Justin and I both bank at the same national bank chain. There is a branch near our house, which makes things very easy. Visiting the ATM is incredibly convenient!
I recently deposited a check in my savings account at the ATM. Mistake #1. I decided to transfer some funds from my account to Justin's. Mistake #2. I received a letter from my bank stating the funds were on hold while the check cleared, but per the letter and the online banking portal, the funds were released and were now available for my use.
I've transferred money from my account to Justin's before and had to speak with a banker, not a teller. All of these branches have someone directing people who visit the inside of the bank to the appropriate person. I told the lady what I needed and said I had to speak with a banker the last time. She said, "Oh, a teller can help you with that!" We waited in the teller line.
When we reached the window, we were given forms to complete, which we did and then got back in line. I should mention there wasn't really a line. I think there may have been one person in line other than us. We handed the forms to the teller and she said, "You'll need to speak with a banker. I'll let one know you're waiting." I smiled and thanked her before Justin and I headed to the waiting area.
We got periodic updates, but after an hour, Justin and I were both very tired of waiting. What we were being told was they were having to call the "back office" to get approval. I argued a little with them but was very polite the entire time. We finally said we would change the amount to something that was in my account prior to the ATM check being deposited. That took about twenty minutes. I finally walked to the counter and told the ladies assisting us to just stop and give me my ATM card and ID. We would try this again another day. I was not happy. Neither was Justin.
We went home and I called customer service. I was told there was no reason for the delay because the funds were released several days before. Before we left the bank, one of the ladies suggested we call customer service to get the money transferred. Justin and I both said that wouldn't work because of the dollar amount limits placed on phone transactions. The man on the phone was very nice, but wasn't able to help us.
We left the house and went to another branch. I planned to close my accounts. While driving there, I decided to give them one more chance. We walked in and spoke with the lady directing people to the appropriate department. I told her what we had been through and what I wanted. I went on to say if they couldn't help me in ten minutes, I was closing my accounts. The lady sprang into action and grabbed the branch manager. He said he had actually been communicating with the other branch since he used to be the branch manager there. He said he would be able to assist us and to sit tight. We were out of there in about ten minutes, which is what should have happened at the other branch. This location was awesome!
Before we left, they gave us the card of a private banker and suggested we contact her. They said that's a service they offer and our account balances qualified us for that service. I don't think I'll need it, but it's really nice to have that option.
As I said, everyone was very nice the entire time, but it was so frustrating I couldn't access my money. I told the second branch I would continue using them for any transactions needing a banker. They were fantastic!
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