I transfered $800 from my bank to my bluebird account. Bluebird accepted the money, but then locked my account. I went to unlock my account, they requested me to make copies and fax a lot of private information (scans of social security card, bank statements, drivers license). Of course, I don't have access to a fax machine, so they directed me to use "a free fax service online". So now I have to send everything needed to steal my identity to a random third party (do you trust gotfreefax.com?!). I really prefered not to do this, so I requsted to close my bluebird account, and have them send me a check with the $800.
American Express REFUSED to close my account, and said if I wanted the money back, I would have to unlock the account first. Reluctantly, I complied and sent my personal documents via an online fax service.
I call back to make sure they have everything. They (eventually) do, but instead of unlocking my account, they get back on the line and tell me they are closing my account. I ask why, but they refuse to let me know why or give me any information whatsoever. I ask how I will get the $800 from my bluebird account back. The agent tells me it will automatically go back to my original bank account.
Of course, that was a lie. I wait several weeks, and then call them to figure out how to get my money back (spoke to Niresha). They tell me that my bank has to reverse the transaction. I call my bank to reverse the transaction, and they tell me they need a routing and account number. Now, when bluebird locks the account, they prevent you from being able to log in online.
This time, with my bank on the line, I call bluebird back again (and speak to Donna). She says with any third party, they can only discuss my account if bluebird initiates the call, the bank cannot call bluebird. So of course, my bank agent has to drop off the line, ending the conference call.
I call bluebird back again, talk to Ashley, and she tells me they bluebird will not conference call in my bank, as that is not something they do. Laura Shelton, a supervisor, gets on the line, and tells me she will not call my bank, but it's up to the bank to get my money back. (this I don't understand, because bluebird is the one holding onto my money!)
Of course I call my bank back and try again, but they say that Bluebird has the money, and they have to return it.
I call bluebird back AGAIN, and speak to Donna (again), she transfers me to Dominic, (not sure if he is a supervisor). He tells me they will forward my case to the corporate office. However, there is no timeframe for resolution. It can take as long as 'forever'. He recommends me call in periodically to check on the status. (I guess I'm supposed to periodically check in forever?)
This whole time, Bluebird is sitting on my $800, getting interest on it, while I'm outta luck (possibly forever). They basically are "stealing" my money and giving me the runaround. Bluebird might be great as long as you don't run into any issues, but if you are unlucky like me, you might never see your money again.