Regions Bank charged me $5 to cash a check written on them because I don't have an account with them.
Before anyone replies with "just deposit it at your own bank", that is not the point.
If I present them a check written on their bank with proper identification they should cash it. That's what a checking account is for. This is just another way for them to put the screws to the "little guy" because they know they can get away with it.
Having done a little internet research, it appears that this policy is legal at this point. Legality and ethical policies are often conflicting, however. I guess the only way to really attack this is to pursue more federal regulation, but I'll bet the banking industry has more lobbyists than I do. (Currently zero)
I have contacted the company who wrote me the check and they were unaware of this practice. I told them they could either pay me in cash or change banks, I suspect they will choose the latter.
Screw them. I'm sure they make more money off of bounced checks than they do servicing any type of loan, as I can't imagine anyone with half a brain choosing to do business with them. I would put my money under my mattress if they were my only banking option.
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