Wells Fargo Bank unfair fees Ripoff! Portland Oregon

I am in control of my finances even though very low income due to disabilities...the debit card amount of $100 was set up to be presented on a certain date. At that time there would have been funds available. However, they sent it right through and Wells Fargo did chose to pay it - charging me $33; then paying all the other smaller amounts.

They e-mailed me a letter and said they "chose" to pay due to my banking experience with them and keeping my account in good standing. However, it would've been much cheaper for me had they declined this $100 charge and just charged me $33. That would've left enough to cover all the other charges that were pending. Instead - it cost me $231!!!

This $100 charge was made AFTER the other charges were already pending. Therefore, it should've been handled last - not first. This is where Wells Fargo takes advantage. Low income does not mean stupid. I'm aware of how much money is in my account and do not nor have not written bad checks.

I bank with a credit union and even they clear the larger amounts first.

It's not just Wells Fargo, it's EVERY bank.

If you are on a low fixed income, you shouldn't be spending more than you can handle.

The problem isn't Wells Fargo, it's you living outside your means.

Wells Fargo didn't "choose" to pay the $100 charge!

If you used your debit/visa and not a check, the bank will automatically pay the charge. ALL BANKS. They don't refuse to pay or bounce it like they may a check for the same amount. Would you rather have had them not pay it and then you would have gotten not just an overdraft charge, but a returned check fee as well, from both Wells Fargo and whoever the check was to?

Had they not paid it, you would've owed MORE money.

The problem isn't Wells Fargo, you obviously aren't real bank saavy and have some researching to do.

I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but the facing the realities of the situation will prevent it from happening in the future.

Wells Fargo is a high end bank, i.e., if you are on a low fixed income you chose the wrong bank. They have the highest fees of any bank out there - however, they have more options/loans/programs than most other banks.

Banks are only responsible for reducing/reversing the charges if they caused them/are responsible. You admit you overdrew your account, that it was your mistake. Therefore they shouldn't have to reverse the charge, just to save you money that you shouldn't have been spending.

There are plenty of other financial institutions that charge much less in overdraft fees.

I bank with Unitus Community Credit Union (formerly Oregon Telco) and the overdraft charge is only $18. No other strange hidden fees, no charges for using my debit/visa. Just $18.

They are always very friendly and helpful, you might want to try switching to them.

But remember: If you don't have it, don't spend it!

All banks will process the largest amount first. They tell you this in the disclosures that you received when you opened your account.

You can go to another bank if you want but the exact same thing is going to happen.

Fess up and pay the amounts. You already admitted you overdrew the account.