Earlier this week, my debit card transaction at a local Wal-mart was declined. Granted, and let it be known, that I have not used my debit card often in 2011. However, this is only a small fraction of the nightmare associated with this banking institution.
After PNC's takeover of National City, customer service at best, has been non-existent. Countless minutes on hold, customer service agents not being able to answer questions completely, and wait times no less than (4) days via secure e-mail, are only a few of the reasons why I have not used this particular account anymore.
Earlier this year, I inquired as to what my new account/routing number was, with my new PNC Bank, as I was neither e-mailed, snail mailed or contact via phone, of this new information. I needed this information, (and should of been informed of this months ago) due to an application for direct deposit. After a 4 days wait, I was finally able to receive my updated information. However, I elected to use another account of mine, to handle my financial matters... I'm glad I did!
A few months ago, I attempted to use my debit card at my local gas station. My purchase was well under the available amount in my checking account. After several minutes trying to get a hold of a customer service rep, they stated that my personal information could not be accessed at this time, and to call back in a few hours. Later, I was informed that I needed to enroll in overdraft protection. After explaining to them, that I never received any notice of this AND, never bounced my account before in my life, I caved in to their demands.
Earlier this week, I made another purchase at my local Wal-mart. Once again, equipped with sufficient funds, as well as their much bragged about overdraft protection.
... Card declined
4.5 days later, I was informed on Veteran's Day via secure e-mail, that my account was locked for inactivity. The e-mail contained a contact phone number to discuss this with a customer service rep.
... Bank closed, due to holiday
Apparently, customer service was answering e-mails on Veteran's Day, as I noticed the time stamp on the e-mail, but not responding to phone calls.
... But I imagine they expected me to wait an additional 4.5 days to respond, as it would of made this Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. (bank open)
What I find utterly disgusting is this...
1) I have been a customer of the earlier National City, for over ten years now. 2) I've always been in good standing with my checking and debit card account with the previous National City Bank, until this year, with the newly acquired PNC Bank. 3) I had just updated my personal password to my online account, with full online access afterwards, only a few hours prior to attempting to make a purchase at this Wal-mart. 4) I continue to receive my online banking statements monthly. 5) I have read there disclosure and nowhere, do I see where a customer's account is locked out, due to inactivity. (online and/or offline) 6) I was never informed of this, via phone, snail mail or e-mail. 7) I took all the necessary instructions from customer service in the past, to keep my account healthy, (sufficient funds/always) and current/updated (new acct. Number and valid/updated passwords, as well as my physical address, phone number etc.) 8) I have allowed PNC Bank to e-mail, or to snail mail me information on promotions or specials, that may interest me. I was never led to believe, that my account was near lockout, invalid, closed etc.
Only way back, (35 years ago or more, when I was barely older than a teenager) was I informed that my checking account would be closed due to inactivity. Granted, I had another checking account. However, I was informed beforehand and like this latest scenerio, I had sufficient funds in my account with no overdraft/penalty charges whatsoever, pending against it to begin with.
...in closing
Regardless if I'm able to resurrect my checking/debit card account from the dead with these clowns, I'm more than confidently finished with them. With all the other past correspondences I have received from them, regarding special banking offers, (and this is PNC Bank mind you, and not the National City of the past) I fail to be convinced, they had my personal banking interests in mind.
... Is it convenient for me to use my/their debit card, or is it convenient for them to accept it? (as to when I use it, and how often)
If it is not, then for Christ's sake, write out a certified check, and send me my money back. It is not yours, it is mine!
... And you wonder why people are moving their money into smaller banks, (if there is any left) or credit unions.
Public banks, (like the ones in North Dakota, that actually have a supply of money, not created out of thin air like the Federal Reserve like we use to have) is the way to go kids!
... Unless the central banks would allow me to write a check with no balance: (
Ask yourself why things are!
(but get your answers from independent media)
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