Bank of America - BOA
Eleven Small Debit Card Transactions Led to $350 Overdraft Fees

I have a BoA debit and credit card. During a recent weekend I travelled and while on the plane decided to purchase a drink using what I thought was my Cr card. No biggie, the transaction went through for the $5 transaction.

While away, I made a few other transactions that went through although my Dr card had no money on it. My understanding of how a debit card works is that you are only allowed to use funds that are on your account. E.G. - for my Citibank account, I cannot process a single cent more than I have on my account! I love them for that! So I called BoA and complained - the lady said - well, the bank did you a favor by covering your purchase at the time. Ok, granted - I made 11 small transactions on the card that totalled about $37. For each of the transactions I was assessed a $35 fee so I ended up paying more than $350 for this so called favor! Am I stupid or is this just crazy?!!

Before you start telling me I should balance my checkbook - know that I am always on top of my finances, checking balances online and always know what $ I have spent etc. In this case I made the error of thinking my Dr card is my Cr card. A mistake that cost me $350 - ouch! In complaining to the consumer bureau and BBB - BoA refunded me half - but still, $160 went down the drain because the bank decided to do me a favor! If only they had declined the transaction, I would have checked my card closely to realize it was a Dr card - whip out the Cr card and charge that then pay it off when due as usual. Sigh... Needless to say I am shopping for a Cr union or decent local bank.

Is it too much to as corp america and the banks to behave in a morally responsible way?

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

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