How is Bank of America?

mycandykiss · Sub: #1 **How is Bank of America?** Replied on 02-16-2008, 09:46 AM

Does anyone have experience with Bank of America? Are they pretty good at helping you block these ACH debits? Some banks are pretty cold hearted and it is almost like they want you to overdraft so they can collect their fees.

socksfullofrocks · Sub: #2 Replied on 02-18-2008, 02:32 AM

honestly I think they might be trying to protect consumers from fraud!

mycandykiss · Sub: #3 **Bank of America** Replied on 02-18-2008, 08:13 AM

How did that answer my question? I asked if BOA is helpful when you are a VICTIM of fraud - from unauthorized ACH debits - by blocking these debits, or do they let these debits go through, causing overdraft fees and then remain unsympathetic (while collecting their overdraft fees) I agree that most banks in general are trying to protect us from fraud. I have heard that when it comes to PDL's some banks are not sympathetic and will not work with you to block these ACH debits. I have also heard that with some banks - even when you close your account - an ACH debit (even weeks later) will force it open causing an overdraft and the associated fees.

frogpatch · Sub: #4 Replied on 02-18-2008, 08:30 AM

My experience is that the local manager will block them and corporate unblocks them. You need to get to the right person at the local level. I have dealt with them and it took six month but I got all my NSFs refunded and a new clean account open. Unrelated, I find their in house staff terrific and their 800 CSRs awful! One CSR told me he decides who gets through to fraud and who doesn't. Can you imagine?

retroflow · Sub: #5 Replied on 03-06-2008, 07:22 AM

Yes, frogpatch, I can imagine. Sounds about right for BofA. By "in house", you mean in the branches as opposed to on the phone anonymously? Yeah, I never really had a problem with the attitudes at the local BofA (former Fleet) Branch location. And with the CSRs on the phone, it was often hit and miss. I recall one time that a CSR lady gave me a hard time over nothing and hung up. I called back and the next CSR lady was sweet and helpful.

As for how BofA deals with Debits? I have no experience with them there myself. Their regular Credit Card Services are anything but good.

angell · Sub: #6 Replied on 03-06-2008, 11:40 AM

You should be able to close the account with them and they can mark it deposit only. Once it is closed and marked deposit only ACH debits will not force the account re-opened. You do need to make sure the account is at a zero balance before you close it. If there is any anount left in the account, even a penny, the close will be in a pending status and may allow the ACH debits. When the ACH debits due hit you will receive a notice, looks like an overdraft notice, indicating that the ACH items were returned "Account Closed".

Anonymous · Sub: #7 Replied on 03-06-2008, 03:08 PM

The more I learn the truth about Banks, the more I want to keep my Cash hidden at home and out of the Banking system. Sadly, I'm not kidding. Yes, I was mostly "Financially Illiterate", never "Financially Irresponsible". But, I'm getting better at it - too bad I'm only finding out now, how stupid I was to ever trust BofA or any other Bank/Service.

Nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. Banks and many Services already know this and only reveal this to us in rushed over, very technical fine print. We have no real option to decline a bad contract - if we even recognize one - aside from taking our business elsewhere. But, most Banks are the same, so we have little options if we need a Bank or Service.

Straight up, go with a good Credit Union. Ask around - if you locate one you can join with just a referal, you may already know someone who can provide that referal. Once I started looking for mine, I had no shortage of referals from co-workers and friends.

Anonymous · Sub: #8 **Bank of America** Replied on 03-06-2008, 05:44 PM

It is an ACH transaction that was not authorized. BOA advised me that ACH debits are "contractual obligations" and that is why they cannot issue me a credit pending investigation. I have never heard of such a thing. I am going into the bank on Saturday and talk with a bank mgr. I have two checking accounts there. I am going to request they close the one being debited - I was a little confused by telling me to close it and make it a deposit only account. If it is closed - how can it be any kind of account? I do not want any unauthorized debits forcing it back open.....then I will incurr charges that they will probably take out of my other account. I believe if you have more than one account the bank has it written somewhere that they can use your funds from any of your accounts to cover bank charges. That is so messed up. I will let you know how they treat me after this Saturday......if it does not go well - I will just close all my accounts there and say "FORGET BANKS" !!!!!

socksfullofrocks · Sub: #9 Replied on 03-07-2008, 12:30 AM

Candy I think here is a slogan for you good luck!

swedishgirl · Sub: #10 Replied on 03-07-2008, 09:58 AM

Candy...when they take money from one of your accounts at the bank to cover a negative balance in another account with the same bank, it's called "right of off-set". ANY account with your name on it, even a joint account with another person at the SAME BANK, can be subject to the right of off-set. It's all in the rules and regs booklet you got when the account was opened. One of those fine print things. I think all banks do this. And credit unions. It's how they protect their assets. I think it was in one of your other threads about BofA that I suggested filing an unauthorized ACH transaction claim. For ALL of the payday money coming out. But, be sure and send certified letters to those payday loans demanding that they stop debiting your account. Take copies, and bring those with you to the bank for them to copy and include in your claim filing. Otherwise, they will deny your claim when the payday loan places turn around and say that you never requested for them to stop and that you did give prior authorization. That should stop them from re-opening an account you closed. Or at least will get you your money back after they re-open it to pay these lowlifes.

songmaven · Sub: #11 Replied on 03-08-2008, 07:12 AM

I actually know a couple of people who have had big problems with BOA and ACH payments. A good friend of mine from work was due for a car payment, and BOA did not post her direct deposit paycheck on time. The debit bounced, but BOA's system kept trying to put it through, at the cost of $37 per transaction for NSF fees. BOA is notorious for posting debits before deposits, just FYI.

mca · Sub: #12 Replied on 04-18-2008, 07:58 PM

Bank of America has been approving anyone and everyone on chexsystems. I can not begin to tell you how many people have got accounts in the last year.

I still would advise you to have a "back up" whenever using a bank that uses chexsystems. Althought I do NOT believe they are going to go and close all the accounts that they have opened, it is something to consider.

BOA not only still uses chexsystems but they now use EWS as well.

But at this time, you can definitely get an account here , just apply online. most are approved ONLINE not going into a branch

Bank Of America

Starting this year LaSalle will be changing to Bank of America. Bank of America will only accept new accounts regardless of credit history for a short time, so hurry! Just apply online.

Special Note:

People are getting accounts even outside of these guidelines at this time

Email:

Code:

Thank you for contacting Bank of America. 
If you have been reported to Chexsystems, Bank of America will be unable to open a new account for you until you have been removed. You are normally on Chexsystems for five years (this was formerly seven years.) The new guidelines are as follows: 
- Bank of America will increase the threshold for reporting accounts closed for non-fraud related overdrafts to $100.00. 
- Bank of America will disregard Chexsystems reports based upon non-fraudulent activity that are older than three years. 
- Bank of America will disregard a Chexsystems report for non-fraudulent activity that is older than a year if the overdraft has been paid. 
- Bank of America will disregard a Chexsystems report for non-fraudulent activity if the applicant completes a financial responsibility course and has repaid the overdraft. 
- Bank of America will continue to inform customers about Chexsystems upon opening an account and at least 30 days prior to closing an account. 
It will be necessary to bring all pertinent data and information clearing you of any liabilities to a banking center, and depending on your situation, a bank manager can make a decision as to whether or not an account can be opened for you. 
Sincerely, 
Bank of America

*** They also offer business accounts and it has been reported that they will only run the Corporation or the LLC through chexsystems not the signer ***

mca · Sub: #13 Replied on 05-16-2008, 10:07 PM

I will not be removing them from my list entirely but they will be listed as follows

Bank Of America

-Most people reported to chexsystems have been able to get accounts with Bank of America. Most are still able to get account and others are being denied. This is one that you may want to consider taking a shot at. Once the account is opened, it will not close unless there is a problem with the account.

(I had one person that was closed after 6 months because he lost his debit card and requested a new one. Apparently this made them run a check on him and they decided to close the account)

So this may be one that you might want to try, and I would say that after a month if the account is still open , I would then set up direct deposit etc ( it is always wise to have a back up account and never have all your money in one place)

Anonymous · Sub: #14 **banking confused** Replied on 07-03-2009, 08:30 PM

i thought it would be great to get an account and get stuff on my own with the little money i have. i don't have a job but i got a student account with BOA. I'm so confused! >< I went into a neg. balance because of something called BMG services or something, got that fixed and the money back. Now there's this Privacy Assist charge that took away money-but at least i'm still in a positive balance. I'm really starting to think I wasn't ready to get a bank account. v.v
The Privacy Assist was charged as a ACH Debit type. I don't even know what that is! T__T

mca · Sub: #15 Replied on 07-03-2009, 09:01 PM

Definitely call them. I am sure they will fix it

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