Okay, we will start with basic arithmetic, you know, something a second grader can do. Starting balance of $876.76. Subtract a total transaction balance of $908.68. That leaves a negative balance of -$31.92. Now add TCF infamous NSF of $33.00. NOT one BUT two ($66.00)! That gives a total of $97.92, negative. Now here's the situation. Merchant was approved to deduct $52.65 from my account. However, the merchant's employee got a little keyboard friendly and entered two of the same amount. Merchant agreed to reverse the additional transaction and pay the NSF fees. Now's here is the kicker! Say if the merchant did not enter the double amout against my account. The total transaction balance would be $856.03. Subtract this amount from the starting balance of $876.76. This leaves a positive balance of $20.73. Okay cool. However, we know the merchant did, in fact take an additional $52.65 from my account. Okay, here is the math again. $20.73 subtract $52.65 = again, leaves $31.92 negative balance. The one addtional transaction (I'm stressing 1) should be one NSF charge, right?!? WRONG!
TCF Bank does not operate in this manner. I've been told by several TCF employees and their legal brochures that they can apply the largest to the smallest balance against the account. Why this practice you may ask? Well, TCF Bank states its their customer's request to have the largest amount first to ensure payment of bills, purchases or the likes. I've been with TCF Bank for over 5 years and never once got a questionnaire or phone call stating how I'd like my transactions deducted from my balance. I often wonder why the transanction doesn't go against their customer's account in a first come first serve manner? A good example is your online bank account. It list your transactions in this manner (first come, first serve). However, the computers at the customer service center does not list the transactions in this manner. Its always, largest to the smallest. I wonder if this is the way the computers have been programmed to service your account or if this is the works of human hands? I guess it's one in the same!
I called TCF bank and spoke to a representative. I'm not going to comment on the lack of customer service. I have come to expect such incompetency and ignorance. I questioned the above transactions, using the same math. The representative became indignant. She states she didn't have to go back this far and there were too many transactions to go over. I must add there were only 11 transactions, all in 2 days! I remained calm, however, I had no time to waste. I asked to speak to her superior (s). I waited patiently. I got a "supervising" assistant. She allowed me to go over the math as indicated above. She confirmed what I have explained. The internet bank account charges are accurate, however, they way the charges are listed is not?!? Is this not deceptive in some way? Why is it that I read it right in front of me and she explains that I'm delusional? She explains her computer screen supercedes what is being read on my online account and I should basically ignore how the transactions are listed! I mean, I couldn't believe my ears (eyes)! I trusted this bank to show me my money the way they see it on their computer screen. It's all smoke and mirrors!
I asked the assistant how should I explain to the merchant how they arrived at the two overdraft charges as I am unable to explain such obvious dishonest practices. She explained to show the the merchant a copy of my online banking statement. WHOA!!! Disgusted, I ask the assistant to note my account of my displeasure. She states their unable to note anyone account! This seems like paper to the shredder to me. I will be looking for a new bank. TCF does not believe in integrity and honesty. It's a shame, especilly in times where corporate and financial fraud in on the rise. Add them to the list of bad ones!
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