Complaint Review: Harris Bank - Harris NA - Joliet Illinois

Harley, I'd like to start off by saying that your frustration is reasonable and understandable and I myself get irritated having to pay fees for every little thing.  But...a bank is a business just like the grocery store and the clothing store.  Neither of those businesses have ever given me anything for free.  Yet, I'd find myself expecting banks to do that.  I felt that banks I don't bank w/ should offer free services to me just cuz.  So I decided to look at things from another perspective and I'd like to suggest that you consider the same. 

As a business owner, I don't think you'd be too keen on providing a free service to individuals that have no intentions of ever doing business with you. Imagine these individuals coming to your business on a weekly basis, during your busier times of day, taking up your staff's time and making your paying customers wait and threaten to take their business elsewhere.  I get irritated when I have to wait while someone haggles over a price, I can't stand waiting at the bank while some stooge in front of me is cashing his paycheck and holding up the line & I hate it when someone ties up the teller line w/ a cash advance.  9 times outta 10 these clowns don't bank w/ my bank, but I have to wait and sometimes I have to leave and come back another time and I think that's B.S. & the other customers in line usually share my frustration. 

Fortunately my employer offers direct deposit, so my check goes right into my account.  I'm sure my employer pays for this service and in my opinion my employer should.  After all, I'm sure the cost of this benefit was factored into my hourly wage.  I also think that it's a great idea that a bank charges check cashing fees to non-customers.  Why?  I know the only reason I go to another bank, other than my own to cash a check, is because I want the cash & I don't want to take any chances of that check being returned.  I consider a $5.00 fee an insurance premium cuz I'm guarenteed cash, if the check is bad I'll find out right away and I'll have cash to deposit into my account to use immediately.  

Nothing in life is free, you can't get something for nothing and if you do there are strings attached.  Bank's & other large businesses alike are required by law to reinvest into the communities in which they do business in, they stimulate the economy with their earnings and provide their employees health benefits which is more than what I can say for most businesses and employers.  If you recall, WaMu was offerring free checks for life, no atm fees, waiving overdraft fees and CD specials (a freebie seekers dream right?!) and they went under, thus further contributing to the state of our current economy. 

Food for thought, if my boss didn't pay me, I know for a fact I would not be going to work.  If I offerred my services for free or for less, my boss would happily take advantage of it.  My boss would be happy, my family would be struggling.  If I don't offer my services at no charge, why should I expect anyone else to?! 

I hope this helps cool your jets a bit, cuz stress isn't good and it's not worth your time.  After all, you won't be thinking about that $5 bucks on your death bed and the nickels & dimes you've saved a long the way will bare no meaning.  Best of luck to you!

P.S.  No, I'm not a banker.  Former radio personality and current author.      

Well I am NOT shocked to see people upset at the charges that Harris Bank forces on customers and non-customers. I was Assistant Bank Manager at a Harris Bank branch in the Northwest Suburbs for almost a year. I cant begin to tell you how ridiculous all the little BS fees are that they charge. The $5 fee to non customers cashing a Harris Bank check that was written to them is a GREAT example of them trying to nickle and dime people to death. As sick and twisted as it sounds, there are actual meetings about fees and how they can be adjusted and changed to become an actual income stream. My favorite is the Non Suff. Funds Fee of $32. Lets say you have $100 in your checking. A check for $75 that you wrote clears your account. So now you have $25 available. You were not aware that the check cleared yet and used your debit card for $30 in gas. They purposely have the system set up so that it will allow the whole amount of $30 in gas to go through EVEN though you only have $25 available. Then the next morning you will noctice your account NEGATIVE $37. Which is $5 from the difference plus the $32 fee. If you dont get it back to above zero. They charge $5 each day. God forbid you have multiple checks or transactions go through. Each and everyone gets hit for $32. Use your debit card for a $2 coffee and your going to have that beverage run you $34 if your not careful. They preach "Best in Class" customer service yet more often then not.....the service they provide to customers is quite commonly the "Worst in Class" Sad part is that I was forced to rip people off left and right by direction of upper management. Even worse was most of the time it was to people who really needed help and were going through a tough time. I will never forget the stress free sleep the evening after the day I started my new career.

Most banks do charge a nonaccount holder to cash a check drawn on that bank. Since the two of you are so deadset against this policy, you might want to find out if your present bank does charge this fee and if so then man up and change banks. But in your search you will find very few banks that do not charge this fee. If you have a business account, you may be able to have an agreement with the bank to not charge this fee to your emmployees cashing their payroll checks. But if the check is from a personal account or not a payroll check, the nonaccount holder will be charged. The noncustomer has the choice of either paying this fee for the convenience of cashing the check at the bank it's drawn on or depositing it through their bank account at no fee.

"Chloe, it is aparent you have way too much time on your hands. Maybe if you HAD your Masters you would have some money to put into that account? Hmmm...." You're correct. "Apparently" I do have too much time in my hands. Thank goodness my classes start next week! And regarding your concern for my Masters; it is "in progress" meaning my money is a bit tied up at $1600 a class. So, no, the triple digits are not in the account yet -- but thanks for your concern. "I didn't write this to have a pissing battle with you, it is evident you would have it all over yourself by now. I wrote it to voice my opinion, and evidently, you are the only person on here who has an opinion different than mine. Good luck with that, maybe you and G.W. can work together someday, with all your high intellect and what not." The only person in this particular thread, perhaps; but trust me, I am not the minority as you put it. And no thanks on working with GW -- you can have him. "Interestingly as well, your crystal ball may be due for some repairs, as I don't remember stating that I paid fees either...and I'm pretty confident the loss of my account to the bank may be slightly more significant than the loss of yours." Oooh because you have one of them small business accounts? Please. That's hardly a loss to a bank. "Last I checked, banks cashing their customers checks is a service they provide for their account holders. Since I am cashing a check from their account holder, they are obilgated to cash it. Without charge if they ever wanted me as a customer." You are correct; banks cashing their customers' checks is a service they provide for their account holders. BUT YOU ARE NOT A CUSTOMER; therefore, they have EVERY right to charge you. Also, they are not "obligated" to do anything. Banks have the right to refuse ANY transaction, so if you are throwing a fit in the middle of the lobby, the bank can and will refuse your transaction and ask you to leave. As I used to tell people: you can either pay the fee, open an account, or take it elsewhere. As far as I know, those options are still valid. 'I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate?' And I quote you from your first rebuttal 'but you are also using the bank's resources (money), which are costly'. Look here, princess...better dot your i's and cross your t's before you make yourself look even more ridiculous than you already do. I hear they're having a special on Hooked for Phonics..." Did I stutter? I said it before and I will say it again. Non customers cost the bank money because: A. banks have to stock up on cash (banks get charged for ordering and keeping excessive cash on hand). B. the bank pays the teller whose time is wasted on non customer transactions, when they should be dedicating their time to helping actual customers of the bank. This results in longer lines for bank customers, as non customers need to be thoroughly verified with 2 IDs, fingerprints, verifying the signature on the check to the signature card, checking for stops or holds, and finally counting large sums of cash two or three times before the transaction is completed.. which brings me to C. fraud! Yes, non customers bring fake IDs, altered cheques, counterfeit cash, counterfeit cheques, you name it. Not only do these scum LOSE the bank money, employees have lost jobs as well by servicing these jokers (and, yes, new employees are costly to train). 'And yes, I have worked in bank ops'...and apparently you still do...must be the PR fluff girl." Actually, I do not. Trust me, I've had my fill of "customer service" and that is one route I am never going down. Ever. =D "Find something new to b***h about, something that doesn't concern you now, nor did it ever. You're the minority here, sweetheart." In case you haven't been advised, this is a public forum and I will b***h wherever I please. =o)

"Chloe, it is aparent you have way too much time on your hands. Maybe if you HAD your Masters you would have some money to put into that account? Hmmm...." You're correct. "Apparently" I do have too much time in my hands. Thank goodness my classes start next week! And regarding your concern for my Masters; it is "in progress" meaning my money is a bit tied up at $1600 a class. So, no, the triple digits are not in the account yet -- but thanks for your concern. "I didn't write this to have a pissing battle with you, it is evident you would have it all over yourself by now. I wrote it to voice my opinion, and evidently, you are the only person on here who has an opinion different than mine. Good luck with that, maybe you and G.W. can work together someday, with all your high intellect and what not." The only person in this particular thread, perhaps; but trust me, I am not the minority as you put it. And no thanks on working with GW -- you can have him. "Interestingly as well, your crystal ball may be due for some repairs, as I don't remember stating that I paid fees either...and I'm pretty confident the loss of my account to the bank may be slightly more significant than the loss of yours." Oooh because you have one of them small business accounts? Please. That's hardly a loss to a bank. "Last I checked, banks cashing their customers checks is a service they provide for their account holders. Since I am cashing a check from their account holder, they are obilgated to cash it. Without charge if they ever wanted me as a customer." You are correct; banks cashing their customers' checks is a service they provide for their account holders. BUT YOU ARE NOT A CUSTOMER; therefore, they have EVERY right to charge you. Also, they are not "obligated" to do anything. Banks have the right to refuse ANY transaction, so if you are throwing a fit in the middle of the lobby, the bank can and will refuse your transaction and ask you to leave. As I used to tell people: you can either pay the fee, open an account, or take it elsewhere. As far as I know, those options are still valid. 'I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate?' And I quote you from your first rebuttal 'but you are also using the bank's resources (money), which are costly'. Look here, princess...better dot your i's and cross your t's before you make yourself look even more ridiculous than you already do. I hear they're having a special on Hooked for Phonics..." Did I stutter? I said it before and I will say it again. Non customers cost the bank money because: A. banks have to stock up on cash (banks get charged for ordering and keeping excessive cash on hand). B. the bank pays the teller whose time is wasted on non customer transactions, when they should be dedicating their time to helping actual customers of the bank. This results in longer lines for bank customers, as non customers need to be thoroughly verified with 2 IDs, fingerprints, verifying the signature on the check to the signature card, checking for stops or holds, and finally counting large sums of cash two or three times before the transaction is completed.. which brings me to C. fraud! Yes, non customers bring fake IDs, altered cheques, counterfeit cash, counterfeit cheques, you name it. Not only do these scum LOSE the bank money, employees have lost jobs as well by servicing these jokers (and, yes, new employees are costly to train). 'And yes, I have worked in bank ops'...and apparently you still do...must be the PR fluff girl." Actually, I do not. Trust me, I've had my fill of "customer service" and that is one route I am never going down. Ever. =D "Find something new to b***h about, something that doesn't concern you now, nor did it ever. You're the minority here, sweetheart." In case you haven't been advised, this is a public forum and I will b***h wherever I please. =o)

"Chloe, it is aparent you have way too much time on your hands. Maybe if you HAD your Masters you would have some money to put into that account? Hmmm...." You're correct. "Apparently" I do have too much time in my hands. Thank goodness my classes start next week! And regarding your concern for my Masters; it is "in progress" meaning my money is a bit tied up at $1600 a class. So, no, the triple digits are not in the account yet -- but thanks for your concern. "I didn't write this to have a pissing battle with you, it is evident you would have it all over yourself by now. I wrote it to voice my opinion, and evidently, you are the only person on here who has an opinion different than mine. Good luck with that, maybe you and G.W. can work together someday, with all your high intellect and what not." The only person in this particular thread, perhaps; but trust me, I am not the minority as you put it. And no thanks on working with GW -- you can have him. "Interestingly as well, your crystal ball may be due for some repairs, as I don't remember stating that I paid fees either...and I'm pretty confident the loss of my account to the bank may be slightly more significant than the loss of yours." Oooh because you have one of them small business accounts? Please. That's hardly a loss to a bank. "Last I checked, banks cashing their customers checks is a service they provide for their account holders. Since I am cashing a check from their account holder, they are obilgated to cash it. Without charge if they ever wanted me as a customer." You are correct; banks cashing their customers' checks is a service they provide for their account holders. BUT YOU ARE NOT A CUSTOMER; therefore, they have EVERY right to charge you. Also, they are not "obligated" to do anything. Banks have the right to refuse ANY transaction, so if you are throwing a fit in the middle of the lobby, the bank can and will refuse your transaction and ask you to leave. As I used to tell people: you can either pay the fee, open an account, or take it elsewhere. As far as I know, those options are still valid. 'I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate?' And I quote you from your first rebuttal 'but you are also using the bank's resources (money), which are costly'. Look here, princess...better dot your i's and cross your t's before you make yourself look even more ridiculous than you already do. I hear they're having a special on Hooked for Phonics..." Did I stutter? I said it before and I will say it again. Non customers cost the bank money because: A. banks have to stock up on cash (banks get charged for ordering and keeping excessive cash on hand). B. the bank pays the teller whose time is wasted on non customer transactions, when they should be dedicating their time to helping actual customers of the bank. This results in longer lines for bank customers, as non customers need to be thoroughly verified with 2 IDs, fingerprints, verifying the signature on the check to the signature card, checking for stops or holds, and finally counting large sums of cash two or three times before the transaction is completed.. which brings me to C. fraud! Yes, non customers bring fake IDs, altered cheques, counterfeit cash, counterfeit cheques, you name it. Not only do these scum LOSE the bank money, employees have lost jobs as well by servicing these jokers (and, yes, new employees are costly to train). 'And yes, I have worked in bank ops'...and apparently you still do...must be the PR fluff girl." Actually, I do not. Trust me, I've had my fill of "customer service" and that is one route I am never going down. Ever. =D "Find something new to b***h about, something that doesn't concern you now, nor did it ever. You're the minority here, sweetheart." In case you haven't been advised, this is a public forum and I will b***h wherever I please. =o)

Chloe, it is aparent you have way too much time on your hands. Maybe if you HAD your Masters you would have some money to put into that account? Hmmm.... I didn't write this to have a pissing battle with you, it is evident you would have it all over yourself by now. I wrote it to voice my opinion, and evidently, you are the only person on here who has an opinion different than mine. Good luck with that, maybe you and G.W. can work together someday, with all your high intellect and what not. Interestingly as well, your crystal ball may be due for some repairs, as I don't remember stating that I paid fees either...and I'm pretty confident the loss of my account to the bank may be slightly more significant than the loss of yours. Last I checked, banks cashing their customers checks is a service they provide for their account holders. Since I am cashing a check from their account holder, they are obilgated to cash it. Without charge if they ever wanted me as a customer. "I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate?" And I quote you from your first rebuttal "but you are also using the bank's resources (money), which are costly". Look here, princess...better dot your i's and cross your t's before you make yourself look even more ridiculous than you already do. I hear they're having a special on Hooked for Phonics... "And yes, I have worked in bank ops"...and apparently you still do...must be the PR fluff girl. Find something new to b***h about, something that doesn't concern you now, nor did it ever. You're the minority here, sweetheart.

"Are you serious? What, are you sleeping with the CEO? Are you one of them there super high paid tellers that you gots you a G.E.D?" Nope; working on my Master's, thanks! But I was a 'super high paid teller' during my undergrad years -- without having to sleep with the CEO, even! =D "Look, if you don't mind throwing away $5 for no good reason, then you can send that money to me." No need to pay fees; I take my checks to my own bank. It's not Harris (or whatever) bank's problem that your bank is two hours away. Oh, that's right, the bank that is CONVENIENT to you is charging you a fee to provide YOU a service. "As far as it being the banks money, you are once again either misinformed or blatantly ignorant. If you knew anything about the operation of a bank, it is not their money." I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate? And yes, I have worked in bank ops; therefore, I know first hand that it costs the bank to order money. And, it costs the bank to keep extra cash on hand -- the extra cash needed for whining non account holders. So, who should pay the charge? The customer with a bank relationship? Wrong. The non account holder who does nothing for the bank? Absolutely! "People like you are the reason I have money." People like YOU are the reason my accounts are free. As far as the rest of your garble, yes I am fully aware of the profits made by fees. Guess what? I don't care. I don't pay them. =o)

"Are you serious? What, are you sleeping with the CEO? Are you one of them there super high paid tellers that you gots you a G.E.D?" Nope; working on my Master's, thanks! But I was a 'super high paid teller' during my undergrad years -- without having to sleep with the CEO, even! =D "Look, if you don't mind throwing away $5 for no good reason, then you can send that money to me." No need to pay fees; I take my checks to my own bank. It's not Harris (or whatever) bank's problem that your bank is two hours away. Oh, that's right, the bank that is CONVENIENT to you is charging you a fee to provide YOU a service. "As far as it being the banks money, you are once again either misinformed or blatantly ignorant. If you knew anything about the operation of a bank, it is not their money." I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate? And yes, I have worked in bank ops; therefore, I know first hand that it costs the bank to order money. And, it costs the bank to keep extra cash on hand -- the extra cash needed for whining non account holders. So, who should pay the charge? The customer with a bank relationship? Wrong. The non account holder who does nothing for the bank? Absolutely! "People like you are the reason I have money." People like YOU are the reason my accounts are free. As far as the rest of your garble, yes I am fully aware of the profits made by fees. Guess what? I don't care. I don't pay them. =o)

"Are you serious? What, are you sleeping with the CEO? Are you one of them there super high paid tellers that you gots you a G.E.D?" Nope; working on my Master's, thanks! But I was a 'super high paid teller' during my undergrad years -- without having to sleep with the CEO, even! =D "Look, if you don't mind throwing away $5 for no good reason, then you can send that money to me." No need to pay fees; I take my checks to my own bank. It's not Harris (or whatever) bank's problem that your bank is two hours away. Oh, that's right, the bank that is CONVENIENT to you is charging you a fee to provide YOU a service. "As far as it being the banks money, you are once again either misinformed or blatantly ignorant. If you knew anything about the operation of a bank, it is not their money." I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate? And yes, I have worked in bank ops; therefore, I know first hand that it costs the bank to order money. And, it costs the bank to keep extra cash on hand -- the extra cash needed for whining non account holders. So, who should pay the charge? The customer with a bank relationship? Wrong. The non account holder who does nothing for the bank? Absolutely! "People like you are the reason I have money." People like YOU are the reason my accounts are free. As far as the rest of your garble, yes I am fully aware of the profits made by fees. Guess what? I don't care. I don't pay them. =o)

"Are you serious? What, are you sleeping with the CEO? Are you one of them there super high paid tellers that you gots you a G.E.D?" Nope; working on my Master's, thanks! But I was a 'super high paid teller' during my undergrad years -- without having to sleep with the CEO, even! =D "Look, if you don't mind throwing away $5 for no good reason, then you can send that money to me." No need to pay fees; I take my checks to my own bank. It's not Harris (or whatever) bank's problem that your bank is two hours away. Oh, that's right, the bank that is CONVENIENT to you is charging you a fee to provide YOU a service. "As far as it being the banks money, you are once again either misinformed or blatantly ignorant. If you knew anything about the operation of a bank, it is not their money." I said it costs the bank money. Now who is literate? And yes, I have worked in bank ops; therefore, I know first hand that it costs the bank to order money. And, it costs the bank to keep extra cash on hand -- the extra cash needed for whining non account holders. So, who should pay the charge? The customer with a bank relationship? Wrong. The non account holder who does nothing for the bank? Absolutely! "People like you are the reason I have money." People like YOU are the reason my accounts are free. As far as the rest of your garble, yes I am fully aware of the profits made by fees. Guess what? I don't care. I don't pay them. =o)

Glad to see a literate red-blloded working American had a response. One of my businesses is located in Arkansas. I don't do business that way, and I don't do business with people that do. I own more than one business, I own 2 houses, 4 cars...I'm not some poor sap, and I have money because I worked for it and didn't let these blood sucking leeches drain me of it. These banks got their hand in your pocket everytime they get a chance. If enough people get the idea that they're being had, there's a possibility things could change...or at least those businesses disappear.

I own several companies. If my Bank ever charged one of the persons that I write a check to to cash it. I would drop that bank so fast. I pay the bank for services. Cashing my checks is one of those services. I don't care if you have an account at my bank or not. They had better never charge to cash one of my checks. The loss of my account would matter to this bank. Maybe out west they have so many rich people just waiting to get into that bank that they can treat people like crap. We treat customers with respect in the South.

Are you serious? What, are you sleeping with the CEO? Are you one of them there super high paid tellers that you gots you a G.E.D? Look, if you don't mind throwing away $5 for no good reason, then you can send that money to me. I have banked in the Chicago, central Illinois and Indianapolis areas for over 20 years, and I have never paid a fee to cash a check, nor will my employees, people drawing checks on my account, or myself. Were you even remotely literate, you would have noticed that my bank is 2 hours away, which is why I wanted to cash the check at this screw-job operation. As far as it being the banks money, you are once again either misinformed or blatantly ignorant. If you knew anything about the operation of a bank, it is not their money. It belongs to the people who have entrusted the bank with their money. If even a small percentage of the banks larger shareholders decided to withdraw their money on any given day, the bank would not have the funds available to pay out their money to them. Remember the Great Depression, Einstein? The bank operates on a continual loan, using customers money to loan out and make interest on. The bank does have some money, like the money they make from charging a fee to cash a check drawn on their bank, or NSF and ATM fees, which is used to pay their employees (e.g. you, apparently), operating expenses and what not. If you had any idea the amount of money a bank makes off your money, you would be sickened...well, maybe you wouldn't actually since you like to throw away your fives. Apparently you've been conditioned to believe they are there for you, doing a favor for you. As well, it would appear that you do not remember the days when cash was king, credit was not a necessity, and people didnt have to rely on the bank for everything as well when banks had an actual relationship with their customers. Seriously, if you have enough time to sit around and write about how I am an idiot and it's only $5, that says volumes about you. Enjoy your life and your loyal indebtedness to your bank god, and be sure let me know where to have you send all those extra 5 spots you have cluttering up your place. People like you are the reason I have money. As to your opinion on whether or not the US population awaits my report, I could really care less. I had a case to make, and I did. Tell ya' what, Chloe, next time you go to the bank, take your vaseline with you...or as it appears, you like it dry and sandy...just the way they're going to give it to you.

Why should a bank that you have absolutely no relationship with cash a check for you -- a non account holder -- for free?? Banks charge this fee for non account holders because they are providing YOU a service. Not only are you -- a non account holder -- using the tellers' time that should be spent servicing their own customers, but you are also using the bank's resources (money), which are costly. You can either pay the measly $5, or go to your own bank. If you're so bothered by the fee, why don't you tell your neighbour to cash it for you, and give you the cash? No surprise the bank manager walked away from you; I would have too. These people don't even have the authority to waive these fees (not that they would want to) because the decision typically comes from district level, so throwing a fit at a local branch won't accomplish anything, except make you look like an idiot. "I called customer service, No difference there. I informed them to have their attorneys watch the newspapers and Internet, as I could assure them this was going to surface. My plan is to let the rest of the US population know what a bunch of shysters this outfit is, and for it to cost them a hell of a lot more than the $5 they screwed me out of." Did they laugh in your face when you told them? And NEWSFLASH! Their attorneys have better things to do than read your ramblings about being "ripped off" by a FIVE DOLLAR CHARGE. Good luck with your plan! The US population awaits your report!