I have had a Washington Mutual checking account for the past six years. Recently, I applied for and recieved a Washington Mutual Mastercard credit card. At the same time I also recieved a new Washington Mutual Mastercard debit card. This was because the company was switching from Visa to Mastercard debit cards.
For the span of two weeks, I was unable to take out cash at 7-Eleven and several other ATM locations, using my Washington Mutual debit card. I would get a message on the ATM screen that would say "unauthorized to use at this location."
No problem, I thought. I'll just use my shinny new Washington Mutual credit card and take out some cash. If the debit card is not working, I figured, I'll just use my credit card.
Over the span of two weeks I was unable to take out cash using my new Mastercard debit card.instead, I just used my Mastercard credit card. I called customer service to inform them of the problem I was experiencing with the debit card twice. Both times I was told that it was probably a bad connection with the machines. I told them that I was able to take out cash with my credit card. They aplogized for the problem. (Neglecting to inform me that there was a ten dollar charge for credit card cash advances)!
Here's the ripoff. I was being charge 10 bucks everytime I took out cash with my Washington Mutual credit card. I used it 8 times. That's 80 bucks for taking out cash.
What an amazing coincidence. I get a new Washington Mutual credit card in the mail. And, for two weeks, my Washington Mutual debit card does not work at numerous ATM machines. But, the credit card works fine, for ten bucks per transaction!
When I saw the 10 dollar transaction fees on my credit card statement, I was shocked. Ten bucks for a cash withdrawl? Are they crazy?
I am convinced that Washington Mutual is deliberately tricking people into using their credit cards for cash advances. I am certain that they are somehow blocking customers from using their debit cards, hoping that they will use their credit cards instead. Figuring that most people do not realize that there is a ten dollar trasnaction fee for credit card cash advances.
I am wondering if this 'amazing coincidence' has happened to anyone else.
When I called to complain, I told them about the situation with the debit card not working. The lady told me she never heard of that ever happening before. Sure. Then I had to threaten to cancel my credit card and checking account, before she finally refunded 40 bucks or the 80 bucks that they stole from me.
I took the 40 dollar refund, but am going to continue investigating this 'amazing coincidence.'
Let me know if this has happened to you.
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