Tuesday, May 27

You May See a Rainbow.......

You may not remember, but I mentioned seeing a fantastic rainbow while having dinner at a downtown restaurant last month. Some wonderful person sent me this link to photos he had taken. I hope you enjoy them!

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I found out today, quite by accident, that I have had the wrong type of business account for 24 years. No wonder my service charges have been exorbitant. I have been to this bank a number of times over the course of that 24 years; complaining about the amount of money I have to pay for service charges, and not once in all those times, has anyone ever told me that I have the wrong type of account. I feel used and abused! I have been paying a minimum of $15 per month basic service charges for an account that should be much less. What do you think are my chances of getting some of that money back? And how should I go about it?

A reward for the customer service rep who told me about it is in order too, I think, or at the very least, a letter of commendation. I could have kissed her feet when she told me she was changing the account to one that requires no minimum balance, no service charges and no fees for the first 150 transactions. I feel like the guy who found the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow!

18 comments:

Shelly said...

It seems like it would be illegal not to refund you some of the money that they have overcharged you...it only makes sense.
There is a new segment on one of the news stations here in the northwest...a reporter named Jessie goes to bat for folks like you. They call the segment "Get Jessie"...he's doing some wonderful things to help people in situations like this, and then they report it on the 11 0'clock news. You need to Get Jessie!

whimsical brainpan said...

I certainly think a refund is in order and a letter of commendation for the service rep. If they don't give you the money I'd suggest considering changing banks. They obviously don't take the best care of their customers if you've had the account for 24 years and someone just now noticed.

joared said...

Awesome photos! Your bank as a long standing customer should refund you something, but with banking the way it is today, who knows? Certainly won't hurt to talk to them about it. If anything, they'll probably penalize the clerk who told you about matter.

When I worked in a local bank in the '50s everyone prided themselves in doing what was best for the customer, whether it was their checking, savings, and even any loans. Hasn't been that way for many years now, I'm sorry to say.

Diane Mandy said...

I agree with others. You should be getting a refund.

Star said...

I have been delighted by several rainbows over the last few weeks. As for the bank, perhaps you should consider moving your money elsewhere. And if the bank you are at currently doesn't make restitution to keep you, then maybe it's a sign to actually do it.

MaR said...

Love those rainbows!!!
Hope you get that refund. Our son was paying too much for his account and he didn't find out until he changed to a bank who was offering great rates to young people. Then the old bank said they do that too...only nobody informed him when he opened his account.He got no refund since he was changing banks anyways. But now that I think about it, he should have tried.
Good luck!!

Changes in the wind said...

Send a letter of complaint and change banks..........

Pat said...

That's outrageous. Could you see the bank manager and voice your dissatisfaction? Is there an ombudsman you could go to? Or a radio or TV programme that can name and shame?
Yeah Shelley had the right idea.

Anonymous said...

While I'm in agreement that you should be getting a loan, the way banks work, it's not likely you will be getting one. Good luck though! Are there alternate options for you just incase?

Oh, by the way, Michele sent me!

Jamie Dawn said...

That Raleigh Skyline link is really neat. I loved the rainbow pics and the one shot with the lightning.

It's ridiculous that you were not informed about this earlier.
Those bank workers should be horsewhipped!!!

Dianne said...

Kudos to the CSR who finally paid attention. I'd try to get the fees back but I doubt it will happen.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

WOW! The wrong Business Account for ALL those years??? It is just a reminder of how No One Knows Anything at Banks anymore...Isn't it GREAT that fonally, someone actually gave you "Customer Service"..! Congrats on thatm Judy.

Those pictures are EXQUISITE! Thanks for the link, my dear.

Anonymous said...

Awesome rainbow shots!!!!

Good luck with the bank - no words of wisdom other that to clearly state what you want.

Anonymous said...

The approach I would use: 1) Ask to see the manager of the bank/branch--explain that you have been a good customer for 24 years and have just been told by a wonderful CSR that, in error, your account was the wrong kind. Provide an estimate of the excess charges that you have paid, over those years. Ask what he/she is willing to do as a customer satisfaction measure. I would NOT give a suggestion as to what should be done, nor would I threaten or cajole. This is a business meeting to help the bank preserve its good name, and for me to retain faith in its ethical standing. 2) If nothing is offered, I would persist in stating that I are truly disappointed that there has only been one CSR employed by the bank over the past 24 years who was willing to take an extra step for a loyal customer--surely, there is some consideration that the manager is empowered to effect. The more time I spend with him/her, the more apt I am to come out satisfied. I will even give him/her a day or three to consider the situation and make an appointment to return, if required. 3) IF I get no satisfaction at all, I would then present the facts to a fact-finding media person such as Shelly suggests. 4) IF I get reasonable accommodation, I express my appreciation to the manager (not thanks--thanks are due the CSR).
That's just my approach--per your request.
Cop Car

Anonymous said...

P.S. Good luck and keep a positive attitude on this one!
CC

kenju said...

Thanks, Cop Car, that sounds like a very good way to handle it. I'll report what happens.

Kay Dennison said...

Yikes!!! It took 24 years for them to notice? I'd make a letter for the person who saved you money and make an appointment with the appropriate vice president to discuss customer service.

carmilevy said...

I'd bring in the Better Business Bureau. They're usually quite adept at getting involved in cases like this - and I'm certain your bank is a BBB member.

It sickens me how some businesses (all too often, banks, it seems) take advantage of their customers' trust. They violate the rules we all learned in Kindergarten, and it sickens me. I'm sure their moms would not be proud.

Please accept my apologies for the confusion over on Michele's site today, Judy. I seem to have become persona non grata there, for some odd reason. If I use my real name or URL, my comment is tagged as spam. If I spoof my name (enter spaces or change it completely) then the comment is accepted.

I suspect that this may have something to do with the blog troll incident a couple of months back. Turns out the guy who was hurling insults my way from his work account was a good friend of Michele's. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to connect the dots.

Whatever the case, I think it's time I learned to ease off the technology on weekends. With my father in hospital and my kids growing faster than I care to admit, I think it's time I dial back the online memes and rebalance my priorities. It's been fun, of course, but this is my sign that it's time to stop playing along.