Print the value of index0
USBank Deceptive fee system and online checking "tools" preys on low income and all-income consumers. Seattle Washington
USBank allows banking customers to make debit card purchases, even if their account is in the negative. You can't assume that you are protected. They are happy to charge you $37.50 bounce charge for a $3.00 coffee purchase. You might have a deposit that is returned. They don't notify you of the situation for almost 7 working days. In the meantime, you continue to make debit card purchases, thinking that your account has funds. I didn't KNOW my account was in the negative. In the 7 days it took USBank to have the US Postal service deliver a notice to my mailbox, I made a total of 12 purchases. 12 x $37.50 in fees.
I called USBank and the Branch Manager agreed to put my account on hold until the problem could be resolved. He lied. My account continued to accrue Daily negative fees of $8.00. In fact, my account was set up to transfer $50 from my checking account to my savings account every month on the 15th. USBank processed this transaction...$50 from my NEGATIVE checking account into my savings account. They then proceeded to charge $37.50 for the transaction. When my deposit was returned to the bank, it caused my account to go into the negative. They assesed a $19 returned check fee. THEN they charged a $37.50 bounce fee on the $19 reutrned check fee. THEN they charge an $8 per day negative balance fee on top of the $27.50 plus $19.00.
I asked the branch manager to provide the written policy that allows them to charge fees on fees on top of fees. He told me providing that information was "not in his job description".
If you look at your account online, you may see that they are bouncing checks even when you show a POSITIVE balance. I asked why they were doing this. I was told I didn't KNOW HOW TO USE MY TOOLS. You have to double click on the balance to discover the REAL balance, which is almost always less than the balance they are showing on the register. There is no way to figure out HOW they come up with that number.
This is FRAUD plain and simple and it needs to be reigned in! These people are crooks and the people that continue to work for them should be ashamed of themselves.
Banking customers are human beings. They have families. They are drawn to USBank because USBank advertises "FREE" checking. THEN...they insititute policies that are hidden, like the ones described above. Oh yeah...they might put them in the fine print. They insisted to me that they explain them in detail when uyou open your account. THEY DO NOT. It is theft. It is fraud. It is preying on the low income, pay check to pay check community and it needs to be ended.
I hear all this complaining about the interest rates charged at check cashing stores. That's NOTHING! This most recent fiasco resulted in fees that, when totalled and annualized, came to 8,076% annual interest.
In this time of economic difficulty EVERYWHERE, we should all be VERY selective about who gets to control our money. USBank is made up of thieves. BEWARE. BOYCOTT this bank. Head for a credit union. These days you don't have to be an employee to join them. Their focus is not so much on profit as it is on service.
Pull you money out of USBank and any other institution that preys on the little guy.
Dennis
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
I am the law
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
Absolutely 100% justified.
#13
Wed, August 12, 2009
Here we go again.
Another "helpless victim" of US Bank. Read the above post.
Laughable.
People, if you are so convinced that US Bank has people on their payroll to manipulate the records and corrupt computer sytems that force you to overdraft, then by all means, be a whistleblower. Until then, why don't you grow up and accept responsibility for your mistakes?
As for the fees themselves, I'm glad they exist. I wish they were higher than what they are now. The reason for my opinion is that there are alot of people in the world that treat their checking accounts like revolving lines of credit. They continously and intentionally overdraft their account, and on a large scale, this can actually destabilize a bank. The more their account is left negative, the less likely it is that the customer will replenish it. These are facts. People like this need to be punished so they don't continue this behavior. Do you think people would slow down and drive normally if they never got a speeding ticket? No, absolutely not. The same logic applies here.
Every time I go into the bank, there's some drugged-up, barely coherent piece of ghetto trash in there causing a scene because of a situation THEY created. That's the kind of people that whine about the bank "preying on poor people"; human trash.
Tom
Lehi,Utah,
U.S.A.
Right on Dennis.
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, June 03, 2009
I have recently been taken advantage again by USBank, and I am very angry, since the five star service company cannot afford to be open after five, I went online to see what was legal and ethical and found this site.
I would agree that each person should be responsible for their own actions, and the consequences of such. But, banks are closely intertwined with government policies, funding, and the overall public good. We just gave, (not lent them, gave them), billions and billions of public money. That alone gives us the right as consumers to demand some responsibility, respect, (and find someone who has had a USBank customer service person actually treat them with respect), and accountability.
Despite the need, (according to Robert, and 'I am the Law'), to reform our public school system, these fees and the computer programs that run them are wrong. There is no justification for them to exist, or the way they are applied, and they are not clearly explained or communicated. These fees are designed only to increase bank profits and to allow them to continue to operate ineffeciently and incompetently, it is simply greed renamed marketing. My favorite excuses is that the system is designed to protect the banks assets. This from the same people who turned a blind eye to inflated appraisals, mutlitple homeownership, and any type of fiscal control when approving the mortgages that caused the economy to collapse. These banks and the people who run them are only concerned about there bonuses, and whatever needs to be done to make that bonus. It is not fiscal control or responsible banking. IT IS WRONG!
Don't let the issue become clouded by those who would insult the honesty of most, and the honest mistakes we all make, by claiming we are just too dumb, muddle headed, and missing a fourth grade education.
We need to realize that banks have become public institutions, and we have a right and responsibility to have some say in how they conduct our business. I suggest that anyone who is concerned contact there senators and congressmen, and demand that they protect our rights as consumers. USBank has proven time and time again, that they do not respect the individual, appreciate there customers, or operate in a fair and ethical manner. We deserve and should demand better.
I Am The Law
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
One little bear's opinion.
#13Consumer Suggestion
Thu, February 12, 2009
Funny... I've banked at US Bank for seven years and never paid them a dime except for one time when I ordered blank checks. I figure if the bank was "out to get me", they're not doing a very good job of running their scam. As far as I'm concerned, anyone that posts a ROR stating how US Bank has "a deceptive fee schedule" or "false and misleading information about your balance" might as well get a tattoo on their forehead that says "I don't know simple math". Banks, by law, must disclose fee practice and fee information when you open the account. You signed a legal document when you opened the account stating that you understand and agree to the terms of the account. Wake up, people. Take responsibility for your actions.
Kiser
Reynoldsburg,Ohio,
U.S.A.
USBank wants your $Money
#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, January 28, 2009
USBank wants your $money-PLease be careful when you: call re-your account, go to a bank/tansactions/etc YOU just May find later you were put down as taking out some type of credit card, loan, etc. a new checking acct, YOU DIdn't even ASK FOR!!!! If you get something in the mail- report it!!!!
MUCH of their profits is from credit cards, new checking accts, loans, etc. - -if employees do not meet a Quota- they can be placed on discp- even Fired!!!!
I personally saw the employees who made the "Sales Quotas" were given increases, praise, etc. and treated in a leniant manner- true true true
America- go to Dave ramsey website- - -GET OUT OF DEBT- NOW he will help you to understand this concept
DO not listen to Any Bank- DEBT enslaves YOU!!! USBank is not the only one who just wants your $ -get out of debt now!!!
Edgeman
Chico,California,
U.S.A.
Art just proved the point...
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, January 24, 2009
You can't depend on phone banking, online banking or ATM inquiries for your account balance. They are not accurate and they are not intended to be used that way.
A properly used register is accurate and will help to virtually eliminate overdrafts by the user.
Art
SEATTLE,Washington,
U.S.A.
US BANK FEES
#13Consumer Suggestion
Sat, January 24, 2009
I see some people didn't give you much support well possible US BANK Management trying to keep the good name of this worthless bank, anyway I use to be a client and they would mislead people on line just for you to screw up, I did a test I knew how much I had in the account (and yes they right you should keep up with the register on your own) But in one day I called the verify my founds available went to cash machine and checked on line AND ALL THREE HAD DIFFERENT BALANCES and my own that I had was the lowest plus I haven't used my debit card for 5 days just to make sure there weren't any transactions and they even verified when I called that everything cleared WELL GUSS WHAT if I didn't had my own balance I would go negative I their balances showed that I had 90$ more and I knew I didn't, I was in the same boat like that before I used my card for small stuff like coffee, smokes, just in the convenience stores because they offered 5% cash back so i used it a lot, and I wasn't perfect and when I forgot my balance I called the bank and and checked on line was showing that everything cleared well it didn't THEY HOLDING TRANSACTIONS and tell you one thing and it happens another and I got in that mess too before, anyway best advise don't use your debit like the others said, carry cash small amount, change banks go to credit union,I did that and don't have a problem ever since as soon I deposit a paycheck it's right a way in the acct and as soon I use my debit it comes right out so if I call the bank a 1min later it already cleared to me US BANK IS WORTHLESS AND USELESS PLUS HAS LONG FREAKING LINES AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 2-4 days before your check is in the acct, SCREW THAT BS PEOPLE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE BUT JUST NOT US BANK PLEASE
Jim
Anaheim,California,
U.S.A.
It Is Not Theft and It's Not Fraud
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, January 22, 2009
It is account mismanagement on the part of the account holder. You depended on an online system to tell you what your balance was. That is irresponsible. The balance in your account is in your check register - period, end of story. The only way you know what is really in your account is by keeping a written register and if you don't - you can't possibly know what's happening with your account.
The online balance feature is only a tool for you to use to reconcile your account; it is not a substitute for anything else you're supposed to do. If you rely on the tool for your account balance - no wonder you're overdrawn. The bank provides that to you so you can make corrections to your register if you've made an error, provide you information such as bank debits/credits to put into your register, and for you to determine if there is fraud being perpetrated on the account.
BTW, the reason you're overdrawing your account is because of your debit card; those transactions sometimes take time to clear your account because it requires the merchant, from whom you gave your debit card to, to verify your transaction as valid. Only then is the money withdrawn from your account. Meanwhile, if the transaction is still pending the approval from the merchant and you spend the money reserved for that transaction again, you're overdrawn - even if the account balance is positive. Why? Because you've already spent the money reserved for another merchant!
What happened to you would happen at every bank out there - this is not limited to this banking institution alone. If you're unable to keep a register, then maybe don't use a debit card any longer - I mean that's the thing that's costing you a lot of money. If you keep a register and limit your debit card activity, you will be fine at just about any bank - including this one. Best of luck to you.
Nancy
Steilacoom,Washington,
U.S.A.
how a checking account works
#13Consumer Suggestion
Thu, January 22, 2009
Apparently, you do NOT know how a checking account works. Don't feel bad, a lot of people don't. STOP using your debit card for $3 cups of coffee. Carry some cash and use that. Keep a checkbook register, NOT an on line one, but on that is actually IN your checkbook. Ususally FREE checking means that there is no monthly service fee and that is it. Everything else is NOT free. People seem to think that everything is instantanious with teh banks, but it is NOT. I have decided to write a book on how to properly use your register AND reconcile your bank statement. How many of you actually do that? Or even know how. Stop using your debit card.
Edgeman
Chico,California,
U.S.A.
Fees...
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, January 22, 2009
Firstly, in regards to this line:
"I asked the branch manager to provide the written policy that allows them to charge fees on fees on top of fees."
When you opened your account, you were given a thick, blue envelope and the fee schedule is included inside.
Was your deposit returned? Either way, it appears that you spent money before the funds were available. I'm also guessing that you're not keeping a ledger or check register. No bank has a completely accurate online banking tool, it isn't possible.
Edgeman
Chico,California,
U.S.A.
Fees...
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, January 22, 2009
Firstly, in regards to this line:
"I asked the branch manager to provide the written policy that allows them to charge fees on fees on top of fees."
When you opened your account, you were given a thick, blue envelope and the fee schedule is included inside.
Was your deposit returned? Either way, it appears that you spent money before the funds were available. I'm also guessing that you're not keeping a ledger or check register. No bank has a completely accurate online banking tool, it isn't possible.
Edgeman
Chico,California,
U.S.A.
Fees...
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, January 22, 2009
Firstly, in regards to this line:
"I asked the branch manager to provide the written policy that allows them to charge fees on fees on top of fees."
When you opened your account, you were given a thick, blue envelope and the fee schedule is included inside.
Was your deposit returned? Either way, it appears that you spent money before the funds were available. I'm also guessing that you're not keeping a ledger or check register. No bank has a completely accurate online banking tool, it isn't possible.
Vase
Denver,Colorado,
U.S.A.
USBank Deceptive fee system and online checking 'tools' preys on low income and all-income consumers. Seattle Washington
#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, January 22, 2009
Dear people,
I was reading all these fee problems of USBank customers. I am very sorry for them actually, however, it is not only USBank has these rules. Mostly in 90% of banks has Debits Cards limits, which is $300-$500 may be more.
For example you have limit negative $300 in your debit card (means you can still use money even you do not have in your account), because actually for convinience. sometime if you need to purchase someting but do not have money, it is good to have it. What will happen if you need purchase $1 for water and need it, and you do not have money in your pocket, neither in your account (it is just an example), will not you be very mad that only for $1 youcould not use your USBANK Debit Card or WellsFargo...?
BUT if you deposit the same amount of money that you purchased AT tHE SAME BUSINESS DAY YOU WILL NOT GET CHARGED!
FYI:
If you used your card Saturday even you did not have money in your account, it is better to deposit untill Monday NOON (some places monday 6pm). Then you will not get charged. If Monday is holyday, then you have chance untill tuesday!
Every bank has its fees, where ever you go! remember Banks are getting earning not only from interest rates, but also from fees! Interest rates you can not do anything, you will pay. But any other fees you can avoid if you use at least Check Book!
Many banks offer FREE INTERNET BANKING, FREE CHECKS, FREE CHECKING ACCOUNTS! To compensate it they have these OD (overdraft) fees!