BANK OF AMERICA GAME PLAYIN AT BANK OF AMERICA DERRY Internet, New Hampshire

You make some valid points but should take some other facts into consideration.

You state..

"But back in the day before debit cards we had check books.  in these books we had to manage our finances by correctly writing our checks and deposits and then figuring our balances."

This statement is true. But back in those days there was no direct deposits, no debit cards, and even when debit cards first came out, few merchants accepted them. There was no online banking. When debit cards first came out the banks simply declined transaction if the debit card could not cover it. That is until the bank discovered this gold mine to take advantage of human error, and the fact that there seems to be no law against merchants placing authorization holds against the account, without the customers consent or knowledge.

So this type of issue was a non issue really. Your job would often cash your paycheck. It was simple to keep track since checks were usually only used for rent, mortgage, car payment and perhaps a rare large purchase.

Now IF the bank was not applying these antiquated policies to todays typical debit card users and encouraging and promoting customers to use online banking to manage the accounts, we would not be seeing these kind of complaints nearly as much, if at all.

In other words..why were the banks automatically enrolling every single checking account customer into "courtesy" overdraft protection with the debit card, which they know are used often for everyday small purchases. And why are they re-sequencing transactions from highest to lowest for debit card use, which once again, is mostly used for small everyday purchases? And why are they promoting customers to sign up for direct deposits, autopays, online banking and claiming this is a great, safe, convenient way to manage the account? I think you know why. The policies of courtesy overdraft protection and re-sequencing were designed to actually protect large check purchases, now, they do nothing really but are used as a "tactic" to contribute to fees, and compound them. So it is not really fair to place all the blame on the customer everytime this happens. Yes, if the customer does this repeatedly after finding out how these banks work shame on the customer, but the first time this happens many customers did not really know why, and the bank offered little to no help.


 " I'm sorry to say this, but it is you at fault for not keeping up with your finances.  Take the time to write your deductions and deposits and keep up with your account and you will not have any overdraft fees.  Or if you are able, set up a line of credit to cover your account in case of an overage."

This too is true to a point. But why even set up a "line of credit" if the point is not to overdraft in the first place. The best advice for a low balance customer like this who apparently uses a debit card in lieu of cash, is to opt out of any kind of OD coverage on the debit card, and of course keep track to the penny so the bank can not rip him off again. At least until the rest of the tactics are outlawed, never before have banking customer had to consider the bank the enemy..this is really a new problem and if you look at the FDIC report, will see how in the last few years, the amount the bank has profited from these types of fees have doubled in a short time. So when do we do something about it? When it quadruples?.

Automatic OD protection is history due to recent law changes, next is re-sequencing and statement manipulations, mark my words. As messed up as Chase is, at least they do not re-sequence any transactions, which make it a bit easier when checking it against my register. It actually coincides, imagine that? I have a feeling BofA and the rest of the "pack" are soon to follow.

not $17 BILLION, okay?

But back in the day before debit cards we had check books.  in these books we had to manage our finances by correctly writing our checks and deposits and then figuring our balances.  I'm sorry to say this, but it is you at fault for not keeping up with your finances.  Take the time to write your deductions and deposits and keep up with your account and you will not have any overdraft fees.  Or if you are able, set up a line of credit to cover your account in case of an overage.

according to the following article, which can be 'Googled'.

Whatever pictures of the people ruining the US economy Karl suggested, here is what may actually help you.

First is to tell the bank you want to opt out of overdraft protection on the debit card. This way if you do not have the funds to cover a point of sale or ATM transaction, it will be declined..regardless of any manipulations the bank does with your statement. And this can save you the fees if you make another mistake. However with checks and autopays you must make sure the account can cover it or there will be fees one way or the other. Another advantage to opt out is if you kep a low balance and a merchant places an authorization hold without your knowedge, not having the OD protection is actually better protection to avoid fees. The banks love to use terms such as "protection" and "courtesy" and "available", nice positive terms..that usually lead to a negative account, and fee s****.>

who control the U.S. economy, correct?