This is the one where I look like a fool (again).
Posted August 2nd, 2009 by Mike Lawson
I just ended a 9-year dysfunctional relationship with Bank of America, and I’ve never felt so free. I hate everything about that bank, and I would advise anyone thinking about banking with them to do a google search or a twitter search on them first. And of course, closing my account was difficult too. Despite the word “America” in their name, if you open a BOFA account in California it is difficult to do banking in Arizona.
To close my account I had to go into an Arizona branch, then call a California toll-free customer service number, and then go back into an Arizona branch. I hate them.
I opened an account with Arizona Federal Credit Union, and I had to contact the HR department at work to cancel the direct deposit into my BOFA account and to sign up for my checks to be directly deposited into the new credit union account. I know that direct deposit mumbo jumbo usually takes a pay-period or two, and wasn’t worried about that. So I’ll have to stop in and deposit a paper check once or twice, no biggie.
On Friday I received my paycheck and on my lunch break I ran into the bank to deposit it.
The teller was really nice. I was “Mr. Lawson” and she was all smiles. Until she ran the check through the little check-reading-machine. “Umm…this isn’t a check,” she said with a bit of a tude. “It looks like you have direct deposit.”
I’ve never felt so stupid!
I politely explained how I just signed up for direct deposit and I’m so surprised it already is in effect. She just looked at me and handed back the non-check.
7 Responses to “This is the one where I look like a fool (again).”
August 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I totally agree with you on the BoA stuff, my company used them and they were the worst, unfriendly, and at times almost rude. We just recenly changed over to Citibank and I am astounded at the difference in the level of service.
As for the direct deposit, they can switch that over very quickly now, they just do a dummy transacetion to verify your account and boom! done! It used to take a while because the banks would take up to 10 days to verify the dummy transaction, now the verification is instant so no running to the bank with paper checks, unless of course you want to do that
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Not three weeks ago a friend suggested Bank of America too me when I mentioned I’m switching away from my douchebag bank (Chase took over my beloved Washington Mutual). Thanks for the heads up!
August 14th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
What are you talking about? I love bank BofA.
August 16th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Lol! That’s a great story. I use TD Bank (Commerce) and love it! Hours are so convenient.
August 16th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Had the same trouble with BofA claiming to be ‘national’ when they were incapable of servicing an account opened in Washington from a branch in California. Gave them a few years to get their #$^ together, having been with them since I was a kid, but finally gave up. Very happy now at ING Direct. Lack of local branches is inconvenient at times, but their online service and commitment to ‘no fees’ more than makes up for moving into the 21st century (as opposed to the 19th century philosophy of BofA).
August 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I am still battling with the bofa account i closed almost a year ago. they are trying to send me to collections for FEES they processed after i CLOSED my account.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:09 am
I’d say it’s about time. But don’t you feel so stupid. Banks are too clever to hide the real score about their service.
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