I thought having this total pay card would be beneficial. I don't want a bank account but don't like paying to have my check cashed either. I've had this card almost a year now and it's been nothing but a hassle.
First, I've never gotten a customer service rep that speaks English as a first language making it difficult to communicate. Although I'm starting to think this is by design.
Secondly, the fees are ridiculous. A $2.00 fee from APD as well as whatever charges the owner of the ATM machine charges to make an ATM withdrawal. A $. 50 fee each time you call the VRU for a balance inquiry. A whopping $20.00 to receive a replacement card. To top it all off a $20.00 fee if you happen to overdraft which it's not supposed to allow you to do.
Third, their online services are a joke. I have not (even once) been able to sign on. Each time I try to sign on as a new user, I put my information in and every time I get an error message saying the information I entered does not match the information provided previously. BUT I'VE NEVER SIGNED IN BEFORE! When I call to speak to a representative ($1.00 fee) they give me the run around causing me to try three times and effectively locking myself out of the online service for another 24 hours so I have to call back the next day. (Another $1.00 fee)
Fourth, in the soon to be year that I've had this card, I've only received three statements. I get them about 2 months after the statement cycle is over making it difficult to keep up with transactions so if there were (God forbid) an unauthorized withdrawal on my account I'd be none the wiser for at least 2 months.
Tonight I'm expecting a direct deposit and called to check my balance. I was surprised to find out that I was negative $24.00. Apparently when I called previously to get my balance (being that I couldn't check online) and the automated system told me I had sufficient funds for the transaction I was about to make, it was wrong. That's fine, I can take responsibility for losing track of my account and I'll grudgingly eat the $20.00 fee. I chose to speak to a representative and was pleasantly surprised when my call is answered by an English speaking woman. She was rude, and again gave me the run around when I asked for assistance signing in online.
Tomorrow I'm going to work and not only am I opting out of the horrible mess, but I'm also going to plead with my employer to stop encouraging their employees to use this card. It's sketchy, it's a rip off and it's a hassle.
0 comments