- Report: #1367499
Complaint Review: Bluebird American Express - Nationwide
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Author Confirmed
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Bluebird American Express
Nationwide, USA
Web:
https://secure.bluebird.com/
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Bluebird American Express Bluebird poor customer service; inconvenient service; liars Nationwide
I unfortunately opened a Bluebird account for travel expenses for work. I get my reimbursement checks paid to this account. On my last business trip, I lost my ATM card and was told it would take another 7 - 10 business days to receive a new one. Well.......how do you get money out of your account when you don't have an ATM card? The website proposes a service called RIA, or something, to have money waiting for you at WalMart. However, you need to have your pin number and security code from the back of your card. Since the card has been cancelled, this doesn't work.
I called Bluebird customer service and they said I should write a check to myself for cash and take it to WalMart (who underwrites this nonsense). The only way you can write a Bluebird check is to have it 'pre-authorized' for the total amount - meaning it automatically deducts that amount from your account and gives you a verification number to put on the check to ensure that it is going to go through. I did all that. I took it to Walmart and they looked at me like I had two heads. They said, 'we don't cash personal checks here, you need to take this to your bank.' I assured them I JUST spoke with Bluebird customer service and they said Walmart could do it since they're the ones who issue this account. No one there had ever seen a Bluebird check before and they wouldn't take it.
Next step, I took it to MY real bank. They said they'd cashi it but it would have to be on hold for a few business days. I didn't like that solution either as it's my money and I need it right now. I called Bluebird Customer service again and they said try a Wells Fargo bank since that's who underwrites our checks. Tried that too and they wouldn't touch it.
Bottom line is that Customer Service has no idea what they're talking about and you're totally screwed if you lose your ATM card, as there's no way to get at your own money. The Customer Service Rep kept repeating, 'well sir, if you know someone else who has a BlueBird Account, just transfer money to them.' Hell no! I don't know anyone else with this crappy bank and I certainly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
To hell with this banking nonsense and stick with the big players.
