EVER represent your interests.

That being said, it is absolutely appalling to me how many people living on the brink of bankruptcy are willingly throwing their money away by making terrible choices with their accounts. If you are indeed living only on child support and whatever else the state is willing to provide you, then you have ZERO margins for error with your accounts. Why you utilize a debit card in the first place is beyond me, but I counted seventeen (17) debit card purchases on 6/22 alone...SEVENTEEN!!! I work a full-time job for a major telecom and hold a faculty position at a community college, and I don't think I use my debit card seventeen times in an entire month.

For those living week-to-week, I offer the following suggestion:

1. STOP USING YOUR DEBIT CARD

Your debit card can be used as an ATM card, correct? ATM withdrawals are very easy to account for - and they count as ONE transaction instead of little $9-10 hits each time you swipe a debit card. Withdraw $50-100 at a time, pay cash for your necessary expenses (fast food is NOT necessary, but rather convenient and expensive when purchased on a regular basis), and when the money is gone, STOP SPENDING.

2. STOP WITH THE AUTO PAYMENTS

There is nothing more damaging to the irresponsible account holder than thinking you have enough money in your bank account, only to discover that you have over drafted because that ACH cell phone payment, XM Radio payment, etc. has been pulled from your account. By definition, you are negligent with your account management when you are a habitual over drafter. Why add another burden to your list of account management duties? Save yourself the hassle. Pay those bills manually - or better yet, eliminate them altogether because on a limited budget you really can't afford them anyway.

3. BUY MONEY ORDERS INSTEAD OF USING CHECKS

These things cost a whopping 39-69 cents, right? Which would you prefer to pay - a $35.00 or more fee for over drafting because you forgot to log a check you wrote or 69 cents for a money order?

4. STOP WITH THE SUPERFLUOUS EXPENSES

I know that you were on the road when your mother passed away, so SOME of that is understandable. But take a look at the list of where you spent your money. Like the gentleman before me mentioned, do you really need to be eating out every other meal? Go to the grocery store, buy a Styrofoam cooler and some ice, and then pack some sandwiches, baked chips and drinks for your meals to and from the destination location. It's about 60-70% cheaper and better for you anyway.

5. BECOME YOUR OWN ACCOUNTANT

No one is going to wipe your nose or warm your milk when it comes to your finances. Banks and merchants could care less that you're sick, grieving, etc. That may sound harsh and cold, but it's the truth nevertheless. You need to buy a $1.00 notebook and pencil for the sole purpose of logging your income and expenses. Keeping meticulous track of your finances is the path to living without overdraft charges. Your online or ATM balances will never replace what your own hand can track. You will always be your own best advocate for the proper management of your account.

There you have it, Louann. These steps will help you end your debilitating dependence on debit cards, checks and electronic account management tools. In short, implement a CASH ONLY policy for spending money. It is simple, efficient, and best of all, will rid you of the overdraft charges that are depriving you of money to take care of yourself and your kids.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/468/ripoff0468462.htm

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/468/ripoff0468462.htm

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/468/ripoff0468462.htm

It belongs to the bank. You gave up that money when you overdrafted your account. There isn't a lawyer in the world that can help you. Here's how you can stop this though:

1. Stop eating out so often. 1-2 times a week is all you should do.
2. Shop at supermarkets - not convenience stores
3. Stop using debit cards - stick to cash and checks
4. Cook more at home - it's quite cheap if you know how to do it.

This is not the bank's fault - al banks resort highest to lowest, but that would ONLY affect you if you don't have money AND when you use a debit card the fees just explode. Stay away from the debit card - I can't say that enough times.

Best of luck to you....

"...I only use my atm card and verify funds via internet..."
- The Internet On-Line banking does not know what you have spent until you have spent it. Only by keeping a Register can you keep track of what you have actually spent.

".... had they gone from lowest to highest i may have only incurred.."
- Ah yes the "the bank is unfair because they post highest to lowest". So instead of that you say you want it to go totally in YOUR favor by posting lowest to highest.

"as i have been very ill for the past year ( the bank knows this).."
- Who at the bank knows this? All of the balances and fees are through the Computer(s). And as much as people want to think that these banks program computers to "steal" money. Just as I am pretty sure there is no setting for "This person is ill so don't charge them any fees", I am pretty sure there is no setting for "This person is ill so steal more money". That is everyone is treated the same, and everyone is expected to manage their own account, after all it is THEIR money.

"...deposited 1149.10, and my balance prior was 34.91=1184.01 = 974.16 this leaves a balance of over 200.00.."
- It does not matter the totals, it matters WHEN you deposit and WHEN you spend the money. If you have no balance and spend $100 in the begining of the month, but if you wait until the end of the month to deposit $500. Eventhough you "think" you should have $400 you will have incurred overdraft fees for the $100 you spent because the $500 was not available when you spent it. So you CAN NOT spend the money until it is available in your account.

You may also want to go back to using Cash, especially for any small purchase. If you refuse to maintain a Register and just take out a set amount of Cash. You will at least know when you are out of money, as there would be none left in your wallet. Also, don't expect your next bank to be any different if you don't change your ways.

Louann......this is quite the report.
....the remark at the end is quite touching....posting this here on Rip off Report and saying "I hope you can help me get my money back!!! please help me, so i can feed my kids!"........WHO exactly.....here.....is going to get your money back for you? Ive seen this before and always wondered. HOW can anyone get your money back for you....it makes no sense.

You also state that you're living on support only. Yet from the statement of charges and stuff you posted.....it would seem you spend A LOT at convenience stores and fast food places.......eating out a lot. Hmmmmm....none of that is good on a limited fixed income. Most of what you've posted fell in a 2 week period...a bit extreme it seems.

A debit card is clearly not your friend.

Oh.....and the bank MAY know you live on support only.....and the bank MAY know you've been sick the last year.......but you should know .......they dont care....it's alllllll about money to them.....something you dont seem to have much of....and it appears you dont know how to budget what you do have.