I use my ATM card for everything, always have. Well, I changed to BankAtlantic about 2 years ago. About 6 months ago, I went out of town and when I came back, my account was overdrawn. It seemed my husband had used the account not knowing the balance and created a couple of overdrafts. Needless to say I was mortified. I've never been overdrawn! I sheepishly went into the bank and asked if they would reverse the charges, which they did.
A couple of months ago, same thing happens, but this time, it was $284 in overdraft charges, some for $5 and $10 ATM transactions! I went into the bank. I asked how could these charges have gone thru? If I didn't have money in the account, why were the charges approved? Well, guess what... As a "courtesy", BankAtlantic, WITHOUT TELLING ME!!! Extended me a $1000 "overdraft protection" so I could go over on my account and they could charge me $32 for each transaction! I was told they do that so I'm not "Embarrassed"! I was furious, but they wouldn't even refund a single charge. I told them to take that "protection" off my cards immediately.
Well here I go again! The Tues. After President's Day I made a withdrawal and had a nice available balance. The next morning I had $384 in overdraft charges, AGAIN!!! According to a branch manager, the transactions came in Tues night and even though I had a hefty deposit Wed. Morning it made no difference. I never even had the opportunity to correct it. And they never took that "protection" off my account like I told them to. And they will not explain how this happened.
I know people will say "check your register" "That is really what you have available"; But when you are a husband and wife, using the same account, using the ATM card for everything (thinking - if the money is not available, the transaction will be denied) traveling, it is REALLY hard to keep up with the check register.
As a former banker, I know that anything (for BankAtlantic-that means only your deposits) posted after 2pm is given the next business day's date. According to Ms. Marta Armas, VP of BanKAtlantic, they post all debits at NIGHT and charge you overdrafts that same day.
So - if you realize you will (not Have already) OVERDRAW YOUR ACCOUNT AND GO MAKE A DEPOSIT after 2pm you will be charged no matter what.
There is no way to protect yourself!!
0 comments