After my husband passed away, I was left to make all the financial decisions and unfortunately I chose Woodforest National Bank as a convenient bank for an account. I thought banks were all similar in their policies or that there is some sort of regulation in place regarding fees and such. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that this bank is extremely unethical. Despite advertising "free" overdrafts, I received an overdraft while I was visiting my Mother ($34) and then 5 days later I got another $34 fee added to the already existing overdraft charge. Woodforest bank was putting fees on fees and they told me there wasn't anything I could do but pay the outrageous fees.
I paid the fees and moved my account to a real bank. Never again will I thoughtlessly start an account somewhere just because it's convenient. About the same time that I moved my account, I read about the huge fine and restitution Woodforest was ordered to pay by the Comptroller of the Currency (http://www.ots. Treas. Gov/? P=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=2cf1106c-a72d-a2a6-0bb9-0e36dce9351b&ContentType_id=4c12f337-b5b6-4c87-b45c-838958422bf3). It made me feel better to see that Woodforest was ordered to pay the largest fine ever by a bank to the U.S. Government. The CEO of Woodforest made a public statement saying that he didn't see anything wrong with doing what Woodforest was doing. At least the Government finally spanked Woodforest for their bad behavior.
I strongly suggest that Woodforest is a bank of the very last resort. They make it convenient to start an account and deceptively advertise it as "free" but then have major fees and check holds which are ridiculous.
I've read that they have hired a public relations firm and that the customer service reps in Houston are trained to "diffuse customer concerns". Customer Service can't refund exorbitant fees or make situations right, but they're very skillful in talking customers down. So if you need somebody to talk to so that you can feel better, call customer service. But if you want things made right, the only option you have is going to another bank.
0 comments