I am writing this just to make consumers aware.
I have returned for working abroad in australia and received a check from my superannuation fund for money that i had accrued. I went down to my local branch and gave the teller the check for normal processing. The bank manager was called over regarding the "international check issue". She immediately got hesitant and starting searching in the electronic company manual for how to process the check.
Turns out, our local branch had dealt with a similar situation before and at some point in the processing "some paperwork was lost" which costs the bank to take a $800 loss. Therefore they are now processing international checks through the "collections process". The collection process details are: 4-6 weeks of processing before payment will be recieved, Fees ranging $40-$100 or more. She was unable to give me specific fee amount.
There was no further customer service given to offer alternative solutions. I called washington mutual requesting if I could see the processing manual to further understand their international check processing and was shifted back to a trained bank manager. They are evidently the only ones "trained" ie there are no hard copies or electronic documents that states the international check processing steps.
I was shocked. I understand banks are no longer making their money on interest, but this highway robbery.
I am contacting a local bank for more solutions. They seem to understand customer service.
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