Bank of America
Unexpected Monthly Fee Despite Linked Accounts, Manager Would Not Meet

How does one by-pass the gatekeepers (the poor people who actually see and talk to customers but have learned double-talk and have no power to actually affect policy) to air complaints to policy makers at this or any big company? I suspect the answer is that one doesn't.

One of my latest problems with Bank of America is that despite being told by a person who handled my equity loan a couple of years ago that I was part of a "linked" system of accounts and would therefore receive benefits such as not have to pay fees for online checking. Many months later, I was scanning my online accounts history and noticed $25 being debited monthly. I called the customer service line to ask about the charge. The representative replied that it was a mistake - that she would remove the charge. I asked if she would be sure to also remove any such prior charges; she said that she would. At that point, I trusted the problem was taken care of.

In the last month, I again found a $25 charge. This time I e-mailed customer service and was told that in order to avoid the charge, I had to have $25,000 in my checking account. I went into the bank to talk to a live person. She pleasantly, explained to me that I was lucky to be "an advantage customer" (?? What does that mean?) - then pulled up my account on her computer and said, "Here's the problem. The person who originally linked your accounts neglected to include your checking account in the linked accounts. I asked if she would be sure that all past charges were reimbursed.

"I can only do that for 3 months, but I can connect you to Customer Solutions (on the phone)."

I told her that I didn't want to talk to anyone else on the phone given my past experiences with "customer service" and asked for the name of someone at a level to be accountable for company policy. She went in to speak to her boss; he said he'd talk to me. After 1/2 hour of cooling my heels, I left.

During my time of waiting, another unhappy customer arrived. His complaint was about the double talk; apparently he hadn't chosen the right designation to be given optimum interest on an account. I don't know what the representative said, but he responded, "what do you mean by "relationship customer?!!" I've been coming to this bank for 20 years, and I don't have a relationship??? I DO have $30,000 in accounts!"

I think he should feel lucky he wasn't an "advantage customer" like me. The big banks are pulling scams like the credit card companies, I guess. Bank of America gives out lollipops and asks about your day, but if you don't know their language - don't know the right questions to ask, they are definitely not there to help people make the best money decisions.

People I work with suggested I find a smaller, more personal bank. I used to go to smaller banks, but they all get gobbled up by the bigger, meaner banks.

I've over stayed my talking time, I'm sure. Thanks for the venting space.

Company: Bank of America
Country: USA
Site: bankofamerica.com

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