Comments on: The Bank Fee Smackdown: Big Banks vs. Little Banks vs. Online Banks

By: How To Write A Check And Other Checkbook Basics | Expert Reviewz!

How To Write A Check And Other Checkbook Basics | Expert Reviewz! — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:02:19 +0000

[...] you might overdraw your account and be forced to pay fees to your bank. Some banks will charge outrageous fees for this type of error, so add your numbers [...]

By: How To Write A Check And Other Checkbook Basics | Mortgage Info Today Blog

How To Write A Check And Other Checkbook Basics | Mortgage Info Today Blog — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:39:36 +0000

[...] you might overdraw your account and be forced to pay fees to your bank. Some banks will charge outrageous fees for this type of error, so add your numbers [...]

By: Jim DeBoer

Jim DeBoer — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:53:48 +0000

That is unfortunate for all of you that you are having issues with your “BIG” banks. But like the original post mentioned, you may want to look at moving your money into a smaller local financial institution. Often times Credit Unions offer overdraft protection for your checking account automatically, with no monthly fees. At Rogue Federal Credit Union, anyone with a checking account is automatically approved for a $500 overdraft line of credit. This will eliminate those small accidental overdrafts, and most importantly eliminate all the fees you would otherwise incur. Support Local, and save yourself all this heartache.

By: Darla

Darla — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:42:48 +0000

Fantastic! I was just gonna do what u did! I have just had it with B of A and their stupid bull shoes. The last straw was when I went into my local branch & asked for a activity history print out and they said “oh, we don’t do that anymore”
you’ll have to call our 800#, I ask well exalty what do u people do in big building? They said well cash checks & take deposits! What?!
I said well the frickin ATM u have outside can do that! No need to even waste money on this big building ur workin in!!! Come on! And not to mention the “hold” they have to put on a check ur tryin to deposit to avoid overdraft fees, by the time the hold is up, 1,2,er 3 fees later u pay! And if u happened to be overdrafted don’t hand them a check u wanted to cash, they’ll keep it, and u get NO cash back! And worst yet if ur a platinum card holder from waayyy back when like I “used to be” before my divorce $100.000
or more in an acct, u can overdraft till the cows come home! Please! That was then, not now! I don’t have money like back then & they will not take me off the platinum card!!!!!!

By: KJD

KJD — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:08:05 +0000

I have a capital One Chkg acct that has been overdrawn. The question i have is between an available balance and current balance. I used a debit mastercard atm at a local store and at that time my available balance was $1. I charged $5 for the store and the credit transaction was approved. I simply dont understand how banks can approve this credit card transaction knowing the available balance is $1. i figured if there was not enough balance that i would be DECLINED. i DO NOT HAVE OVERDRAFT PROTECTION WITH THIS BANK. HELP?

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:23:30 +0000

Here’s a better idea. Be reasonable and be a responsible reputable business and don’t jump on every chance you get to screw your customers.

I forgot to make an online transfer. Put it in my quicken and completely forgot to make the transfer two days before christmas after doing some last minute shopping. Overdraft fees totaling 435 dollars. Called the bank they offered to split the difference. I have my mortgage there as well and another account. I have over 10k in other acccounts there. 7 years never had an overdaft or a late payment. They’re history. They will lose 10 times that amount now. I’m moving it all.

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:52:20 +0000

Here is an idea. Don’t overdraft your account. Keep a check register. Be responsible. Just a thought.

By: Clint

Clint — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:26:05 +0000

Thanks for the list, very useful. It seems the banks are starting to budge on their overdraft policies. I think people have been raising enough fuss that they couldn't ignore the issue any longer. Banks use all sorts of schemes to maximize overdrafts.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:43:23 +0000

Counting the days till I’m done with #th/#rd Bank for ever. I’ve lost the price of a house down payment this year in overdraft fees. I’ve joined a local credit union and once my direct deposit switch goes into effect I’m done with the big huge over charging bank!

By: Lynnae

Lynnae — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:40:57 +0000

Jim, thank you so much for weighing in! You’ve given me a lot more detail in your comment than I was given in the branch, and that is very helpful. And thanks for the update on Bankrate’s ratings, too. RVCU came up as one star when I did a search, but I’m sure you would have more reliable info than I would.

When I get a chance, I will edit my post to reflect the additional information you’ve given me. And you’re absolutely right. As I’ve learned (the hard way), local is the way to go!