Screw your bank back

Just a small post to tell all my nice readers that complaining pays off. Well, sometimes. You really should pick the right things to whine and moan about.

The short of the story is this:
* I made an ATM withdrawal from a non-Wachovia ATM, using their card.
* The charged me a fee for it.
* It showed up in my balance as "Miscellaneous Fee", which I think isn't cool.
* I wrote an email to the bank telling them I don't think I should be charged "Miscellaneous" fees.
* They told me it was a completely valid fee, and proceeded to reimbursed me!

This may work for other people or may not. I'll definitely try it again if I ever need such an ATM.

I happen to be strongly opposed to large corporations who think they can bully me around. When opening my account at Wachovia, it was due to PNC telling me they'd charge me for a replacement Debit card, which was damaged simply from being used. I actually asked them if they'd do nothing if I threatened to go open an account with Wachovia and get a debit card for free- the customer service drone said no. I have something like $.56 in my checking account with them- probably costs them more than that to send me monthly statements.

Here's the email I got back from them, enjoy:

(personal details omitted so I don't get my persona snatched and the bank lady doesn't get in trouble)


Dear [Me],

Thank you for contacting Wachovia.

This message is in response to your recent communication regarding the $2.00 fee assessed to your Free Student Checking account. Your e-mail was received on [month]/[day]/2006 and assigned Case ID 12345678.

This fee was assessed for making a withdrawal at a non-Wachovia ATM. The withdrawal/balance inquiry occurred:

-[month]/[day]/06 for $30.00 at PNC Bank

Wachovia assesses a $2.00 fee for each ATM withdrawal and balance inquiry made at a non-Wachovia ATM. This fee is in addition to any fee charged to the transaction by the financial institution that owns the machine. Crown checking accounts may have two non-Wachovia ATM withdrawals at no charge.

For a list of Wachovia ATM's, you may use our online ATM/Branch Locator. Please access wachovia.com and click on Locations at the top right of the page.

As you are a valued customer, I have refunded this fee as a courtesy due to your banking relationship. A credit of $2.00 will be reflected in your available balance immediately. Please note, the credit will post to your online account ledger tonight between midnight and 7:30 a.m. ET.

I value your business as a Wachovia customer and look forward to continuing to serve your financial needs. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us via e-mail or call 800-WACHOVIA (922-4684). Representatives are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sincerely,

[Nice lady what works at the bank]



[my email address] wrote:


Upon logging in today, I noticed that my checking account shows the following unexplained charge:

[month]/[day]/2006 Other MISCELLANEOUS FEE $2.00

I have no knowledge of this transaction and have not authorized it.

If you have no more information regarding this fee, please reimburse me for it as soon as possible.

Thank you,

[Me]